where to stay in new york city first time

If you’re planning a trip to New York City and wondering where to stay in new york city first time. whether you’re on a budget or looking for a luxury experience, I’m here to help. Today, I’ll show you the best hotels to choose from and which ones suit different types of travelers. Before we dive in, there are four important things you need to know, as they will affect how much you spend during your stay.

Here’s what you need to know: the cheapest hotel prices in New York City are from January to early March, during something called New York City Hotel Week. This usually runs from January 4th to February 3rd. Yes, it’s more than one week, but that’s what they call it. The most expensive times are during the holiday season, and in May and June, so expect to pay more during those months.

We’ll be covering four neighborhoods that I personally love and recommend to anyone visiting the city. I tell my family and friends about these places, so I’ve chosen them carefully.

full guide where to stay in new york city first time ? four best neighborhoods

First, Long Island City is the place I always recommend. It’s my neighborhood, and there are many reasons why I love it. First, look at that view! You won’t find that view many other places, and it’s a big advantage of staying in Long Island City. Plus, it’s so close to Manhattan, but the prices are much cheaper than staying in Manhattan. It’s only one subway stop away, saving you time and money. I recommend this area for people who want to be near Manhattan but don’t want the chaos of staying in Midtown.

Long Island City is a great option for people on a budget because the prices are lower compared to Midtown. However, the downside is that Long Island City is so popular right now that there’s a lot of construction going on. That said, I live here and most of the newer buildings, including this hotel, have soundproof windows, so you won’t hear the construction noise. Just wanted to give you a heads-up.

If you’re planning to stay in Long Island City, there are 52 hotels. The one I always recommend is the Aloft Long Island City. This is their lobby area, where they have games like Connect Four, Jenga, and a pool table. There’s also a courtyard and a breakfast bar. They even have a bar that offers karaoke on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

The suite at the Aloft Long Island City costs around $500 a night, but don’t worry—the average price for a regular room here is usually between $150 and $300. This suite is amazing, with two queen-size beds and a living room that leads to a terrace with great city views. Many rooms in this hotel also have balconies, so be sure to look for that when booking. The bedroom has two queen-size beds, and you can see the construction from the window. Yes, there’s construction, but don’t worry—it won’t last forever. The bathroom has a beautiful sink and shower, everything you need in one room.

Now, let me show you a more affordable room. This is a standard King room, which ranges from about $161 to $250 per night. I checked the prices for Christmas, which is the busiest time of year, and this room is only $250 a night. That’s a great deal compared to most places in the city, where you would normally pay $500 or more during Christmas. The room has a beautiful sink, a king-size bed, and gorgeous city views.

let’s talk about Midtown Manhattan. This is one of the most popular areas for visitors to stay in because it’s where most major attractions are. It’s also very convenient, especially if you’re going to a Broadway show, as you can easily walk to your hotel afterward. Midtown is ideal for first-time visitors, but there are a couple of downsides. First, prices are the highest in the entire city, so it can get very expensive. Second, if you do find something cheap, be cautious because it might not be in great condition.

Midtown Manhattan is very crowded, so if you don’t like crowds, it might be a problem. But honestly, if you’re visiting New York, you’re going to deal with crowds everywhere. It’s also very loud, with people and cars all around. Most hotels are prepared for the noise inside, but once you step outside, you’ll hear a lot of sounds like car horns and people talking. Those are the positives and negatives of staying in Midtown.

Now, let me show you a hotel I recommend. Welcome to the Refinery Hotel. It’s a four-star boutique hotel in Midtown, and it’s in a very convenient location. It’s beautiful, elegant, and a great place to stay. The Refinery Hotel is a luxurious spot with a rich history. Originally a hat factory in 1912, it later transformed into a Speak Easy-style tea room, and you can still see elements of that inspiration at the bar. The Standard Deluxe Room here is the most spacious I’ve seen in Midtown, which is one of the reasons I love this hotel—it offers a great value for your money. The room starts at around $300 per night, typically during off-peak times.

Let’s move on to another neighborhood you might want to stay in: Downtown Manhattan. This area is great if you’re looking for somewhere close to the action but still quiet and laidback. It’s perfect if you don’t like crowds or noise and prefer a more private vibe. It’s only about a 20-minute subway ride to Midtown, so it’s very easy to get around. You’ll also have great access to places like the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Wall Street.

However, one downside of staying here is that there aren’t as many dining options compared to other areas. But don’t worry – New York City has 25,000 restaurants, so you’ll find plenty of choices! Another downside is that some places close early because this is mainly the financial district. After work hours, many of the finance people head home, and businesses close, so it can feel quieter in the evening.

Price-wise, Downtown Manhattan is similar to Midtown, maybe a little cheaper, but definitely more expensive than places like Williamsburg or Long Island City.

Now, here’s a cool option for where to stay in New York: Sonder. This is a great hack because they’re basically apartments, not exactly hotels. The great thing about Sonder is that you get a kitchen, a washing machine, a dryer, and access to gyms and pools, so it’s like having your own space while staying in the city.

Sonder has 12 locations around the city, and I picked their Battery Park location since we’re in downtown Manhattan. Let me show you a quick tour of one of the rooms. The best thing about staying at Sonder is it feels like you’re in your own apartment. This is just one example, but keep in mind they have these in other neighborhoods too, so you can book them anywhere.

The main benefit of staying at Sonder is that every room comes with a kitchen and a washer and dryer, making it feel like a mini apartment. This room is a Queen-size studio. It has a queen-sized bed, plenty of closet space, and a small area in the front where you can have breakfast. The kitchen is huge by New York standards, and it even has a dishwasher and a large refrigerator. The bathroom is well-lit, which is great for doing makeup.

For pricing, the cheapest rate is about $160 a night in January, but it can go up to $550 during New Year’s Eve, so keep that in mind. Sonder at Battery Park also has a beautiful rooftop deck with stunning views of the Hudson River. It’s very peaceful and quiet, and they even have a pool, although it’s closed right now. In addition, there’s a gym, a co-working space, and a music room.

If you want a place where you can cook your own meals, Sonder is a great choice compared to a hotel. It’s perfect for a more home-like experience.

I recommend staying in Williamsburg if you want to explore a more local vibe, especially if it’s not your first time in New York City. It’s quieter here, with more residents around, so you won’t have as many tourists taking pictures of everything. This area gives you a real New York experience because very few locals actually live in Midtown.

The downside is that there are fewer train options, so getting to major attractions might take a little more time. However, you can still get to most places in about 30 minutes. Another downside is that prices in Williamsburg can be a bit high. While you can find cheaper options, the hipster culture here sometimes leads to things being more expensive, like an $8 latte (I don’t know why!).

Now, let’s talk about the Arlo Williamsburg. This is a great spot that feels like home. I’ve been coming here for years. It used to be called the Williamsburg Hotel, but now it’s part of the Arlo brand. There are four Arlo hotels in New York City. They are independent boutique hotels, and this one has four bars, a restaurant, a pool, and beautiful rooms. I’ll show you one of the best rooms, the Skyline Suite.

This hotel has an artsy vibe that fits perfectly with the creative culture of Williamsburg. You can see this reflected in the hotel’s interior design. My favorite part of the hotel, aside from the amazing view and beautiful decor, is the pool.

I know it might look like there’s no water in the pool, but don’t worry—just imagine it filled with water. The pool is one of the hotel’s standout features, and I can’t emphasize enough how special it is. There are very few hotels in the city with rooftop pools, and even fewer offer a pool with such a stunning view of the skyline.

In addition to the rooftop pool, the hotel has two bars. One is located right next to the pool, and the other is in a unique water tower they’ve turned into a bar. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind experience!

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pro tips

Before we move on to the next neighborhood, here’s a tip for my international travelers: If you’re coming from outside the U.S., make sure to get a SIM card when you arrive to avoid high roaming fees. I recommend Ollie’s eSIM cards – they’ve been great for me around the world. Their U.S. plan gives you unlimited 5G data for only $19 for 5 days, or $27 for a week. The best part is you can easily download the eSIM using a QR code in just minutes. Plus, with 24/7 customer support and coverage in over 10 countries, it’s very convenient.

Let me know in the comments where you’d like to stay, I’d love to hear your thoughts.