In a nutshell
- We know New York like the back of our hand — and we’re pretty good at finding cheap but nice hotels in NYC, too.
- In the less popular travel months like January, February, July, and August, you can often find good but affordable hotels in Manhattan. Our personal favorites: The Cloud One and Pod 39.
- During the busy season, staying in Manhattan gets expensive. If you’re wondering how to find cheap hotels in NYC, we recommend looking just outside: Jersey City, Queens and the Bronx are great options.
- Our top picks in those areas: Peachtree Suites in Jersey City, LIC Plaza in Queens and Wingate by Wyndham in the Bronx. All great choices if you’re looking for the best affordable hotels in NYC without giving up comfort!
Our Top Tips: Cheap Hotels in New York
In this article, we’ll show you what options you have when it comes to finding the best affordable hotels in New York City.
If you just want a quick overview, we’ve listed nice cheap hotels in New York in the following table.
| Manhattan | |
| Cloud One | Offshoot of the German Motel One Group in New York. Good location in downtown. Our Top-Tip! |
| Pod 39 | Affordable hotel in NY near the Chrysler Building We stayed here |
| Pod 51 | Very affordable hotel near Rockefeller Center |
| Hotel Mimosa | Small, affordable hotel in the middle of Chinatown An insider tip |
| Hilton Garden Inn | Affordable mid-range hotel very close to the One World Trade Center |
| Jersey City | |
| Peachtree Suites | Great location, spacious rooms and great value |
| Canopy by Hilton | Good location, upscale furnishings, but still affordable |
| Doubletree by Hilton | Good location and facilities, great view of the Manhattan skyline |
| Queens | |
| LIC Plaza | Good hotel right next to the subway. Only 15 minutes to Times Square |
| Hyatt Place | 15 minutes to Times Square. Upscale hotel, but also offers some reasonable prices |
| Holiday Inn Express | Very budget-friendly hotel in Queens, NY. Good facilities, location not quite as good as the other two |
| Bronx | |
| Wingate by Wyndham | Well-rated hotel close to Yankee Stadium |
| Highbridge Hotel | Good hotel near the Yankees Stadium |
How much does a cheap hotel in New York City cost?
If you’re looking for a place to stay in New York City on a budget, you’ll need to be a bit flexible. When we search for a good, cheap hotel in NYC, we mainly look for:
- Cleanliness
- Good beds (after all, we’re only here to sleep)
- Good location or connections
- Possibly an optional, affordable breakfast
That’s really all you need for a great trip to New York.
For a hotel that meets these few basic criteria, expect to pay anywhere between $150 and $400 per night.
How to find cheap hotels in NYC
You can find hotels in New York that are cheaper — but be ready to make a few trade-offs. And we’re not just talking about skipping fancy extras. Often, comfort and quality take a hit, too.
For us, a solid feel-good factor is non-negotiable, even when we’re trying to find cheap hotels in NYC. But there are a few things we don’t mind giving up to save some cash:
- A room with a view (we’ll get that from The Edge or Top of the Rock anyway)
- Extra space (hotel rooms in NYC are small, no matter the price)
- Extras like a bar or gym (we’re too busy sightseeing to use them)
Pro tip: NYC is big, busy, and noisy. When you book, send a quick message to your hotel and ask for a quiet room on a higher floor – it can make a big difference.
Also pay attention to these points to find a cheap hotel in New York:
- Book as early as possible – the most affordable room categories get snapped up first.
- Travel in the off-season: January, February, July, and August are usually cheaper.
- Hotel prices in NYC can swing wildly from one day to the next. If you’re staying longer, it might even be worth splitting your trip between two hotels to save money.
- Traveling with friends or family? Share a room with two double beds – it’s one of the easiest ways to save money, especially if you’re visiting New York with kids.
- Stay outside of Manhattan. Great (and more affordable) areas include Queens, Jersey City, and the Bronx.
Cheap Hotels in Manhattan
Let’s be honest: hotels in Manhattan are rarely very cheap. It’s the heart of New York, packed with iconic attractions in NYC and buzzing energy. So yes, you’re paying a bit of a premium to stay right in the middle of it all.
But good news — if you know how to find cheap hotels in NYC, you can score a great deal. Here are our 5 favorite cheap but nice hotels in NYC:
The Cloud One New York Downtown by the Motel One Group
The Cloud One New York-Downtown is part of the German Motel One Group. We think it’s great – that’s why it’s at the top of our list of cheap but nice hotels in NYC.
The hotel is thoughtfully designed, modern, and in a fantastic location.
At 16 m², the rooms are spacious by New York standards. Located downtown near the One World Trade Center and Wall Street, it’s a perfect base for sightseeing in NYC.
Don’t miss the rooftop terrace – the skyline views are stunning.
Prices vary, but you can often find rooms for under $300 per night — a great deal for downtown Manhattan.
Book Cloud One New York-Downtown
Pod 39
Pod 39 is one of the best affordable places to stay in NYC if you’re after a stylish yet budget-friendly hotel in Manhattan. We’ve stayed here ourselves!
Rooms are small but cleverly laid out, with options ranging from singles with shared bathrooms to doubles with private baths.
In the low season, a double with a private bathroom starts at around $130, while peak season rates go up to around $190.
Still, the price is unbeatable for such a central location – just a short walk from Grand Central Station, making it easy to get anywhere in the city.
The rooftop terrace with its incredible skyline views is another highlight.
Pod 51
The Pod 51 is a longtime favorite among cheap but nice hotels in NYC. It has more of a hostel vibe – but in the best possible way. Just know what to expect before booking.
The rooms are tiny, but every inch is smartly used.
Room types vary, and so do the prices. In January, you can get an 8 m² bunk room with a shared bathroom for around $125. A double room with a private bath is about $180.
The location is fantastic – right in Midtown, close to Top of the Rock and many other NYC highlights. And yes, there’s a rooftop terrace here, too.
Mimosa Hotel in Chinatown
The Mimosa Hotel is one of our favorite hidden gems in New York. It’s not part of a chain and has just 30 rooms, offering an authentic New York City vibe.
Chinatown is a great place to stay in NYC – full of excellent, affordable restaurants and right next to trendy neighborhoods like the Lower East Side and Little Italy. It’s also only a 15-minute walk to the Brooklyn Bridge.
The rooms are compact at 12 m² but thoughtfully designed, with a bright 1950s-style interior.
Prices start around $130 in January and go up to $200 during the summer.
Hilton Garden Inn Financial Center Manhattan Downtown
Located at the southern tip of Manhattan, the Hilton Garden Inn is a solid option — especially if you plan to take a boat tour in NYC or visit the Statue of Liberty.
While not quite as central as some other budget hotels, it’s still a great location: Wall Street, the 9/11 Museum, and One World Trade Center are all within walking distance.
Rooms are spacious by New York standards – a generous 20 m² – and feature king-size beds. Prices range from $260 to $400, so booking early is a must.
Cheap Hotels in New York Outside Manhattan
You don’t have to stay in Manhattan to enjoy New York City to the fullest. In fact, some of the best affordable hotels in NYC are located outside the island – and they come with great value, comfort, and convenience.
Here are 3 neighborhoods just outside Manhattan where you can find cheap but nice hotels in NYC:
- Jersey City
- Queens
- Bronx
Cheap Hotels in Jersey City
Jersey City (marked in turquoise above) is located west of Manhattan, separated by the Hudson River.
If you choose a hotel in Jersey City, you won’t be staying directly in New York City, but in New Jersey. This has both advantages and disadvantages. The biggest one? Well, New Jersey is not New York.
You’ve probably seen this playful rivalry between New Yorkers and New Jersey locals in a movie or two.
But don’t let that stop you. Jersey City offers incredible skyline views, great-value hotels, and excellent connections to Manhattan. You can reach the action in just 10 to 20 minutes by PATH train, ferry, or bus.
