Finding accommodation in New York is a challenge in the truest sense of the word. Not because there aren’t enough hotels, but because finding the perfect balance between price, location, and amenities feels almost impossible in a city like this. After extensive searching, I concluded that making a decision without any compromise is far from realistic.
New York is nicknamed “the city that never sleeps,” a fact reflected in the sea of people treading its sidewalks every second. Millions of tourists visit NYC annually with one goal: a dream vacation in one of the world’s most beloved cities. With extraordinary cultural diversity, iconic buildings, and unique attractions, choosing a place to stay can significantly influence your New York vacation experience. In this article, you’ll find essential information about New York’s neighborhoods, where you can stay, and tips for finding the best options.
7 Days in New York City: One Week Itinerary for Every Traveler
Explore the best of New York City with this comprehensive 7-day itinerary. Experience all the must-see sights!
Read more
Which Areas to Stay in New York?
Let’s start with the basics. New York is enormous, so there isn’t just one central area to focus on. In theory, “the center” is Manhattan, but we’re talking about a center that spans about 60 square kilometers. New York City is made up of five main boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Let’s go through them one by one:
1. Manhattan
Manhattan is the heart of the city, home to most tourist attractions and, unsurprisingly, the most expensive accommodations. Within Manhattan, there are four main areas:
- Midtown
- Upper West Side
- Upper East Side
- Downtown
Wherever you choose to stay in these areas, you’ll be close to the main attractions. We stayed about 3-4 minutes from Penn Station, but it’s not a place I’d recommend. Aside from the great location, there was nothing we liked. To give you an idea of the cost, we paid up to $300 per night. We visited New York during Thanksgiving and the Rockefeller Center tree lighting, so that was one reason prices were higher than usual. We couldn’t find anything cheaper in Manhattan that was even remotely acceptable in terms of conditions.
For me, when choosing accommodation, the most important factor was the area. I wanted to feel safe and stay as close as possible to the points of interest, so I wouldn’t have to walk long distances at night and could save time on transportation. Since it was winter and it got dark by 5 PM, I was willing to compromise on comfort. Plus, we were out from morning until night.
The neighborhood I liked most, among those we visited, was West Village, where Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment from Sex and the City is located, specifically on Perry Street. Next time, I’d love to find accommodation in this area.
Accommodation in Manhattan:
SpringHill Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan/Times Square South
⭐️8.1 din 7700+ recenzii⭐️
Rezerva2. Brooklyn
Brooklyn ranks second after Manhattan in terms of popularity among tourists for accommodation. It’s directly connected to Manhattan by subway, making it relatively easy to reach your desired destinations. Prices here are slightly more affordable, but having a subway station nearby is essential.
The most recommended areas for accommodation in Brooklyn are:
- Williamsburg
- Dumbo (popular for stunning views of Manhattan)
- Brooklyn Heights
- Park Slope
Avoid areas like Brownsville or East New York, where crime rates are notably high.
Accommodation in Brooklyn:
3. Queens
Queens is the most culturally diverse borough. It offers affordable prices (compared to Manhattan) and is renowned for its culinary scene. Like Brooklyn, Queens has subway connections directly to Manhattan.
The most popular areas in Queens are:
- Long Island City
- Astoria
Accommodation in Queens:
4. Bronx
The Bronx is known for attractions like the Bronx Zoo and Yankee Stadium, but when it comes to accommodation, it’s one of the least recommended areas for tourists.
Accommodation in Bronx:
5. Staten Island
Staten Island is the most peaceful borough in New York, but the downside is that access to Manhattan isn’t as quick. You can reach Manhattan from Staten Island by Express Bus (MTA) or the free ferry. The bus ride takes about an hour, while the ferry takes 25-30 minutes.
Accommodation in Staten Island:
Where Is the Best Place to Stay in New York?
In Manhattan, without a doubt. Although it’s not budget-friendly, it’s the safest area among those mentioned (though not 100% safe) and offers easy access to all points of interest. If you’re willing to compromise on comfort—for example, you don’t mind a small, perhaps not-so-modern hotel room—you can find better prices. Additionally, there are hostels with double rooms available at lower rates than hotels.
I know many people recommend areas like Brooklyn or Queens, but if you have a flexible budget, I believe Manhattan remains the best choice—and the only one I’d personally consider. This isn’t just about safety, though I admit I’d be wary of venturing into certain neighborhoods, but also about saving time. When planning your itinerary, you’ll realize there’s so much to see in New York. Time is not your friend in such a situation, so minimizing time spent on transportation is a huge advantage.
New York City for First-Time Visitors – Top 25 Must-See Attraction
The best of New York City: 25 iconic landmarks, museums, and neighborhoods. Perfect for first-time visitors!
Read More
A Few Tips on Accommodation
- Book early, or you’ll be left with the most expensive options.
- Even if you don’t find your ideal accommodation right away, book something decent with free cancellation and payment upon check-in. Then, keep looking for better options closer to your trip. At least you’ll have a fallback, as everyone is hunting for the best deals in New York.
- Regardless of the borough, make sure you’re near a subway station—or at least a bus stop with connections to places you’re interested in.
- Read tourist reviews of the hotel carefully, paying particular attention to mentions of the location and surroundings.
If you found this article helpful, feel free to like it or share it with your friends.
Happy travels! 🥰
