Some cities and travel destinations are known around the world. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never been there or live a thousand miles away, some places are just so iconic that you simply learn about them and know about them by simply existing. New York City is one of those places. It’s one of the most populous cities in the country, but only exists on an island of 305 square miles. If you’ve ever seen a movie or TV show, you know New York City. You have seen it before, and in a way that has led to its diffusion in our modern culture. It is one of the global centers for commerce, fashion, food, entertainment and the arts. It has one of the most famous skylines dominated by the iconic Empire State Building.
We’ve always been excited about going to New York, but where to stay is a mystery. How much should we pay? Is it worth? Will I be close to the things I want to see How about taxis? Is it safe? These are all questions we ask ourselves when we book in NYC, whether for a day or longer.
Perhaps you “know” New York City, but the fact is that the city is so big and constantly changing that you have to know it to live it, and even then you can still find people who have lived in the city for years every now and then to something new. The city is divided into five districts; Manhattan, Queen, Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island. Each of the areas has something different to offer so finding a place to stay will depend on what you see, do and how much you plan to spend. So when visiting the Big Apple, check out some of these best places to stay in New York City.
Midtown Manhattan
New York is big and there is a lot to see. If this is your first time visiting the city and want to experience the quintessential New York Tourist, then Midtown is the place to stay. It’s the area that is in the middle of Manhattan. It has culture, art and shopping. You can spend all day choosing your perfect outfit before going to a Broadway show or spending the afternoon people-watching in Times Square.
The Plaza Hotel: If you want to treat yourself to something in New York, the legendary Plaza Hotel is the place for you. Opened in 1907, the hotel is built in the French Renaissance chateau style and is located between 58th Street and Central Park South. If luxury is what you are looking for, this is it. The hotel is famous for its balls, 24k gold-plated fittings and designer spa experiences. Its neighbors are Louis Vuitton and Chanel, while its permanent residents include CEOs, musicians, and fashion designers.
Hotel Seton: For more affordable yet chic options, the Seton Hotel is a great place to stay in Midtown. All rooms have modern furnishings, a minibar, WiFi and a desk. Services include a 24-hour reception and lounge area. The hotel is just a stone’s throw from attractions such as the Empire State Building, Times Square and Grand Central Station. Prices are around $ 150-200
Hotel 31: For the budget traveler, Hotel 31 is a perfect and easy option. The hotel is right in the heart of Midtown and let’s face it, you probably won’t be spending much time in your hotel room anyway. All rooms are equipped with TV, telephone and WiFi. Places like Times Square, Madison Square Garden, and Rockefeller Center are just a short walk away. Prices at Hotel 31 are typically under $ 130.
The Seton Hotel is close to everything in Manhattan.
Soho and the Lower East Side
So maybe you’ve already spent a day or two in town and know you’re a little bit around. Instead of staying where all the tourists are, maybe you should be in the Lower East Side or Soho. The Lower East Side is more of a residential area and one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Instead of big tourist attractions and crowds snapping photos with a guy in a Spiderman suit in Times Square, the Lower East Side and Soho are more about vintage shops, boutiques, quirky cafes and great restaurants.
Crosby Street Hotel: If you are looking for quaint and cool Soho accommodation with old world charm and class, the Crosby Street Hotel is the place. Located on an old cobblestone street, the hotel’s distinctive facade is one that you cannot ignore. Rooms have massive floor-to-ceiling windows that offer plenty of light, along with high ceilings, TVs, WiFi, and sleek decor. Relax in the private courtyard, enjoy a gourmet breakfast, read a book by the fireplace in the drawing, or enjoy a Sunday movie in the hotel’s private theater. Crosby Street Hotel is a high-end spot and costs $ 210 a night and up.
Sohotel: For a mid-range Soho hotel option, the Sohotel is a cool place with a lot of personality. The boutique hotel offers modern rooms with exposed brick walls, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi and concierge services. Visit the bar and enjoy a few cocktails with fellow guests or enjoy a meal in the on-site restaurant.
The ridge: Located on the Lower East Side, The Ridge is a budget hotel, but you wouldn’t notice it while you are here. Relax on the rooftop terrace and take in the views of Manhattan or explore the city using public transportation, which is a short walk away. Rooms are well-appointed with amenities like marble bathtubs, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.
The Ridge Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel, but you wouldn’t recognize it by its looks and amenities.
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Brooklyn, despite being part of New York City, really feels like it’s a thing of its own. The area is home to over 2 million residents and requires crossing the Brooklyn Bridge to get there. The area is a little less hectic than Manhattan right on the water, but that adds to its charm. It’s easy to do if you want to go into town, but if you want to explore the uniqueness of Brooklyn in its own little niche neighborhoods, you’ll have a great time too. Staying in Brooklyn offers the opportunity to explore amazing art, restaurants, beer gardens, and cafes while taking just a 30-minute subway ride to Manhattan.
The William Vale: This unique looking building in Williamsburg is one of the most luxurious in the area. The rooms are modern and sleek, and the property is in the heart of the area with nearby notable attractions including the Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Museum. But where the William Vale really shines is the rooftop pool on the 19th floor and the award-winning restaurant, which has both room options and dining options. Local artists were hired to decorate the room. So if you’re looking for a taste of high-end Brooklyn, you’ve come to the right place.
Pod Brooklyn: What is typical of Williamsburg as a quirky and colorful hotel. Pod Brooklyn is a mid-range hotel that is designed in an interesting way. The property is separated by four buildings with a central courtyard and bridges connecting the buildings. The Pod Brooklyn also offers work and lounge areas with coffee and pastries, as well as a free morning breakfast. Soak up some sun and enjoy some sightseeing in the rooftop lounge or visit the nearby Brooklyn Brewery or the Music Hall of Williamsburg.
NY Moore Hostel: For a place in Brooklyn that costs under $ 50, the NY Moore Hostel is an affordable place that brings in all of the coolness of Williamsburg. Free tea and coffee are available throughout the day, and events like free movies and comedy shows are a staple. Mingle with other guests in the courtyard or play a game or two of table football and plan your next adventure.
The William Vale gives you a taste of high-end Brooklyn.
Long Island, Queens
Located east of Manhattan, Queens is technically the geographic center of New York City. Queens is also home to the largest ethnically diverse region in the world with small ethnic enclaves all living side by side. Queens is 15 minutes from Manhattan by public transportation. So if you want to save on accommodation, you can stay in Queens and still be close to Manhattan as you are not right in town.
Boro Hotel: Costing about $ 200 a night on average, the Boro Hotel has large windows that allow plenty of natural light and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. The modern rooms are equipped with air conditioning, WiFi, TV access and fluffy bathrobes so you can relax after a hot shower. Get a free breakfast in the morning or treat yourself to a few evening cocktails at the hotel bar. The Q and N trains are just a short walk away. So when you head into Manhattan, public transportation is right outside the door.
The local NYC: With accommodations starting at $ 50, this hostel is the perfect place to spend a night or two without breaking the bank. Forget what you think of a hostel, because here you can choose between shared or private rooms, enjoy the large floor-to-ceiling windows, lounge on the roof terrace and have a locally made beer straight from the tap on the site bar.
The Boro Hotel in Queens is a great option for the traveler. Very chic and modern with great views of the city.
The bronx
As the only district on the mainland, The Bronx is also the only place that has “The” in its name. Named after the Swedish settler Joseph Bronck, who bought the land from the Native Americans, people who had to travel through the area walked through “The Bronck’s Land” and so the name stuck. Like the other counties, the Bronx has its own personality and history. It is the home of the New York Yankees, the birthplace of hip hop and an important cultural area for Italians. The Bronx is fun and incredibly diverse.
Opera House Hotel: The Opera House Hotel was formerly the Bronx Opera House. The building that used to house the Marx Brothers and Harry Houdini can now accommodate you. The building was completed in 1913 and opened as a redesigned upscale hotel in 2013. Enjoy modern conveniences with classic and authentic furnishings while enjoying museum-worthy works of art and design. The nearby Bronx Museum and Yankee Stadium make it convenient to watch a game or the museum, while the room comes with Wi-Fi access, TV, toiletries, luxury bedding, and even a free biscuit.
The Edge Hotel: If you’re looking for something affordable in the Bronx, this is a great option. In the style of a boutique hotel with no price tag, The Edge Hotel offers accommodations with free WiFi, TV, air conditioning, a work desk and toiletries. You can work out in the hotel’s fitness center for free and use the concierge service if you need assistance.
The Opera House Hotel was completed in 1913 and modernized in 2013. Room prices are reasonable and the hotel has great reviews.
With myriad accommodations in New York, the possibilities to explore the city are almost limitless. Whether you want to break the bank and live big in a luxury hotel or just want to stay in a simple place and enjoy all that the city has to offer, there are plenty of places to suit everyone. Whether you are in New York City for the first time or have been to New York many times, these hotels make every trip a memorable one. Where are you staying?
