Finding the right hotel in New York City can make the difference between a stressful trip and a smooth, unforgettable experience. With over 120,000 hotel rooms across five boroughs, the choices are endless—but not all stays are created equal. This guide walks you through what matters most when booking accommodations in NYC: location, price, convenience, and overall experience.

For most first-time visitors, staying in Manhattan is the obvious choice—and understandably so. Midtown Manhattan places you near Times Square, Broadway theaters, Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, and some of the city's best subway connections. But beware: popularity comes with price. Midtown hotels are often more expensive, and while some offer stunning skyline views or luxe lobbies, others can be small and outdated for the cost. Read reviews carefully and look for hotels between 6th and 8th Avenues for the best mix of location and comfort.

If you're visiting with family or prefer a quieter vibe, the Upper West Side and Upper East Side offer great alternatives. These neighborhoods are residential, leafy, and close to Central Park and major museums like the Met and the Natural History Museum. Hotels here tend to be smaller, cozier, and well-connected via subway—but you’ll find fewer trendy nightlife options.

Brooklyn has become a go-to for travelers who want something different. Williamsburg, DUMBO, and Downtown Brooklyn have seen a boom in new boutique hotels over the last decade. These areas offer more space, a relaxed atmosphere, and incredible views of Manhattan—especially from rooftops and riverside promenades. Plus, you’re often just one subway stop from Lower Manhattan. Brooklyn hotels are a smart pick for couples, creatives, or second-time visitors who want to see more of New York than just midtown lights.

Queens offers some of the best deals in the city, especially in Long Island City, which has transformed from warehouse district to high-rise haven. LIC hotels are modern, affordable, and well connected via the E, M, 7, and G subway lines. You’re 10–15 minutes from Grand Central Terminal and can often find skyline views at a third of the Manhattan price. Astoria is another good pick for affordable Airbnb or long-stay hotels, with a strong food scene and quick subway access.

Looking for luxury? Iconic properties like The Plaza, The St. Regis, and The Peninsula offer five-star service, ornate decor, and top-tier locations. But new luxury options are appearing outside the old classics: The William Vale in Brooklyn, The Beekman in FiDi, and the Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards are redefining high-end stays with modern amenities and architecture.

Budget travelers aren’t out of luck, but planning ahead is key. Hostels in the Bowery or Harlem, pod-style hotels in Midtown, or airport-adjacent options near JFK and LaGuardia can all offer safe, decent rooms at a lower cost. Avoid booking too close to Penn Station, Port Authority, or Times Square unless you’ve verified the reviews—many budget hotels in these areas suffer from noise, small rooms, or poor upkeep.

Most importantly, think beyond price tags. Proximity to a reliable subway line will save you time and money every day. A $150/night hotel two blocks from the F train might be a better experience than a $99/night room that's far from transit or stuck in a noisy corner of town. NYC is a walking and subway city—don’t pay for a location you can’t move easily from.

International travelers should be aware that many hotels in NYC require guests to be 21 or older to check in. Some also place large holds on credit cards for incidentals, which can be surprising to those unfamiliar with U.S. hospitality practices. If you're arriving on an overnight flight, be sure to contact your hotel ahead of time about early check-in or luggage storage.

Flexible travelers—those not tied to a tight itinerary—can find excellent last-minute deals on booking platforms like HotelsTonight or via direct hotel websites. NYC has a competitive hotel market, and cancellations happen all the time. Signing up for rate alerts and using tools like Google Hotel Finder or Kayak Explore can help you snag four-star stays at two-star prices, especially midweek or during the winter off-season.

At New York City Extra, we don’t do paid hotel listings or affiliate rankings. Every recommendation is based on real-world experience and research. We focus on what matters to travelers: value, comfort, safety, and simplicity. Whether you're coming for Broadway shows, business meetings, or bagels and bookstores, there’s a hotel that fits your trip—and we’re here to help you find it.