Cheap Hotels in New York: Find Affordable Hotels in NYC

April 20, 2025 New York Info Comments Off

New York is a dream city for many. But when you want to go there, you quickly realize it’s not the cheapest destination. Fortunately, there are ways to save, especially on your accommodation. In this blog, we’ll tell you everything about cheap hotels in New York, where to stay, and when you have the best chance of finding low prices.

What is the average price of a hotel in New York?

A hotel in New York can be quite expensive. The average price for a hotel room is between $200 and $300 per night. That’s quite steep, especially if you’re staying for a few nights. But don’t be discouraged! With a bit of smart searching, you can find cheap hotels in New York for less than $150 per night. Some deals are even better, especially outside the high season.

Which period is cheap in New York?

Like in many world cities, prices in New York vary greatly by season. The summer months and December are the busiest. Especially around Christmas, New Year’s, and during major events, prices skyrocket.

Want to save money? Then it’s best to travel in January, February, or early November. These months are often quieter because there are fewer tourists, and hotel prices are often lower. During this period, you can also find cheap hotels in New York much more easily.

In which part of New York is it best to stay?

Many travelers automatically choose Manhattan – and that’s very understandable. Especially if you’re visiting New York for the first time, it’s convenient to stay in Midtown. You’re right in the center, close to iconic places like Times Square, the Empire State Building and Broadway. Everything is within reach, saving you a lot of time (and hassle). For a first introduction to the city, this is a smart and practical choice.

However, if you’ve been to New York before, it’s interesting to look outside of Midtown. In neighborhoods just outside the center, like Long Island City or Downtown Brooklyn, hotel prices are often much lower. Moreover, you get more space and comfort for your money.

Thanks to the extensive subway network, you’re still in Manhattan in no time, but you experience the city from a quieter, often more authentic perspective. This way, you discover a different side of New York – and save on your stay.

Cheap hotels if you're in New York for the first time

Are you going to New York for the very first time? Then Midtown Manhattan is the best place to stay. You’re right in the heart of the city, surrounded by highlights like Times Square, the Empire State Building, Bryant Park, and Grand Central Station. Everything you want to see is within walking distance, and public transportation is always nearby. For a first visit, it’s ideal to stay centrally: you don’t waste time traveling and you experience the city to the fullest right away. Below you’ll find five affordable recommendations, with a true classic at number one:

1. Hotel The New Yorker

The New Yorker Hotel is an iconic Art Deco hotel with a rich history and an excellent location near Penn Station, Times Square, and the Empire State Building. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, many amenities (such as free Wi-Fi and its own diner)

Discover Hotel The New Yorker

2. Hotel Edison Times Square

Classic hotel within walking distance of Times Square. Comfortable and often attractively priced outside the high season.

Discover Hotel Edison Times Square

3. Pod 39 Hotel

Modern, compact, and smartly designed. A fun atmosphere, ideal for young travelers or couples.

Discover the Pod 39 Hotel

4. Hotel Moxy NYC Times Square

Hip and lively with creative interiors and a nice rooftop bar. A popular choice among young city trippers.

Discover Hotel Moxy NYC Times Square

5. Hilton Garden Inn Central Park South

Reliable service, a quiet atmosphere, and a top location between Central Park and the Theater District.

Discover the Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Central Park South

Cheap hotels if you've been to New York before

If you’ve been to New York before, you probably know how busy – and expensive – it can be in Midtown Manhattan. While that central location is convenient for a first visit, it’s worth looking outside the tourist heart of the city for a second (or third) trip.

Not only are hotel prices often lower there, but you’ll also discover other, surprisingly fun neighborhoods that exude a completely different atmosphere. Below, we recommend three great areas outside Midtown where you can find cheap hotels in New York.

Cheap hotels in New York-Long Island City (Queens)

Long Island City, often abbreviated as LIC, has grown in recent years to become one of the most popular alternatives to Manhattan. The neighborhood is located right on the East River, just one subway stop from Midtown. Here you’ll find

Hotel The Local NYC

This charming boutique hotel with an industrial look offers both private rooms and dormitories. There's a rooftop terrace with views of Manhattan, a cozy bar, and it's within walking distance of several subway stations. Affordable and hip.

Discover the Hotel The Local NYC

Cheap hotels in New York (Downtown Brooklyn)

Downtown Brooklyn is a vibrant district full of shops, restaurants, and culture. You’ll find a mix of modern towers and classic brownstones here. Moreover, you can reach Manhattan within 15 minutes by subway, while often paying up to 30% less for your stay.

Hotel Hampton Inn Brooklyn/Downtown

Downtown Brooklyn is a vibrant district full of shops, restaurants, and culture. You'll find a mix of modern towers and classic brownstones here. Moreover, you can reach Manhattan within 15 minutes by subway, while often paying up to 30% less for your stay.

Discover the Hotel Hampton Inn

Cheap hotels in New York - (Harlem)

Harlem is a neighborhood with character, history, and soul. In recent years, the area has been greatly renovated without losing its charm. Here you’ll stay among locals, discover cozy jazz clubs and atmospheric restaurants – all for a friendlier price than in the center.

Hotel Aloft Harlem

Trendy, colorful, and popular with returning travelers. The hotel is located close to subway stations, Columbia University, and the famous Apollo Theater. A hip and affordable place to experience the city from a different perspective.

Discover the Hotel Aloft in Harlem

Our experiences with cheap hotels in New York

A city trip to New York doesn’t have to be expensive. Based on our own experiences, we can say that it’s definitely possible to stay affordably and comfortably in this world-class city. It mainly revolves around three things: booking in advance, choosing the right travel period, and staying in a neighborhood where price and quality are well balanced.

During our stays, we’ve noticed that you often get more value for your money outside the traditional tourist hotspots. Neighborhoods like Long Island City, Downtown Brooklyn, and Harlem not only offer cheaper hotels but also a more authentic experience of the city. Thanks to the excellent public transportation, you always remain well-connected to Manhattan and other highlights.

In short: with a little preparation and the right choices, it’s very possible to find cheap hotels in New York without compromising on comfort or location.

Edward and Raziye

Authors New York Info