10 Best Areas To Stay in New York City

Your New York City flights have been booked. You’re almost set. But you also need to sort your New York City accommodations.

We’ve pooled our knowledge and experience of staying in New York City dozens of times and we’ve made a really helpful guide that will lead you to the best affordable luxury hotels in New York City, all ideal for discerning travelers like yourself.

Thousands of people flock to this city annually for its fast-paced lifestyle, and you’re no different. You want to be immersed in the action, to find those amazing cafes everyone raves about, to go with the flow on the packed streets, and to feel the city pulsing around you.

To make the most of your stay, you need to understand the best areas to stay in New York City and which hotels in those areas you should choose. We’ve done the work for you. We’ve stayed in most of the hotels on this list and if we didn’t stay personally, it was recommended by trusted friends.

» This 4-Day Itinerary in New York City will help you optimize your trip.

Best Affordable Luxury Hotel in NYC

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Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea

P.S: If you are visiting more of New York State, check out our top 5 places you must see. We’ve even created a handy 7-9 day New York State road trip itinerary you can follow.

» Spending time in New York City? Check out our essential city guide and see the top 25 touristy things to do, where to stay in the city, a perfect 4-day itinerary, plus fun activities in Central Park.

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Quick Picks: Affordable Luxury New York City Hotels

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Motto by Hilton Chelsea
✔️ Great city views
✔️ Pet friendly

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pendry Manhattan West
✔️ Smart room layout
✔️ 4 great food spots

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
The Kitano Hotel
✔️ 4.5-star hotel
✔️ Rooftop terrace

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Map of New York City Hotels

Best Places to Stay in New York City

The question of where to stay in New York doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially when you see what each neighborhood or area has to offer. This list below presents you with some of the top areas in the city.

1. Midtown

Best for first-timers

Midtown is a lively neighborhood and home to some of the most recognizable destinations – and an excellent introduction to NYC. This area is a hub for sightseeing, and shopping, with an abundance of top-notch restaurants and cafes.

In the Theater District, you’ll find the famous Town Square brimming with pedestrians and entertainers. Other top attractions include the Rockefeller Center and Madison Square Garden, where you can enjoy concerts performed by today’s best artists. And if you’re an art enthusiast, the Museum of Modern Art won’t disappoint.

That’s only the tip of the iceberg. Why not explore the Empire State Building while you’re here?

2. The Upper East Side

Best for luxury and shopping

Welcome to the Upper East Side (UES), a place for the elite. This residential area is known for housing wealthy citizens, giving it a posh atmosphere. The UES is pristine and boasts a collection of museums, fancy restaurants, and designer shops. And bordering Central Park, staying in a neighborhood like this is a dream come true. Explore beautiful Central Park with this walking tour.

Want to experience the posh life of an Upper East Sider? Consider staying at the Pierre, a Taj Hotel, a place that exuberates modernity and luxury. Then shop-til-you-drop at Bergdorf Goodman and Madison Avenue. And finally, make your way to “Daniel,” a two-Michelin-star restaurant that promises only top-quality dining.

3. Chelsea

Best for art-lovers and romantics

Chelsea is a trendy neighborhood that boasts a collection of townhouses, luxury high-rises, and low-rise apartment buildings. You’ll find over 200 art galleries that were once factories to wander through. The Chelsea Market offers restaurants and shops for you to indulge in. It’s become a renowned cultural hub featuring NYC’s most fabulous venues and restaurants.

Here, you can enjoy a laid-back stay fueled by cultural immersions and abstract living. As Manhattan’s art district, you cannot leave without exploring Chelsea for the extraordinary galleries and architecture.

Top Tip: Here’s a guide to things to do in Manhattan if you’d want to explore more than just Chelsea.

4. SoHo

Best for hipsters, digital nomads and students

SoHo is the place where you can live out your dream city life. This neighborhood has a lively atmosphere and attracts a sophisticated crowd for several reasons. Step onto cobblestone streets that take you to designer boutiques, high-end galleries, restaurants, and trendy bars.

Somewhat of a hidden gem, SoHo is a hit among shopaholics and art connoisseurs. You’ll get lost in the mesmerizing cast-iron architecture and enclave of boutique hotels. Speaking of, the elegant SIXTY SoHo boutique hotel might be worth a visit.

5. The Upper West Side

Best for families and professionals

Sister to the Upper East Side, this neighborhood may not be as prestigious. However, it is an excellent place for working professionals and families. That’s because the Upper West Side (UWS) features multiple commercial areas and easy access to transportation.

While a haven for workaholics, there are still plenty of fun and relaxation opportunities. You’ll find many ways to unwind between Central Park to the east and the Hudson River to the west. How about a twilight cruise down the Hudson River or visiting the American Museum of Natural History?

6. Times Square / Broadway

Best for Broadway lovers and first-time visitors

Queens is an NYC borough on Long Island, unique for its 12-story 1964 World’s Fair globe sculpture. It’s also a sports entertainment hub as the annual U.S. Open tennis tournament and the New York Mets call this neighborhood their home.

Tour Time Square and Broadway theaters and learn some of the history and backstage stories with a theater professional.

This area is the most diverse in New York, so foodies can indulge in the Greek cuisine of Astoria or Asian food in Flushing. Not only is it a hotspot for foodies, but history buffs can also admire the art at Socrates Sculpture Park. And nature-lovers can take a stroll through the enchanting Queens Botanical Garden.

Psst: Queens is an excellent place for luxury on a budget, as proved by the stunning Microtel Inn by Wyndham.

7. Murray Hill

Best for singles and young professionals

You’ll find this upscale neighborhood of Murray Hill on the east side of Manhattan. It’s considered one of the best places to stay in New York City. Budget dining options, modern apartments, and townhouses make it ideal for young professionals and college graduates.

Murray Hill provides its residents with a safe and urban feel and a plethora of things to keep them busy. With so many youngsters in the area, you can expect lively bars and buzzing nightlife.

While there are many things to do in Manhattan, this residential area has no shortage of entertainment. Bibliophiles can get comfy at the Morgan Library and Museum. And history buffs have a flurry of museums to choose from, such as the Museum of the Dog or the Scandinavia House.

8. Greenwich Village

Best for a laid-back vibe and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere

Greenwich Village is the epicenter of New York’s 1960s counterculture movement and a beacon for the pride flag. This tree-lined neighborhood offers a myriad of popular jazz lounges, trendy bars, and high-end restaurants.

Staying here comes with an air of exclusivity and acceptance, as it is both luxurious and bohemian. Visitors enjoy this lively, avant-garde area for its picturesque parks and delectable dining experiences.

A magnet for writers, musicians, actors, and artists alike, anyone exploring Greenwich Village will say it’s one of the best areas to stay in NYC.

9. Tribeca

Best for safety and luxury accommodation

Tribeca is a budding hip area known for its lofty buildings and cobblestone roads. Trendy restaurants, bars, and boutiques dot the streets of this sought-after neighborhood. Architect lovers will admire the many historical buildings sprawled out in this area.

Right now, It’s one of the most expensive neighborhoods in NYC, and once you’re here, you’ll understand why. A sure reason is how safe Tribeca is. It’s currently one of the safest places in the city. And it’s home to many rich and famous individuals, making it a prominent part of Manhattan.

See what life is like in Tribeca, and live amongst the rich and famous by staying at this sleek hotel, Smyth Tribeca. This will allow you to access many attractions, such as the City Vineyard at Pier 26 – a riverside restaurant with live music and a wine bar.

10. Financial District

Best for business and budget travel

The Financial District is a business-oriented neighborhood and home to the New York Stock Exchange and Wall Street. This is where entrepreneurs and innovators flock to. These busy cobblestone streets are decked with historic restaurants and bars (probably littered with business talk!)

It’s not the best neighborhood for families as you won’t have many sights and attractions near you. Although the Brooklyn Bridge is nearby, beyond this, the Financial District is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the type of place for those who prefer quiet weekends, as the nightlife is slow.

However, the Financial District is one of the best areas to stay in New York City for budget-conscious travelers. Here, you can score fantastic accommodation deals on weekends as most business people will have left the area.

Wrapping Up Where to Stay in New York City

New York City is a concrete jungle that no one can keep up with. But also a place filled with opportunities, as the world’s financial, cultural, and media capital. So get your slice of the Big Apple by finding one of the best places to stay in NYC.

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Angela Morris

Angela Morris loves traveling around the world and exploring fun new things to do and foods to eat. She lives in Oregon with her two kids.