As a born-and-bred New Yorker, it’s always a little disheartening to hear about visitors who spend their entire trip in Times Square. No judgment if that’s been you, but trust me, there’s SO much more to experience in this incredible city! To help you plan a more authentic and enjoyable trip, I’ve put together a list of fantastic hotels in neighborhoods that I genuinely recommend. These locations are all conveniently located near popular attractions and public transportation. Plus, I’ve included some of my favorite nearby restaurants and bars (reservations highly recommended!). For more NYC travel inspiration, be sure to check out my guides to a 3-Day Itinerary, museums, and Christmas in NYC.
Hotels
Downtown
Staying downtown puts you right in the heart of vibrant neighborhoods like SoHo, Chinatown, Little Italy, the Lower East Side, FiDi, and the Village. If you’re young, energetic, and love being where the action is – surrounded by amazing restaurants, bars, and nightlife – this is the perfect area for you.
Nine Orchard – $$$$$. This hotel is on the pricier side, but if your budget allows, it’s a truly beautiful property housed in a stunningly renovated historic bank. Even if you don’t stay here, consider dining at their restaurant.
The Marlton Hotel – $$$
The Nolitan – $$
The Roxy – $$
Nearby restaurants & bars: [List of restaurants and bars as in original article]
Flatiron/ NoMad/Chelsea
Located just south of Midtown, these neighborhoods offer a central location that’s quite lively but still manageable. You’ll find yourself surrounded by fantastic restaurants and nightlife, perfectly positioned between the Theater District to the north and the charming West Village to the south. Plus, you’ll be close to the High Line, a unique elevated park that’s a must-see!
The Standard, $$$
Freehand Hotel, $$$ – Features a very cool design and a fun rooftop bar and restaurant that’s open seasonally.
Arlo Hotel, $
The Hotel Chelsea, $$$
The Fifth Avenue Hotel, $$$$, – Absolutely stunning! Even if you don’t stay here, make sure to visit the bar – details below.
Nearby restaurants & bars: [List of restaurants and bars as in original article]
Upper West Side
As someone who has lived on the Upper West Side my entire life, I might be a little biased, but I truly believe this is an ideal place to stay when visiting NYC, especially if you’re traveling with kids. You’ll be within easy walking distance of both Central Park and Riverside Park (where many iconic scenes from “You’ve Got Mail” were filmed!). The area boasts numerous playgrounds, the Museum of Natural History, the Children’s Museum, and convenient subway access to the rest of the city. The Upper West Side has a more relaxed and charming atmosphere compared to the other areas on this list. If you enjoy walking, it’s a scenic 25-minute stroll through Central Park to reach the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the other museums along Museum Mile, and also about 25 minutes to the Theater District.
Hotel Belleclaire, $$$- Be sure to check out the delicious bakery located underneath the hotel!
The Lucerne, $
The Wallace, $$- A really great value for a comfortable and pleasant stay.
Nearby restaurants & bars: [List of restaurants and bars as in original article]
Upper East Side
Similar to the Upper West Side, the Upper East Side offers fantastic proximity to Central Park and a slightly quieter atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a touch of elegance and don’t mind doing some walking. A surprisingly charming and often overlooked activity nearby is the Central Park Zoo, especially enjoyable for families.
The Lowell, $$$$ – A very upscale and luxurious hotel just steps away from the high-end shops of Madison Avenue.
Nearby restaurants & bars: [List of restaurants and bars as in original article]
Brooklyn
Important note: If you’re dreaming of iconic Manhattan skyline views, you won’t find them in Manhattan itself. For those breathtaking skyline vistas, Brooklyn is where it’s at.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, $$$$
The William Vale, $$$
Nearby restaurants & bars:
