Where to Stay in New York City: My Top Hotels & Neighborhoods (2025)

New York City is massive with it’s five boroughs and over 200 neighborhoods, figuring out where to stay can feel like a full-time job.

However, it’s one of my favorite cities to visit, and over the years, I’ve tried out different neighborhoods, stayed in a mix of hotels, and learned which areas I’d happily return to and which I wouldn’t. For me, it often comes down to two things: value for money and, most importantly, location.

In this guide on where to stay in New York City, I’ll share my favorite neighborhoods (and a few I’d skip), plus some great hotels, many I’ve stayed at myself. Hopefully, this will give you some real insight and help make planning your next NYC trip a lot easier.

Where to Stay in New York City – My Experience

Let’s start this guide with my own experience. I think it’s more helpful to share what it actually feels like to stay in different parts of NYC rather than just throw a list of hotels at you.

Whenever I visit New York, location is my top priority. I love sightseeing and walking everywhere! Honestly, when I’m in Manhattan, I barely use the subway because I can just walk from one landmark to another. That’s why Midtown Manhattan is my personal favorite area to stay. From there, you’re within walking distance of the Empire State Building, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and countless other spots.

The last two times I visited, I stayed in Midtown and absolutely loved it. But I’ve also stayed in Lower Manhattan, which is packed with sights, and in Brooklyn, specifically Downtown Brooklyn and Williamsburg. Brooklyn doesn’t have quite the same central convenience, but Williamsburg especially has such a cool, creative vibe that makes it worth it. Staying in Williamsburg just makes me feel more like a local. There is so many little coffee shops, bars and markets around with way less tourists. Sometimes I even like to change hotel mid-trip, so I would do two nights in Midtown Manhattan and then I would stay another two nights in Williamsburg Brooklyn.

Of course, these aren’t some hidden, off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods. They’re simply places I’ve enjoyed staying in as a visitor. I think there’s a big difference between where a tourist should stay and where a New Yorker might want to live, so don’t mix those up.

Best Areas to Stay in New York City

Midtown Manhattan (Best Area to Stay in New York for the First Time)

Midtown Manhattan is hands down my favorite area to stay in New York. I’ve stayed here multiple times, and it just makes exploring so much easier. Technically, Midtown isn’t one single neighborhood, it stretches from Central Park down to Union Square, but that’s exactly why I love it. You’re in the middle of everything.

Personally, I’ve stayed in Hell’s Kitchen and Midtown East, and both were great. I loved being able to wake up, grab a coffee, and be at the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, or Central Park in minutes. I don’t even bother with Ubers or the subway when I’m here, I just walk everywhere.

When I’m booking, I usually focus less on the exact block and more on finding a good deal. Midtown is packed with hotels, from luxury to more budget-friendly options, so there’s usually something that works without sacrificing location.

Lower Manhattan

Lower Manhattan is another area I’ve stayed in and really liked, especially when I found a good hotel deal. It has a totally different vibe from Midtown, more historic, more local, and it includes some of my favorite neighborhoods like FiDi (Financial District), Little Italy, Chinatown, SoHo, and the East and West Village.

One of my favorite mornings in NYC was spent grabbing dumplings in Chinatown and then wandering down to the Statue of Liberty viewpoint near Battery Park. It’s also great if you want to explore Brooklyn since you’re just a short walk across the bridge.

I don’t stay in Lower Manhattan as often as Midtown, but I’d definitely recommend it, especially if you like a mix of iconic landmarks, good food, and neighborhoods with character.

Williamsburg

I’ve only stayed in Williamsburg, Brooklyn once so far, but I really enjoyed it and I’m pretty sure I’ll stay there again on my next trip. 

Williamsburg feels far less touristy than Midtown or Lower Manhattan, which makes it such a refreshing change. It’s one of those neighborhoods that feels like “real New York” with cool indie coffee shops, street art, great food, weekend markets, and a general buzz of things always happening.

What I love most about staying in Williamsburg is that it gives me that slightly local feeling, even though I know I’m not a local. It’s a little calmer, a little cooler, and a great choice if you want to balance sightseeing with some downtime in a neighborhood with character.

Downtown Brooklyn

Downtown Brooklyn is another area I really like, and when I say “Downtown Brooklyn,” I’m also including DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, and even Red Hook (I know, not exactly the same area but close enough for choosing where to stay).

This part of Brooklyn is home to some of the borough’s most iconic sights like the Brooklyn Bridge, the famous red-brick photo spot in DUMBO, and Brooklyn Bridge Park. I also have to mention two of my favorite pizza spots in NYC, Grimaldi’s and Juliana’s, both worth the hype.

Red Hook, in particular, was a recent discovery for me and I loved it. It has some great budget hotel options, and it’s still close to Lower Manhattan via ferry or subway. If you want to be right by Manhattan without staying in Manhattan, this whole section of Brooklyn gets a big thumbs-up from me.

1. New York City Hotels in Midtown Manhattan

The Gregorian New York City (My Favorite Hotel in New York City)

The Gregorian New York City is hands down my favorite hotel in New York, at least from the places I’ve stayed so far. 

I loved every single part of my stay here. It’s been a couple of years since my visit, but it’s still the one I compare all other hotels to. The interiors have a charming, slightly traditional feel while still feeling modern and chic. I appreciate that balance since so many newer hotels go for ultra-minimalist design, which sometimes feels a bit soulless. 

The staff here were fantastic too, genuinely attentive and friendly, which made the whole experience feel special. If someone asks me for a top recommendation for hotels in New York, The Gregorian is always the first name I mention.

Book Here: The Gregorian New York City

M Social Hotel Times Square New York

The M Social Hotel Times Square New York is where I’ve stayed on my last two trips, mainly because I think the value for money is excellent. 

It’s noticeably cheaper than many hotels in the same area, but it doesn’t feel budget at all. The design is sleek and modern, the rooms are comfortable and fairly spacious, and the location is unbeatable for sightseeing. 

If you’re planning to spend most of your time out exploring and just want a stylish, comfortable place to return to, this is a great choice. It has quickly become my go-to hotel in Midtown because it strikes that perfect balance of price and quality.

Book Here: M Social Hotel Times Square

Hotel St. James New York

While I haven’t personally stayed at Hotel St. James New York, I wanted to include a solid budget option in Midtown. 

I know hotels in this area can be fairly pricey, but from my research, Hotel St. James gets consistently great reviews. Guests seem to love its traditional charm, cleanliness, and excellent staff, all while being in a prime location. If you’re looking for an affordable hotel in New York without compromising on convenience, this one is worth checking out.

Book Here: Hotel St. James New York

2. My Favorite Accommodation New York Lower Manhattan

Roxy Hotel New York (Very Unique Place to Stay in New York)

Roxy Hotel New York is one of the most stylish hotels I’ve come across in Lower Manhattan. I absolutely love its location in Tribeca, my favorite neighborhood whenever I stay in Manhattan. Tribeca has this effortlessly cool vibe, with plenty of great restaurants, bars, and cafés just a short walk away.

The hotel itself feels distinctly New York, with exposed red-brick walls in the lobby, live music sessions, an outdoor terrace, and even a private cinema room. It has a creative, artsy energy that makes staying there feel like an experience rather than just accommodation. Roxy Hotel is definitely one of the most unique places to stay in New York.

Book Here: Roxy Hotel New York

The Frederick Hotel Tribeca

The Frederick Hotel in Tribeca is where I stayed the last time I was in Lower Manhattan. It’s been a little while, but I still remember how much I enjoyed it, partly because Tribeca itself is such a great area and partly because of the hotel’s vibe. My room had these gorgeous black-framed windows overlooking the city, and I distinctly remember thinking, this feels like New York.

If you’re after a chic, stylish stay where the hotel itself adds to your trip, The Frederick is a great choice. I’d say Roxy leans more toward a busy, artsy experience, while The Frederick is perfect if you want something elegant and sophisticated.

Book Here: The Frederick Hotel Tribeca

Hotel Mimosa

While I haven’t personally stayed at Hotel Mimosa, I wanted to include a budget-friendly option for those trying to experience Manhattan without spending a fortune. Based on my research, it’s clean, comfortable, and in a great location. The standout factor, though, is the price. You can sometimes get a room for around $140 USD per night (depending on the season), which is almost unheard of in Manhattan. If you see a good deal here, I’d definitely recommend booking early.

Book Here: Hotel Mimosa

3. Best New York Hotels in Williamsburg

Wythe Hotel Williamsburg (Super Cool New York City Hotel)

Wythe Hotel Williamsburg is hands down one of the coolest hotels I’ve come across in New York and of course, it’s in Williamsburg, because where else? The vibe here feels like a perfect mix of Brooklyn grit and sleek design: exposed brick, oversized windows, and just enough polish to make you feel fancy without feeling like you’ve stepped into a soulless showroom.

But the real highlight is the rooftop terrace. The sunset views over the Manhattan skyline are incredible from here. It’s high on my list for places to stay in Brooklyn (keyword) next time around.

Book Here: Wythe Hotel Williamsburg

42 Hotel Williamsburg

42 Hotel is where I actually stayed during my Williamsburg visit, and honestly, I was impressed. It’s more affordable than Wythe but still has a super cool design with a lot of exposed brick and big windows. I know it’s not for everyone but I really love it.

The staff were lovely, my room was small but comfortable, and I slept like a rock after exploring all day. If you want Williamsburg charm without handing over your entire savings account, this is a great pick.

Book Here: 42 Hotel Williamsburg

4. Best Hotels in New York City Downtown Brooklyn

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (One of the Best Luxury Hotels in New York City)

I definitely haven’t stayed here myself, though if anyone from 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is reading, I’m down for a sponsored trip (hehe). This place is probably the coolest hotel in all of New York. The views here are straight up insane. The hotel is located right next to the Brooklyn Bridge, looking over lower Manhattan and the Financial District.

And yes, it has a rooftop pool with views over the Brooklyn Bridge, the East River, and Manhattan. Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Book Here: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Ace Hotel Brooklyn

Ace Hotel Brooklyn is one of the most beautiful hotels in Brooklyn. The design is really thoughtful, mixing traditional New York elements with a modern sleek vibe. Whoever did the interior here did a great job, it feels natural and collected, not like a generic hotel room.

The location is perfect too, right in downtown and close to the subway, so getting into Manhattan is super easy. Great if you don’t want to go all out but still want a proper New York experience.

Book Here: Ace Hotel Brooklyn

The Lodge Red Hook

The Lodge Red Hook is one of the best value-for-money hotels I’ve stayed at recently. Red Hook itself is underrated, a cool area by the harbor with bars, restaurants, and views over the water.

The hotel has friendly staff, spacious rooms, and comfy beds. I paid around $150 a night and getting into Manhattan didn’t take long at all. For a cheap place to stay in New York (keyword), this is my number one pick.

Book Here: The Lodge Red Hook

FAQs About Best Places to Stay in New York City

What is the best hotel in New York City?

I can’t say for sure what the best hotel in New York is since the true top-tier spots are likely out of my budget. But the best hotel I’ve personally stayed at is The Gregorian New York City, a charming, boutique-style luxury hotel in New York that I really enjoyed staying at.

When is the best time to visit New York?

I personally prefer spring and fall. Both seasons have the perfect sightseeing weather, cool enough for long walks without sweating through your clothes, but still warm enough to enjoy being outside all day.

Is New York City worth visiting?

Absolutely, without a doubt! NYC is my favorite city in the USA from a tourist perspective. There are endless things to do, see, and experience, and I would recommend it to anyone at least once in their lifetime.

Is New York safe?

In my experience, yes. The areas I’ve mentioned in this guide are all safe for tourists. Of course, like any big city, there are sketchier neighborhoods, but if you avoid those, you’ll be fine.

Is New York City expensive?

It definitely can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Scoring an affordable place to stay makes a big difference, and sightseeing can be surprisingly cheap thanks to free attractions, inexpensive eats, and subway access.

Final Thoughts on Staying in New York City

To wrap things up, yes, New York City is absolutely worth visiting, and deciding where to stay in New York is one of the most important parts of planning your trip.

The neighborhoods I’ve recommended are all great for tourists, and most of the hotels listed are based on my own experiences but there are countless other options too, from budget to ultra-luxury.

My best advice is to pick your location first based on what you want to see most. I personally love Midtown for its central access to iconic landmarks, but Lower Manhattan, Williamsburg, and Downtown Brooklyn all have their own unique vibe. Once you’ve chosen the right area, you can narrow down the best hotels for your budget.

I hope my guide to the best places to stay in New York including top neighborhoods in New York and New York hotels can help you plan an incredible trip.

Check Out My Other New York City Travel Guides

Is New York City Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit New York City: My Guide on When to Visit NYC

Worst Time to Visit: My Guide on When Not to Visit NYC

First Time in New York City: My First Timers Guide for NYC

Christmas in New York: My NYC Christmas Itinerary

New York City Itinerary: My Perfect Itinerary for NYC

Autumn in New York: My Guide for New York Fall Foliage

Is New York Safe: My Honest Review

Is New York Expensive: My Budget Breakdown

How Many Days in New York: My New York City Guide

Solo Travel New York City: My Guide on a NYC Solo Trip

Things to Do in New York City: My Top Activities in NYC

Where to Stay in New York City: My Favorite Areas and Hotels