Where to Stay in New York City – Neighborhoods & Area Guide

New York City (NYC), one of the greatest cities in the world, is the most populated city in the United States of America. Known by the world as “The Big Apple” and by locals as “The City,” New York is nestled at the mouth of the Hudson River and is a major global center for commerce, entertainment, fashion, art, media, and culture.

The fourth largest metropolitan, New York City is home to innumerable world-renowned landmarks – the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park, to name a few. One of the only two globally recognized “World Cities,” NYC is also considered one of the safest cities in America.

Finding perfect accommodation in this massive city can be a daunting task. Let us explore some of the most popular neighborhoods to help you decide where to stay in New York City when you plan to visit.

Chelsea

Once a major industrial area, Chelsea has transformed massively in recent years and is now known for its art galleries, dining culture, and a vibrant nightlife. Towards the southern end is the famous Meatpacking district, named so after the former meatpacking business in the area. Today, the area is one of the trendiest in NYC with many nightclubs, high-end boutiques, and entertainment venues. High Line Park, a defunct railway station turned into a beautiful park, is a popular attraction in the neighborhood. For shopaholics, a visit to the Buffalo Exchange and Chelsea Market is a must.

Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Rubin Museum of Art, Chelsea Art Tower, Visio Dell’Arte, Whitney Museum of American Art, and Chelsea Piers.

Hotel Recommendations:

The Maritime Hotel – Located across Chelsea market, the Maritime Hotel offers nautical-themed guestrooms with a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, iPod Dock, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. The property also houses a delightful Italian restaurant, gym, bicycle rental facilities, and concierge services. A complimentary breakfast is served daily. Suitable for solo travelers and couples.
Cambria Hotel & Suites New York – Chelsea – 500 meters from some of the famous landmarks on NYC, including Empire State and Madison Square Garden, this luxurious hotel features beautifully decorated guestrooms with extra-large double beds, coffee machine, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV with cable channels, and ensuite bathroom. Guests can also enjoy the on-site fitness center and restaurant. Great for all kinds of travelers.
Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan Chelsea – Located a few hundred meters from Madison Square, this splendid hotel offers well-appointed guestrooms with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, wake-up service, coffee machine, safety deposit box, and ensuite bathroom. Additional facilities at the hotel include a 24-hour fitness center, a seasonal outdoor patio, and on-site dining options. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.

Lower Manhattan (Financial District)

Located within the boundaries of the Financial District (a.k.a. FiDi), a neighborhood in Manhattan, Wall Street is what makes New York City one of the strongest financial markets in the world. Home to two of the world’s biggest stock exchanges, NASDAQ and the New York Stock Exchange, Wall Street ‘s architecture dates back to the Gilded Age, though some art deco influences can be spotted around the neighborhood. The Financial District is also home to many interesting tourist attractions such as National Museum of the American Indian, Brooklyn Bridge, and 9/11 Tribute Museum.

Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Charging Bull, Trinity Church, One World Trade Center, The Woolworth Building, Trump Building, Battery Park, and St Paul’s Chapel.

Hotel Recommendations:

The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel – 500 meters from the famous Brooklyn Bridge, this world-class hotel provides its guests with comfortable rooms, state-of-the-art amenities, magnificent artworks, multiple fine-dining options, a fully-equipped fitness center, and optional breakfast. All rooms have high ceilings, custom beds, vintage furnishing, and oak wood floors. Perfect for all kinds of luxury travelers.
Club Quarters Hotel World Trade Center – A stone’s throw away from National September 11 Memorial & Museum, the property offers luxurious rooms with a spectacular city view, a Keurig brewing system, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and an ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, a lounge, and a bar. Great for all kinds of travelers.
Aloft Manhattan Downtown – Financial District – Set in the heart of the Financial District, Aloft Manhattan Downtown is an elegant hotel that offers its guests well-appointed rooms fitted with flat-screen TV and satellite channels, tea/coffee maker, safety deposit box, tumble dryer, wardrobe/closet, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. The property also features a fitness center, a 24-hour snack counter, a bar, and a terrace lounge. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.

Midtown Manhattan

Midtown Manhattan, the most prominent retail and commercial neighborhood of NYC, is home to the most iconic building in the city – the Empire State Building. This neighborhood has plenty to see and to do and is an absolute must-visit for any visitor. The largest central business district globally, Midtown is also considered an important media and entertainment hub of NYC. Notable attractions in the area include the UN headquarters, the Chrysler Building, and Times Square.

Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Rockefeller Center, 42^nd Street, Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, and the Morgan Library.

Hotel Recommendations:

MADE Hotel – This 4-star hotel features well-appointed guestrooms with latest amenities such as Revo SuperConnect® multi-format radio, flat-screen TV with cable channels, safety deposit box, interconnecting rooms, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. Additional facilities at the hotel include a 24-hour front desk, a restaurant, a coffee shop, a shared lounge with amazing views of the city, and a great optional breakfast. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
citizenM New York Times Square – Just a minutes’ walk from Times Square, this lavish hotel features fully-furnished guestrooms with extra-large double bed, soundproofing, free Wi-Fi, iPad, flat-screen TV, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. Other facilities at the hotel include a 24-hour food and beverage service, outdoor terraces, fitness center with yoga facilities, and a rooftop bar. Great for solo travelers and couples.
Hotel Boutique at Grand Central – A few steps away from Grand Central, the hotel offers wonderfully decorated guestrooms with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, iPod dock, coffee machine, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. Other services at the property include a bar, a shared lounge, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facility. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.

Upper East Side

An upscale neighborhood in Manhattan borough, the Upper East Side is largely a residential area with several fancy fine-dining restaurants, classic brownstones, and designer shops. Within close proximity of many NYC landmarks, the neighborhood is extremely vibrant, yet the historic architecture and manicured flower beds give it a calm, easy going vibe. The most iconic attraction in this part of New York City is Central Park, one of the most filmed locations in the planet. The Upper East Side is also home to Museum Mile, a lovely stretch of museums and art institutions located along the 5^th Avenue.

Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Roosevelt Island Tramway, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, 92nd St Y, and Madison Avenue.

Hotel Recommendations:

Loews Regency New York Hotel – The neutrally-colored, beautiful rooms at the hotel come with air-conditioning, luxury linens, soundproofing, minibar, Smart TV, seating area, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. Additional facilities at the property include 24-hour concierge services, on-site dining, and a great fitness center. Suitable for all kinds of travelers, including big groups of up to 5 members.
Hotel Wales – Located in the Carnegie Hill Area, this wonderful boutique hotel offers well-appointed guestrooms with comfy double beds, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV with cable channels, DVD player, safety deposit box, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. Guests can enjoy the 24-hour fitness center and the on-site restaurant. Great for all kinds of travelers, including big groups of up to 6 members.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée – A few hundred meters from Central Park Zoo, Hôtel Plaza Athénée features charming guestrooms with facilities such as an extra-large double bed, minibar, iHome clock-radio, flat-screen TV with cable channels, wake-up service, and ensuite bathroom. Additional facilities at the property include an on-site bar and restaurant, a fitness center, and a spa. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.

TriBeCa (Triangle Below Canal Street)

The neighborhood of TriBeCa is home to several office buildings, apartment houses, art galleries, shopping avenues, and elite restaurants. Host to the famous TriBeCa Film Festival, the neighborhood is one of the very few areas in NYC that retains a feeling of community. A significant feature of this part of New York City is its distinctive appearance – think cobblestone streets and loft apartment buildings. If you plan to visit the neighborhood with your kids during Halloween, they are sure to have a gala time celebrating the festival here since not only residents but also the businesses participate heavily in trick-or-treating.

Good for: All kinds of travelers, especially families with kids.
Other Highlights: Rockefeller Park, Irish Hunger Memorial, City Hall Park, St. Paul’s Chapel of Trinity Church Wall Street, Hudson River Park, and Washington Market Park.

Hotel Recommendations:

The Roxy Hotel Tribeca – This classic hotel offers well-appointed guestrooms with extra-large double beds, flat-screen TV, safety deposit box, ironing facilities, telephone, laptop safe, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. Additional facilities at the property include a bar and lounge, live entertainment, a 100-seat private screening room, free iPad and iPod rentals, a 24-hour fitness center, and free seasonal bicycle rental. Great for all kinds of travelers.
The Smyth – Feel like a celebrity with The Smyth’s world-class amenities and services which include fully-furnished guestrooms with state-of-the-art facilities, free Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant, flat-screen TV with Chromecast, a fully-functional fitness center, an optional breakfast, and special provision to allow pets. Perfect for all kinds of travelers.
The Frederick Hotel – 500 meters from New York City Hall, the Frederick Hotel features pleasantly-designed guestrooms with cozy beds, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, safety deposit box, and ensuite bathroom. Guests can also make use of room service, the on-site fitness center, valet parking, and valet laundry service (at an additional cost). Suitable for all kinds of travelers.

