Where to stay in New York? The 5 best areas and accommodations in NYC 🇺🇸

Where to stay in New York City? This question arises as soon as you have your flight tickets under control and start checking prices for hotels in New York City.

In this guide, I’ll tell you more about the best areas of the city and recommend hotels in New York that are central and well located.

I’m a Danish travel blogger who used to own a travel agency that offered tours to New York City. So if you still need help finding a hotel after reading this guide, please comment below and I will try to help you.

I promise that you will learn more about the best areas of New York through the following guide and that my hotel recommendations will help you find excellent accommodation in the Big Apple.

So let’s start with the guide: Where to stay in NYC?

Best neighborhoods in NYC

If you are in a hurry, you can find an overview of the best area for your stay here:

• 👉 Soho – my favourite New York neighbourhood
• 👉 Lower East Side & East Village – here you will find the best atmosphere in Manhattan.
• 👉 Midtown – the best neighborhood for families (near Times Square)
• 👉 Chelsea – the best area to feel like a New Yorker
• 👉 Williamsburg – the coolest neighbourhood for trendy travellers

1. Soho – my favorite neighborhood in New York

Yes, I just picked the best neighborhood in New York. Soho is in the center of Manhattan, and many people call it “the real New York”.

I love Soho because it combines many of the good things I like about New York. Like everywhere else in the city, there are lots of people here, but it’s less intense than further north in Manhattan.

Here you can find the best hotel deals in Soho. 👈

There are still many small side streets that you can sneak into and then be rewarded with the search for an excellent café.

There’s also Broadway, where the shopping opportunities are eminent – just ask my girlfriend, who could spend many days just shopping in Soho 😀 .

Soho is a safe area, by the way; there are a lot of tourists here, but it’s not disturbing.

In Soho, as mentioned, there are also pleasant side streets with little traffic, and you can simply stroll around and enjoy the beautiful buildings.

Watch a short video from Soho below to get an idea of the area – the guide continues below the video:

Soho is located in the immediate vicinity of Little Italy and Chinatown – both areas and places that you absolutely have to see in New York.

Another advantage of Soho is that there are several subway lines that can take you quickly and easily to the other districts of Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Newark and JFK airports are also within easy reach from here, so everything works perfectly – including the practical details that are important when traveling to New York.

I am a fan of Soho and would recommend that you look for a hotel in this area.

Places to stay in Soho

Below we present some of the hotels in the region.

Beautiful hotel in Soho – New York Bowery 👈

The hotel has a cool bar, so you can also save yourself the trip to the Empire State Building if you stay here.

And then to a slightly different hotel, the fantastic 👉 citizenM New York Bowery.

It’s a new hotel that opened its doors in September 2018 – judging by the hotel’s guest reviews (the hotel gets a rating of 9.6 out of 10), it must have been an excellent idea to open this hotel.

Here you get a super-modern hotel in Soho; actually right in the area I like best, east of Broadway towards the Lower East Side, right on Bowery Subway St. In my eyes, there is no better location in New York.

I honestly don’t have much more to say about this hotel – if you’re looking for a good hotel in Soho, book here. There’s a cool lounge/bar in the reception area, free wifi and even an (almost) rooftop bar with an impressive view of the city (see the link below for more photos of the hotel).

The price is actually surprisingly low, but of course not cheap as it is a brand new 4-star hotel in New York City.

Find more photos and book the hotel here. 👈

NoMo Soho

The NoMo Soho 👈 could also be mentioned in this context.

There are slightly more rooms here, the hotel has half a star more and the price is only a few percent higher. Another hotel with a perfect location in Soho, incredibly good reviews and a very modern interior.

It is a slightly larger hotel with 263 rooms, two bars and a restaurant. The advantage over the citizenM is that the NoMo has a large number of different room types.

For example, if you are a family with children traveling to New York, you can book a room type with space for the children.

Here you can find out more about the 👉 NoMo Soho and book the hotel online.

2. Lower East Side & East Village – here you’ll find the best vibes in Manhattan

On my first trip to New York, I lived in the Lower East Side (right on the border with the East Village) and was immediately impressed.

Here, you’re in New York without feeling like you’re trapped in a “Disneyland New York” – just as New York (and all other major cities) can feel a little fake when you’re in the most touristy area.

