New York City is one of the most incredible cities in the world. The huge metropolis is broken down into many different neighborhoods and areas, with an endless amount of things to do and see in each one.
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Given the sheer size of the city and the plethora of accommodation options, finding where to stay in New York City can be a real challenge. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the choices.
This guide to the best places to stay in New York City will give you all the information you need for picking the right hotel and neighbourhood for your trip. Whether it’s a business trip or city vacation, you’ll find a range of New York hotels here with all different budgets in mind.
We always make an effort to stay at eco-friendly and ethical hotels when we travel, so you’ll find that the hotels listed here are some of the best environmentally responsible places to stay in New York too. We hope this helps you decide where to stay when visiting New York!
Where to Stay in New York City
As one of the biggest cities in the United States, and possibly the world, New York can be difficult to navigate. The city is divided into different boroughs and it can be difficult to know the best areas to stay in NYC if you’ve never been before.
We’re going to break down the best areas to stay in New York City below and why you might want to pick that area as a base for your trip. This will help you decide where to stay in New York City before you start to consider specific hotels.
Best New York City Neighborhoods
Midtown Manhattan
If you’re wondering where to stay in New York City for a first-time visit, then Midtown is the way to go. It’s the best area to stay in New York if you want to get around to all the attractions in a short time with most things within walking distance.
Being in the central part of Manhattan south of Central Park, Midtown is the main shopping and theatre district and is home to some of the most iconic buildings in the city. You’ll have endless things to do no matter how long you stay, so it’s definitely the best neighborhood to stay in New York.
Midtown Manhattan also has plenty of accommodation to choose from. You can find a good range of NYC hotels here, from luxury hotels to budget hotels.
If you stay in Midtown, you’ll be walking distance to all the tourist attractions of Downtown Manhattan, including:
- Times Square
- Fifth Avenue
- Rockefeller Center
- Empire State Building
- Central Park
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- Grand Central Station
- Bryant Park
- Madison Square Garden
Upper East Side
If you’re looking for some of the best luxury hotels in New York, then the Upper East Side is for you. It’s known as being one of the wealthier parts of the city, but it’s also a good choice if you want a quieter area.
The Upper East Side is bordered on one side by the East River and on the other by Central Park. The area is also home to the stretch of Fifth Avenue that is referred to as the Museum Mile. This is where you’ll find some of the best galleries and museums in New York.
If you’re an avid shopper, you’ll find lots of boutique shops and fine dining options in the neighborhood. And if you want to explore some other quieter areas of the city, you can always head to the Upper West Side where you’ll find more museums and dining options.
Upper East Side is not the best choice if you’re looking for a budget hotel, it’s perfect for those looking to splurge on their New York experience.
The best things to do in the Upper East Side include:
- Central Park
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Jewish Museum
- Guggenheim Museum
- Neue Galerie home to German and Austrian art
Soho
SoHo is a small district just south of Greenwich Village. It stands for South of Houston Street but is almost always referred to as simply Soho.
SoHo is a hip and vibrant area with many art and design boutiques. While it has always been home to artists, it has recently become a more trendy shopping destination too. It’s by far the best place to stay in New York for those interested in fashion, art and design.
The area is distinct with cast-iron facades and cobblestone streets, which are packed with shops and restaurants. It’s an easy New York neighborhood to explore on foot, with lots of tourist attractions just a short subway ride away.
It makes for a nice base to explore some of the other areas of Lower Manhattan, such as Little Italy, Chinatown and the Financial District, which often get overlooked by first-time visitors to NYC. In fact, it might just be the best area of New York to stay in for those looking to get a real New York experience.
Within a short walk or subway ride, you can visit:
- One World Trade Center
- Meatpacking District
- Little Italy
- Chinatown
- East Village
- Financial District & Wall Street
Greenwich & Chelsea
If you’re wondering where to stay in New York City that’s a little bit different, Chelsea and Greenwich are two adjoining neighborhoods near the Hudson River. They both offer a different side of New York and are perfect for those who want to get away from the tourist areas.
