Where to Stay in NYC: Luxury to Mid-Range Hotels
Last Updated on August 7, 2025 by Erin Donahue
Booking a hotel in New York City isn’t cheap. I often get asked for budget-friendly hotels right on Fifth Avenue or overlooking Central Park, but that’s just not realistic unless you’re ready to splurge. The beauty of New York City is that you don’t have to stay in Midtown to get great views or access to the city. Some of my recommended hotel stays are just outside Manhattan, in places like Jersey City and Long Island City, where you’ll still get skyline views, waterfront walks, and easy public transit into the city.
Whether you’re looking to celebrate something big or just want to explore NYC, as someone who’s lived in New York for almost 15 years (and worked with some of these brands), I’ve broken down some of my favorite hotels in the city by price point.
Luxury Hotels in NYC with Unmatched Views and Amenities
These are the places where design meets comfort, and every detail is handled for you. Whether you’re booking a dream stay or planning a special occasion, these luxury hotels deliver the best of NYC.
Mandarin Oriental New York
Mandarin Oriental New York is a five-star property that sits 280 feet above Columbus Circle and offers panoramic views of Central Park, the Hudson River, and the Manhattan skyline. The interiors blend sleek contemporary design with subtle Asian touches, making it feel equal parts luxurious and serene.
Notable amenities:
- The award-winning Spa at Mandarin Oriental
- A 75-foot lap pool with views of the Hudson River
- MO Lounge for cocktails and skyline views
- Direct elevator access to Jazz at Lincoln Center
Waldorf Astoria New York
The Waldorf Astoria is a New York icon. After nearly a decade of restoration, it’s returned with original Art Deco architecture and fresh, luxurious updates. Think Cole Porter’s piano, reinvented room service (they invented it), and over-the-top ballroom spaces. Guests who stay here want to immerse themselves in New York history without sacrificing modern luxury.
Four Seasons Hotel New York (Midtown)
Designed by I.M. Pei and located between Park and Madison Avenue, the Four Seasons New York Midtown is a quiet retreat in the heart of the city. It’s perfect for travelers who want walking access to Central Park, Fifth Avenue, and the Museum Mile. I’ve worked with the Four Seasons in Lisbon and have experienced the brand’s high standards in service.
Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
Modern, elegant, and tucked between Tribeca and the Financial District, this location offers a more contemporary, residential vibe with easy access to downtown hotspots. Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is best for travelers who want a luxury experience with a more local atmosphere.
Notable amenities:
- CUT by Wolfgang Puck for elevated American steakhouse vibes
- Just minutes from the High Line, Battery Park, and Soho
Boutique Hotels in NYC
If you’re someone who leans into character, design, and neighborhood charm over corporate sameness, boutique hotels are where it’s at. These properties are stylish, unique, and often sit in the city’s most eclectic areas.
The Bowery Hotel
With its old-world interiors, velvet drapes, marble bathrooms, and vintage-inspired lounges, The Bowery Hotel is quintessential downtown New York. It’s located at the intersection of Bowery and 3rd, a culturally rich area (though it can feel a little sketchy). The hotel oozes old-school cinematic charm, especially at night by the fireplace in the lobby bar.
The Ludlow Hotel
I once photographed a proposal at The Ludlow, and the views from the penthouse suite are seriously unmatched. The Ludlow Hotel is all about that moody, industrial-chic aesthetic: brick walls, vintage decor, art, and downtown energy. The vibe is perfect for creatives, with its downtown loft feel, on-site restaurant Dirty French, and thoughtful little details like Margiela robes and curated mini-bar snacks.
Arlo Hotels (SoHo, NoMad, Midtown, Williamsburg)
Arlo Hotels has quickly built a name for blending smart design with neighborhood vibes. With four NYC locations, SoHo, NoMad, Midtown, and their newest in Williamsburg (formerly The Williamsburg Hotel), each property feels distinct while keeping a consistent brand feel: minimalist, functional, and social. Whether you want rooftop cocktails in SoHo, skyline views at Arlo NoMad, a central base in Midtown, or to catch a DJ set at the rooftop Water Tower Bar in Williamsburg, there’s an Arlo that fits.
Ravel Hotel Long Island City
Perched right under the Queensboro Bridge, Ravel Hotel is a modern boutique hotel with skyline views and an edge. It’s known for its rooftop bar, Penthouse 808, and The Summer Club, a rooftop pool and day club that draws a party crowd during the summer months.
Mid-Tier Hotels Near NYC That Don’t Feel “Mid”
Not everyone can (or wants to) drop thousands on a hotel room, and that’s totally fair. If you’re looking for well-designed, affordable luxury or just want to stay somewhere stylish with easy access to the city, these mid-tier hotels are worth checking out.
CitizenM New York
CitizenM is a global hotel brand that’s redefined the idea of “affordable luxury.” Designed for modern travelers who value design, tech, and efficiency, each location feels like a hybrid between a hotel and a creative workspace. I stayed at their DC location and was pleasantly surprised. The experience is supposed to be consistent worldwide. In NYC, you’ll find two CitizenM properties: one in Times Square and another in Bowery, the latter even housing the Museum of Street Art (MoSA), a tribute to the legendary 5 Pointz artists in Long Island City.
Hyatt Place Long Island City
Speaking of LIC, Hyatt Place offers a strong value for travelers looking for comfort and reliability. The Long Island City location is a great home base found between Queens Plaza and Court Square. The area is quiet enough to escape the Manhattan chaos, but central enough to jump on multiple trains (7, N, W, R, E, M, G) and be in the city in literally five minutes.
Hyatt Regency Jersey City
Another Hyatt property, this riverfront hotel is for travelers who want a relaxing stay outside the chaos of the city, but with quick, easy access to everything. The Hyatt Regency Jersey City is only one PATH train stop from downtown Manhattan, but the views make it feel like you’re already there. It’s quiet, scenic, and well-connected.
Notable amenities:
- The Exchange: waterfront restaurant with a creative cocktail menu
- Indoor pool with skyline views
- Steps from ferry, train, and walking paths
FAQs About Booking NYC Hotels by Budget
Q: What’s the best area to stay in NYC for first-timers?
A: Midtown Manhattan gives you easy access to Central Park, Times Square, Broadway, and most subway lines. If you’re looking for a quieter or trendier scene, consider Downtown or staying just across the river in Jersey City.
Q: What’s the best budget-friendly area to stay near NYC?
A: Jersey City and Long Island City are both great options just outside Manhattan. They’re connected by subway or PATH trains, and often offer more value for your money, plus killer views of the NYC skyline.
More hotel picks coming soon, including luxury splurges, hidden gems, and where to stay if you want skyline views without Midtown prices!
