New York is one of the largest and most costly cities that are globally known in current society. Choosing where to sleep in New York depends on a number of factors that are all influenced by the type of accommodation you are going to choose as well as the amount of money that you are willing to spend. It is realized that each area is unique in its own right, hence the price of hotels in each area is not similar.
The Boroughs of New York
The city is made up of five “boroughs,” which are five large metropolitan districts: Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. The recommended part of New York where you should look for accommodation is the island of Manhattan.
However, one has to understand that this is the most expensive area, and your purse will be grateful that you think about secondary options, for example, Brooklyn or Queens. These two areas are much cheaper and are in perfect connection with Manhattan by means of the subway.
Going to Manhattan may just mean that you have to remember that Manhattan is an island with an area of approximately 21.6 kilometers long and 3.7 kilometers wide.
It also consists of several districts that, in fact, are not similar to each other at all. For instance, areas like the Financial District, Chinatown, Midtown, or Harlem would hardly share a lot of similarities.
Popular Areas for Accommodation
In general, the highest demand for accommodation is observed in the area of New York dubbed Times Square. However, it is not for everyone, which can be its downfall, depending on the target population it is catering to. It is a rather densely populated area, loud, and can be listed as one of the most costly in the Manhattan area.
There are other options that provide different kinds of experiences that, in my opinion, are worth giving a try. Generally, nearly any site in Manhattan is fine and interesting, with the exception of Harlem and everything north of Central Park, which is still too distant from the principal tourist sights of the park.
Recommended Areas to Stay in New York
The best areas of accommodation in New York are not limited to the Manhattan area. Here are some of the most recommended areas to stay on the island and other suggestions like Queens or Brooklyn, which could also be advisable for housing.
1. Midtown – Times Square, The Best Area to Stay in New York
The Best Areas of New York: The center of entertainment and commercialism: Times Square
Certainly, Midtown can be listed among the areas where tourists begin searching for accommodation in New York. It is one of the most popular segments here; hotels are actually overbooked, and their rates are higher. Of course, there are other neighborhoods providing greater value for money. Living in the heart of this busy city is a privilege that one has to pay for.
It is the most central neighborhood with such marvelous places as Times Square – the backbone of the city, the Empire State Building, and the Broadway district with its theaters, among others.
Remember, it is a site with a lot of traffic both from pedestrians and vehicles and a lot of noise. So if you are looking for a quiet place to sleep, particularly in New York, this is not the place to go.
Midtown is a rather vast district that is divided into two main sections of east and west. The west side, Midtown West, is, as you would know, very much a tourist area and is always swarming with tourists.
Actually, hotels in this place are very costly, but the costly hotels are on the east side, Midtown East. The latter is a rather residential and less intensive area. It has some of the most elite and opulent class hotels in the city.
Recommended Hotels in Midtown – Times Square:
- Times Square Edition (€€€): Possibly one of the most centrally situated and superb luxury hotels in New York City. Chambers with individual terraces looking to Times Square, a fitness center, an auditorium, and six eateries created in cooperation with John Frase – a Michelin 2 star culinary (2 Michelin stars) are distinguished evidences for choosing this hotel.
- CitizenM New York Times Square (€€): Still another marvelous example of a hotel location. Ten minutes walk from both Times Square and Central Park. Contemporary with some homely touches, bright and welcoming, with nice aspects from the terrace. Extremely popular and indeed it also has rather moderate pricing compared to the rest of the establishments.
- 414 Hotel (€): It is very difficult to spend less than $200 and stay in a decent hotel in this area in New York. This is one of the best options partly because it combines scale advantages with local adaptation and allows centralization of activities where economies of scale can be realized while decentralization of business where local adaptation is important. If still, you consider it costly, you will definitely get cheaper hotels, but this one is among the best if location and reasonable price are of paramount importance to you.
- Vanderbilt YMCA (Hostel): It is among the cheapest in the area in regard to cost of service provision to its clients. Cheap, no-frills accommodation that can be found for less than $100 in the winter season. Good gymnasium, sauna, and very large swimming pool. If one intends to only sleep, it does the job well.
2. Upper West Side, Ideal for Families
Upper West Side, New York
The Upper West Side is situated on one side of Central Park, the well-known park situated in Manhattan. The park separates two large, quite distinct areas: The Upper West Side and the Upper East Side.
The Upper West Side is predominantly a residential region and not as busy as Midtown; however, one can find some sites of interest, including Central Park, the Lincoln Center, and the magnificent Museum of Natural History.
It is an appropriate area for families because, among other things, it is relatively calm compared to other regions and has children’s attractions in the form of Central Park and the dinosaur exhibition in the Museum of Natural History. Actually, it is safe and well connected with the city’s hubs by the subway services.
Its hotels are what can be described as bigger, cozier, and cheaper compared to hotels found in Midtown.
Recommended Hotels in Upper West Side:
- Trump International New York (€€€): Regardless of its rather questionable owner, this can be easily considered one of the most outstanding hotels in New York. Spa, gym, sauna, it lacks nothing. Columbus Circle is excellent, and Broadway is very good, so this place is situated in between these two.
- Hotel Beacon (€€): This good hotel is rather cheap if the booking is made far in advance. It is within what could be considered as one of the best areas in the Upper West Side, where one can easily be able to walk to either Park Central, the Museum of Natural History, or even Lincoln Center. It also has the convenience of a metro station next to it. As for the prices, it can also be considered as rather favorable. But again, you can easily dig for a price that is even lower than $170 in the low season.
- Belnord Hotel (€): Surprisingly, one can get accommodation in a decent area within Manhattan and in proper hotels for $100 and below. Nevertheless, should you not believe me, you can check out this fairly squeaky-clean, quite utilitarian hotel with access to the metro, which is even closer.
- Hi NYC Hostel (Hostel): The first recommended youth hostel is situated in New York. This hostel has a cinema room with a projection system, a very large shared patio with benches and tables, a games room with billiards, and many organized activities like going out for drinks or shows within the hostel. This makes it good for the budget-conscious and the social butterfly. In their low season, dormitory beds go for $40.
3. Upper East Side, The Most Exclusively Prestigious Neighborhood
Ideal for Museum Lovers
The other region is the Upper East Side, again a residential region, though much pricier than the West Side. It is among the most costly areas within the city. Many of the country’s richest people and stars of stage and screen are residents here.
Here is the so-called Museum block along Fifth Avenue starting from 82nd Street to 105th Street, where the most famous museums of the world are situated, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim.
It is also slightly safer than most neighborhoods in New York and hosts several of the city’s finest restaurants. However, both its restaurants, as well as its hotels, are not for everyone.
Recommended Hotels in Upper East Side:
- The Pierre, a Taj Hotel, New York (€€€): New York has known hotels, but this particular hotel is among the best. Customers and potential consumers are presented with luxury and a touch of classy service delivery at its best. It accommodates 5 AAA diamond ratings and 5 Forbes’ stars. The location is great; in the heart of the city’s most prestigious shopping area, nearly to the 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue. It is just ridiculous when people book a room for 300 to 500 USA dollars per night; don’t even think about staying at this hotel.
- Bentley Hotel (€€): It is almost impossible to look for 4, or even 3-star hotels in the Upper East Side which offers rooms for less than $400 per night. I had to look for a section that I feel is acceptable at those prices for a while before identifying one.
- Courtyard New York Manhattan / Upper East Side (€): This particular hotel remains one of the best in the Upper East Side in terms of what could be referred to as cheap hotels, especially in the area’s standards of offering rooms for less than $300.
4. Lower East Side, Good Restaurants and Fine Dining
Where to Sleep in New York: The Lower East Side is a neighborhood in the North East of New York City/past the bridge into Manhattan from Brooklyn.
The Lower East Side is a residential New York area, and there you can see the common New York district’s atmosphere similar to The Village.
There are also tremendous dining alternatives; this location is also among the favorite destinations New Yorkers like to hang out. Most of the glamorous night clubs are located here.
They include close proximity to Soho, Chinatown, and Little Italy. Of course, there are quality hotels as well as some economical sections that one should look out for.
Recommended Hotels in Lower East Side:
- CitizenM New York Bowery (€€): Bright and good location close to Bowery’s bars and restaurants, and just several minutes away. You can even walk to Soho or Little Italy.
