One of the hardest parts of planning a trip to the Big Apple is choosing the area where to stay in New York.
The city is gigantic, the things to see and do are almost endless and every corner of this metropolis hides unmissable glimpses. Every New York neighborhood and every part of Manhattan is wonderful and the only way to juggle the myriad of hotels is to write down what you want to do during your days in the city, your preferences and, of course, your budget.
When you understand these things, you will be able to understand which area is best suited to your needs.
In this short guide I try to describe some of the best neighborhoods in New York, so that you can get an idea of ​​what one area offers compared to another.
Before starting, however, I want to give you a fundamental advice: always choose an accommodation that has a nearby train station metropolitan. This way you will be able to move from one part of the city to another 24/24 and you will not have to walk for very long minutes with your suitcases from the airport.
- Overview of the areas where to stay in New York
- 1 – Midtown Manhattan
- 2 – Chelsea
- 3 – Greenwich Village
- 4 – East Village
- 5 - Upper West Side
- 6 - Upper East Side
- 7 – Soho e Tribeca
- 8 – Brooklyn
- 9 – Queens
- 10 - Harlem
Overview of the areas where to stay in New York
Di Rainer Lesniewski /
New York City is one of the largest and most sprawling cities in the world. Epicenter for food, fashion, culture, finance and commerce, New York is truly a global metropolis.
It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet; New York City attracts over 50 million national and international visitors each year to visit its museums, admire its iconic monuments and stay in the center of Time Square.
Divided into six boroughs, New York City is home to 59 boroughs. Each neighborhood has its own unique culture and atmosphere and could be a city of its own. In fact, if Brooklyn were a city apart, it would still be one of the largest cities in the United States!
Midtown is the heart of Manhattan and where you will find the most iconic monuments such as Time Square, Rockefeller Center, Broadway e Bryant Park.
North of Midtown are the charming neighborhoods, Upper west e Upper East Side. On both sides of Central Park, these neighborhoods are home to world-class museums, verdant parks, and popular areas such as Madison e Park Avenue.
Moving south of Midtown, you will cross Chelsea, the east and west villages and the Lower East Side before crossing the river for Brooklyn. All incredibly diverse and distinct, in these neighborhoods you will find great restaurants, lively bars and a multitude of amazing trendy places and nightclubs.
Outside the Manhattan peninsula you will find 4 other very large areas: Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens and on the opposite side the New Jersey
Not sure yet where to stay in New York City? Don't worry, with this guide I try to help you clarify and choose among the best hotels!
1 – Midtown Manhattan
Midtown is the beating heart of Manhattan. The area is very large and extends, more or less, from Greenwich Village in the south to Central Park in the north (say from 34th to 59th streets).
In this area they are concentrated many of the most important (and more beautiful) attractions of the Big Apple. If you want to be in the center of New York, leave the hotel and find yourself in the chaos of the city, this is the right solution for you.
For
• You can easily reach on foot many symbolic places of New York: Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Bank of America Tower, United Nations Building, Grand Central Terminal, MoMA, New York Public Library, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center and Times Square.
<br>• This area is well served by the subway: in a short time you can easily reach even more distant attractions.
• If you are a lover of Shopping Here you can indulge yourself: Fifth Avenue and Broadway are close at hand.
Cons
<br>• Midtown is the most touristic area of ​​the city so you will be very close to the main attractions, but you would miss the chance to discover the authenticity of New York life. Restaurants around here will also be mostly touristy and expensive.
• Being a purely tourist area hotels are much more expensive compared to other New York neighborhoods.
The best hotels in Midtown Manhattan
Who wouldn't want to rest their heads in a place that has hosted former President Barack Obama and the Sultan of Brunei? Located on Madison Avenue and 50th Street from the mid-1800s the legendary Lotte New York Palace Hotel it is also a favorite place for film production studios. The cost is high, but if you can afford it, this is where you should be.
Plaza Hotel: I don't think we need to talk about the Plaza Hotel, probably the most famous place in all of New York. We saw him at the cinema with "Mom I flew the plane" and "sex and the City". The rooms are luxurious, of course, with a gold finish.
After talking about extra luxury (you can't help but talk about it when it comes to hotels in Midtown Manhattan), I'm back with my feet on the ground and below you will find some lower-end hotels that obviously cost much less: but don't worry , you will be very comfortable anyway!
LUMA Hotel – Times Square: one of the TOP choices in New York for value for money, the LUMA is located just 300 meters from Times Square! You can choose between different types of rooms, from Deluxe to King, perfect for families.
