Best hotels in New York: where to stay

In New York the area where you sleep radically changes the trip: the frenzy of Midtown, the financial downtown, the fashionable streets of the Village or the skyline views from Brooklyn. The subway runs around the clock and the city is very walkable, but staying in a central location saves time and taxis in such a huge metropolis. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates.

Where to stay in New York, area by area

Midtown

The tourist heart around Times Square, the Empire State Building and the Broadway theatres. With Grand Central and the subway to hand, it is the handiest choice for a first-timer who wants everything within reach, reckoning with crowds and noise.

• Times Square and the Broadway musicals
• The Empire State Building and MoMA
• The shopping of Fifth Avenue
• Subway and trains for the whole city

For a central base and convenience, look for hotels in Midtown.

Lower Manhattan: Financial District and Tribeca

The southern tip of the island, between the Financial District, Wall Street and elegant Tribeca, with the 9/11 Memorial and the ferries to the Statue of Liberty. At weekends the business hotels drop in price. It is the choice for anyone who loves downtown and harbour views.

• The 9/11 Memorial and One World
• The ferries to the Statue of Liberty
• Wall Street and the streets of Tribeca
• Great weekend prices at the business hotels

For downtown and weekend value, see hotels in Lower Manhattan.

SoHo, Greenwich Village and Chelsea

Fashionable, liveable New York: the streets of SoHo and Greenwich Village, the Chelsea galleries and the High Line. It is the choice for anyone after shopping, restaurants and a neighbourhood atmosphere, in a very walkable area.

• The boutiques and lofts of SoHo
• The historic venues of Greenwich Village
• The elevated walk of the High Line
• Restaurants and neighbourhood life

For style and atmosphere, look for hotels in the Village.

Upper West and Upper East Side

On either side of Central Park, the residential Upper Side neighbourhoods are quieter and family-friendly, with the great museums like the Met. It is the choice for anyone who wants the park, culture and a more relaxed feel while staying a subway ride from the centre.

• Central Park and its entrances
• The Metropolitan Museum and the Natural History Museum
• Residential streets and brownstones
• A quieter, family-friendly pace

For the park and museums, see hotels on the Upper Side.

Brooklyn: Williamsburg and DUMBO

Across the bridge, Williamsburg and DUMBO are creative Brooklyn, with the best views of the Manhattan skyline and often better prices. It is the choice for anyone who loves the hipster side, the restaurants and a postcard view.

• The skyline views from DUMBO and the bridge
• The creative scene of Williamsburg
• The Brooklyn Bridge on foot
• Restaurants, markets and often better prices

For views and good value, look for hotels in Brooklyn.

What it costs

Indicative figures: New York uses the dollar (USD) and is one of the priciest cities in the world for hotels.

• A double room in a mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 200-400 euros a night, with peaks during the holidays.
• A dinner for two with drinks: about 80-140 euros; remember the 18-20 percent tip, standard in the United States.
• Coffee: around 4 euros; the subway costs about 2.70 euros a ride, with a weekly cap using the OMNY card.
• Tourist tax: New York hotels add taxes and fees of about 14.75 percent on the rate, plus roughly 3.50 dollars a night in fixed charges. Budget for it on top of the room price.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in New York.

Getting there and around

New York has three airports. JFK, about 26 km away, is reached by the AirTrain plus the subway or the LIRR train. LaGuardia (LGA), the closest, has buses and fast links. Newark (EWR), in New Jersey, is linked by the AirTrain and NJ Transit trains to Penn Station.

In town you do not need a car: the subway runs day and night and the city is very walkable. Get an OMNY card or a MetroCard and use the subway and buses to move around the whole city.

When to go

• January-March: cold, but with the best hotel deals after the holidays.
• April-June: a pleasant spring, blossoming trees in Central Park, maybe the best window.
• July-August: hot and humid, a lively city but with some August deals.
• September-November: a splendid autumn, crisp air and fall foliage in the park.
• December: cold but magical, with the Rockefeller tree, the lights and the markets; New Year's Eve in Times Square is packed.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? Midtown for convenience and transport, or the Village and SoHo for atmosphere; both very central.

Do I need a car in New York? No, it is a nightmare. The subway runs 24 hours and you walk a lot.

How much are the hotel taxes? About 14.75 percent on the rate plus roughly 3.50 dollars a night in fixed charges.

How do I get from the airport? From JFK the AirTrain plus subway or LIRR; from Newark the AirTrain and NJ Transit; from LaGuardia by bus or taxi.

How many days do I need? At least four or five nights for Manhattan, a museum or two and a trip to Brooklyn.

The best hotels in New York

Below is a selection of real hotels in New York among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment.