With a bit of savvy planning and the willingness to stay outside Manhattan, it’s possible to experience the Big Apple without breaking the bank. In this article, I will explore some of the cheapest hotels in New York City. The selected hotels have been carefully curated – to ensure they provide a good baseline of comfort for guests – and are located within a manageable distance from Manhattan.
General Tips to Save Money on NYC Hotels
While New York City is infamous for its pricy hotels, there are still plenty of ways to save money on accommodation. By combining the following tips with the cheap hotels mentioned in this article, you will surely spend less on your stay than you might initially have expected.
Be An Early Booker
One of the easiest ways to reduce your hotel expenses is by being flexible with your travel dates. The best way to achieve this is by being very early with your travel plans. This allows you to submit your vacation leave at work early, and to travel during the cheapest time to visit New York.
Also, looking for accommodation well in advance (six months or more) allows you to take advantage of discounted rates and a wider offer of available hotels. Of course, it is much more difficult to be flexible when travelling with kids, who are bound to school holidays. In this case, the next tips might be more useful.
Leverage Price Comparison Websites
Finding the best hotel prices has never been easier than it is in the digital world of today. Comparison websites like Expedia and Hotels.com aggregate prices from many hotels, giving you a simple overview of available options and prices for your selected date and travel party size.
Try Package Deals
While it is easy to book your own hotel(s) and activities nowadays, New York package deals that include both your accommodation and flight(s) might offer a cheaper alternative. This is because airlines and travel agencies often offer package deals that can result in lower costs than booking everything separately.
Don’t Stay In Manhattan
A hotel one block away from Times Square, the bustling heart of New York City, is always a tempting prospect. However, other areas – especially Brooklyn, Queens and Harlem – offer much more budget-friendly options while still being within a short travel’s distance of the main attractions.
This is because New York’s subway system gets you anywhere relatively quicky. So, while a hotel in Brooklyn might look like it’s far away from lower Manhattan, in reality it might only take 20 minutes to get there via the subway.
Cheap Hotels in New York: Overview
All hotels below boast a commendable rating of at least 7/10 and are located within 20 to 45 minutes from Times Square by subway.
Bogart Hotel
Introducing Bogart hotel, a 2.0-star hotel in Brooklyn offering affordable, fully refundable accommodations with a 24-hour front desk. Key features include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning in all rooms and the possibility to bring your pet for an additional fee.
Located at 101 Bogart St, Brooklyn, NY, the hotel is conveniently close to attractions like Barclays Center Brooklyn (9 min drive), Grand Central Terminal (12 min drive), and Times Square (13 min drive). With nearby subway stations like Morgan Av. Station just a 3-min walk away, guests have easy access to explore the vibrant city.
- Location: Brooklyn
- Avg. price range (low season, per night): $95 – $125
- Avg. price range (high season, per night): $160 – $180
- Avg. travel time to Times Square (via subway): 30 minutes
Bogart Hotel (image: Hotels.com)
Condor Hotel by LuxUrban, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
The Condor Hotel is a 3.5-star gem in Brooklyn. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a business center, catering to both leisure and business travelers.
The location is a major highlight, situated just a 4-minute drive from Barclays Center Brooklyn and an 8-minute drive from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Travelers can also explore nearby attractions like New York University and enjoy easy access to John F. Kennedy International Airport, making Condor Hotel a convenient and budget-friendly choice.
- Location: Brooklyn
- Avg. price range (low season, per night): $95 – $175
- Avg. price range (high season, per night): $185 – $235
- Avg. travel time to Times Square (via subway): 45 minutes
Condor Hotel by LuxUrban, Trademark Collection by Wyndham (image: Hotels.com)
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Brooklyn
Fairfield Inn & Suites is a 2.5-star hotel located in the heart of Brooklyn, just a 12-minute walk from the iconic Barclays Center. The hotel offers a range of amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center, free breakfast, and the option to bring your pet. Guests can enjoy the convenience of parking, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning in the well-appointed rooms.
The property stands out as an affordable option with its competitive prices. Guests can choose from various room options, including mobility accessible and hearing accessible rooms. The rooms feature premium bedding, down duvets, and pillow-top beds, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Nearby attractions include the Brooklyn Bridge, a quick 8-minute drive away, and the Statue of Liberty, a 21-minute drive. With proximity to public transportation like Union St. Station and Atlantic Av. – Pacific St. Station, exploring Brooklyn and beyond is convenient for guests.
- Location: Brooklyn
- Avg. price range (low season, per night): $100 – $140
- Avg. price range (high season, per night): $360 – $430
- Avg. travel time to Times Square (via subway): 35 minutes
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Brooklyn (image: Hotels.com)
Comfort Inn Prospect Park
If you’re looking for decent rooms and free breakfast, look no further. Comfort Inn Prospect Park in Brooklyn offers a convenient and affordable stay, with a 2.5-star rating. Located at 150 20th Street, it’s just a 4-minute drive from the Barclays Center Brooklyn and a 9-minute drive from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.
Rooms come with standard amenities such as air conditioning, in-room safe, desk, and blackout curtains. Its proximity to public transportation, like the 5-minute walk to Prospect Av. Station, enhances accessibility. The 24/7 front desk adds to the convenience.
- Location: Brooklyn
- Avg. price range (low season, per night): $110 – $130
- Avg. price range (high season, per night): $190 – $310
- Avg. travel time to Times Square (via subway): 40 minutes
Comfort Inn Prospect Park – Brooklyn (image: Hotels.com)
NY Moore Hostel
If you’re looking for nothing more than a comfy bed, make sure to check out this one. NY Moore Hostel, a 2.0-star property in Brooklyn, offers a budget-friendly stay with a range of amenities. Its affordability – also providing fully refundable options – makes it an interesting option for backpackers. Guests appreciate the friendly staff, contributing to a very good rating.
Situated at 179 Moore Street, the hostel is conveniently located near attractions like the Barclays Center Brooklyn and New York University, making it a suitable choice for travelers exploring Brooklyn. With easy access to public transportation, including the East New York and Montrose Av. stations, NY Moore Hostel offers an affordable and accessible accommodation option in the vibrant borough.
- Location: Brooklyn
- Avg. price range (low season, per night, 1 person): $45 – $55
- Avg. price range (high season, per night, 1 person): $70 – $79
- Avg. travel time to Times Square (via subway): 35 minutes
NY Moore Hostel (image: Hotels.com)
Quality Inn near Sunset Park
The Quality Inn near Sunset Park, located in the heart of Brooklyn, is a 2.5-star property offering affordable comfort. This hotel stands out with its convenient amenities, including a 24-hour business center and a 24-hour front desk for guest convenience.
Travelers can enjoy the proximity to popular attractions, with Sunset Park just a 6-minute walk away and the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal a 7-minute drive. The Statue of Liberty is a short 24-minute drive, adding to the allure of the location. With competitive pricing and a range of room options, the Quality Inn near Sunset Park is a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers.
- Location: Brooklyn
- Avg. price range (low season, per night): $95 – $125
- Avg. price range (high season, per night): $150 – $160
- Avg. travel time to Times Square (via subway): 45 minutes
Quality Inn near Sunset Park (image: Hotels.com)
Pod Brooklyn
Pod Brooklyn, a 3.0-star hotel centrally located in Brooklyn, is a pet-friendly hotel. It provides essential amenities like parking, air conditioning, laundry facilities, and a 24/7 front desk. The rooms, such as the Queen Pod and Bunk Pod, feature showers, free toiletries, and comfortable bedding.
Affordability is a standout feature, with reasonable rates for various room types, including the exceptional Queen ADA and the Queen Pod Plus. The hotel’s proximity to attractions like New York University, Brooklyn Bridge, and Times Square adds to its appeal.
Additionally, the availability of nearby public transportation, including Bedford Av. Station and Metropolitan Av. Station, makes exploring the city convenient. Guests praise the hotel’s rooftop terrace, free bike rentals, and garden, enhancing the overall experience.
- Location: Brooklyn
- Avg. price range (low season, per night): $115 – $135
- Avg. price range (high season, per night): $320 – $450
- Avg. travel time to Times Square (via subway): 30 minutes
Pod Brooklyn (image: Hotels.com)
The Central Park North
The Central Park North is a 2.5-star hotel, strategically located just a 3-minute walk from Central Park. The hotel provides various room options, including an Economy Room with 1 Double Bed and a shared bathroom, Standard Triple and Quadruple Rooms, and Family Rooms accommodating up to 5 guests.
The hotel’s standout features include its proximity to Central Park, Columbia University, and Times Square, making it a convenient choice for exploring these iconic attractions. The property is praised for its clean rooms, express check-in/check-out, and multilingual staff.
- Location: Harlem
- Avg. price range (low season, per night): $95 – $150
- Avg. price range (high season, per night): $165 – $175
- Travel time to Times Square: 20 minutes
The Central Park North (image: Hotels.com)
The Park Ave North
The Park Ave North is a comfortable 3.0-star hotel conveniently located near Central Park. Guests rate it positively for its clean rooms and friendly staff. The hotel offers various room options, including a Queen-Standard-Ensuite, Classic Full, Quad room-Standard-Ensuite, Triple room-Standard-Ensuite, Family room-Standard-Ensuite, Suite-Family-Ensuite, and Twin room-Standard-Ensuite.
Key features include free Wi-Fi, in-room amenities such as an in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, and essential toiletries. The hotel stands out as an affordable option with competitive prices for each room type, making it popular among travelers seeking a budget-friendly stay.
The Park Ave North is strategically located near attractions like Central Park, Columbia University, and Yankee Stadium, providing guests with easy access to iconic landmarks.
- Location: Harlem
- Avg. price range (low season, per night): $95 – $135
- Avg. price range (high season, per night): $185 – $225
- Travel time to Times Square: 30 minutes
The Park Ave North (image: Hotels.com)
Q4 Hotel & Hostel
If you’re just in need of a bed during your New York City explorations, consider Q4 Hotel & Hostel in Long Island City, Queens. This 1.0 star hostel features a 24-hour front desk, providing convenience to guests, and is fully refundable.
It stands out as an affordable choice, offering essential amenities for budget-conscious backpackers. The convenient location provides easy access to popular attractions like Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, and Rockefeller Center, all within a 6-minute drive. Nearby subway stations, such as Queens Plaza Station, make exploring New York City hassle-free.
- Location: Queens
- Avg. price range (low season, per night, 1 person): $50 – $55
- Avg. price range (high season, per night, 1 person): $65 – $70
- Travel time to Times Square: 20 minutes
Q4 Hotel & Hostel (image: Hotels.com)
Conclusion
Embarking on a New York City adventure doesn’t need to deplete your finances. Maximize savings on New York City hotels by utilizing price comparison websites, considering package deals and exploring lodging options beyond Manhattan in areas like Brooklyn, Queens, and Harlem – easily accessible via the efficient subway system.
If you’re interested in hotels closer to the tourist highlights and willing to pay a little bit more, make sure to check out these 10 affordable hotels in New York City.