SoHo

Short for South of Houston, SoHo is a shopaholic’s haven which was once a bohemian quarter filled with budding artists. Today, the neighborhood is home to some of the most expensive boutique stores in New York City. Even though the area is literally swarming with shoppers from all around the world, its narrow, cobbled streets still embody a sense of historic charisma. High-end art galleries, fashion brand stores, sophisticated diners, and nightlife hotspots make it one of the most visited parts of the city. Notable landmarks in and around the area include New York City Fire Museum, The Drawing Center, and Broadway Street.

Good for: All kinds of travelers, especially shopaholics.
Other Highlights: New Museum, Children’s Museum of Fine Arts, St Patrick’s Old Cathedral, and New York Public Library.

Hotel Recommendations:

Arlo SoHo – Set in the heart of NYC’s shopping district, Arlo SoHo offers well-appointed guestrooms with latest amenities such as comfortable double beds, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, laptop safe, wake-up service, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. Guests can also enjoy on-site public parking, a fine-dining restaurant, a fully-stocked bar, and a 24-hour in-house market. Great for solo travelers and couples.
Hotel Hugo – A fusion of arts-meet-industrial deco, Hotel Hugo offers comfortable guestrooms with features such as extra-large double beds, flat-screen TV with pay-per-view channels, soundproofing, free Wi-Fi, safety deposit box, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. Additional facilities include a 24-hour front desk, rooftop bar, and a café. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
Soho Grand Hotel – Situated in the upscale neighborhood and shopping hub of NYC, Soho Grand Hotel provides luxurious accommodation in comfy guestrooms fitted with avant-garde facilities, an outdoor restaurant, a bar and a salon, a fully-equipped fitness center, and a 24-hour concierge desk. Great for solo travelers and couples.

Brooklyn

One of the five boroughs of New York City, Brooklyn feels pretty much like a city in itself. Known for its East River waterfront that gives you one of the most picturesque views of Manhattan’s skyline, the borough is home to the world-renowned Brooklyn Academy of Music. Williamsburg, one of the areas of Brooklyn, is known for its hipster culture and a thriving art scene. Williamsburg is chock full of trendy coffee shops, vintage clothes stores and other cool hang outs. Brighton Beach is home to the largest number of Russians in the city and Dumbo is a popular area that used to be an industrial zone but in recent years has turned into a neighbourhood for well-heeled professionals.

Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Grand Army Plaza, The Coney Island Cyclone, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and Coney Island.

Hotel Recommendations:

EVEN Hotel Brooklyn – Entirely designed keeping your fitness and wellness in mind, each room at EVEN Hotel Brooklyn comes with air-conditioning, private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, laptop safe, refrigerator, ironing facilities, yoga props, fitness gears, and tea/coffee maker. Additional facilities at the hotel include a state-of-the-art fitness center, an on-site restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and optional healthy breakfast. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
Aloft Brooklyn – Located within a couple of minutes of the nearest subway station, Aloft Brooklyn offers futuristic guestrooms with extra-large double beds, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV with cable channels, refrigerator, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. Extra services include free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour snack shop, a meeting room, a bar, and a restaurant. Great for all kinds of travelers.
The Tillary Hotel Brooklyn – Featuring an indoor beer garden, on-site fitness center, a full-service spa, private parking, room service, the Tillary Hotel Brooklyn offers well-appointed guestrooms with modern amenities such as extra-large double bed, soundproofing, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV with cable channels, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. Perfect for all kinds of travelers.

Upper West Side

One of the greenest spaces in Manhattan Borough, the Upper West Side carries an air of relaxation and casual strolling. Sandwiched between Central Park and Riverside Park, this neighborhood, along with its safe atmosphere, is a hit among families. However, the area is also home to a lot of low-key bars spread along Amsterdam Avenue and the exhilaration of Broadway’s commercial stretch. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the most distinguished attraction within the neighborhood, was opened to the public in 1962 and has hosted the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Opera, and the New York City Ballet, to name a few.

Good for: All kinds of travelers, especially families.
Other Highlights: Central Park Zoo, The Empire Hotel Rooftop, New-York Historical Society, West 79th Street Boat Basin, and American Museum of Natural History.

Hotel Recommendations:

Hotel Beacon – Located on the Upper West Side, Hotel Beacon offers luxurious guestrooms and suites equipped with free Wi-Fi, telephone, kitchenette, iPod dock, laptop safe, refrigerator, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. On-site amenities include a shared lobby, business center, fitness center, and dining and wining options. Great for all kinds of travelers, including big groups of up to 6 members.
Hotel Lucerne – A few hundred meters from the Museum of Natural History, Hotel Lucerne features fully-furnished guestrooms with air-conditioning, work desk, tea/coffee maker, ensuite bathroom with free luxury toiletries, and a flat-screen TV with cable channels and video games. An on-site spa, a French restaurant, and child care facilities are available as well. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
NYLO New York City – Featuring a 1920’s elevator system, custom artworks, a 24-hour fitness center, multiple wine-and-dine options, and an original fireplace, NYLO New York City offers luxurious rooms with comfy double beds, flat-screen TV with cable channels, safety deposit box, telephone, iPod dock, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. Perfect for all kinds of travelers.

Greenwich Village

Often referred to as “The Village,” this NYC neighborhood, the core of 1960s counterculture movement, is home to tree-lined streets, popular bars and cafés, classic brownstones, jazz clubs, and off-Broadway theatres. An LGBT-friendly area, The Village houses the world-famous New York University and the popular Washington Square Park, often regarded as the heart of the neighborhood. This bohemian neighborhood is also known for its community of artists and some of the best comedy clubs in the country.

Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Grove Court, Westbeth Gallery, Greenwich Village Literary Pub Crawl, Whitney Museum of American Art, and Hudson River Park Trust.

Hotel Recommendations:

The Marlton Hotel – Set in the heart of Greenwich Village, the Marlton Hotel is located in a beautifully restored historic building less than 200 meters from Washington Square Park. Rooms at the hotel feature cozy double beds, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, minibar, safety deposit box, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries.
Walker Hotel Greenwich Village – A gentle stroll away from Washington Square Park and the highly-recognized New York University, Walker Hotel Greenwich Village offers well-appointed guestrooms with telephone, wardrobe/closet, minibar, wake-up service, flat-screen TV with cable channels, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. An on-site bar and lounge and a restaurant are available for the guests as well. Ideal for solo travelers and couples.
Gansevoort Meatpacking – A short walking distance from Whitney Museum of American Art, Gansevoort Meatpacking provides superb guestrooms with latest amenities, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, business center, a full-service spa and yoga center, a fitness center, a fully-equipped restaurant, and an on-site bar and lounge. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.

Lower East Side

Known for its Jewish heritage and an eclectic environment, the Lower East Side neighborhood is one of NYC’s prominent bargain beats where interested shoppers bargain to their heart’s content, although with the rise of trendy boutiques and upscale fashion stores it may soon become a thing of the past. The entire neighborhood sports a multicultural atmosphere with French cafes, Spanish bodegas, and velvet-roped nightclubs. Lower East Side Tenement Museum is one of the most primary attractions in the area.

Good for: All kinds of travelers, especially the young.
Other Highlights: Lower East Side Jewish Conservancy, Museum at Eldridge Street Synagogue, New Museum, The Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, and Williamsburg Bridge.

Hotel Recommendations:

Hotel Indigo Lower East Side – A few hundred meters from Little Italy, Hotel Indigo Lower East Side offers well-appointed guestrooms with comfy double beds, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV with cable channels, laptop safe, ironing facilities, tumble dryer, minibar, and ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. A 24-hour front desk, an on-site restaurant, and an open-air, heated pool are also available for the guests. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
Orchard Street Hotel – Featuring a rooftop lounge with stunning views of New York City, Orchard Street Hotel provides fully-furnished guestrooms with newest amenities such as alarm clock radios, MP3 lines, wall-mounted HD TV, iPod dock, flat-screen TV, and ensuite bathroom. Additional facilities at the property include daily housekeeping, a 24-hour front desk, and a 24-hour business center. Great for solo travelers and couples.
The Ridge Hotel – Located a short walking distance from the nearest subway station, the Ridge Hotel features luxurious guestrooms with up-to-date amenities such as an extra-large double bed, free Wi-Fi, iPod dock, custom furniture, flat-screen TV, and an ensuite bathroom with free toiletries and marble/European-tiled bath. The 24-hour rooftop bar and restaurant offer a dazzling view of the NYC skyline, including the Empire State Building.

Chelsea

Lower Manhattan (Financial District)

Midtown Manhattan

Upper East Side

TriBeCa (Triangle Below Canal Street)

SoHo

Brooklyn

Upper West Side

Greenwich Village

Lower East Side

Where to Stay in New York City – Neighborhoods & Area Guide: