Choosing a hotel in New York City becomes much easier once you decide which neighborhood fits your trip. Each area offers a completely different experience, so where you stay should reflect what you want out of your time in the city.
Whenever I visit New York City, I love exploring a new neighborhood and staying somewhere different each time—so I’ve never stayed at the same place twice! Over the years, I’ve discovered some amazing spots, and I’ve put together a list of places I’ve stayed as well as a few on my “must-try” list for future trips.
Just like the city’s incredible restaurants, NYC has no shortage of fantastic accommodations. I hope this list helps you find a place that makes your stay in the city as memorable and exciting as mine have been!
Midtown Manhattan (Best for First-Time Visitors)
If it’s your first time in NYC and you want to be in the center of everything—this is it. Staying in Midtown puts you close to Times Square, Central Park, Broadway, and countless restaurants and shops.
Why stay here:
- Walkable to major attractions
- Tons of hotel options at all price points
- Easy subway access
Keep in mind: It’s busy. Like, really busy. But for a first trip, the convenience is hard to beat.
I’ve broken Midtown down into a few parts…
South of Central Park
$$$ Park Lane
$$$$ 1 Hotel Central Park
$$$$$ The Plaza
Times Square
$ Towne Place Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan
Madison Square Garden/Midtown West:
$ Courtyard New York Manhattan/Times Square West
$$ Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan by IHG
$$$ Pendry
SoHo (Best for Shopping + Aesthetic Vibes)
If you want a more stylish, curated New York experience, SoHo is a great choice. It’s known for its cobblestone streets, boutique shopping, and effortlessly cool atmosphere.
Why stay here:
- Great shopping and dining
- Beautiful streets and architecture
- More relaxed than Midtown
Keep in mind: Fewer hotels and typically higher prices.
$$ Arlo SoHo
$$$ 11 Howard
$$$$ The Dominick
Upper West Side (Best for a Local Feel)
If I were living in NYC, this is where I’d be. It’s quieter, charming, and right next to Central Park.
Why stay here:
- Residential, peaceful vibe
- Close to Central Park and museums
- Great restaurants
Keep in mind: Limited hotel options and a bit farther from major tourist hubs.
$$ Arthouse
$$$ Hotel Beacon
Upper East Side (Best for Luxury + Museums)
Think classic New York elegance. The Upper East Side is polished, upscale, and home to some of the city’s most famous museums.
Why stay here:
- Beautiful, clean, and quieter
- Close to Central Park and Museum Mile
- High-end shopping nearby
Keep in mind: Less central for sightseeing and can be pricey.
$ Courtyard New York Manhattan/Upper East Side
$$ The Gardens Sonesta ES Suites New York
$$$ Loews
$$$$ The Lowell
Financial District (Best for Quieter Stays)
Located at the southern tip of Manhattan, this area is great if you want a calmer place to come back to after busy days.
Why stay here:
- More relaxed, especially at night
- Close to landmarks like One World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty
- Often better hotel pricing
Keep in mind: You’ll rely more on the subway to get uptown.
$ Hotel Indigo-NYC Downtown Wall St. by IHG
$$ Gild Hall, A Thompson Hotel, by Hyatt
$$$$ The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel, by Hyatt
$$$$$ Four Season Hotel New York Downtown
Williamsburg, Brooklyn (Best for Trendy + Food Scene)
If you want something a little different from Manhattan, Williamsburg is such a fun option.
Why stay here:
- Amazing food, coffee, and vintage shopping
- Trendy but laid-back vibe
- Incredible skyline views of Manhattan
Keep in mind: You’ll need to take the subway into Manhattan for most major attractions.
$$ Arlo
$$$ The Hoxton
DUMBO, Brooklyn (Best for Views + Unique Stay)
DUMBO is small but stunning. If you want a memorable, scenic stay—this is a great pick.
Why stay here:
- Some of the best views in NYC
- Great for photos, walks, and relaxing
- Unique, quieter experience
Keep in mind: Limited hotel options and less central.
$$$$ 1 Hotel
Final Thoughts
If it’s your first trip, stay in Midtown for convenience.
If you want charm, go Upper West Side or West Village.
If you want trendy, head to Williamsburg.
If you want quiet, consider the Financial District.
No matter where you stay, the subway makes everything accessible—so you really can’t go wrong. That’s the beauty of New York City.
Hope you have an amazing trip!
Ciao!