This is not the case in the Lower East Side or the East Village. There is a wide selection of good restaurants, bars and cafés in these areas.

View current offers for hotels in the Lower East Side. 👈

Again, here’s a short video showing the East Village and the Lower East Side to give you an idea of the area – the guide continues below the video:

While Soho is undoubtedly a pretty touristy area (though not in a bad way), the Lower East Side and East Village feel much more like a local New York neighborhood.

There are also many classic New York fire escapes in the Lower East Side.

I would recommend all types of travelers to stay here, but it might be perfect for young people who also want the opportunity to have a few drinks at a super cool local bar – and come home with a good story from an area the neighbor may have never been to, even if they’ve been to New York several times before.

“LES” is one of my favorite neighborhoods in New York and without a doubt the first place I look for cheap hotels when I travel to the city.

The area is within walking distance of Soho, so you’re close to all the excellent shopping but also away from the (most) tourists.

Incidentally, the LES is also close to Williamsburg, an exciting neighborhood that you should definitely visit on your trip to New York – more about Williamsburg later…Incidentally, the LES is also close to Williamsburg, an exciting neighborhood that you should definitely visit on your trip to New York – more about Williamsburg later…

The Lower East Side is an excellent place for a city trip to New York.

Where to stay in Lower East Side & East Village

Hotels in these districts are generally cheaper than in Soho or Midtown, so you can find cheap accommodation here.

Cheap hotel in good location – 👉 The Ridge

On my last trip to New York, I stayed right next to 👉 The Ridge and can therefore confirm that the location is excellent.

The hotel also receives excellent reviews (8.2 out of 10) and seems to be a great deal for a good but cheap hotel in New York.

The hotel is located on East Houston Street, which separates the Lower East Side and the East Village, putting you in the middle of two of New York’s best neighborhoods.

Plus, you’re only 2 minutes on the tube from Soho (or 5-10 minutes on foot, depending on how you define the “border”).

The hotel is not particularly fancy, but a 3-star hotel with nice rooms, private bathroom and a good location.

And as a side note, I can mention that one of the best bars in town (if you ask me), the Fools Gold, is just a stone’s throw away from the hotel

If you are looking for an affordable and good hotel in a great area, you should take a look at The Ridge – not to be confused with The Ritz in London.

For more information and online bookings, click here. 👈

Hotel Mimosa

A similar hotel (cheap and good) is the 👉 Hotel Mimosa, a little further south in the Lower East Side – in the immediate vicinity of Chinatown, Little Italy and Soho.

It also receives good ratings (also 8.5 out of 10) and has some charming rooms.

See more photos and book online here. 👈

Luxury hotel with rooftop bar and views of the NYC skyline – Public

I spent a night at the Public when I traveled to New York recently. It was an unforgettable experience as it is a well run, fabulous hotel.

The Public Hotel was designed by Ian Schrager, who has been one of New York City’s local heroes since 1977, when he made a name for himself with Studio 54.

The aim of the Public was undoubtedly to create a nice hotel for those on a budget – because it’s not exactly cheap to stay here.

There is a rooftop bar, the option to book rooms with particularly good views and several bars, cafés and restaurants. It is therefore a huge hotel with almost 400 rooms.

The rooms themselves are brand new and modern, but the bathroom itself was a bit strange – for example, the sink was not in the bathroom, but in the room itself…

A little odd, but nothing to stop you staying here if you are considering it.

3. Midtown – best residential area for families (near Times Square)

Midtown Manhattan, especially the area around Times Square, should be on your radar, whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning visitor to New York City.

Firstly, the location is unbeatable. Midtown is right in the center of everything.

With a short subway or cab ride, you can quickly get uptown or downtown. And if you have kids in tow, Times Square is like a real fairground.

There are huge stores like M&M’s and Hershey’s that make a simple shopping trip a delightful adventure.

And attractions such as Madame Tussauds and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! are close by, making the city even more family-friendly.

Here you can find the best hotels in Midtown. 👈

If you are visiting New York for the first time, Times Square is an absolute must. It’s the city in a nutshell. The lights, the hustle and bustle, the theaters and of course the Broadway shows – this is New York at its most vibrant.

Speaking of lively: Let’s talk about food and drink. There are some great places to relax and refuel. Jimmy’s Corner is an absolute must if you’re into an old-school atmosphere.

