How to Pick the Perfect New York Hotel for Your Vacation Needs

With its vibrant energy, countless attractions, iconic landmarks, diverse cultural and culinary scene, and not to menation its breathtaking skyline, it’s hardly surprising that NYC draws millions of visitors every single year. 

Maybe you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple with your family, enjoying a romantic getaway with your partner, or you’re living out a childhood dream of eating pizza, pretzels, and hailing yellow cabs. Whatever your goals, you’re going to need accommodation that matches your very specific needs. Thankfully, the hotel and accommodation scene in NYC is as diverse as the city itself and you’re sure to find something that ticks all the boxes.

Wondering where to start? In this post, we’ll cover how to pick the perfect New York hotel for your vacation needs.  

Factors to Consider When Looking for the Perfect Hotel

Before you start scrolling through thousands of possibilities, it’s important to consider what you want from your trip. You can easily find a hotel room in New York, but finding the right accommodation that suits you is essential to making the most of your trip. For example, if you’re planning on hitting famous stores and engaging in some much-needed retail therapy, you’re going to want to choose a hotel in Manhattan, rather than Brooklyn. Consider these factors when choosing somewhere to stay.

Location

With such a diverse and exciting array of neighborhoods, each one with its own distinct character and vibe, it can be tricky to know which ones are best suited to your vacation. Here’s a breakdown for you.

First-Time Visitors: If you’re a first time visitor to NYC, you’ll likely want to be at the heart of the action. You’ll want iconic landmarks and attractions on your doorstep, which makes Midtown Manhattan the perfect location. Here you’ll find Times Square, Central Park, Broadway, and more just a stone's throw away from your chosen hotel. 

Luxury Lovers: If you prefer the finer things in life, or maybe you’re looking for somewhere truly special to celebrate an anniversary or to pop the question, then you’ll want the Upper East Side. Here you’ll find boutique hotels, upscale restaurants, world-class museums, galleries, and an elegant atmosphere everywhere you go. 

Those on a Budget: At the other end of the spectrum, if keeping costs down is important to you, then don’t sweat it – NYC caters to you, too. Consider looking at options in Queens or Long Island City. Here you’ll find budget-friendly options because you’ll be further away from the hustle and bustle of the main city. But don’t worry – Manhattan is just a subway ride away. 

On Trend Stays: If trendy bars, restaurants, art galleries, and Insta-worthy locations are more your vibe, then look for hotels in the SoHo and Lower East Side areas. There’s a vibrant nightlife here and the culinary scene is modern, cool and very slick. 

Families: For families, you’re going to want to be close to lots of attractions and enjoy a stay that is comfortable and accommodating to children – especially those that are tired after exploring NYC all day. Check out hotels in the Upper West Side for close proximity to Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History, or again, Midtown Manhattan might also be ideal.  

Cleanliness and Safety

Although NYC is considered to be incredibly safe for tourists, cleanliness and safety are also important factors that you should be considering when choosing a hotel. Here’s how to apply this to your hotel search.

Always Check Reviews: Always read guest reviews on any hotel you’re considering. Remember to search for reviews on third party sites too – these will be more honest. Pay close attention to comments on cleanliness and the safety of the surrounding neighbourhood. 

Research Amenities: If you’re traveling alone, arriving late at night, or you have children in tow, then conduct plenty of research into transport accessibility, nighttime staffing, 24-hour services, security, and how well-lit the area outside might be. 

Consider Noise Levels: NYC is pretty noisy! And hotels can be too, so always try to research the possibility of thin walls, construction noise, and exceptionally loud street noise when making your choice. 

Amenities

Every traveler is different, and chances are you’re not going to spend too much time in your hotel when you have NYC just waiting to be explored right outside your window. But choosing a hotel with certain amenities can make your visit a little more comfortable and easier, especially if you’re travelling with children or even away on business. 

Free Wi-Fi: Most hotels in NYC offer complimentary Wi-Fi for guests. But if you’re someone who is going to be relying on good speeds, connectivity and reliability – especially if you’ll be uploading content or working remotely, you might want to check out the Wi-Fi reliability before you book.

Concierge: When visiting a city like NYC, having access to a concierge can be invaluable. They can help you with booking tours, the best routes to take, helping you secure restaurant reservations, and make the most of your visit. 

Onsite Spa: If you’re after a little rejuvenation and relaxation after a busy day exploring the city, having access to a spa in your hotel could be the perfect way to end your day. 

24/7 Gyms: If you’re traveling but have a very specific fitness routine you’d like to maintain, consider choosing a hotel with gym access. You’ll find a range of hotels across New York that offer this. 

Final Booking Tips

Ready to make your choice yet? Here are our final tips for choosing the right hotel for your NYC trip:

• Book as early as possible for the lowest rates

• Visit in January and February for the lowest hotel prices (but be prepared for the cold!)

• Sundays are often the cheapest days to check-in

• Expect to pay $100-$200 a night for a budget hotel, $200-$400 for a mid-range stay and $400 upwards for a luxury-based stay.

Enjoy your trip to NYC!