Anyone who has ever been to New York will always tell you there is really nothing like The Big Apple. Food from all over the world can be found in the city, not to mention the abundance of personalities—from budding fashion stylists, to actors, politicians, and the newest movers and shakers of society. The city is brimming with culture and it’s the place to be if you want to see the world of arts, theater, dance, and music.
When you go to New York, you open yourself up to endless opportunities. You won’t run out of places to stay, too, and the accommodation you choose will impact how you experience the city.
The borough of Manhattan is one of the most popular places to stay in New York. Here are a few suggestions based on your budget:
$99 – $150 a night
If you’re not looking to spend much on your New York trip, you can stay at the Freehand New York, in the neighborhood of Union Square, Flatiron District & Gramercy Park. This quaint hotel with a 70s hippie vibe, has “artists” rooms accentuated with groovy murals on the walls, relaxing earth tones, and ceramic lamps. You can stay here for as little as $99 to $129 a night.
You can also stay at The Evelyn, which The Telegraph lists as one of the best places to stay if you’re in the Flatiron District. It is a combination of a gallery, a museum, and a hipster hotel—all for $117 a night.
$200 – $300 a night
For anyone who has a bit more to spend, you can consider The William. It’s a modern boutique hotel in the Bryant Park area of Manhattan with rooms that cost up to $260 a night. Apart from it’s elegant design, the hotel also boasts of panoramic views of New York City, and a list of amenities that include a kitchen and an inviting living space furnished with a bright color palette, quirky mid-century furniture, and bold abstract art. CNN reports that the hotel has a Shakespeare-inspired pub and a speakeasy lounge onsite, where you can create your own refreshing cocktails.
Add a few more dollars and you can stay at the Upper East Side of Manhattan. For $274 a night, you can book a room at Lowes Regency New York Hotel. It’s on Park Avenue, just a stone’s throw away from Central Park. From the hotel you can walk to nearby restaurants for a power breakfast or the upscale American cuisine that New York restaurants are famous for. The rooms at Lowes Regency are lavishly furnished with chic art deco glam, and great amenities like cozy beds with Frette linens, 24-hour room service and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
$300 – $400 a night
For $304 a night, you can stay at Gramercy Park Hotel, where great artists like Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones hung out back in the day. Frommers notes that a key to an apartment in Gramercy Park is a status symbol, as the apartments overlook the city’s only private park. It’s right across the street from Gramercy Park, perfect if you want to be surrounded by lovely brownstones and be close to famous local restaurants. The rooms have luxurious feather beds with imported Italian linen.
Another room you can stay in if you have $360 for accommodation is The Carlyle. It’s right on Madison and 76th, perhaps one of the best locations you can be if you’re spending a few days in New York. The 35-storey 1930s Beaux Arts building has 188 recently upgraded rooms and suites with stunning views of Central Park. Hotel amenities include the famous Carlyle Restaurant and the Bemelmans Bar.
$400 – $500 a night
Now if you’re the kind of traveler who doesn’t mind spending around $400 to $500 dollars a night for a room, you can book a stay at The Mark. You get a good combination of elegance, class, and high tech service for $492 a night. It’s located on a tree-lined block at Madison and 7th, right at the heart of the Upper East Side. The rooms each have Crestron panels that control temperature, entertainment, shades and lighting with a single touch.
Choosing the best space to stay is key to maximizing your NYC visit. Finding a good apartment to rent is the best way to get a taste of what it would be like to live in the Big Apple. And trust us when we say just a taste. A luxury apartment may be expensive to rent, but it is nothing compared to how much it is to buy one. Yoreevo report that a $60,000 broker’s fee is just 3% of an average Manhattan apartment, which explains why New York is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in. Luckily there are many different types of accommodation for all budgets, and with all the choices you have in Manhattan, and the other boroughs of New York, you will never run out of options.
We have already written about the borough of Brooklyn, where we highlighted luxurious suites, international student residences, and bed-and-breakfasts you can stay in. If you think Manhattan is not for you, check out what Brooklyn has to offer.