These are our 3 favorite cheap but nice hotels in Jersey City:
Peachtree Suites
The Peachtree Suites Hotel in Jersey City offers great value for money.
Prices range from $160 to $315 per night all year round. This is perfect for families or 3 to 4 friends traveling together.
Even the cheapest room type, the ‘Studio’, includes an extra bedroom area and for a few dollars more there is the Deluxe Studio with two double beds for 4 people.
The rooms are about 40m² in size. It’s hard to find rooms this large in or around NYC.
The location is great, the hotel is right next to the Journal Square Path station, which takes you to Manhattan in 20 minutes.
While breakfast isn’t included, each room comes with a small kitchenette so you can prepare your own breakfast or even cook dinner right in your room.
There is a supermarket not far from the hotel, and there are plenty of good, affordable restaurants and cafés nearby.
Canopy by Hilton
The Canopy by Hilton in Jersey City is quite new and offers you all the amenities a Hilton hotel has to offer at fair prices: upscale furnishings, large rooms and cozy beds.
If your travel plans are set, or you’re covered by cancellation insurance, booking a non-refundable rate can help you save even more.
In the low season, you can get a room here for around $300 a night, and in January it’s even cheaper. For families who appreciate an upscale hotel like the Canopy by Hilton, there is also a room with two double beds.
The location is great. The Grove Street Path station is right on the doorstep and the Hudson River is only a 10-minute walk away.
Book Canopy By Hilton Jersey City Arts District
Doubletree by Hilton
Another hotel in the Hilton chain. The DoubleTree is like a more affordable, slightly older version of the Canopy. If you book early enough, you can get a hotel room here for less than $250 per night.
Due to its proximity to the Hudson River, some rooms have a really great view of the New York skyline. You can also book breakfast at the hotel.
Book DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites
Cheap Hotels in Queens
Queens (marked in turquoise above) is east of Manhattan, across the East River – and even here, you can enjoy skyline views.
It’s the largest of NYC’s five boroughs but much calmer than Manhattan. You’ll find a mix of quiet neighborhoods and modern high-rises.
Why stay in Queens? It’s one of the cheapest places to stay in NYC with great value. You’re close to major sights, and hotel prices are much lower than in Manhattan.
Another plus: JFK and LaGuardia are both in Queens, making them very convenient airports near New York City.
Here are our top picks for affordable hotels in Queens:
LIC Plaza
The LIC Plaza is a solid mid-range hotel in Queens with no-frills comfort and a great location. Prices are fairly stable, typically ranging from $150 to $300 per night including breakfast.
The hotel is located right next to three subway lines, making it super easy to get anywhere in Manhattan. To give you an idea: you can reach Times Square in just 15 minutes.
Another plus: You’ll find everything you need right outside your door – supermarkets, delis, cafés, and restaurants.
Hyatt Place
The Hyatt Place is a hidden gem among budget hotels in NYC. Starting at around $260 per night, you get a well-rounded package including breakfast.
Rooms are spacious and well-equipped, and the hotel offers an on-site restaurant, bar, and parking.
The location is also a highlight: everything you need is nearby. With three subway stations just around the corner, you can get to Times Square in 15 minutes, and JFK in 50 minutes.
Book Hyatt Place Long Island City
Holiday Inn Express Suites
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites sits slightly further south in Queens than the other two hotels.
It takes around 30–40 minutes to reach Times Square, and about the same to JFK Airport. Bonus: there’s a free shuttle to La Guardia.
The hotel is on a main road, so it doesn’t feel quite as cozy as the others — but the value for money is still solid.
In the low season, standard rooms start at $220 per night, and even in peak season, you might get lucky and stay for under $310. Breakfast is included.
Book Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Cheap Hotels in the Bronx
You might be thinking: “Are you serious? I’m not staying in the Bronx”.
We get it. The Bronx (marked in turquoise above) often gets a bad rap, especially in movies — shown as rough or unsafe. But that reputation doesn’t reflect the whole picture.
Sure, you shouldn’t wander into every corner, but the Bronx also has cool sights: Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Zoo, and the New York Botanical Garden.
Staying here gives you a peek into real New York life – outside the tourist bubble.
We’re not saying the Bronx is for everyone. But if you’re wondering where to stay in NYC on a budget or looking for very cheap hotels in NYC, it’s definitely worth considering.
Wingate by Wyndham Bronx Haven Park
The Wingate combines modern comfort with affordable rates. While the rooms aren’t particularly spacious, they’re equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
A big plus is the hotel’s proximity to the NYC subway – just one block away – giving you quick access to Manhattan. You can be in Upper Manhattan in just 5 minutes.
Breakfast is included, and the in-house restaurant “Rosa’s at Park” serves Latin cuisine in the evenings.
With rates starting at around $260 per night, this is a solid choice if you’re looking for a nice hotel in NYC on a budget.
Book Wingate by Wyndham Bronx Haven Park
Highbridge Hotel
The Highbridge Hotel is a great option if you’re traveling on a budget but don’t want to compromise on comfort.
Rooms are compact but efficiently laid out. A standout feature is the rooftop terrace, offering impressive views over the city.
The location is ideal: Yankee Stadium is within walking distance, and the 167 St. Station (River Av.) subway stop is just steps away. You can reach Manhattan in about 15 minutes.
With prices starting around $120 per night, the Highbridge Hotel offers excellent value for a very cheap hotel in NYC.
Alternative: Even Cheaper Accommodation in New York in a Hostel
Staying in a hostel in New York doesn’t sound like your thing? We totally get it – we often think, “We’re kind of past that age.”
But there are really good reasons to think again about staying in a hostel in New York.
A hostel is a great alternative when:
- you are traveling alone
- you’re traveling with friends. You can share a four-bed dorm room
- you like the hostel vibe
- you don’t mind skipping a double bed to save money
If it is important to you to stay in a private room, the price difference between a cheap hotel with a double bed and a private room in a hostel often isn’t worth giving up comfort
We can recommend the following hostels in Manhattan:
Nap York: A great hostel in Midtown, south of Central Park. It’s a great location, especially for first-time visitors, as it’s a great starting point for all the city’s sights. Cool, modern design with lots of privacy with pod-style beds.
American Dream New York: Not far from New York University (NYU), in one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city. Double room with shared bathroom including breakfast from 150 euros.
HI New York City Hostel: If we only consider the cheapest option, it would be this hostel in the Upper West Side, west of Central Park. You can stay there for around 40 euros per person in a dormitory or as a group of 4 for around 220 euros in a private room with 4 beds.
Cheap Accommodation in New York with Airbnb?
You can often find apartments on Airbnb that are sometimes cheaper than comparable hotel rooms. Nevertheless, we would advise you against staying in an Airbnb apartment in New York. For one reason:
Airbnb has been illegal in New York since October 2016 (with exceptions)
Affordable apartments in New York have always been in rough shape. Of course, it didn’t help that the city was full of apartments that were rented out solely via Airbnb.
To give you a rough idea of prices: a small shared room (a window is a luxury!) with a private bathroom in Manhattan costs between $1,700 and $3,500.
No wonder New Yorkers spend an average of 60 percent.
Airbnb has made the situation even worse in recent years and has therefore adopted stricter guidelines.
Renting out apartments for short periods (less than a month) is now illegal – regardless of whether it is actually a private apartment that is only rented out from time to time or an apartment that is rented exclusively for the purpose of letting.
The only exception: if only one room in an apartment is rented out and the actual owner of the apartment is also on-site.
Since the introduction of the strict guidelines, strict controls have also been introduced. As a visitor, you will not be fined. However, it happens again and again that apartments are canceled at short notice because there was an inspection. We wouldn’t risk it.
Those were our tips for cheap, nice hotels in NYC
Do you have more tips on how to get cheap hotels in NYC? Or do you have any questions or comments? Then write us a comment. We look forward to hearing from you!