In the heart of "The Big Apple," Manhattan is one of the most densely populated areas in the city, showcasing the world's major commercial, financial, and cultural centers.
For first-time visitors, Manhattan seems quite overwhelming with towering skyscrapers, neverending traffic, and easy access to major attractions.
Over the recent years, the tourism rate in Manhattan has skyrocketed immensely, leaving no choice for hotels and neighborhoods to raise their nightly and monthly rates, especially for events like concerts and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Despite the extra cost, international and United States travelers continue to flock over to New York City due to the city's eclectic mix of activities to take part in.
If you live in DC, take the Acela from Union Station to Penn Station in NYC.
From Grand Central Station to the Empire State Building, New York has endless opportunities and is a great place to explore.
In order to make the most of your trip to New York City for the first time, here's the scoop on some of the best places to stay in Manhattan whether you're looking for luxury hotels or budget-friendly hotels!
Best Places to Stay in New York City
Depending on where you choose to stay, you can have access to the New York Public Library, Staten Island Ferry, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Jewish Museum, Grand Central Terminal, or Madison Square Garden.
1. The Langham, New York
2. Loewes Regency
3. 1 Hotel Central Park
4. The Mark Hotel
Midtown Manhattan
Visitors can't go wrong with this central location. Midtown is where Times Square, the Empire State Building, the Theater District, Broadway, Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, and the Museum of Modern Art are located.
If you're wanting to knock out most of the major attractions in New York City, Midtown Manhattan is one of the best locations for attractions and hotel rooms. Spot the Flatiron building on a block formed by Fifth Avenue.
For public transportation, Midtown is one of the most convenient locations that allows you to easily connect to the main subway lines. Catch the subway on 59th Street. You can book a hotel with a rooftop bar and an outdoor pool.
This area of Manhattan caters to all budgets. However, be prepared to pay more for your hotel room if you visit during major events. It's not impossible to find budget hotels.
Best Hotels
- Bryant Park Hotel
- The Peninsula New York
- citizenM New York
- New Yorker Hotel
Upper East Side
This luxurious neighborhood is home to fine dining and upscale shopping and is one of the best places to stay in Manhattan.
Due to the eye-catching architecture and residential options, this famous area is featured in popular shows like Sex in the City and Gossip Girl. Upper East Side is the right place for Museum Mile where visitors can explore some of the best museums in the world including the Guggenheim Museum.
Besides the museums, this area of Manhattan offers plenty of opportunities to walk around Madison Avenue. Spend time with your family or furry friends in the stunning Central Park.
Best Hotels on Upper East Side
- The Pierre
- Courtyard New York Manhattan/Upper East Side
- The Gardens Sonesta ES Suites New York
- voco The Franklin New York
Lower East Side
A neighborhood all about diversity, the Lower East Side is located between The Bowery and the East River. Visit the Two Bit's Arcade or take a stroll and come across The New Museum or the East Village.
Due to the area's extensive history, this is one of the most popular places and visitors will come across immigrants with small businesses. You also won't be pressed to find bars in this NYC neighborhood.
Best Hotels
- Bowery Grand Hotel
- PUBLIC, and Ian Schrager Hotel
- citizenM New York Bowery
Upper West Side
Surrounded by the Hudson River and Central Park, The Upper West Side is adjacent to the neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen, Columbus Circle to the southeast, and Morningside Heights to the north.
If you're looking for a place that is family-friendly, the Upper West Side is one of the best places to stay in New York City.
Similarly to the east side, this area of Manhattan greets New Yorkers and tourists alike with cultural institutions such as the Lincoln Center and the American Museum of Natural History. The Upper West Side also has gorgeous apartments and townhouses including The Dakota and San Remo.
Best Hotels on Upper West Side
- Mandarin Oriental
- Hotel Lucerne
- Hotel BeaCons
Financial District
This neighborhood in lower Manhattan is home to Wall Street and The New York Stock Exchange.
Where business thrives, the Financial District is one of the top picks and is not only business-oriented but soaked in history with cobblestone streets, and historic restaurants dating back to the 1800s.
In terms of major tourist attractions, this area of Manhattan is where the 9/11 Memorial and The World Trade Center are located.
Business travelers and New Yorkers can also catch a breathtaking view of the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island as well as the Brooklyn Bridge.
Hotels in the Financial District
- Artezen Hotel
- Conrad Hotel
- World Center Hotel
- Millennium Downtown New York
SoHo
The central location for shopping, SoHo is a luxurious dream with a plethora of designer boutiques, shops, and art galleries. SoHo is more of a residential neighborhood compared to Midtown, so you won't have to worry about major crowds.
When staying in SoHo, make sure to check out Lauduree, and Dominique Ansel, and pick up a pizza while you're there. You can also try out the fitness center where many celebrities have been spotted. It is also within walking distance of the West Village in lower Manhattan.
Best Hotels in SoHo
- SoHo Grand Hotel
- The Dominick Hotel
- Nomo SoHo
- Arlo SoHo
Greenwich Village
This smaller neighborhood in lower Manhattan (home to the One World Trade Center) is not only one of the most expensive places to live but also an area of the city known for its nightlife with famous restaurants and bars.
Greenwich Village may not be as budget-friendly as other locations in the city; however, travelers can receive a thorough taste for classic New York City architecture and history. Take the Houston Street Subway Station to explore other parts of NYC.
