New York City has long had a reputation for being the most expensive city in the world, but you don’t need to be a millionaire to have a comfortable stay on your visit. Sure there are hotels and accommodations catering to the rich and famous, but there are also plenty of budget-friendly options and hip choices for younger travelers too.
With so many things to do in New York City, you’ll want to stay close to the action. Whether you want five-star service or are looking for more of an experience mingling with your fellow guests, there’s something for every taste with these New York hotels.
Most Budget-Friendly
Pod 39 Hotel
A three-star hotel close to Grand Central Station, the United Nations building and The New York Public Library, Pod 39 offers a uniquely affordable lodging experience. A slightly hostel-like experience, rooms are tiny with either bunk beds or a single queen-sized bed with the option of having connecting rooms for larger parties.
The amenities at Pod 39 exceed the expectations one might have about cheap hotels in New York — all rooms feature free WiFi, a flat screen TV (or individual TVs on bunk beds) and dimmable lights. While there’s less space, there’s more opportunity for exploration and getting the most out of your stay in New York.
The hotel offers free city tours and a rooftop lounge/restaurant with an onsite game room to better acquaint you with fellow travelers. Make some friends and you can embark on some of the best free things to do in NYC together.
Row NYC
Located inside Times Square and surrounded by tons of Broadway theaters, Row NYC has a variety of basic, comfortable rooms to suit solo travelers, couples and families. Each space comes with an iPhone docking station, free HBO and blackout curtains to shield you from the city lights.
Many rooms have a view of Midtown Manhattan, but the real benefits from staying here are all the onsite facilities available to guests. In addition to their own cafe/restaurant, Row NYC has a gourmet food market and confectionery.
You can also easily beautify yourself before a night on the town with their express beauty bar or work off the sweets in their cycling studio.
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Hampton Inn Brooklyn/Downtown
Although it’s part of an international chain, this particular Hampton Inn offers budget-friendly lodging with a New York City twist. As such, it’s frequently used for wedding parties who block off rooms for their guests.
Rooms are decorated with modern, local art and some even have a walk-out patio with views of downtown Manhattan. A bar and terraced patio are available for meals and all guests have access to a free breakfast buffet in the mornings in addition to 24/7 tea and coffee in the lobby.
In fact, their fitness center and sundries shop are also open 24/7 to accommodate travelers coming and going at all hours of the day and night.
Hippest
Nu Hotel
With it’s loft-like rooms featuring bunk beds and hammocks, Nu Hotel appeals to hip 20-somethings and families with children alike making it one of the trendiest hotels in New York. Each room has a mural from a local artist painted in it and features environmentally sustainable materials like cork floors and custom teak furnishings.
Kids and creatives will also love the chalkboard in the bathroom, encouraging them to scribble their daily thoughts while getting ready for the day. Complimentary WiFi and bike rentals are available at the hotel, letting you choose between enjoying your time indoors or out.
There’s also a complimentary breakfast every morning along with an onsite bar offering happy hour Monday through Thursday.
The Standard High Line
A national chain with hotels in New York, Miami and LA, The Standard appeals to a young, hip crowd who likes to see and be seen. Its High Line location in the Meatpacking District is no different, boasting an impressive late night bar, biergarten and penthouse club.
During the winter months, their plaza has art installations and a skating rink, and in the summer it provides plenty of outdoor seating for their cafe. Rooms are just as appealing as the onsite facilities, providing floor to ceiling windows, hooded robes and Bluetooth speakers for in-room lounging.
Even the bathrooms have views of the city along with two-person tubs and showers for those nights when you just don’t want to leave your room.
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Ace Hotel
One of the benefits of staying at an Ace Hotel location has to be their curated art and music events. If you’re in town for a weekend getaway you might enjoy a DJ set, gallery opening or album release party in the lobby of the hotel.
Select rooms also include a turntable with vinyl records, acoustic guitars and original artwork by local artists. There are a variety of room sizes suitable for all types of travelers, especially artistic types.
The hotel even encourages in-room photo shoots in addition to providing a public photo booth in the lobby. Plus it doesn’t hurt that they have a variety of dining options including the Michelin star rated Breslin Bar & Dining Room, which even provides 24-hour room service and hors d’oeuvres during events.
Most Luxurious
Lowell Hotel
Centrally located in Manhattan (and only two blocks away from Central Park), the Lowell Hotel sits atop an intimate list of highly rated luxury hotels in the city. Conde Nast Traveler gave it a spot on their Gold List this year after a $25 million upgrade and the addition of Majorelle, a Mediterranean-influenced French restaurant headed up by restaurateur, Charles Masson.
In addition to the gourmet food, you can also enjoy afternoon tea in their Pembroke Room.
As luxury rooms go, the Lowell leads the pack with wood burning fireplaces, heated oak floors and landscaped terraces. A variety of Apple products are available in-room upon request and there’s even a special pet menu for room service orders, making this one of the top boutique hotels in New York.
To really drive home the exclusivity appeal, the Lowell’s concierge service is rumored to have the power to get you VIP access to events and tickets to sold out shows. Rates start at around $700 per night.
The Plaza Hotel
One of the world’s most famous hotels, The Plaza Hotel in New York City has hosted celebrities, diplomats and royalty throughout its 110-year history. Just off of Fifth Avenue and Central Park, the Plaza is smack dab in the middle of the most luxurious neighborhood in the city.
As such, it’s no surprise that they have some of the best suites in the world, with the largest coming in around 4,500 square feet. Some suites are designed by Hollywood costume designers and fashion designers, and most also feature 24-karat gold fixtures in their bathrooms.
Aside from their large rooms and views of Central Park, The Plaza also has a variety of iconic dining options from their champagne bar to the Todd English Food Hall. After you’ve eaten your fill of caviar and foie gras, work it off in their onsite fitness club or have equipment and apparel delivered to your room for a private workout.
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The Greenwich Hotel
Owned by Oscar-winning actor Robert DeNiro, The Greenwich Hotel’s chic boutique aesthetic has attracted Hollywood celebrities from both coasts. Just blocks away from the 9/11 Memorial in the neighborhood of Tribeca, the hotel is like an urban oasis with its onsite Japanese-style spa.
A secluded bar awaits you along with chef Andrew Carmellini’s food porn worthy Italian taverna, Locanda Verde.
With luxurious in-room amenities like deep soaking tubs, walk-in rain showers and huge 30-foot windows with views of the Hudson River, you may never want to leave the hotel. The Tribeca Penthouse especially boasts 6,800 square feet of beautifully handcrafted materials and amenities like airport transfers, free spa treatments and grocery shopping.
Even your pets will be pampered with their own provided dog bed, bowl and hand prepared treat.