- Overview
- Midtown Manhattan + Times Square
- Chelsea + Greenwich Village
- Lower Manhattan
- Central Park + Upper West Side
- Brooklyn + Queens
Overview
We know that your accommodations will be a big part of your overall costs to visit NYC.
That's why we wrote this post about inexpensive New York City hotels that are also relatively nice.
They are 3-star hotels and in some cases 4-stars. For the most part, they are no more than $200 a night, not including taxes.
Many have perks you might not find in more expensive hotels, like free breakfast or rooftops with great views.
On the other hand, rooms may be smaller, simply decorated and lacking in some features like mini-fridges.
Some are in prime locations, while others are outside of Manhattan but a quick subway ride to the best attractions in Manhattan.
In addition to good to very good reviews on Hotels.com and comparable sites, all of these hotels have received positive reviews from members of our Facebook New York City Travel Tips group which has nearly 90,000 members.
How Our Recommendations Are Organized
Our recommendations are organized by neighborhood.
We include a bit about the best attractions in that neighborhood as well as links to posts with in-depth information about the neighborhood.
The prices listed are the least expensive room for two people (queen, king, double or even a room with two bunk beds).
Tax is not included in the price. Resort/facilities fees are noted when applicable.
There are three prices listed:
- Low Season - January to March
- Shoulder Season - April to May and September to October
- High Season - June to August and November to December
We do not include prices for major holidays like Christmas, New Year's Eve and national holidays when prices are at a premium.
Midtown Manhattan and Times Square
Midtown Manhattan and Times Square are two of the most popular neighborhoods to stay in because of their attractions and also their centrality to other neighborhoods in NYC.
There are an overwhelming number of hotels in Times Square to choose from.
You can search for all hotels in Times Square and Midtown Manhattan and set filters.
Read more about what to see and do in Midtown Manhattan and Times Square.
1. Pod 51
230 East 51st St. at 2nd Ave. | Rooms from $95 / $239 /$199
On the east side of Midtown, this hotel is within walking distance of many of the best attractions in NYC, such as the Museum of Modern Art, Rockefeller Center, and Grand Central Station.
Rooms are very small but efficiently designed with storage drawers under beds and built-in desks. The room décor is both airy and fun.
All rooms have individual climate control air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, a safe, and free Wi-Fi.
Most rooms have private bathrooms but you can save money if you opt for a room with a shared bathroom, similar to a hostel set-up.
Perhaps its best feature (other than its great location and price) is its amazing rooftop deck!
Note that there is a $20 per night resort fee.
Hotels.com rates Pod 51 at 7.8 out of 10. Many reviews comment on how small the rooms are, but that the location was great and staff was helpful.
2. Pod 39
145 East 39th St. at Lexington Ave. | Rooms $85 / $119 / $239
Pod 39 is in a great location, within walking distance to Times Square and other Midtown attractions. It is 3 blocks south of Grand Central Terminal where you can catch several subway lines.
Pod 39 is nearly the same as Pod 51 above except that all the rooms at Pod 39 have private bathrooms. The decor is colorful, sleek and youthful.
All rooms have individual climate control air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, a safe, and free Wi-Fi.
The hotel has an amazing rooftop lounge and a community playroom with ping-pong tables.
They offer morning coffee & tea service, same-day luggage storage, exclusive offers at local venues, access to a local gym and free calls within the U.S.
Note that there is a $22 per night resort fee.
Hotels.com rates Pod 39 at 8.4 out of 10. Reviews mention the small, but comfortable rooms. Guests love the location and the rooftop. Staff are nice and the hotel is a good deal for the price.
Read reviews and see pictures of Pod 39.
3. Row NYC
700 8th Ave. at 44th St. | Rooms from $99 / $143 / $179
The Row is one of the most popular hotels among our Facebook Travel Tips group members. It’s in the heart of Times Square and within walking distance of so many attractions!
Rooms are small but overcome this issue with ‘built-ins’ (drawers under the bed frame, built-in desks). The room colors are bright, playing on an NYC subway theme.
