What Hotel Should I Stay At In New York City

Queens John F Kennedy Airport

Lets just get this option out of the way shall we? Both of NYCs major airports, La Guardia and JFK, are in Queens. You can get in between them via Grand Central Parkway in about 30 minutes with traffic.

There are very few reasons Id imagine anyone visiting NYC would want to stay near the airports. However, I found myself thinking I shouldve done this when I booked a midnight flight from JFK Norway in January. Let me tell you getting from midtown Manhattan to JFK in January is not my idea of a good time. If I were to do it again, Id probably stay over night near the airport because theres the very cool lookingTWA Hotel thats designed to look its an airport from the sixties!

Midtown West: Best Area To Stay In New York For First

This area makes up Times Square, the Broadway Theater District, and all the way west to the Hudson River between 30th Street and Columbus Circle at 59th Street. First-time visitors will be in walking distance to the main sights in Midtown East and have plenty of transportation options. There are also familiar restaurants in Times Square but I strongly encourage NYC first-timers to skip these tourist traps and head a bit further west to 9th Avenue for restaurants and bars more typical of what youd find in New York.

Why Stay In Lower Manhattan

A quieter spot than some of the other tourist hubs of Manhattan thats still very much close to all the action. Theres a laidback vibe in the area, plenty of cafes, bookstores, and shops to wander. Its also known as the financial district so caters a lot towards people here for business meaning you might get some hotel deals on the weekend when its quieter. Theres plenty to do in the area, its within walking distance to Little Italy, the 9/11 memorial museum, and the ferry to Staten Island which offers great free views of the State of Liberty. Theres also a lot of history in the area so plenty to uncover for culture vultures and youre just a short train ride to Brooklyn and Midtown.

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Cheap Accommodation In New York With Airbnb

If you look on Airbnb, youll often find apartments listed that are considerably cheaper than comparable hotel rooms. Wed still advise against staying in an Airbnb apartment in New York.

Heres why:

Airbnb ruins the housing market for locals

We used to be huge fans of Airbnb. For two reasons: It allows you to rent out your apartment when youre on vacation, and you get to stay at a private apartment instead of a hotel and feel at home everywhere in the world.

The basic concept is great. But these days, Airbnb is full of professional vacation rentals leased for the sole purpose of putting them on Airbnb and filled with random ugly furniture to make a quick buck by renting them out 365 days a year.

The result: The housing market in major cities has become even more overcrowded and prices have skyrocketed. People are being driven out of popular districts, which then devolve into total tourist traps. That really sucks and we dont want to contribute to this cycle any longer.

Weve had several bad experiences with Airbnb.

Whats more, weve had some very bad experiences with Airbnb apartments over the past few years and were very disappointed with their customer service.

We ended up emailing back and forth with Airbnbs customer service for several days, sometimes even weeks, only to come to the realization that guests ultimately get the short end of the stick when problems arise.

Airbnb has been illegal in New York since October 2016

Where did you stay in New York?

New York Neighborhood Guide

New York City is one of the most massive and sprawling cities in the world. A epicentre for food, fashion, culture, finance and trade, NYC is truly a global metropolis.

It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet each year New York City attracts more than 50 million domestic and international visitors to tour its museums, gawk at its iconic sights, and stand at the center of Time Square.

Divided into six boroughs, New York City is home to 59 neighborhoods. Each borough has its own unique culture and atmosphere, and could be a city all on its own. In fact, if Brooklyn was its own city, it would still be one of the biggest cities in the US. For that reason, we are going to focus on accommodation in Manhattan, NYCs most famous and touristy borough.

Midtown is the heart of Manhattan, and where you will find NYs most iconic landmarks, like Time Square, Rockefeller Centre, Broadway and Bryant Park.

North of Midtown are the charming neighbourhoods, Upper West and Upper East Side. On either side of Central Park, these neighbourhoods are home to world-class museums, verdant parks, and famous addresses like Madison and Park Avenues.

Still not sure where to stay in New York City? Dont worry, weve got you covered!

Weve tested countless packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the nomad-approved Nomatic Backpack.

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Where To Stay In Long Island City

This up-and-coming neighbourhood in Queens lies just across the East River from Midtown Manhattan . Long Island City itself boasts one of the citys best flea markets, the highly rated MoMA PS1 gallery and Silvercup Studios.

Best hostel option: Q4 Hotel

Hip hostel with neat, clean dorms, small but stylish doubles, a shared kitchen and some of the cheapest rates in New York City.

Best for steampunk style: Paper Factory Hotel

Former radio manufacturer and paper factory with eclectic décor, original polished concrete floors and reclaimed materials giving it a retro vibe.

Why Is Brooklyn One Of The Best Places To Stay In Nyc

If you want to know what its like to live in New York City, spend a long weekend in Brooklyn among commuters and local residents eating and drinking after work in a varied selection of bars and restaurants throughout Brooklyn.