- The Allen Hotel (€€): It does not get any better than this to get the best of the hotel you want. This is a good area to be in New York, and it must be added that almost all significant attractions such as Bloomingdale’s, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the One World Trade Center are within the neighborhood while subway connections are excellent.
- Orchard Street Hotel (€): For all the ones planning to go on an inexpensive hotel trip in NY, then this is relatively good. It is also very well situated in a business district surrounded by various eating joints.
- Blue Moon Boutique Hostel & Hotel (Hostel): If you do not have much money to spend and still wish to find a place to sleep in New York, there is again a hostel that is cheap here and allows you to sleep in the colorful community area, which can be close to Little Italy, Chinatown, or Soho.
5. The Appropriate Cultural Enclave of New York City: The Case of Chinatown
Where to Stay in New York: Chinatown and other places of interest in the vicinity.
It is a typical New York neighborhood famous for the Oriental atmosphere and its frequent mention in different TV shows. Actually, it is a very active ethnic area that encompasses numerous shops, stands with local products and food, restaurants, and cure streets.
It is not the most preferred destination for sleeping in New York, but it is one of the cheapest, and you can come across a discount you can’t refuse.
Recommended Hotels in Chinatown:
- Hotel 50 Bowery (€€): This specially equipped hotel is situated in Chinatown, was designed very cautiously, and offers monumental views. This hotel is one of the most popular among tourists according to the ratings.
- Wyndham Garden Chinatown (€€): A thoroughly contemporary establishment that is also very practical and boasts a highly reasonable rate of charge. A good way to get comfortably based in New York while still not breaking the bank.
- Hotel Mimosa (€): This is also a rather plain, simple hotel, yet it has a really comfortable 3-star rating. It is about 1 km away from the main area of Panaji city of Goa! Soho is 5 km away from Central and also 5 km from the Brooklyn Bridge. The location it is in is very active, and you would not be short of restaurants for dinners.
- Canal Loft Hostel & Hotel (Hostel): This is another one of those colorful hostels for budget-conscious travelers interested in accommodation in New York. The good thing is that it has both beds in shared dormitories and private rooms for a cheaper price.
6. Soho: An Elaborate and Glamorous Area
Where to Sleep in New York: Soho is another significant area that has been established successfully and retrieves frequent people’s attention.
Consequently, in the past, it involved the city’s most artistic area or better still, the bohemian artistic region. Now it is one of the trendiest districts inhabited by boutiques, quite a number of nice, and often rather pricey eateries, and shops of the best brands.
Regardless of that old bohemian, artistic neighborhood flair, it has shifted to other places such as Chelsea. Today it is one of the costly places to live on Manhattan Island. Its hotels are too. It is one of my favorite areas in New York, but one has to be ready to spend a considerable amount of money if one is to seek shelter in this area.
Recommended Hotels in Soho:
- The Dominick Hotel (€€€): This lovely hotel on the riverfront and the bay houses fantastic rooms. All aspects of this hotel are ideal, and it’s in Soho, in one of the best parts of Manhattan. Unfortunately, it costs much more than what I can afford, but if you are in a position to, you’ll never regret it.
- Arlo Soho (€€): Positive comments for this hotel situated in one of the best fashionable areas of New York. Pricing is good for the standard of the neighborhood the restaurant is located in.
- CITY ROOMS NYC – Soho (€): Two-and-a-half-star hotel in Manhattan conveniently situated 0.5 km from Soho, Chinatown, and Little Italy. Okay for sleeping, and that is about it.
7. Greenwich Village: A Great Area for Nightlife
Where to Stay in New York: Greenwich Village Resources.
Despite all these changes, Greenwich Village or better known as The Village has preserved the feeling and sanctity of the neighborhood. Indeed, it is a very active area for shopping and businesses, and one finds large-scale department stores to small groceries. It is also often used as one of the primary sources to identify nightlife in New York.
It actually boasts very good restaurants and jazz clubs and some of the excellent nightclubs across the city. This is a very entertaining area and arguably one of the most fun places in New York.
Recommended Hotels in Greenwich Village:
- Washington Square Hotel (€€): Excellent hotel with rather peculiar prices situated in Washington Square Park and actually two steps from New York University.
- Walker Hotel Greenwich Village (€€): This Greenwich Village hotel, with reference to the Roaring Twenties style in a design, has been a hit within New York’s hotel industry. Yes, there has to be some cause for that.
- The Jane Hotel (€): It looks like a very strange option for those who are willing to spend a night in New York at a very cheap rate because it is found in the Meatpacking district. It recreates ship cabins. The basic rooms are not as large as the comfortable rooms, and the bathroom is shared.
8. Chelsea: The Most Bohemian and Artistic Neighborhood
Where to Stay in New York: Chelsea.
This area much resembles Chelsea, which is immediately adjacent to The Village as far as the geographic characteristics of the area are concerned. Still today, many galleries have relocated to this area or started in this region in the recent past.
Chelsea has emerged as the place in New York where contemporary art is concentrated, and the new bohemian and artistic quarter.
Recommended Hotels in Chelsea:
- Kimpton Hotel Eventi (€€€): A splendid hotel that can be considered two-three categories below the competition but costs less. Furthermore, it is positioned equally well with reference to such points of interest as the Empire State (600 meters away), Madison Square Garden where the Knicks perform, and Penn Station.
- Cambria Hotel New York Chelsea (€€): Another great hotel located in one of the best neighborhoods to stay in New York. It can be credited for being one of the cheapest 4-star hotels one can find in Manhattan. Check it out!
- Leo House (€): In cheap accommodations that could be found in New York, this hotel should be on the list. It belongs to the category of hotels that meet the minimum standards. They are situated in an area of interest, close to transport facilities, and one can come across accommodation offers under $150.
9. The Financial District: Ideal for Business Travelers
Where to Stay in New York: Financial District.
The Financial District, namely Wall Street, is lodged in the Lower Manhattan area at the southernmost tip of the island. It remains very crowded by day but is rather deserted as it is a business-oriented area almost in the literal sense of that word.
It can be recommended for accommodation in New York if you are on a business trip or if you are seeking a very quiet place in the evening. If not, there are other more interesting areas to venture into.
In the Financial District, everything is rather cold, and if you wish to go out for dinner or a drink or just get a feel of New York the way it is, you have to trek. That is gradually evolving, and, as with hotels, shops, and restaurants, there are increasingly numbers of them due to the World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial Museum.
Anyway, it is quite well connected with the rest of the city, and if you come across a good promotion, it would be definitely a great choice.
This neighborhood is a bit like the City of London: Most suppliers offer better rates over the weekends since corporate clients often occupy most of the hotel rooms.
Recommended Hotels in Financial District:
- Andaz Wall Street – A Concept by Hyatt (€€€): Hyatt hotels are always a sure thing. This one is no exception. It is also very well located very close to the Wall Street Stock Exchange, South Street Seaport, and the terminal from where one can catch a ferry to the Statute of Liberty.
- AKA Wall Street (€€): This aparthotel is perfect for families to live in New York. Said to be situated in the Financial District of the city, it receives a high traffic of clientele, and if you do not wish to sit on the floor, you will have to book ahead in order to secure a table.
- Eurostars Wall Street (€): This makes it among the cheap New York hotels that I would wish to recommend immensely. It is commonly located in Wall Street and normally has its prices less than $200, with close to $150 most of the time. That is a reasonable output for a 4-star hotel such as this one.
10. Queens: For Affordable Accommodation
Where to Sleep in New York: Queens.
Queens is not as expensive as Manhattan regarding accommodation facilities in New York. Its hotels are less expensive, and it is sometimes better to have your stay here than in some districts of Manhattan.
For instance, one can spend approximately the same time to get to Midtown as it takes to get to different parts of Lower Manhattan or even the Upper West Side.
The parts of Queens more proximal to the island are being marketed as hotel areas, and numerous new hotels are planned. It is a sector to focus on if you are looking forward to cutting down your accommodation bills and at the same time enjoy a strategic location.
Recommended Hotels in Queens:
- The Collective Paper Factory (€€): Describing Manhattan prices, one starts to think, is it possible? Well, begin comparing these hotels, and then you will understand why Queens or Brooklyn are so preferred. This hotel is situated in an old industrial building specifically in a paper mill. Wine suggestion is very nice, and it is not outrageous to have excellent rooms for guests at reasonable rates.
- Boro Hotel (€€): Spacious but simple interiors appropriate for a 4-star hotel with most of the rates being repeatable below $200. Subway along with N & Q train line is easily accessible as it is within walking distance of just a few minutes.
- Wingate by Windham Long Island City (€): A very fine hotel itself with clean and contemporary, well-equipped guest rooms for spending a comfortable holiday in New York City and that too not too expensive.
- The Local Hostel NYC (Hostel): Looking at the general outlook of the Local Hostel NYC, I would recommend this hostel. A perfect site for those looking for dorm beds or affordable rooms that come with their own bathroom. Located in the transportation zone, the subway is merely 3 minutes away, so getting around will not prove a challenge.
11. Brooklyn: A Recommended Area Outside Manhattan
Where to Stay in New York: Brooklyn.
Queens and Brooklyn are some other options that are also favorable for the people who are searching for rather cheap accommodation compared to Manhattan.
I believe that Brooklyn is a rather friendly place in which many artists decided to pop up and which has a rather good tradition of such places maintaining some live music.
As Queens, it is rather close to Manhattan, and if you do not mind using public transport every day, which you will have to do anyway if you remain on the island, this will be quite a more affordable option for where to stay in New York that will let you spend more on other things.
Personally, if comparing two options for searching for cheap accommodation in New York, Queens and Brooklyn, I think I will prefer Brooklyn. I prefer its atmosphere to the actual diner.
Recommended Hotels in Brooklyn:
- The William Vale (€€€): William Vale Hotel is a five-star accommodating facility in a building that has a very unique design. And, it has brightly designed rooms and balconies which are immensely beautiful, and maybe in fact the most beautiful thing about the hotel is the 18-meter swimming pool located on the roof. Its prices would be impossible in Manhattan, and businesses and customers would not go for it. It is possible to find it as low as 203 euros; however, usually, it costs a bit more.
- EVEN Hotel Brooklyn (€€): I like this hotel very much. It is among my most preferred hotels. It would be an incredible idea to stay at this hotel when in New York. It has everything. Its facilities are quite new – it looks like most of the buildings here are relatively new; it’s in Downtown Brooklyn, which is surrounded by several subway stations; and it is within reasonable walking distance from DUMBO. And to top it all, its prices are pocket-friendly.
- Pod Brooklyn (€): At the Williamsburg region, this is a very simple, but clean and presentable little hotel which can in no way be considered as luxurious. This is way below $150 in most cases, hence the prices will not be affected.
- NY Moore Hostel (Hostel): If you are seeking a hostel to sleep in New York in this area, it is recommended to choose NY Moore Hostel which is highly rated. As expected, it has dormitory-style accommodation with multiple beds to a room and also individual rooms. Regarding transportation, one can get to Manhattan within fifteen minutes by subway.
Conclusion: Choosing the Locale in New York
Tips on How to Plan a Memorable Stay
New York provides a tremendous amount of niches, and every area has the same taste and an individual price. From the congested midtown area to the rather calm upper west side, there is so much variety. Chinatown can be described as a very functional and cheap area to stay at, while Soho is more stylish and aristocratic sounding.
When traveling for work, with your family, or even if you want to become an artist of the Chelsea type, New York has it all. The Financial District is particularly relevant for business people and those who want to save money, while Queens and Brooklyn are more suitable for those striving for price and location – every link is quite close to Manhattan. That is why it is advisable that one decides on the right neighborhood to boost his or her New York experience, making it more joyous.
Final Thoughts: Improving Your New York Visit
Picking the ideal type of lodging goes a bit beyond the selection of a proper place to lay one’s head. It is the background, the relations with the employees, and the proximity to the object. Pre-booking is highly recommended so that you can book for the best offers and to avoid the inconveniences of booking at the last minute.
You can always sample the different neighborhoods, such as through taking a walk at the Southbank Centre Food Market in Queens or the beautiful food culture seen in Brooklyn. Do not hesitate to order something new and uncommon and be ready for any changes.
You’ll never forget your stay in New York when you consider the different qualifying features that add up to the given places’ atmospheres and match the establishment’s upscale consumables. Prioritizing your choices, one can select the most appropriate location that fits your needs and contributes to the improvement of the experience within this splendid city.