The Tailor Public House near Madison Square Garden offers fantastic Irish-American dishes for those looking for something a little heartier.

• I once broke a glass in this bar (accidentally, of course) and the staff were very nice about it – so I always like to come here to have a beer and give the staff a good tip.

Not to forget the sights and leisure activities in Midtown.

From Times Square, it is just a short walk to the grandiose Grand Central Terminal, the historic Rockefeller Center and the green oasis of Central Park.

Bryant Park is a little gem where you can relax in the midst of the urban chaos.

And finally, Times Square has this round-the-clock energy that’s exciting and makes you feel safe. And the best part? You have a wide choice of accommodation, from budget to luxury.

If you want to get a taste of New York with its mix of famous landmarks and hidden gems, don’t miss Times Square and the wider Midtown area.

It’s a great place to stay if you want to experience the NYC you know from the movies, and if you’re coming to the US with kids, you can’t go wrong with a hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

Places to stay in Midtown Manhattan

When I had my travel agency, I went to New York to look for new hotels – and I stayed in many different hotels in Midtown, as many of my clients wanted to stay near Times Square.

Therefore, I would like to introduce you to some of my favorite hotels in Midtown in different price ranges.

Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan

If you really want to stay right on the pulse of NYC, the 👉Crowne Plaza in Times Squareis hard to beat.

It’s one of those places where you step outside the door and – boom – you’re right in the middle of the iconic New York scene. Bringing the family? This hotel is a winner.

Finding spacious rooms in the city is like finding a goldmine, and this hotel has it. The children have enough space to move around without bumping into everything.

I stayed here on a business trip in 2019 and found the value for money to be excellent.

And the staff? On point. Super helpful without being intrusive.

This hotel ticks many of the right boxes for a true NYC experience without the cramped spaces.

See more photos and book here. 👈

Hard Rock Hotel New York

If you’re looking to spend a little more money on your trip to New York, the 👉 Hard Rock Hotelshould be on your radar. It’s a five-star hotel, and believe me, they deserve every single one of those stars.

Firstly, the location? First class. You’re right in the middle of the action and don’t spend half your journey in cabs or the subway.

Now to the hotel itself – it has the classic hard rock atmosphere, a bit of rock ‘n’ roll and a bit of luxury all rolled into one.

See more photos and book here.

Guests who have stayed there often rave about the luxurious rooms and first-class service. If you’re a music fan, the memorabilia is a trip down memory lane.

So if you’re looking for a mix of style, luxury and a touch of rock history, this hotel is an absolute must.

Courtyard by Marriott Times Square West 👈

Okay, if you’re looking to get a bang for your buck in NYC, especially around the Times Square area, the Courtyard by Marriott is a solid choice.

No joke, this place defies the norm for a city notorious for its tiny rooms and gives you space to stretch out.

The rooms are surprisingly spacious, which is a rarity in the heart of Manhattan.

And if you only have a small budget? It’s a lifesaver. You don’t have to compromise on comfort, but you don’t have to break the bank either.

The location is also perfect, making it easy to explore the city.

See more photos and book here. 👈

Pod 51

The Pod 51 👈 could be your first port of call if you’re on a budget but still want to live in Manhattan.

This is one of the places I stayed on my last trip to NYC, and it really does live up to its promise.

It is simple, but it fulfills its purpose and does it well.

The rooms are rather basic, but you save a lot of money.

The roof terrace is a real gem. Grab a drink, go up there and enjoy the atmosphere of the city.

Compared to the other hotels, it is a little further away from Times Square, but Midtown East is a nice neighborhood in its own right.

So if you want to save money without living in the suburbs, you should take a look at Pod 51.

See more photos and book here. 👈

4. Chelsea – stay in a classic New York neighborhood

Chelsea isn’t a neighborhood I’m particularly familiar with, but despite my limited knowledge, I highly recommend a stay here when traveling to New York.

Among other things, we find one of New York’s very special sights here: the High Line. The High Line is an old railroad line that now serves as a footpath several meters above the busy streets.

Here you can find the best hotels in Chelsea. 👈

It’s fantastic to be able to walk around here and enjoy the view of the hustle and bustle of city life.

At the end (or beginning, depending on where you start), on the southern part of the High Line, is another reason to stay in Chelsea: Chelsea Market.