Brooklyn only has a slightly lower population than Chicago, which would make it the 4th highest population in the US if it were its own city.

Most tourists will visit Brooklyn on a first visit to NYC and leave thinking Yeah, I could live here!

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Upper East Side Best Neighborhood In Nyc For Museums

Every corner of this district feels evokes the feeling of affluence, and this goes back to the time when New York was a Dutch jurisdiction known as New Amsterdam. Shortly after the English took possession of the territory from Dutch colonies, wealthy families began settling in the Upper East, and this tradition remains to this very day.

This district is filled with interesting museums It is home to Museum Mile, including the world famous Metropolitan Museum of Art, or The Guggenheim, and a lot of less known museums as the Park Avenue Armory.

Park Avenue Armory is an arts space that used to house the Seventh New York Militia before being used by a combat regiment of the United States National Guard, and its soldiers used to be known as silk stockings infantrymen because they came from elite families.

If you choose to plan your stay in New York in this district, you will invariably spend more.

Here are some recommendations for staying in the Upper East Side:

Mid-Range:The Bentley Hotel looks like a very expensive hotel, but it is actually pretty reasonable unless you book a suite with panoramic views of the East River. Guests have access to a fitness center, a business conference room, ironing board in every room, and breakfast a la carte. The eight major museums of the Upper East Side are within walking distance.

Things To See And Do In Upper West Side New York

• Order a big salad or simply enjoy a cup of coffee at Toms Restaurant, a must-visit for Seinfeld fans.
• Dive deep into history, culture and the natural world at the incredible American Museum of Natural History.
• Take a virtual tour of the universe and beyond at the Hayden Planetarium.
• Enjoy five floors of fun at the Childrens Museum of Manhattan, where kids of all ages can experience interactive exhibitions and colourful displays.
• Indulge in sweet treats, cakes, and cookies at Levain Bakery.
• Pack a picnic and explore expansive and iconic Central Park, where youll find a pond, zoo, and plenty of walking paths.
• Dine on delicious and authentic Italian fare at Carmines Italian Restaurant.

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Where To Stay In New York City The Best Area For First Timers

Planning a city trip to New York City? Cool! Youre going to love the Big Apple! But finding a hotel in New York can be really stressful. Especially if its your first time traveling to New York. In this post, well help you get your bearings in New York. Well show you the best areas to stay and share our personal hotel tips.

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Your trust is very important to us: This post contains affiliate links. If you book your hotel using one of these links, we get a small commission. It wont cost you any extra and its an easy way for you to support our work. Thanks, we really appreciate it! Jenny & Basti

Hi! We are Jenny & Basti.

Were head over heels in love with photography and traveling. On our travel blog, we share useful travel tips and give you practical photography advice.

Were head over heels in love with photography and traveling. We turned our shared passion into our profession and have been at home everywhere in the world ever since. On 22places we share everything about our travels: with a lot of attention for details, inspirational, authentic, and above all: always honest. On our travel blog, we share useful travel tips and give you practical photography advice.

Its no secret that New York isnt exactly the cheapest destination for a city trip.

But lets be honest: This sprawling metropolis is most definitely one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Best Hotel In Midtown Freehand New York

Freehand New York is our top recommendation for where to stay in New York. It is centrally located, close to landmarks, museums, restaurants and more.

Guests can enjoy comfortable and spacious rooms as well as a coffee bar and a dry cleaning service. Theres a charming on-site restaurant and stylish bar.

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Why Avoid Long Island City

There are fewer bars, restaurants, and general things to do in the area as its still up and coming so if you like a lot of things to do within walking distance then constantly getting the train may not suit you. This also wont suit people looking for a high-end experience being a largely residential area.

Staten Island Good Choice For Smart Travelers

Although it may not feel like it, New York City is a group of islands on the Hudson Bay and the New York Harbor. Staten Island is a ferry trip away from Lower Manhattan, and it is often chosen as a strategic place to stay in New York by smart travelers who wish to save on lodging.

The Staten Island Ferry is a free and scenic trip that sails past the Statue of Liberty, and it is a pleasure to ride once or twice a day during your stay in New York.

Staten Island is called The Unexpected Borough because there is plenty to do and explore therein. If you are looking for history, for example, in Staten Island you can visit Sandy Ground, the oldest African-American settlement in the United States.

There are two maritime museums in this borough, and there is also Fort Wadsworth, a historic military installation that sits at the foot of the bridge connecting Staten Island with Brooklyn.

If you choose Staten Island as your vacation base in New York, consider these recommendations:

Upscale:Hilton Garden Inn New York/Staten Island is very close to the Newark Liberty International Airport, and it is frequented by business travelers who travel to the Financial District daily on the Staten Island Ferry. This hotel feels like a country club from the Victorian era, and it is in fact close to a few country clubs and golf courses. Shuttle service to the airport and the ferry terminal are provided for free.

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It’s The Second Time I Visit Ny And I Still Love It

It’s the second time I visit NY and I still love it. I hope to go back gain.Greenwich Village is nice, plan 2 hours walk for Central Parc. Book a guid for 1 day to visit some highlights of NY. You can book this tour via www.nycgo.com . Also make a harbour cruise which you book as well in advance via the website of New York City.Ofcourse you have to visit some museums, but also walk in the city . Metro is easy to travel from one point to another. You buy 1 metro card and on this card you can put the amount you want.To,prepare your trip subscribe for the newsletter of nycgo.We enjoyed the restaurant Butter of our hotel Cassa Hotel, but also liked Connolly s at 45th street. Have a cocktail or nice glass of wine at the rooftop of the Hyatt hotel, also at 45th street.I bought a bag of Kate Spade, finally a bag you hardly will see here in Belgium, so more special than for example Louis Vuitton.I didn’t like the high line, it s nothing special and toooooooo busy.And if you like brownies go to the Fat witch at Chelsea market, they are really yami

Things To Do In Central Park

You can easily spend a full day walking around Central Park.

• Dont miss Central Parks The Mall, Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge and The Ramble.
• Nearby world famous museums include The MET, Natural History Museum and Guggenheim Museum.
• Easy access to the upper parts of Midtown, such as 5th avenue shopping, Top of the Rock, MoMA and Broadway.

We would recommend looking for a hotel right along the southern edge of Central Park or as close to it as possible for your budget.

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Where To Stay For Couples: North Brooklyn

For a date night like a local, head to the tree-lined streets of Brooklyn, close enough to Manhattan that the skyline is still in sight across the East River, but just far enough away that you can cherish some breathing room. North Brooklyn, particularly Williamsburg and Greenpoint have seen a flux of new hotels in recent years, each with their own distinct Brooklyn identity, and several with killer views and cuisine and cocktails to match.

Where To Stay In Soho & Tribeca

NoMo SoHo

Located in New York City’s trendy SoHo district, this 5-star hotel is inspired by the Jean Cocteau Film, “La Belle et la Bête” and offers a fitness centre, bar and modern guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. NOMO SOHO offers Molton Bath Products, Frette linen and flat-screen HDTV with streaming capabilities. Down bedding and a marble bathroom are also included in each room. In-room spa services are available.

Duane Street Hotel Tribeca

Surrounded by art galleries and shops in the lively Tribeca neighbourhood of lower Manhattan, this boutique hotel offers an on-site restaurant and rooms with flat-screen cable TVs and free Wi-Fi. Guest rooms at Duane Street Hotel Tribeca are furnished with hardwood floors and slate rain showers. Work desks and bathrobes are also provided.

The Roxy Hotel Tribeca

All rooms at The Roxy Hotel Tribeca have a work desk and a seating area. Bathrobes and complimentary toiletries are provided. The rooms also come with a flat-screen cable TV. The Roxy Bar & Lounge boasts an 8-story atrium and serves modern American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Bar & Lounge offers up DJs and live entertainment.

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Accommodations In Soho New York

Cobblestones are typical on the streets of SoHo, here you will find the famous Cast-Iron Buildings and in contrast to the usual numbering of streets in New York City, the streets here have real names: Spring Street, Prince Street or the famous Broadway should definitely be remembered. This neighborhood is home to some of the oldest buildings in the city. The architecture of the last century is unmistakable and gives SoHo its charm.

Advantages of SoHo New York

• many bars, restaurants and shopping possibilities
• famous for the Cast Iron buildings
• safe

Disadvantages of Soho New York

• quite expensive

• First-time visitors
• Families

Here you can find my recommendations for hotels in Soho New York and here our Soho Guide with everything you need to know!

Understanding How Big New York City Is

New York City is massive. The city is spread out over 302.6 square miles over five major boroughs:

• The Bronx: The Bronx is north of Manhattan, separated by the Harlem River, and Queens, separated by the East River.
• Manhattan: South of the Bronx and tapers off where the Hudson River and East River meet, Brooklyn across the way of the East River
• Brooklyn: Across from Manhattan, it and Queens are actually on the same land as Long Island
• Queens: Borders Brooklyn to the west and is south of The Bronx, separated by the East River
• Staten Island: On its own island to the other side of Brooklyn, separated by Upper Bay

I remember a friend telling me she hasnt made time to go see the Christmas lights in Dyker Heights because its such a hassle to get from where she lives in Upper Manhattan all the way down to one of the more southern parts of Brooklyn. I actually think we driving from Philly would be faster than her navigating the subway or even paying for a car/tour in the nighttime Christmas traffic!

Anyway, thats all to say you want to choose where you stay wisely. For example, it doesnt make too much sense to stay in Upper Manhattan if a lot of the NYC attractions you want to see are in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Important: Before you do anything, plug in all the places you want to visit in NYC into Google Maps so you have an idea of where they are relative to each other. Then pick a hotel somewhere in the middle and near a subway station!

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