Where to Stay in New York City: Best Hotels for Every Budget

Planning a trip to New York City and not sure where to stay? With so many neighborhoods to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to figure out the right base for your visit.

The city is huge, and each area has its own character, from the bright lights of Midtown to the laid-back charm of Brooklyn.

This guide to where to stay in New York City will walk you through the best neighborhoods, highlighting what makes each one special and who it’s best suited for.

I’ll also share hotel recommendations in every area, covering options for luxury, mid-range, and budget travelers. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of the best places to stay in New York City and which neighborhood fits your style of trip!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.

Quick Guide to the Best Places to Stay in New York City

If you’re short on time and just want a quick answer, here are my top picks for the best hotels in NYC. These are great options for different budgets and travel styles, so you can skip the research and book with confidence.

• Best luxury hotel: The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue (Midtown Manhattan)
• Best mid-range hotel: Arlo Midtown (Midtown Manhattan)
• Best budget hotel: Pod Brooklyn (Williamsburg)
• Best for first-time visitors: citizenM New York Times Square (Midtown Manhattan)
• Best for families: Hotel Beacon (Upper West Side)
• Best for nightlife: The Ludlow Hotel (Lower East Side)
• Best for skyline views: The William Vale (Williamsburg)

Where to Stay in New York City: Best Areas & Hotels

1. Midtown Manhattan: Best area for first-time visitors

If you’re visiting for the first time and wondering where to stay in NYC, Midtown is the most convenient choice. It’s central, busy, and packed with famous landmarks, so you’ll never be far from the action.

Times Square, Broadway, Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building are all right here, plus Grand Central Terminal makes it easy to get around the rest of the city.

The neighborhood definitely leans touristy, but that can be a good thing if you want the classic NYC experience. You’ll find endless restaurants, bars, and shops within a short walk, and it’s the most convenient spot if you plan to see a Broadway show or tick off as many bucket list sights as possible.

The energy is non-stop, and there’s always something happening, no matter the time of day.

The trade-off is that it can feel crowded and noisy, especially around Times Square. Hotels also tend to cost more for smaller rooms compared to other areas, but many travelers still consider it one of the best areas to stay in New York City for convenience and accessibility.

Where to Stay in Midtown Manhattan

• The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue – Elegant rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and amazing city views right in the heart of Midtown
• M Social Hotel Times Square – Modern hotel with spacious rooms and a rooftop terrace overlooking Times Square
• Arlo Midtown – Stylish boutique stay with a cozy vibe, rooftop bar, and easy access to Penn Station
• citizenM New York Times Square – Fun and trendy hotel with compact rooms, colorful design, and a lively rooftop bar
• Pod 51 Hotel – Affordable option with smartly designed small rooms, plus a great rooftop deck

2. Upper West Side: Best area for families and culture lovers

If you’re looking for a quieter base that still feels central, the Upper West Side is one of the best places to stay in New York City.

This neighborhood has a more local, residential vibe, making it a great option for families or anyone who wants a break from the chaos of Midtown.

You’ll also have Central Park right on your doorstep, along with the American Museum of Natural History and Lincoln Center.

Compared to other parts of Manhattan, the Upper West Side feels calmer and more relaxed, especially in the evenings. You’ll find tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and plenty of cozy cafés and restaurants.

It’s easy to get around with several subway lines running through the area, so you won’t feel cut off from the rest of the city.

The main drawback is that it’s not as lively after dark, and you won’t find the same nightlife or entertainment options that you’d get downtown.

Still, if you’re wondering where to stay in NYC for a mix of culture, family-friendly attractions, and easy access to Central Park, the Upper West Side is a solid choice.

Where to Stay in the Upper West Side

• Hotel Beacon – Spacious rooms with kitchenettes, perfect for longer stays or families
• The Lucerne Hotel – Classic hotel with comfortable rooms and a great location near Central Park
• Arthouse Hotel – Stylish boutique stay with artistic touches and a lively lobby bar
• Riverside Tower Hotel – Simple budget-friendly hotel with basic rooms and a great location near Riverside Park
• Trump International New York – Luxury property right on Columbus Circle with stunning park views

3. Upper East Side: Best area for luxury and museums

The Upper East Side has long been associated with wealth and elegance. Remember those stunning Gossip Girl brownstones and classic Fifth Avenue apartments? Welcome to the Upper East Side!