At an absolutely super affordable price the Seton Hotel is one of the best budget hotels in Midtown Manhattan. Rooms have been recently refurbished and feature elegant, large decor, have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, premium bedding, and private bathrooms in most (however cheaper rooms have shared bathrooms ). There is no restaurant, but a nice lounge to relax in and you won't struggle to find places to dine nearby. It is located a stone's throw from Grand Central Station.
Under 39 Hotel: In the middle of Murray Hill in Midtown Manhattan, Pod 39 is a trendy and lively hotel with a popular rooftop bar. The rooms (or pods) are very small, but have an iPod docking station, flat-screen TVs, and personal climate control. Some double rooms have bunk beds, perfect for young people and backpackers.
Other Hotels in MIDTOWN
2 – Chelsea
Chelsea it is one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Manhattan. While this area was once predominantly an industrial area inhabited by Irish immigrants, today it is a creative and trendy multi-ethnic suburb.
Art galleries, trendy boutiques, great restaurants and one lively nightlife make Chelsea one of the best areas to sleep in New York.
For
<br>• The neighborhood is less crowded compared to other areas of Manhattan and it is pleasant to stroll through the art galleries, the trendy shops or along the Hudson.
• Al Chelsea Piers you will find a huge sports complex where you can try your hand at many sports: from climbing, to golf, to bowling. Magnificent cruises also depart from the docks that will give you the opportunity to admire Manhattan from a different perspective.
• The Chelsea Market, a historic covered market, is one of the best places to visit if you are a foodie.
Cons
• Accommodation around here they are quite expensive.
The best hotels in Chelsea
The Maritime Hotel: the name already says it, the rooms of this hotel are nautical themed with dark wood furnishings, porthole windows (overlooking the Hudson River) and marble bathroom. It is located in a very convenient position, a stone's throw from various metro stations, with which you can move around the city without too much effort.
If you are looking for something more luxurious but without exaggerating, The High Line Hotel is a historic hotel with an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, 1 minute walk from the High Line Park. The metro stop is 23 Street.
The rooms are personalized and famous for their extremely comfortable beds. My favorite part? the courtyard where you can have a good coffee!
Other Hotels in CHELSEA
3 – Greenwich Village
Say Ryan DeBerardinis /
Known much more simply as "The Village", Greenwich it was the heart of the New York counterculture movement in the 60s. The vintage and slightly bohemian air is still very strong and is one of the reasons that make this neighborhood absolutely unique in the New York panorama.
For
<br>• The location is great to visit the rest of the city: the neighborhood, in fact, is located between 14th street, Houston Street and Broadway.
• Being a mainly residential area it is very quiet, but it is still full of bars and restaurants to spend pleasant evenings.
• Some of the gods are located in this area Manhattan's best jazz clubs.
• Al Washington Square Park on weekends, citizens gather to enjoy the shows of the street artists who flock to the neighborhood.
• If I would pass Halloween a New York, remember that this is where the famous parade is held every year.
Cons
• Also in this case the district reserves very high prices for accommodation and hotel options are not many
The best hotels in Greenwich Village
The Marlton Hotel: a boutique hotel, located in a beautiful renovated building a stone's throw from Washington Square Park.
Breakfast is included in the price, the rooms have parquet floors and brass finishes, although they are not very large they are furnished with extreme care. The hotel also offers a restaurant and is within walking distance of West 4 St-Washington Sq and 8 Street subway stations.
Washington Square Hotel: many famous people have stayed here (Ernest Hemingway, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan) here since 1902: it is a very famous hotel, so if you decide to stay there, book early otherwise you risk not finding availability.
Homey and clean, rooms are simple with Art Deco accents and free Wi-Fi. Excellent location easily reachable also by subway and next to a myriad of clubs and on a wonderful square.
Other Hotels in GREENWICH
4 – East Village
Say Ryan DeBerardinis /
East of Greenwich Village sorge theEast Village, once considered part of the Lower East Side.
The area was redeveloped in the 80s when real estate agencies adopted the new name to entice buyers frightened by the bad reputation of that particular Manhattan neighborhood.
Today it is a neighborhood multicultural full of cafes, bookshops and art galleries.
For
• The East Village is off the usual tourist routes so here you can enjoy an authentic and relaxed atmosphere.
• Housing they are much cheaper compared to other areas of Manhattan.
Cons
<br>• The neighborhood is a bit secluded, so look for accommodation near the metro station otherwise you will have to walk a lot.
The best hotels in East Village
The Bowery Hotel: If you are looking for a trendy hotel in the lively East Village, The Bowery could be a great choice. The light-filled bedrooms, many with great views, might be some of the prettiest in Manhattan, and with a rustic restaurant and gorgeous public spaces, you really can't go wrong.