You can also find the iconic apartment that was featured in the tv show, Friends. This is also the place where you'll most likely run into college students who go to New York University. You can find a beautiful park called Washington Square Park with the famous white arch.
Best Hotels in Greenwich
- Walker Hotel
- Washington Square Hotel
- Larchmont Hotel
- The Bowery Hotel
Long Island City (Queens)
One of the most budget-friendly locations in Manhattan, Long Island City in Queens offers plenty of transportation options like the subway or the ferry.
When visiting this area, stop by the local art galleries and waterfront breweries. While public transportation is needed for all of the tourist attractions, this area is the most diverse in New York City.
Best Hotels in Long Island City
- LIC Plaza Hotel
- Hyatt Place Long Island City
- Aloft Long Island City
- Boro Hotel
Williamsburg (Brooklyn)
Williamsburg is one of the best places to stay in Manhattan due to its direct access to lower Manhattan just across the East River. This part of Brooklyn boasts quite the reputation for trendy bars, restaurants, and coffee shops with skyline views as well as the Williamsburg Bridge.
For travelers looking to explore more of the arts and music scene with the best views, staying in Williamsburg may be the best choice. This area in Brooklyn is also close to Union Square by subway.
Best Hotels in Williamsburg
- Wythe Hotel
- The Williamsburg Hotel
- The William Vale
- The Hoxton, Williamsburg
The Bronx
Located north of Manhattan, The Bronx is the ideal place to stay if you have kids. This borough is home to the Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Zoo, and the New York Botanical Garden. The Bronx is also where visitors can find Italian cuisine with its own Little Italy.
Even though travelers do have to take public transportation to access Manhattan, it is still a convenient location to stay in. But make sure to stay alert as this part of the city is less safe.
Best Hotels in The Bronx
- Opera House Hotel
- Residence Inn by Marriott
- Wingate by Wyndham Bronx/Haven Park
Greenpoint (Brooklyn)
Bordering Williamsburg, Greenpoint gives all the hipster vibes with plenty of nightlife. Greenpoint is also where visitors can find luxury apartment buildings near art galleries, shops, and parks. The best way to experience the endless fantastic restaurants in Greenpoint is to make a reservation.
Although getting to Greenpoint on a subway is challenging, it is a lot easier to take the ferry while marveling over the waterfront skyline views.
Best Greenpoint Hotels
- The Box House Hotel
- Henry Norman Hotel
- Franklin Guesthouse
Brooklyn Heights
A charming neighborhood next to the West Village, Brooklyn Heights makes room for commercial and community businesses with tree-lined sidewalks and cobblestone streets. Despite this neighborhood being residential, there are still places to stay for a wonderful view of the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan.
Best Hotels in Brooklyn Heights
- EVEN Hotels Brooklyn
- 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Jersey City (New Jersey)
Even though Jersey City is not in Manhattan, this part of New Jersey is the best area to stay in for easy access to Manhattan. This budget-friendly location allows travelers to be in Manhattan in under 30 minutes on non-busy days and hours.
Jersey City is also known for beautiful street art and murals, giving visitors the option for a self-guided tour.
Best Hotels in Jersey City
- Hyatt House Jersey City
- Residence Inn by Marriott Jersey City
- The Westin Jersey City Newport
Hoboken (New Jersey)
A hotspot for history and nightlife, Hoboken is a cheaper alternative to Manhattan. This New Jersey location is only a train or ferry ride away from Greenwich Village. Since this area is more budget-friendly, you will most likely see more families. Hoboken is also the birthplace of Frank Sinatra.
Best Hotels in Hoboken
- W Hoboken
- Courtyard by Marriott Jersey City Newport
- Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel
Chelsea
A charming town in Manhattan, Chelsea boasts low-rise apartments, townhouses, and luxury high-rises with floor-to-ceiling windows. Similar to Greenwich, Chelsea offers plenty of restaurants, art galleries, and shops.
When staying in this neighborhood, make sure to stop by Chelsea Market and the Little Island.
Best Hotels in Chelsea
- Hotel Eventi
- Maritime Hotel
- Selina Chelsea New York City
Battery Park City
On the west side of the southern part of Manhattan, Battery Park City is a residential neighborhood in the heart of New York. Visit the New York Skyscraper Museum, the Jewish Heritage Museum, and the Brookfield Place Mall.
Hotels
- World Center Hotel
- Conrad New York Downtown
Meatpacking District
A hip neighborhood in New York City, the Meatpacking District is home to the Whitney Museum of American Art and high-end designer clothing stores where you can buy great things. It is also home to the High Line, a park built on top of railroad tracks.
This district is surrounded by Chelsea, Greenwich Village, and the West Village and is worth staying in for the restaurants.
Best Hotels in the Meatpacking District
- Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC
- Dream Downtown
- The Jane Hotel
Some of the best neighborhoods in New York are within walking distance of award-winning restaurants, bars, and other activities. While they may be close to main attractions, some of these different neighborhoods can be quite expensive.
However, if travelers want more of an authentic New York experience, it may be worth spending the extra money staying in these NYC neighborhoods and downtown Manhattan for unique attractions and comfortable rooms.
You can also try staying in a boutique hotel if you don't prefer sky risers.
That's the scoop on the best places to stay in Manhattan!
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