The Chelsea Market is an exciting market with food, vintage clothing and various hawker market-like shops/stalls. Super cool and a place to spend many hours.

Of course, we also need a video showing Chelsea:

I have yet to explore Chelsea in detail, but I would definitely consider staying here on a future trip to New York. The Flatiron District, which is east of Chelsea, is also a great area with lots of cool stores.

Places to stay in Chelsea

I’ve stayed in several hotels in Chelsea and have always loved them. Here are a few of my favorite hotels in Chelsea.

Cheap accommodation in Chelsea – Chelsea Savoy Hotel

Chelsea is not a cheap neighborhood, but I found a hotel that was relatively cheap by NYC standards.

It’s called Chelsea Savoy Hotel and has an excellent location, close to 5th Avenue, Madison Square Park and the Flatiron Building, among others, which you should definitely pass by when visiting New York.

It’s a 2-star hotel, but it gets great reviews (8.6 out of 10) and looks like a wonderful little hotel for those looking to save money on their stay in NYC.

Read more about the hotel and book online here. 👈

Hampton Inn Chelsea

If you want to stay in a hotel that is a little more luxurious, but still at the lower end of the price scale, you should check out the 👉 Hampton Inn Manhattan-Chelsea.

There is also the option to choose rooms with two double beds, so that it can quickly become a very affordable accommodation in New York City for families with children.

5. Williamsburg – the coolest place to stay for trendy travelers

Williamsburg is the only neighborhood in my guide to the best places to stay in New York, not Manhattan, but it has topped the charts for the coolest neighborhood in the world for many years, so it’s not like you’re coming to an absolute mecca with no tourists.

However, Williamsburg has an atmosphere that I have never experienced in Manhattan.

Williamsburg is home to countless cool cafés and the best vintage stores, and generally has a more relaxed atmosphere than Manhattan.

It’s a very cool and trendy area with an insane number of hipsters and some extremely cool bars.

See the best hotels in Williamsburg. 👈

But let’s get straight to the point with the hipsters – because what exactly is a hipster area?

In Copenhagen, it’s Vesterbro, but it’s also Vesterbro that all the tourists want to experience. Just like in London, where all the young people flock to Shoreditch. In Berlin, it’s… all the neighborhoods in Berlin.

When an area is referred to as a “hipster district”, it’s because there’s a good mix of bars, stores and restaurants – at least that’s how I interpret it.

It also fits in perfectly with Williamsburg, where I felt very comfortable, and I don’t consider myself a hipster at all…

Here is a short video from Williamsburg:

There are several subway lines from Williamsburg to Manhattan, so you can quickly get “into the city”; on the other hand, it is usually cheaper to live in Williamsburg than in Manhattan.

So if you’re a super trendy hipster, you can opt for a hotel in Williamsburg on your trip to New York

Places to stay in Williamsburg

You get much more for your money in Williamsburg than in Manhattan. So if you’re traveling to New York on a budget, this is a great area to look for a hotel.

Affordable hotel in New York’s coolest neighborhood – Pod Brooklyn

The pod hotels are located in various places in New York, but the hotel in Williamsburg is (according to my research) slightly cheaper than the others. As the name suggests, it’s a tiny room with a bathroom and a very low price compared to conventional hotels in New York City.

Pod Brooklyn has a near-perfect location in Williamsburg, so if you’re okay with a tiny room, book this New York City accommodation.

👉 Pod Brooklyn scores a whopping 8.8 out of 10 for satisfaction from previous guests, and some tell good stories about a very modern hotel.

See the hotel here. 👈

Hotel with rooftop pool in New York City

One of the most incredible hotels in Williamsburg is 👉 The William Vale Hotel.

I visited it myself when I was sneaking around Williamsburg, and it’s an impressive 5-star hotel that gets top marks in reviews from previous guests.

There’s even a swimming pool with a view of the Manhattan skyline, so you have to expect it to be expensive. But it’s not insanely expensive – since we’re still “on the road” in Williamsburg, it’s cheaper than similar hotels in Manhattan.

If you are looking for a great hotel with a rooftop pool in New York, you should definitely book this hotel.

If there’s room in your budget for one or more nights, then it’s worth the money – especially in summer when you can enjoy the pool.

See more photos and book online here. 👈

I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best neighborhoods and accommodations in New York City.

If you have any questions about your trip to New York, please comment below.

Frequently asked questions: