Finding suitable accommodation in New York can be challenging especially for first-time visitors. This sprawling metropolis is home to over 8.5 million people and receives over 50 million visitors each year.
The only way to accommodate such a vast population in a comparatively tiny area is by stacking houses on top of each other. It’s no wonder every inch of New York is covered by over 40-story high buildings.
How Much Does it Cost to Live Here?
If you have been planning a trip to New York chances are you have already done a bit of research on the 5 boroughs and find out what each is best known for. Something else that you may already know is that New York has one of the highest accommodation rates in the US.
You are likely to spend between $300-400 per night for an apartment, $200 per night for a mid-range hotel and if you are lucky, $120 per night for a budget hotel.
One proven hack guaranteed to save you a couple of bucks is to plan your visits for the months of January, February, July and August. These off-peak seasons experience low accommodation rates as a result of reduced tourist volumes.
Keep in mind that most of the advertised hotel prices are not inclusive of New York’s 14.75% hotel tax and $3.50 daily occupancy tax.
That said, the following are our picks for the five best places to stay when you visit the Big Apple.
Top 5 Best Places To Stay in New York
Midtown West
Comprising the Theatre district and Hell’s Kitchen up from the Hudson River to 6th Avenue, Midtown West is the perfect place for lovers of theatrical entertainment. It’s home to Broadway, New York’s theater, and the famous Times Square.
Besides these iconic buildings, the Midtown West plays host to savory dishes from all corners of the world. Also, accommodation is relatively cheaper compared to districts situated in the North.
Our top recommendations include The Westport located on 56th street. We bet that you won’t find better accommodation in NYC that offers stunning views of the city.
Central Park
There is no better place to experience the two faces of New York City than Central Park. This is where the concrete jungle gives way to greenery and opens up great places for families. There are tons of fun activities for families including canoeing.
For a taste of Central Park though, you will have to dig deeper into your pocket. It has one of the highest accommodation rates in New York City.
Luxury accommodations in this area include the JW Marriott Essex House and Park Lane. Empire and Belnord Hotels are some of the places that offer accommodation at affordable prices.
Lower Manhattan
The genesis of New York City can be found in Lower Manhattan as evidenced by the old buildings and narrow streets. Places of interest in this area include the 9/11 Memorial.
It’s one of the few places in New York City with competitive accommodation rates. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott and Club Quarters Hotel offer exemplary accommodation at pocket-friendly prices.
If you want to experience a bit of luxury, The Beekman and Hyatt Centric are great choices.
DUMBO
You will fall in love with this tiny neighborhood located in Brooklyn. DUMBO, an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass offers a unique experience found in a few places across New York.
It’s home to two of the most visited public parks in NYC. Here you can play hoops on a public basketball court and enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan Skyline.
The renovated waterfront and majestic Manhattan Bridge provide a picturesque view perfect for memorable photos.
Affordable accommodations include the Hampton Inn and Hotel Mimosa. Millennium Downtown hotel is our top choice for a luxurious experience and stunning views of the city.
SoHo
If you love life on the fast lane then Soho is the place to be. Soho is big on nightlife, fashion and food. Here you will find popular brands such as Prada and Haute.
This ever-busy locale is ideal for party animals looking to take in as much of New York as possible in a short time. Accommodation prices are on the higher side in SoHo, although hotels such as The Allen and SoHo 54 offer competitive rates. They come highly recommended from our budget picks.
On the luxurious end, The Dominick and Ludlow Hotels are our top picks based on their service and amenities.
Welcome to NYC!
Our recommendations are based on personal experiences as well as reviews from people who’ve used the facilities listed above. In addition, we’d recommend choosing neighborhoods with easy access to the subway line.
This will allow you to comfortably visit any of New York’s famous attractions and still stay in your preferred district. We hope you will enjoy your trip!