Every room is equipped with Wi-Fi, safe, flat-screen TV, iPod docks and Wi-Fi, blackout shades, sound-proof windows, and individual climate controls.
Note that there is a facilities fee of $35 per night that covers access to their fitness center, computer and printing services 24 hours a day in their iMac lounge, and deals at nearby venues and restaurants.
Hotels.com rates Row NYC at 7 out of 10. Guests’ concerns were how small the rooms are and they could be a bit cleaner. The positives were the location and friendly, helpful staff.
Read reviews and see pictures of Row NYC.
Note: the New York City government has leased rooms on at least one floor to house immigrant asylum-seekers. This may affect your stay at the hotel. Contact the hotel before booking.
4. Hotel Scherman
346 West 46th St. between 8th and 9th Aves. | Rooms $129 / $179 / $209
This small boutique hotel located on Restaurant Row near Times Square has 22 rooms and five apartments.
The building evokes the historic buildings of New Orleans with wrought-iron terraces and gas lamps. A good quality continental breakfast is included which you can enjoy on their rooftop with great views!
Rooms have free WiFi, air-conditioning, blackout drapes/curtains, premium bedding, a 50-inch LCD TV, coffee/tea maker, small kitchenette and in-room safe.
Note that there is a $27 resort fee per night, so add that into the cost.
Hotels.com rates Hotel Scherman at 9.2 out of 10. Guests liked the unique and charming atmosphere. Staff were warm and gave a personal touch. Rooms were a good size and clean. A common complaint is the street noise from the restaurants and lounges.
5. Hotel Edison Times Square
228 West 47th St. between 7th and 8th Aves. | Rooms $135 / $233 / $195
This hotel is a favorite of many members of our Facebook New York City Travel Tips group. the Edison is right in Times Square.
Rooms are modern with muted colors, lending a sense of calm which may be desirable after a busy day around NYC.
Rooms have free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, desks, in-room safes, air-conditioning, free local calls, blackout drapes and more.
A grab-and-go breakfast is included in the price of your room. There is a rooftop terrace with great views. You can access their onsite fitness center and there is a 24-hour business center.
One notable feature is that children stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding. A roll-away bed costs $30 extra.
Note that there is a $31 resort fee per night.
Hotels.com rates Hotel Edison Times Square at 7.8 out of 10. Guests loved the location the most. Rooms are somewhat small and a bit dated. Though there is a good “grab and go” breakfast, many guests were disappointed by the lack of coffee makers in the rooms. Also, check-in could be faster.
Read reviews and see pictures of Hotel Edison Times Square.
Chelsea And Greenwich Village
CHELSEA
Located on the westside of Manhattan, between Midtown and Greenwich Village, Chelsea is a lovely, and quiet neighborhood with many special places to visit like the High Line park.
The Edge Observatory Deck at Hudson Yards is also in Chelsea, as is the unique park, Little Island. There are lots of great places to eat including the Chelsea Market.
There are subway lines but not as many as in other areas. Still, you can get anywhere you want and then come back to your hotel in a peaceful neighborhood at the end of a long day.
6. Leo House
332 West 23rd St. between 8th and 9th Aves. | Rooms from $175 / $159 / $199
This very affordable and homey guesthouse is run by a Catholic non-profit organization, but there is no requirement that you have any particular religious beliefs to stay here.
The hotel is honey and rooms are very simply decorated. Don't stay here for the decor. Stay here for the price and location.
For two guests, choose from a standard Double with a private bathroom or a standard Twin with two twin beds. (Push them together and you’ve got a king-size bed!)
Family rooms are a great deal for those traveling in a small group. Solo travelers will enjoy the single rooms and the safe atmosphere.
All rooms come with free WiFi, a television, in-room safe, and seasonal air-conditioning. You also have access to a guest laundry room and a business center.
A complimentary breakfast buffet on weekday mornings can be enjoyed in their garden.
Tip: If you want to save some money opt for a room with a semi-private bathroom (with toilet and sink). Showers are in a shared bathroom.
Hotels.com rates The Leo House at 7.8 out of 10. Most reviews mention the great location, delicious, free breakfast and nice staff. The few negative comments were about the rooms being outdated. Overall, a great value for the money.
Read reviews and see pictures of Leo House.
7. Chelsea Pines Inn
317 West 14th St. between 8th and 9th Aves. | Rooms $ n/a / $249 /$199
If you love the glamorous Hollywood’s Golden Age, you will get a kick out of the Chelsea Pines Inn’s decor! Each of its 23 rooms is dedicated to stars like Paul Newman, Rock Hudson, Judy Garland and more.
The rooms are on the smaller side but don't feel small as they are light and airy. All rooms have air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, safes, iPod/iPad docks, and telephones.
There is a nice private courtyard to enjoy a light breakfast included in your room rate.
Better still, the staff is very helpful and friendly.
Be warned: the hotel is in a 19th-century five-story walk-up, so if you need an elevator, the Pines is not for you.
Also, know that it books up fast because it's just that affordable and wonderful!
Hotels.com rates Chelsea Pines Inn at 8.2 out of 10. People love the location, find the rooms comfortable and the staff very friendly.
GREENWICH VILLAGE
Greenwich Village is a neighborhood filled to the brim with cafes, bars and great restaurants, making it a great neighborhood to stay in.
Unfortunately, this means it is not easy to find cheap accommodations here. Below are two hotels that are not necessarily cheap, but affordable given the wonderful neighborhood.
Find out about all the wonderful things to do in Greenwich Village, such as our pay-what-you-like walking tours.
8. The Jane
113 Jane St. between West St. and Washington St. | Bunk Bed rooms with shared bathrooms $115 / $135 / $109
This land-marked building has a ‘nautical’ theme. The nautical-cabin style 50-sq-ft (4.5 sq. m) room is kitsch, but not for the claustrophobic.
There are two types of rooms that can fit two people - a bunk bed with a shared bath and a Captain's Cabin.
All Captain’s Cabins are spacious, with private bathrooms, and either Hudson River views or a private terrace. They are considerably more expensive.
All rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, air-conditioning and iPod docking stations. Free bikes are available.
Note that the hotel is a bit of a party scene. This may or may not be right for you.
Hotels.com rates The Jane at 8.4 out of 10. Guests commented that the atmosphere was quirky in a good way, and though the rooms are small, they were comfortable. Some reviews say it can be a bit noisy at night. Solo travelers in particular like The Jane.
9. Washington Square Hotel
103 Waverly Place between 5th and 6th Aves.| Rooms $196 / $284 / $231
A bit of European class with wonderful American history. When it was a cheap resident hotel, you might have bumped into Bob Dylan, Joan Baez or Bo Diddley.
Today you will enjoy modern amenities including free WiFi in all rooms, a fitness center, a 24-hour front desk and much more.
The rooms are stylishly decorated and the bathrooms are equally as nice.
Hotels.com rates this hotel at 8.8 out of 10 stating that the location is fantastic and the staff are very welcoming. Some said the hotel is outdated but otherwise comfortable.
Lower Manhattan
Below we list hotels each in a different neighborhood within Lower Manhattan: SoHo, Lower East Side, Wall Street, TriBeCa and Wall Street. These areas are some of the very best areas of NYC to visit.
Read our post on things to do in Lower Manhattan or join us for our pay-what-you-wish Lower Manhattan guided walking tour!
10. Solita SoHo Hotel
159 Grand St. between Centre and Lafayette Sts. | Rooms $118 / $152 / $199
The Solita is situated between the historic and colorful neighborhoods of SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown.
The rooms are small, but clean with modern decor. Amenities include free Wi-Fi and free newspapers daily. Rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen satellite television, a safe and free Wi-Fi. Plus, breakfast is included!
The front rooms can get noisy at night in this lively part of town, so bring earplugs or request a room on the back side of the hotel.
