New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [228]
Also consider timing: the least expensive months to book rooms in the city are January and February. If you’re flexible on dates, ask the reservationist if there’s a cheaper time to stay during your preferred traveling month—that way you can avoid peak dates, like Fashion Week and the New York City Marathon. And be sure to ask about possible weekend packages that could include a third night free. (The Financial District in particular can be a discount gold mine on the weekend.)
Another source of bargains? Chain hotels. Many have moved into the city, offering reasonable room rates. In addition to favorites like the Sheraton, Hilton, and Hyatt brands, there are Best Westerns, Days Inns, and Comfort Inns. These rates aren’t as low as you’ll find outside Manhattan, but they’re certainly getting closer.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
Lower Manhattan
Neighborhood Vibe: Mostly skyscraper hotels in an area that buzzes with activity during weekday hours but can be eerily quiet at night.
Pros: Low crime area; easy subway access to uptown sights; great walking paths along the waterfront and in Battery Park.
Cons: Construction and congestion near World Trade Center site; limited choice of restaurants and shopping.
SoHo and Little Italy (with NoLIta)
Neighborhood Vibe: Swanky, high-end hotels with hip restaurants and lounges patronized by New Yorkers and travelers alike.
Pros: Scores of upscale clothing boutiques and art galleries nearby; safe area for meandering walks; easy subway access.
Cons: Not budget-friendly; streets are crowded on weekends; few major monuments nearby.
Greenwich Village, the West Village and Chelsea (with the Meatpacking District)
Neighborhood Vibe: More hotels are opening in one of the city’s trendiest restaurant and nightlife areas.
Pros: Easy subway access to anywhere in town; great shopping, dining, and drinking venues.
Cons: Winding streets can be tough to navigate; most hotels are on the pricey side.
Union Square to Murray Hill (with the Flatiron District and Gramercy)
Neighborhood Vibe: A residential area where you’ll get a feel for what it’s really like to live in the city.
Pros: Patches of calm respite from the hustle-and-bustle of downtown and Midtown; low crime area.
Cons: Limited subway access; Gramercy or Murray Hill area may be too quiet for some.
East Village and the Lower East Side
Neighborhood Vibe: The epicenter of edgy New York, great for travelers looking to party.
Pros: Great low-cost options for young adults. Excellent chef-owned restaurants and independent boutiques nearby.
Cons: One of the least subway-accessible Manhattan neighborhoods; expect late-night noise.
Midtown
Neighborhood Vibe: Mostly big-name hotel chains and luxury business suites in the area around Times Square, where out-of-towners tend to congregate.
Pros: Near Broadway theaters; easy access to regional trains and most subway lines; budget options are available in chain hotels and indies alike.
Cons: Streets are often packed with pedestrians; restaurants are chain-owned and often overpriced; area around Port Authority can feel gritty.
Upper East Side
Neighborhood Vibe: Well-heeled residential neighborhood with excellent location near many museums.
Pros: Removed from Midtown hustle; near tourist attractions like Central Park.
Cons: Streets are quiet after 9 pm; few budget dining options; limited subway access (just the 6 line).
Upper West Side
Neighborhood Vibe: High-priced hotels in a residential neighborhood near Central Park, Lincoln Center, and several museums.
Pros: Low crime area; tree-lined streets; great delis and laid-back neighborhood eateries.
Cons: Weekend trains can be dreadfully slow; most hotels are on the pricey side.
HOTEL HOT SPOTS
Some of the city’s most stylish bars and lounges are in hotels. These boîtes occasionally require crossing a velvet-roped entrance, but most extend automatic entry to guests of the hotel.
Downtown in the Financial District, the Library Bar on the second floor of Gild Hall looks like the ultimate