This is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Manhattan, and you won’t find any budget-friendly hotels here. What you will find are stylish boutique stays, luxury properties, and some of the city’s best cultural attractions.

Museum Mile runs right through the area, home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, and several smaller galleries. Central Park is just a few blocks away, making it easy to balance a morning at the museum with an afternoon stroll through the park.

Madison Avenue is lined with designer boutiques, while Lexington Avenue offers more casual dining and shops.

The Upper East Side is quieter than downtown neighborhoods, especially at night, so it’s not the best place for nightlife. But if you want art, shopping, and a more refined atmosphere, this is easily one of the best places to stay in NYC.

Where to Stay in the Upper East Side

• The Mark New York – Stylish luxury stay with modern design, top-notch service, and spacious rooms
• voco The Franklin New York by IHG – Charming boutique-style hotel on a quiet street, close to Museum Mile
• The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York – Iconic luxury property on Fifth Avenue with elegant rooms and Central Park views
• The Gardens Sonesta ES Suites New York – Spacious suite-style accommodations with kitchenettes, great for longer stays
• Courtyard New York Manhattan/Upper East Side – A practical option with solid amenities at a reasonable price

4. Greenwich Village & West Village: Best area for charm and nightlife

The Village is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in New York City, with tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and a creative, bohemian spirit that’s never really gone away.

It’s the kind of place where you can wander without a plan and stumble across jazz clubs, comedy venues, and cozy cafés on nearly every corner. Washington Square Park is the heart of the neighborhood and is always buzzing with energy.

The West Village, in particular, feels a bit more upscale and residential, with some of the prettiest streets in Manhattan. This part of town is also known for its LGBTQ+ history, legendary music venues, and incredible nightlife.

If you want a neighborhood that blends classic New York charm with a lively social scene, this is one of the best places to stay in NYC.

Hotels here tend to be on the pricier side since space is limited and demand is high. Rooms are often smaller than what you’ll find uptown, but the character of the neighborhood more than makes up for it.

You’ll be close to Soho, Chelsea, and the Meatpacking District as well, so it’s a great base for exploring all the best things to do in NYC.

Where to Stay in Greenwich Village & West Village

• The Marlton Hotel – Stylish boutique hotel with vintage-inspired décor and a cozy café
• Walker Hotel Greenwich Village – Elegant rooms in a 1920s-inspired building with a speakeasy-style bar
• Gansevoort Meatpacking – Trendy hotel with a rooftop pool and great nightlife nearby
• Washington Square Hotel – Classic hotel right by Washington Square Park with comfortable rooms and a historic vibe

5. SoHo & Tribeca: Best area for shopping and style

SoHo is famous for its cast-iron buildings, cobblestone streets, and endless shopping. From luxury designer stores to independent boutiques and art galleries, it’s a dream for anyone who loves fashion and design.

Tribeca, just to the south, has a similar chic vibe but feels a little more residential and laid-back, with trendy restaurants and converted warehouse lofts.

Staying in this part of downtown gives you easy access to some of the best dining in the city, as well as neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Lower East Side. It’s also a great spot if you enjoy walking, since so many attractions are close together.

This is one of the best areas to stay in New York City if you want a stylish base with a distinctly downtown atmosphere.

Hotels in SoHo and Tribeca tend to be on the pricier side, especially if you’re looking for larger rooms or unique boutique properties.

That said, many of them come with amazing design details, rooftop lounges, and the kind of character you don’t find in Midtown high-rises.

Where to Stay in SoHo & Tribeca

• Soho Grand Hotel – Trendy hotel with chic interiors, a stylish bar, and a great downtown location
• The Frederick Hotel Tribeca – Historic boutique hotel with modern rooms and easy access to Tribeca and Lower Manhattan
• The Dominick Hotel – Luxurious stay with spacious rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and stunning skyline views
• Roxy Hotel New York – Retro-inspired hotel with a jazz club, theater, and lively vibe
• Arlo SoHo – Compact yet modern rooms with clever design and a welcoming rooftop bar

6. Lower East Side & East Village: Best area for nightlife and budget travelers

If you want to be in the middle of the action without spending Midtown prices, the Lower East Side and East Village are excellent options.

These neighborhoods are packed with bars, clubs, live music venues, and some of the best late-night eats in the city.

You’ll also find a mix of boutique hotels and smaller budget-friendly places, which makes this one of the best areas to stay in New York City if you’re traveling on a tighter budget.

The East Village has a youthful, artsy vibe, with vintage shops, dive bars, and plenty of affordable restaurants. The Lower East Side leans trendier with speakeasies, rooftop bars, and galleries, but it still has that gritty, energetic feel that makes downtown so fun.

Both areas are well connected by subway, so you can easily explore other parts of Manhattan.

The trade-off is that it can be noisy, especially at night, and rooms here are often on the smaller side.

But if you’re wondering where to stay in NYC for nightlife, a fun atmosphere, and more wallet-friendly hotel options, this is a great choice.

Where to Stay in the Lower East Side & East Village

• The Ludlow Hotel – Trendy boutique hotel with loft-style rooms and amazing city views
• Moxy NYC East Village – Stylish and playful hotel with compact rooms and a buzzing social scene
• citizenM New York Bowery – Modern hotel with tech-friendly rooms and a lively rooftop bar
• Hotel Indigo Lower East Side – Upscale hotel with spacious rooms and a rooftop pool
• The Standard – East Village – Sleek hotel with great views, a popular café, and easy access to downtown nightlife

7. Chelsea & Flatiron: Best area for a central and lively stay

Chelsea and Flatiron are great choices if you want a central location without being in the middle of Times Square chaos.

Chelsea is known for its art galleries, the High Line, and Chelsea Market, while Flatiron is home to the iconic Flatiron Building and plenty of restaurants and bars. Together, they offer a lively but more balanced atmosphere compared to Midtown.

This part of Manhattan is especially popular with foodies thanks to its mix of trendy restaurants, rooftop bars, and local favorites inside Chelsea Market.

You’ll also be within walking distance of Union Square, Madison Square Park, and the Meatpacking District, making it easy to explore different parts of downtown.

Hotels in this area are mostly mid-range to upscale, with a mix of stylish boutique stays and larger modern properties. Prices aren’t the cheapest, but you’ll usually get a bit more space and character than in Midtown.

If you’re looking for the best places to stay in NYC for convenience, variety, and a lively atmosphere, Chelsea and Flatiron are hard to beat.

Where to Stay in Chelsea & Flatiron

• The Hotel Chelsea – Historic and artsy hotel with beautifully designed rooms and a legendary past
• Cambria Hotel New York – Modern hotel with comfortable rooms, a rooftop terrace, and great city views
• Kimpton Hotel Eventi – Modern hotel with spacious rooms, great dining options, and views of the Empire State Building
• Moxy NYC Chelsea – Trendy hotel with compact rooms, a rooftop bar, and a fun, youthful vibe
• Heritage Hotel New York City – A solid budget-friendly option in Flatiron with a convenient location

8. Williamsburg (Brooklyn): Best area for a trendy local vibe with skyline views

Just across the East River, Williamsburg has become one of New York’s coolest neighborhoods. Known for its hip cafés, vintage shops, street art, and craft breweries, it has a very different vibe from Manhattan.

You’ll also get some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline, especially from the waterfront parks.

The area is popular with younger travelers and anyone who wants to experience a more local side of New York. Bedford Avenue is the main strip for restaurants, bars, and shopping, while the nearby Domino Park is perfect for an afternoon stroll.

With multiple subway lines connecting you to Manhattan in under 15 minutes, it’s easy to balance Brooklyn’s laid-back charm with the energy of the city.

Hotels here are mostly boutique and mid-range, with a few luxury properties that make the most of those skyline views.

Prices are similar to downtown Manhattan, so Williamsburg isn’t necessarily cheaper, but it’s one of the best areas to stay in New York City if you’re after a hip, creative vibe.

Where to Stay in Williamsburg

• The William Vale – Modern hotel with a rooftop pool and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline
• Wythe Hotel – Industrial-chic hotel set in a converted factory with a popular rooftop bar
• The Hoxton, Williamsburg – Trendy boutique stay with stylish rooms and a lively lobby scene
• 42 Hotel Williamsburg – Contemporary hotel with sleek rooms, friendly service, and a great location near the subway
• Pod Brooklyn – Budget-friendly option with compact rooms and a fun courtyard space