Finding hotels in NYC can be a daunting task. There are so many options, and so many price points, that it’s hard to make a decision on where to stay. Here are some tips, divided by category:
Stay outside Manhattan:
The best options here include hotels near Newark Airport, in Secaucus, New Jersey, or in Long Island City. Newark is the farthest, but is near the airport and there is an outlet mall (Jersey Gardens) nearby for shopping. The Renaissance is a nicer hotel near Newark Airport, and the Sheraton is a good choice if you are looking to save a little money. In Secaucus, we recommend the Embassy Suites and the Homewood Suites. Both are near the mall and near public transportation to Manhattan.
In Long Island City, the Marriott Fairfield Inn is a great choice and so is the Holiday Inn. Long Island City is a great location because there are subway stops near the hotels, and the line takes you right to Times Square. If you stay outside of Manhattan, you will need to learn the transportation options to and from the city. Expect to pay $100 for a cab from Newark hotels to Manhattan, each way, for example. There are other options, however, such as the subway or pickup and dropoff from sightseeing tour companies like OnBoard New York Tours.
Stay in Manhattan, Expensive Big Hotel:
Best options here are the Renaissance in Times Square or the Crown Plaza . Both are larger, upscale hotels. Both are in great locations. You won’t save much money here, but you’ll be in the middle of the action. Marriott Marquis in Times Square is also a great hotel. You can’t beat its location, either. If you stay there, ask for Polina the concierge, and tell her OnBoard Tours sent you.
Here are some more big New York Hotel Suggestions.
Stay in Manhattan, Save Money:
I think the best bet in Manhattan right now is the Marriott Fairfield Inn on 40th Street, across from the Port Authority. Not the most exciting locality, but for the money it’s the most convenient low-priced option. There is a Four Points Hotel by Sheraton next door to it. We haven’t stayed there, but it looks comparable to the Fairfield. The other low-priced option is the Hotel Pennsylvania. I don’t recommend it. Lines are long at check-in. Hotel is run down. Services are limited. They have rooms without closets and without desks. If you have to save cash , just read lots of online reviews so you know what you are in for.
Stay in Manhattan, Watch Out for “3 Star” Hotels:
Remember that star ratings don’t say anything about how nice the hotel is. They refer to the level of amenities the hotel has (such as room service, pool, restaurant, etc.). There are a number of 3 and 3 1/2 star hotels that you will wish you didn’t travel to. Many of them have tiny rooms, no desks, barely room to walk around the bed, and often no place to hang your clothes. Hotel 30/30, Hudson Hotel, Park Central, and similar hotels look fantastic, but you will be disappointed in the room size and amenities. The Hotel Roger Williams is nice. It’s listed as a 4-star hotel, but is less expensive than most.
This article is written by Tom S., for OnBoard Tours.