The hotel does charge a $19.95 resort fee per night. However, you will save on subway costs as the location is within walking distance of many attractions you will surely want to visit!
Hotels.com rates this hotel at 7.6 out of 10. Guests love the location and don't mind the small room as they were out for most of their visit. Many reviews call the staff very attentive. One concern for some guests was the noise from the street.
11. Hotel Mimosa
79 Division St. at Eldridge St. | Rooms $141 / $194 / $173
Located on the trendy Lower East Side and bordering Chinatown, the Mimosa is a hidden gem. It received a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2022.
The 1950s - inspired rooms are not very big but they are clean and quiet. Rooms have blackout curtains, soundproofing, air conditioning, free WiFi, Smart TVs and toiletries.
The location is great for those who enjoy being in a historic and hip neighborhood. There's no shortage of great restaurants and bars.
The hotel is a 15 minutes walk to the Brooklyn Bridge and a little farther to the Financial District. There are three subway lines two blocks away.
Hotels.com rates this hotel at 8.4 out of 10. Guests note the accommodating and friendly staff and the great location. Most said the rooms were simple but clean and comfortable. Complaints are generally about some noise that can be heard by the nearby subway.
12. Club Quarters Hotel World Trade Center
140 Washington St. between Cedar and Albany Sts. | Rooms $116 / $179 / $215
This simple, modern hotel in the Financial District is across from One World Trade Center and overlooks the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
It is a 5-minute walk to several subway lines so it is a short ride to Times Square and other Midtown occasions. There is so much to do in Lower Manhattan and you can explore it all by foot.
Standard queen rooms are on the smaller side but amenities make up for that. Rooms come with free ultra-fast Wi-Fi, flat-screen LCD TV, Keurig coffee machine, iPod/iPhone docking, toiletries, and a desk.
Some rooms overlook the 9/11 Memorial and its beautiful cascading fountains. The highlight of the hotel is its 20th-floor restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace. The views are stunning.
Hotels.com rates this hotel at 8.8 out of 10. Most reviews are a 10/10 based on its convenient location, 20th-floor terrace views, friendly staff, and decent room size. The few reviews under a 10/10 say that their room was outdated and they felt that only minimal amenities are included.
Read reviews and see pictures of Club Quarters Hotel World Trade Center.
13. Aloft Manhattan Downtown
49-53 Ann St. between William and Nassau Sts. | Rooms $121 / $217 / $199
This modern and colorful hotel is in the heart of the Financial District. Major attractions are all under 10 minutes away by foot such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
You’ll be within walking distance of the Fulton Street subway hub with several lines that will take you to any neighborhood in NYC.
Rooms are small, but not cramped. Amenities include free WiFI, large flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers. Some rooms have mini-fridges.
Some rooms have nice views of Lower Manhattan. Request one when booking. There is also an onsite lounge with an outdoor patio.
Hotels.com rates this hotel at 8 out of 10. Guests rave about the friendly staff and the location. Complaints centered on the lack of mini-fridges in every room and that the air-conditioning was out of order in some cases
14. Holiday Inn Manhattan Financial District
99 Washington St. between Greenwich and Washington Sts.| Rooms $104 / $189 / $199
Some of the top sights in Manhattan are less than 10 minutes away by foot from this hotel. The 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street and the Statue of Liberty Cruises are right there.
With multiple subway lines nearby, you can get to Times Square in 20 minutes.
Rooms are small but modern and tastefully decorated. Bathrooms are upscale. As the world’s tallest Holiday Inn, at 50 stories tall, rooms on higher floors have amazing views.
Rooms include free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, spacious work area, blackout curtains, air-conditioning, in-room safe, coffee/tea maker and more. There’s a business center and fitness center onsite.
For families, this hotel is a bargain as up to two kids ages 18 and under stay for free when sharing their parents’ room!
Hotels.com rates this hotel at 7.8 out of 10. Guests love the location. Reviews say the rooms are ok, though a bit small. Most said the rooms were clean and the staff were nice. The most frequent complaint is the wait for the elevators.
Central Park And Upper West Side
The Upper West Side (UWS) is a great location to stay for its leafy residential side streets and its lively avenues. No matter where in the UWS you are, Central Park is right there for the taking.
Find out more about Central Park or join us for one of our pay-what-you-like Central Park Walking Tours.
Some places to go to in the neighborhood are Lincoln Center, the American Museum of Natural History and Carnegie Hall.
15. Park Central
870 7th Ave. between 55th and 56th Sts. | Rooms $149 / $209 / $239
Located two blocks south of Central Park, this modern hotel offers easy access by foot to Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, and a quick subway ride to Lower Manhattan.
The hotel's 934 rooms are a decent size with nice decor. Amenities include free WiFi, smartphone docking stations, 46-inch flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning.
The hotel has a business center as well as a 24-hour fitness center. Some rooms on the upper floors have city views so request one when booking.
Note that there is a $ 38 resort fee per night.
Hotels.com rates this hotel at 7.8 out of 10. Guests love the location the most. Most reviews say the rooms were comfortable and clean. The main complaint is the wait for the elevators.
16. West Side YMCA
5 West 63rd St. between Central Park West and Broadway | Rooms with semi-private bathroom $100 /$131/$149
This huge, all-ages hostel is famed for its fabulous location right off of Central Park and its incredibly low prices.
But remember, it is a hostel and most rooms do not have private bathrooms.
Rooms are primarily singles and doubles with bunk beds. Some of these have semi-private bathrooms though they are located in the hallway.
If you want total privacy, try to get the "Double Bed Room with Private Bath". They book up fast though.
The rooms are sparse and come with linens, a small towel, a flat-screen TV, and air conditioning. Some rooms have a view of Central Park so why not ask for one when booking?
There is a $10 daily Guest Room Membership Fee that gives you access to their swimming pool, gymnasium and cardio and weight rooms.
Hotels.com rates this hotel at 7.8 out of 10. Guests love the location and the low prices. Reviewers say the rooms are no frills, but clean and comfortable. Staff was helpful. One of the better hostels guests have stayed in.
17. Hotel Belnord
209 West 87 St. between Broadway and Amsterdam Aves. | $135 / 135 /$175
The Belnord is in a pretty neighborhood two blocks from Central Park and one block to a major subway line. The rooms are tiny, but the price and location are worth giving up space.
A nice perk is the rooftop terrace!
Rooms have simple decor and are clean and quiet. Amenities are few but do include free Wi-Fi, free coffee/tea and flat-screen TVs.
Hotels.com rates this hotel at 8.4 out of 10. Though rooms are small, they are comfortable and clean. Lower ratings were based on the small size of the rooms. But most people were happy with what they paid for, which was a hotel just to sleep and shower.
Read reviews and see pictures of Hotel Belnord.
Brooklyn And Queens
More and more nice hotels are cropping up in Brooklyn and Queens every year, due to the demand for inexpensive nice accommodations.
Some may say that you should save your time and not worry about having to take the subway every day into Manhattan. But the commute is short and the savings are big.
The hotels listed below are in safe, lively neighborhoods and are within walking distance of every major subway line.
You may want to spend time in the neighborhood where your hotel is located as there are things to do nearby!
Read our post on using the subway since you will be using it every day.
BROOKLYN
Most of these hotels put you within walking distance of the Brooklyn Bridge, historic Brooklyn Heights and the Brooklyn Promenade with breathtaking views of the New York skyline.
Find out more things to do in Brooklyn.
18. NU Hotel
85 Smith St. between State St. and Atlantic Ave. | Rooms $118 / $169 / $195
Located in the trendy neighborhood of Boerum Hill, NU Hotel is a 10-minute walk to beautiful Brooklyn Heights and 15 minutes to the Brooklyn Bridge.
There are several subway lines within two blocks and you can be in Lower Manhattan within 15 minutes.
The modern rooms are a nice size and the decor is light and airy. Some have city views. Rooms have free WiFi, flat-screen televisions, air conditioning, minibars and iPod docks.
A free continental breakfast is included in the price. Free bike rentals are also offered. Note that there is a $15 resort fee per night.
Hotels.com rates this hotel at 8.6 out of 10. Guests say the rooms were larger than expected and also clean. People liked the location and the convenience of the shops and restaurants in the neighborhood. The few negative reviews say that the mattresses were not comfortable.
Read reviews and see pictures of NU Hotel.
19. Holiday Inn Brooklyn Downtown
300 Schermerhorn St. between Bond and Nevins St. | Rooms $139 / $119 / $169
Prices are right and it is a very quick subway ride to Manhattan with several major subway lines all within a two-block radius.
Rooms are a nice size, and certainly bigger than most Manhattan rooms in the same price range. For $20 more you can request a room on a high floor, with views of Brooklyn and New York Harbor.
Amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, pillow-topped mattresses, a desk/workspace, a mini-refrigerator, and individually controlled air conditioning.
The hotel has an indoor heated pool, a fitness center, and 24-hour business center. Pets are allowed with a deposit.
Hotels.com rates this hotel at 7.2 out of 10. People say the location was convenient but that the hotel is best for those who won't be spending a lot of time in their room. Complaints are about the cleanliness, which they feel could be better. The pool and sauna was a perk, but not always available.
Read reviews and see pictures of Holiday Inn Brooklyn Downtown.
20. Pod Brooklyn
247 Metropolitan Ave. between N. 3rd and N.4th Sts. | Rooms $99 / $149 / $139
Right in the middle of hipster-heaven Williamsburg, and just 10 minutes to Lower Manhattan and 20 minutes to Midtown Manhattan by subway, the Pod Brooklyn is a great option.
Just like their counterparts above, Pod 39 and Pod 51, the decor and atmosphere are similar. Lively and colorful, and making the most of small rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms, free WiFi, garden views, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs and soundproofing.
Note there is a $20 resort fee, but given the low prices, the Pod Brooklyn is still a great deal for those on a budget.
Hotels.com rates this hotel at 8.8 out of 10. Guests say the small rooms at this micro-hotel are simple and clean. The neighborhood is fun and the common spaces were lively. The main issue is the bathroom. Toilets are in the walk-in shower, designed to save space in the compact rooms.
Read reviews and see pictures of Pod Brooklyn.
QUEENS (Long Island City)
Just a few subway stops from Midtown Manhattan, Long Island City (LIC) is a destination unto itself. The hotel scene is blossoming as is the restaurant and bar scene.
LIC has a vibrant art scene, with the Museum of Modern Art’s annex, the PS1 Museum, at the heart of it.
Staying in Long Island City will get you bigger rooms, more savings and spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.
21. The Collective Paper Factory
37-06 36th St. between Northern Blvd. and 37th Ave. | Rooms $113 / $131 / $149
Formerly an industrial loft building, this hotel is modern, but quirky, in a good way. Recommendations for this hotel keep popping up on our Facebook Group.
The prices are great but that is because you will be a 10-15 minute subway ride from Manhattan. Still, many feel it is worth the savings.
Rooms are loft-like, with 12-foot ceilings, and modern/vintage decor. Each room is unique, but each comes with the same amenities such as free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, work desks, blackout drapes and more.
An indoor terrace and an outdoor garden are nice features. There's also a game room with table tennis and shuffleboard!
One downside is that there is no onsite dining. But there are many restaurants and food stores within walking distance.
Note that there is a $23 resort fee per night.
Hotels.com rates this hotel at 8.2 out of 10. Guests like the unique decor and the clean, nice-sized rooms.
People say the neighborhood has a lot to offer and is also convenient to Manhattan. Many reviews comment on the friendly staff.
The few negative reviews seem to be one-offs with problems unique to those guests. Also, guests would have preferred a restaurant onsite.
Also, take a look at our post on 15 Ways to Find Cheap Accommodation in New York City for some tips on finding great deals.