Moxy NYC East Village: an elegant new construction of the Marriott in glass and steel. The interiors are meant to evoke the golden and rebellious age of the East Village and its counterculture, when the likes of Basquiat, Warhol and Debbie Harry performed and celebrated in the 70s and 80s.
East Village Hotel: an excellent choice among mid-range hotels, the East Village Hotel offers studios with every comfort, from a fully equipped kitchen and private bathroom complete with complimentary toiletries. The Reception offers a café and the property is less than 10 minutes' walk from Astor Place Metro Station.
Other Hotels in EAST VILLAGE
5 - Upper West Side
This area is located between Central Park e Riverside park and it's one of the greenest in all of Manhattan and one of the best where to sleep in New York with children.
In the area ofUpper West Side In fact, many families live: the tranquility of the area, the possibility of taking walks surrounded by greenery and the proximity to the shopping centers and large chain stores make it perfect for those seeking a bit of tranquility.
For
<br>• It is an elegant and quiet area, out of the chaos of Midtown.
• There are some nearby attractions not to be missed: the American Museum of Natural History, Lincoln Center, Central Park and the Central Park Zoo. If you are a fan of John Lennon you should definitely go pay your respects at the Strawberry Fields Memorial.
• The nightlife it's not overwhelming, but there are some quiet clubs along Amsterdam Avenue.
<br>• Hotel prices are medium - high, but certainly inferior to those of Midtown.
Cons
• It takes some time to get to other neighborhoods in New York, so choose accommodation near the metro stop or an express bus.
The best Upper West Side Hotels
If you are looking for luxury the Mandarin Oriental New York (like all the hotels in the Mandarin chain) it is a fantastic choice.
Each room at Mandarin Oriental New York features panoramic windows, flat-screen TVs and minibars. It also offers a complete wellness center with sauna and massage rooms. The spa has a tea room where guests can relax before or after their treatment.
Among the cheapest choices DOM-NYC HIDE-A-WAY it is a guest house with excellent scores: the rooms have garden views, seating area, kitchen, dining area and private bathroom.
THEHotel Newton it's another hotel to check out. The rooms are comfortable and clean, the hotel is just a few steps from the metro station and the staff is very friendly.
Other Hotels in UPPER WEST SIDE
6 - Upper East Side
THEUpper East Side it is the sister district of the Upper West Side… only much more expensive!
This area is known to be one of the most expensive areas in Manhattan - many VIPs or wealthy people live here.
The area is very elegant and quiet and it is here that the Museum Mile, the stretch of Fifth Avenue where are some of the most important museums in New York.
For
<br>• The neighborhood is calm and refined: you will feel like you are in a movie.
• It is within walking distance of Central Park.
• You will have the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful museums in the city, such as the MoMa and Guggenheim.
Cons
• The accommodations, as you can imagine, they are very expensive.
• In the surroundings there are mainly restaurants and luxury clubs. For something easier you will have to move to the other boroughs of Manhattan.
• To reach the other attractions of the city you always have to allow 20 - 30 minutes by subway or bus.
I migliori Hotel a Upper East Side
Among the luxury hotels the The Mark New York and The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York they beat it in terms of services offered and comfort.
Among the cheaper choices the DOM-NYC DREAMAKER is a guest house offering simple but comfortable and clean accommodation with a shared lounge area, kitchen and bathroom.
Although not very central, but convenient for the subway with which you can move easily, the Courtyard New York Manhattan / Upper East Side it offers spotless rooms and friendly staff. There are many cheap restaurants nearby.
Altri Hotel a UPPER EAST SIDE
7 – Soho e Tribeca
Soho e Tribeca, once, they were both abandoned industrial areas that over the years have been redeveloped to become between the most characteristic areas of the city.
You know the classic red brick houses with fire escapes you see in the movies? Here, this is what you will find in these neighborhoods.
Soho is the heart of New York shopping, while a Tribeca one of the most important international film festivals, the Tribeca Film Festival, is held every year.
For
<br>• The area is full of restaurants and clubs where to spend great evenings.
• I know it Shopping this is the perfect place.
• By staying here you can explore many areas of New York on foot: Brooklyn Bridge, Ground Zero, Wall Street and Battery Park, Little Italy and Chinatown are within walking distance.
Cons
• Housing is a lot expensive.
• There are not many subway connections and you will need to go to Ground Zero for easier connections.
The best hotels in Soho and Tribeca
For a bit of luxury the Crosby Street Hotel it's the best hotel. This is a contemporary design hotel, with large bright rooms and boasting a nice internal courtyard, a restaurant terrace and a gym.
The Crosby Street Hotel is located adjacent to the Museum of Modern Art Design and is only 1 block from the Spring Street subway station.
To spend a little less, but stay on a high-end hotel Duane Street Hotel Tribeca (4 stars) is a great choice: it is a modern hotel with large rooms, free WI-FI, a restaurant and concierge service.
A stone's throw away is the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall / Chambers Street Metro Station.
Soho Grand Hotel: another luxury property with rooms with a view and an open-air restaurant. The rooms have WI-FI, flat screen TV and designer toiletries.The Soho Grand Hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Canal Street subway station.
Other Hotels in SOHO
8 – Brooklyn
If Manhattan prices scare you, then you should consider looking for a hotel in Brooklyn: here you have a practically infinite choice of accommodation, from budget to luxury.
This huge New York neighborhood is the perfect compromise for staying close to the beating heart of the Big Apple, but staying out of its traffic.
Brooklyn is in recent years becoming more and more popular even with VIPs and wealthy people, so you have to pay attention to the chosen area in order not to risk spending too much.
As you can imagine, the neighborhood is huge. Among the best areas I suggest you look for a hotel in
<br>• Brooklyn Heights: one of the oldest suburbs of New York, overlooking the magnificent skyline of Manhattan.
<br>• DUMBO: former industrial area today a trendy district.
<br>• Williamsburg: an area where you can find cheap bars and restaurants, art galleries and vintage shops.
The best hotels in Brooklyn
Located on Williamsburg's famous waterfront hotel strip, theHoxton Hotel it is packed with gorgeous design details: brass and walnut shelving, soft velvet headboards, and bespoke linens. The hotel has three restaurants, including a terrace, courtyard, and rooftop bar overlooking Manhattan.
The original boutique hotel in Brooklyn, il Wythe Hotel, was inaugurated in 2012 as the first of its kind. The décor is industrial chic with a bistro feel: hexagonal patterned tiles, reclaimed wood beam ceilings, exposed brick and, of course, original factory windows. From the roof you will have an unparalleled view of the New York Skylines!
EVEN Hotel Brooklyn: This budget hotel is just steps from the Brooklyn Bridge and offers large, bright rooms. There is a fitness area available and guests can cool off after workout in luxurious spa-like showers.
Hotel BPM Brooklyn: Let's be honest, not too many tourists stay at Sunset Park. That said, you will see a side of the neighborhood that is loved by the locals !. The hotel is within walking distance of the metro.
Other Hotels in BROOKLYN
9 – Queens
Il Queens it was once considered a dangerous neighborhood, which tourists had better stay away from. Today, however, this suburb is experiencing a real renaissance and new hotels and B & Bs are being born everywhere cheap.
The neighborhood is well connected to Manhattan by subway so it is a really good solution to sleep in New York.
Queens is also very large so among the various areas I suggest you look for a hotel in
<br>• Long Island City: safe and family-friendly area. Hotel rooms are generally larger and cheaper than most downtown accommodations.
<br>• Astoria: this is also a residential neighborhood populated mainly by many immigrants. The area is famous as a Greek, Vietnamese, Brazilian and Japanese neighborhood. A real corner of the world.
10 - Harlem
The last neighborhood I suggest where to stay in the Big Apple is Harlem. This area has always been known for being the center of African American culture.
Harlem is a historic district of Manhattan where you can attend masses gospel on Sundays, have lunch in one of the oldest restaurants in the city and watch jazz performances.
Although it is still erroneously labeled as an unsafe area, this neighborhood is constantly growing, housing is always more and certainly much cheaper than the center that you can, however, reach in a short time by subway and buses.
The best hotels in Harlem
Aloft Harlem: This three-star hotel in West Harlem is one of the most exclusive accommodations in the neighborhood with its design focused on sustainability. Aloft Harlem boasts a popular cocktail bar where you can sample the New York's best cocktails! At 6 stories high, this Marriott property offers priceless views of Manhattan (at a reasonable price)
The Harlem Flophouse: The Harlem Flophouse is a Victorian-era mansion that has operated as a hotel for over 100 years. It has hosted Harlem Renaissance artists, fashion and music photo shoots, and travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences. The Flophouse's quirky décor includes shared bathrooms with antique clawfoot tubs, a deliberate absence of modern appliances, and the hotel's cat, Phoebe.
Other Hotels in HARLEM
These were my tips on where to sleep in New York, I hope they can be useful to you in organizing your next trip to the Big Apple.