This area is home to the Meatpacking District, on the banks of the Hudson River. This old area has emerged as one of the most vibrant nightlife hotspots in the city, with some of the best clubs and bars. It makes this area the best place to stay in NYC for those looking to party like a local.
Chelsea is at the heart of the art scene in New York. Old warehouses are now home to art galleries, many of which sit below the High Line, a pedestrian park on a former rail line.
Greenwich Village is a youthful neighborhood with plenty of coffee shops and cafes. It’s considered the best neighborhood in NYC for young people, especially among students from NYU, located around Washington Square.
You might not find some of Greenwich and Chelsea’s best NY City hotels, but you’ll still be only a short subway ride away from the main attractions.
If you stay here, you’ll be close to the following sights:
- The High Line
- Empire State Building
- New York University
- Washington Square
- Madison Square Park
- Madison Square Garden
- West Village
Brooklyn
This renowned borough in New York is the most populous part of the city. The area is huge, covering three times the size of Manhattan and is linked to Lower Manhattan by the famous Brooklyn Bridge. It’s become a more tourist-oriented place in recent years and is definitely one of the best neighborhoods in NYC to explore.
However, it’s still not as popular as other NYC neighborhoods, so you can escape the madness of Times Square and find a bit more authentic culture in this part of the city. It’s one of the best places to stay in NYC for those who have already been and done the main sights in Manhattan, although they’re still not far away on the subway.
Brooklyn is particularly known as a hipster area, with some of the best bars, shops, cafes and art galleries in the whole city. The Dumbo neighborhood close to Brooklyn Bridge is particularly popular amongst tourists, but you could also explore Williamsburg further north for its trendy streets just across the bridge from the Lower East Side.
There are many things to see and do in and around Brooklyn, including:
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Dumbo area
- Street art in Bushwick
- Prospect Park and Grand Army Plaza
- Wall Street and the financial district just across the Brooklyn Bridge
- Williamsburg area
Queens
Located on the other side of the East River, Queens is a great place to stay in New York for those on a budget. Being away from the main tourist areas in Manhattan helps with more affordable accommodation in NYC. But it doesn’t mean that you’ll be too far away either! Midtown is just 15 minutes on the subway and Brooklyn is just to the south.
Queens is quite vast compared to the smaller boroughs, but this makes it pretty diverse. It’s known for its multicultural enclaves, with some great restaurants to try and markets to visit. This makes it one of the best places to stay in NY for those on a budget and looking to discover a different side of the city.
Some of the sights in Queens include:
- Museum of Moving Image
- Flushing Meadows Corona Park
- Brooklyn to the South
Where to Stay in New York City: Best Hotels in Midtown Manhattan
Budget: Element New York Times Square West
If you’re wondering where to stay in Manhattan for a relatively affordable price, you Element New York Times Square West in the heart of Midtown. It’s located just steps away from Times Square, Central Park, Grand Central Terminal and all the museums and theatres you may want to visit during your stay in New York City.
The 3-star hotel has comfortable hotel rooms, a rooftop patio, and a fitness center. The sustainable touches include the use of recycled materials, recycling bins in the rooms, and complimentary bicycle rental.
Mid-range: CitizenM New York Times Square
Citizen M is a trendy hotel chain that focuses on sustainability with a great location near Midtown West. Running off renewable energy, the hotel features small touches like water bottle refill stations. With modern rooms featuring futuristic furniture and unique decor, a rooftop bar, and 24/7 gym, it has all the basics covered for a mid-range hotel in New York City.
You also won’t be too far from Central Park and all the best attractions of New York. It’s one of the best places to stay in Manhattan for eco-conscious travelers.
Luxury: 1 Hotel Central Park
1 Hotel Central Park is our top choice for sustainable hotels in New York City. This beautiful urban hotel is inspired by nature inside and out, featuring natural elements in its interior design and environmentally-conscious details throughout.
Rooms have views of Central Park, a reading nook and an all-glass en-suite bathroom with eco-friendly biodegradable toiletries. Recycled materials are used throughout the room and the decor reflects the eco-conscious mindset of this great New York hotel.
The on-site restaurant, Jams, is a popular brunch spot focusing on farm to table cuisine. It’s a happening spot come 10-11am! Their NYC bagels are a must-try! 1 Hotel Central Park is part of the 1 Hotel chain of sustainable hotels and is certainly an iconic NYC hotel for eco-friendly travelers.
Jams, the on site restaurant at 1 Hotel Central Park
Where to Stay in New York City: Best Hotels in Upper East Side
Budget: Courtyard by Marriott New York
While the Upper East Side is not known for its budget hotel prices, the Courtyard by Marriott New York is your best bet. Set in the Yorkville area not far from the banks of the East River, Courtyard by Marriott is surprisingly affordable with prices starting at just $240 per night.
Some of the comfortable hotel rooms offer kitchenettes and river views in upgraded options. For business travelers, there are meeting rooms available and tourists can enjoy close proximity to the nearby sights like Central Park, Museum Mile or the American Museum of Natural History over on the Upper West Side.
Mid-Range: Garden Suites Hotel by Affinia
The Garden Suites Hotel in Upper East Side offers the perfect retreat from the busy Manhattan area. It’s located within walking distance of Central Park and not far from some of the main attractions of Midtown including the Museum of Modern Art and the Rockefeller Center.
The very spacious suites are equipped with kitchens and even living rooms, so you’ll feel right at home and able to self-cater your trip. You can also enjoy the outdoor patio area, with plenty of greenery and fresh air. An added bonus is that this hotel is also pet friendly.
Luxury: The Pierre, Taj Hotel
The Pierre, Taj Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels that also place sustainability at the core of its operations. The Pierre is located on the edge of Central Park, towards the lower end of the Upper East Side, conveniently located for sightseeing around Manhattan.
The Hotel participates in the EarthCheck program and has won the prestigious EarthCheck Gold Award. The elegant hotel rooms feature marble bathrooms and designer toiletries, making it the best place to stay in New York City for luxury not far from Central Park.
Where to Stay in New York City: Best Hotels in SoHo
Budget: CitizenM New York Bowery Hotel
At $220 per night, CitizenM New York Bowery Hotel is one of the best hotels for your stay in New York City on a budget. It’s located towards the eastern edge of SoHO, close to Little Italy and Chinatown. Bowery subway station is just outside the door, so you can easily explore the area south of Houston Street.
The simple but contemporary rooms are comfortable and have views across the city. The Bowery Hotel is part of the CitizenM hotel chain which runs all its properties off renewable energy around the world.
Mid-Range: Arlo SoHO
Arlo SoHO is an incredibly stunning option on the western side of Soho near the Hudson River. At $450 per night, it is one of the best all-around places to stay in NY City.
The rooms at Arlo Soho are beautiful and modern with clean white walls and dark timber finishings. There are lots of different room options, including bunk beds which make it a nice family hotel option. We love that they also have bicycle rental for guests so you can get around the city with a low carbon footprint.
Luxury: The Crosby Street Hotel
The Crosby Street Hotel is a super trendy luxury hotel in the heart of SoHO, one of the best areas to stay in Manhattan. If you want to visit New York City’s incredible attractions and shopping streets, then this is one of our top recommendations.
It’s a very romantic hotel with a mix of old-world charm and modern conveniences. It features a leafy green courtyard area for relaxing and fine dining on-site. It’s full of quirky sustainable additions too like a rooftop organic veggie garden where the Head Chef collects the freshest ingredients.
Where to Stay in New York City: Best Hotels in Greenwich Village & Chelsea
Budget: Chelsea Rooms NYC
Chelsea Rooms NYC is one of the cheaper hotels in New York City. This hotel in Chelsea offers accommodation to both backpackers and budget travelers making it a great option for those looking to save money while staying in the city. The industrial-chic interior makes it fit well with the arty neighborhood.
The hotel features a range of accommodations, including dormitories and small double rooms. Chelsea Rooms NYC has a low carbon footprint and offers refillable bathroom toiletries and water stations for guests.
Mid-range: Cambria Hotel – Chelsea
Cambria Hotel is perfectly located close to Chelsea and Greenwich Village and within walking distance from the Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden.
It’s reasonably priced and offers spacious rooms, rooftop bar, on-site restaurant and fitness center. The hotel also implements a number of sustainability initiatives.
Luxury: Walker Hotel Greenwich Village
Walker Hotel in Greenwich Village is a stunning art deco hotel in Greenwich Village. It’s well located in close proximity to Greenwich, Chelsea, West Village and SoHo.
The hotel offers 113 luxury rooms decorated with sleek art and decor from local artists. It’s also home to Society Cafe, a market to table American restaurant and bar.. Being close to so many attractions of Lower Manhattan, Walker Hotel located in one of the most unique areas of New York City. If you’re wondering where to stay in NYC for exploring some of the coolest parts of the city, this is the spot worth checking out!
Where to Stay in New York City: Best Hotels in Brooklyn
Budget: NU Hotel Brooklyn
Brooklyn is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in New York City and NU Hotel is the best budget option in the area. It’s close to plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops and is not far from the famous Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo area.
The loft-style rooms are very hip and fit in well with the Brooklyn neighborhood. Considering the beautiful decor filled with local art and bespoke furniture, the hotel prices are very modest. They even offer deals like stay 3 and get a 4th night free.
Mid-Range: Ace Hotel Brooklyn
Ace Hotel is a great mid-range option for NY City stay. It’s located close to one of the best neighborhoods to stay in New York City, so you can explore the hip bars and restaurants of Brooklyn from your doorstep.
Ace Hotel features cozy rooms decorated in earthy tones that feel more like city cabins than hotel rooms. It also has a restaurant, bakery and bar. Ace Hotel donates up to 10% of bookings to organizations like Mojave Desert Land Trust so you can be sure your money is helping the planet.
Luxury: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is a chic eco-hotel and a sister property of the 1 Hotel Cenrtal Park that we mentioned earlier int he article. This hotel ticks all the boxes for sustainably-minded stay with 100% wind-powered operations, reclaimed or recycled materials, and much more!
The hotel features stunning hotel rooms, with incredible views over to the Manhattan skyline across the East River. You’ll find an on-site restaurant, spa, yoga studio, and fitness center.
It’s one of the best New York City hotels for eco-friendly luxury travelers.
Where to Stay in New York City: Best Hotels in Queens
Budget: The Local NY
If you’re wondering where is the best place to stay in New York City on a budget, then Queens has plenty of choices. The Local NY is a budget 2-star hotel that gets good reviews and offers a convenient location close to Manhattan.
The hip hotel is housed in a converted industrial building and features super clean dormitories and private rooms, with all the best amenities you would expect from more expensive New York City hotels. It also has a bar, communal kitchen and rooftop terrace.
Mid-range: The Collective Paper Factory
Located just two subway stops away from Manhattan, The Collective Paper Factory is a great mid-range option in Queens. The boutique hotel is set inside a 100-year-old paper factory with plenty of repurposed materials and decor to keep to the retro vibe.
The historic hotel features 122 loft-like hotel rooms and yoga classes, a co-working space, a sunny terrace, and an on-site restaurant, Ama. There’s also a subway station just steps from the front door, so you can explore more areas during your stay in New York City.
Luxury: Boro Hotel
For those wondering where to stay in New York City to get the best bang for your buck, this hotel in Queens comes highly recommended. Boro Hotel is a beautiful 4-star hotel that is still surprisingly affordable compared to other New York City hotels.
The modern hotel has clean and minimal decor with huge glass windows for natural lighting. Boro Hotel has a rooftop bar, lobby library, fitness center and meeting spaces for business travelers.
With this guide, you won’t have to stress about where to stay in New York City. We’ve rounded up the best hotels that are also the most sustainable hotels in New York for a range of budgets. From cheaper hotels in Queens to luxury in the Upper East Side, you’ll find hotels in NY City to suit everyone.
READ NEXT: 6 Best Eco-Friendly Hotels In New York City
Thanks for sharing this amazing list! I stayed at Marriott in nyc when I went there last year. I’m bookmarking this post so I can refer to it in the future.