Choosing a hotel in NYC is definitely not an easy task. With so many options, we always look for somewhere close to the top tourist attractions and in a safe neighbourhood. Let’s be honest, as iconic as NYC is, there are definitely areas we’d prefer to stay away from. Plus, there isn’t really one central city center, so you can’t pick one location and expect to be close to everything. But staying somewhere in Manhattan is probably your best bet. If you don’t mind a little subway travel, though, Brooklyn or Queens can be great options too. Check out this guide for the best areas to stay in New York City!
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Midtown Manhattan
When most people think of New York City, Midtown Manhattan is likely what comes to mind. It’s the heart of the city, packed with iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and Fifth Avenue. If you’re a first-time visitor to New York City, staying here means you’ll be in a great location to explore the best tourist attractions. From the bright lights of Times Square to the shopping on Madison Avenue, Midtown Manhattan offers easy access to everything you want to see in the Big Apple. Some people might say Times Square isn’t the best place to stay in New York City because it’s usually very busy, and all the restaurants around are tourist traps. However, it is the most central location, and I personally really enjoyed staying there.
Luxury – Four Seasons Hotel New York, The Plaza, The Peninsula
Mid-Range – The Evelyn Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn New York, The Pearl Hotel
Budget – Pod 51 Hotel, The Jane Hotel, Moxy NYC Times Square
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Upper West Side
For a quieter, more residential vibe, the Upper West Side is a perfect place to stay. It’s near Central Park, where you can enjoy green spaces and take a peaceful walk or bike ride. The area has plenty of family-friendly options and spacious rooms, making it a great choice for business travelers or those who prefer a more relaxed environment. It’s also close to the American Museum of Natural History.
Luxury – Mandarin Oriental New York, The Wallace,
Mid-Range – The Lucerne Hotel, Arthouse Hotel New York City, Hotel Belleclaire
Budget – HI New York City Hostel, Riverside Tower Hotel
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Lower Manhattan
Lower Manhattan is where history and modernity blend. It’s home to the Financial District, Wall Street, and the World Trade Center, and offers fantastic views of the East River. The area has several affordable stays and is great for first-time visitors interested in exploring tourist attractions like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s a perfect place for those who want to be close to historical landmarks and still have access to a great location near subway stations. I stayed there once, and I really enjoyed it. It was clean, had pretty good food options, and was perfectly connected to the rest of the city.
Luxury – The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel, Conrad Downtown
Mid-Range – The Artezen Hotel, NobleDEN Hotel, The Frederick Hotel
Budget – The Jane Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton, Fairfield Inn by Marriott

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SoHo and Tribeca
If you’re looking for chic, artsy vibes, SoHo and Tribeca are the best neighborhoods in New York City for you. SoHo is famous for its cobblestone streets and high-end boutiques, while Tribeca offers trendy dining spots and boutique hotels. These areas are perfect for those looking to explore the heart of Manhattan with a touch of style. You’ll find plenty of luxury suites, spacious suites, and historical hotels.
Luxury – The Mercer, Crosby Street Hotel, The Dominick Hotel
Mid-Range – Arlo SoHo, Sheraton Tribeca, Roxy Hotel
Budget – Soho 54, Four Points by Sheraton, The Solita SoHo Hotel
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Upper East Side
The Upper East Side is a more upscale and sophisticated area, known for its luxury hotels, designer stores, and access to museums like The Met and the Guggenheim. I’m sure many of you, like me, have heard of the Upper East Side from the famous TV show Gossip Girl. Here, you’ll also be close to the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art and the famous staircase featured in the show.
Luxury – The Mark Hotel, Lowell Hotel, The Pierre, A Taj Hotel
Mid-Range – Loews Regency, The Marmara Manhattan, Courtyard New York
Budget – voco The Franklin, The Gardens Sonesta ES Suites New York

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Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village is my favourite area in NYC. It’s a bohemian neighbourhood with an artistic and countercultural history, packed with cafes, restaurants, and a laid-back atmosphere. The area is also home to Washington Square Park and has some of the best hotels and guest rooms offering luxurious suites and spacious rooms. It’s a great place if you’re looking for nightlife. Greenwich Village offers plenty of live music venues, bars, and theaters. Here, you can also find the famous Friends apartment building.
Luxury – The Standard, High Line, Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC
Mid-Range – Walker Hotel, The Marlton Hotel, Washington Square Hotel
Budget – The Jane Hotel, Chelsea Pines Inn, Incentra Village House
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Brooklyn
For a more local experience, staying in Brooklyn offers a different side of the Big Apple. Brooklyn is home to cool neighborhoods like Williamsburg and DUMBO, both offering incredible views of the Hudson River and Manhattan’s skyline. If you’re traveling on a budget, it’s also known for its budget hotels and affordable stays. For a unique NYC experience, this neighborhood will give you the chance to explore Greenwich village from a local perspective while being just a short subway ride from the hustle and bustle of Midtown Manhattan.
Luxury – 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, The William Vale, Wythe Hotel
Mid-Range – Henry Norman Hotel, Even Hotel Brooklyn, Aloft Brooklyn
Budget – Pod Brooklyn, Hotel Le Bleu, The L Hotel
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Queens
If you’re on a budget or want to experience diversity, Queens is a great option. You’ll find affordable places to stay, a quieter vibe, and amazing international food. It’s also close to JFK and LaGuardia Airports, which makes it easy to get to. However, some areas like Jamaica and Corona might not be the best for tourists because they are farther from the main attractions. Stick to neighborhoods like Astoria or Long Island City for a safer, more convenient stay with easy access to Manhattan.
Luxury – Renaissance New York, LaGuardia Airport Marriott
Mid-Range – Marriott New York JFK Airport, Aloft New York LaGuardia, LIC Hotel
Budget – The Queens Hotel, Asiatic Hotel – Flushing
I hope this post helped you choose the perfect location for your trip to New York City! With so many amazing neighbourhoods to choose from, it’s all about finding the area that fits your style and what you want to experience. Let me know in the comments where you would stay or if you’ve already visited NYC – I’d love to hear your recommendations!
I’ve only been to New York once and I stayed in Manhatten as it was close to the sites. Next time, I think I’d stay in Brooklyn to get away from the crowds. I love how you’ve broken down the different areas in New York in this post. It’s really beneficial for visitors not knowing the city that well.