Where to Stay When Visiting New York: A Guide for Every Traveler

New York is one of the world’s most popular cities for tourists, which is no surprise. From historical and cultural landmarks to buzzing hangouts like Times Square and Central Park, the Big Apple (as NYC is also known) offers something for every traveller. Now, if you’ve made plans to travel to the city anytime soon, then finding the right accommodation is a must. 
From your budget and personal preferences to connectivity, there are several factors involved in choosing where to stay when visiting New York. Here’s a closer look at some of the things to consider when you zero in on where to stay in New York when visiting. 

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Accommodation in New York 

As mentioned above, there are quite a few factors that you shouldn’t overlook while choosing accommodation in the city. Here are some of them: 

1. Proximity to Major Attractions

Everyone has a specific itinerary or travel plan in mind while visiting NYC and you should too! What this will do is give you a basic idea of the landmarks that you’ll be visiting and the places near them. You can thus select accommodation near most of the things you want to explore, right from Central Park or Times Square to the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and many more. 

2. Budget Options for Every Traveler

Don’t worry about your budget when you get to New York. There are plenty of options that are ideal for tighter wallets, including affordable serviced apartments across prime city locations and beyond. That’s not all; you can also look for mid-range properties or luxury/five-star hotels if you’ve got the budget to match! 

3. Transportation Access

What’s the use of a beautiful place to stay when you’re completely cut off from major transportation routes? So, before you finalize your accommodation, look out for proximity to bus routes, subway lines, and taxi availability in the area. If you’re also wondering where to stay in New York when visiting with car, then the answer is simple. Choose accommodation in parking-friendly neighborhoods where you won’t have to shell out an exorbitant amount in rentals. 

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in New York 

Solving the conundrum of where to stay when visiting New York can be daunting, considering the sheer number of localities in the city. Here’s simplifying it for you, based on your preferences. 

1. First Timers- Midtown Manhattan

If you’re a first-timer, then you’ve got to be at the heart of all the action! That’s precisely what Midtown Manhattan gives you, with its easy access to Broadway, Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building- you name it! And if you’re looking to indulge in luxury shopping, then there’s Fifth Avenue, while Madison Avenue takes care of all your sip-and-bite needs. 

2. Families with Kids- Upper West Side

Don’t bother about where to stay when visiting New York with kids, since the Upper West Side is a no-brainer! This part of town is more residential than you’ll notice, with its warm community, weekend family brunches, and lovely playgrounds and parks. Then there’s Central Park nearby along with the Conservatory Garden. Take your kids to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan or the Museum of Natural History for a fun time, while there are tons of kid-friendly eateries to check out as well. 

3. For Travelers with Cars: Staten Island/Queens

Staten Island is surprisingly well-connected to Manhattan (via ferries) and offers a wealth of attractions, including a zoo, Greenbelt, farmer’s markets, and the famous Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden. 
Queens, on the other hand, is a hip neighborhood with fancy restaurants and bars. You can also explore the iconic Flushing Meadows Park, Socrates Sculpture Park, Noguchi Museum, and the Aqueduct Racetrack here. What do these areas have in common- They’re both parking-friendly zones with ample space and reasonable rentals. 

4. Nightlife Enthusiasts- Williamsburg/Lower East Side

You’ll never want to leave Wlliamsburg’s famous Bedford Avenue, with its restaurants, cafes, and shops. There’s also Wythe Avenue which has multiple boutiques and eateries of its own. Have a swell time exploring the countless clubs, bars, and lounges in the area, including big names like the Kent Ale House, Davidoff of Geneva, The Cellar, and Mulholland’s Sports Bar. 
The Lower East Side has a slightly different vibe, with several historic museums and eateries. You’ll find several quirky and unique bars here including Mace, Nurse Bettie, and Eastwood Clubs. Live music enthusiasts can check out the multiple venues here, while the Slipper Room and other establishments also host fantastic burlesque shows regularly. 

Top Accommodation Options by Travel Type

Now that you’ve got a picture of the best places to stay in NYC, here’s a closer look at a few accommodation options that you can consider. 

1. Luxury Stays in NYC

If you’ve got the moolah, then the sky’s the limit in terms of luxury accommodation in New York. From biggies like the Ritz-Carlton and the Plaza to the Four Seasons and Aman New York, you’ll be spoilt for choices indeed! 

2. Budget-Friendly Options

The budget’s never a deterrent and you can find reasonably-priced stays in prime areas such as Queens or Brooklyn. At the same time, there’s also a chance to book a serviced apartment in almost any location at a competitive price in comparison to a hotel. Explore the Brooklyn accommodations now.

3. Family-Friendly Accommodations

Travelling with your family automatically means needing more space and access to playgrounds/parks, tourist landmarks, and so on. You can opt for a hotel suite although it may be quite costly for most people. Another alternative is to book a serviced apartment that is strategically located near your desired landmarks, while offering ample space, fully-equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi, and whatnot! 

4. Parking –Friendly Places

As stated earlier, you’ll be better off choosing areas like Queens, Staten Island or even Greenwich Village for your accommodation if you’ve got a car with you. The best way to save on costs though is to book a serviced apartment that has on-site parking. This is probably the most hassle-free method to explore NYC with your car. 

Best Places to Stay When Visiting New York with Kids

New York has several localities that are ideal for those travelling with their children. After all, you’ve got to keep the little ones engaged on the trip too! 

Why the Upper West Side is Ideal 

Kids love the Upper West Side for a reason. Not every locality offers easy access to so many parks (including Central Park), playgrounds and also child-friendly landmarks. The latter list comprises the American Museum of Natural History, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, and even the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. You’ll find it easy to keep your children happy in this neighborhood with no dearth of things to do. 

Serviced Apartments for Families 

Serviced apartments make for a wonderful value proposition for every family. You don’t have to worry about space and privacy with these units. Simultaneously, you don’t have to fret about dining out each day since these apartments come with fully-equipped kitchens. All the appliances that you need for daily living are present, along with Wi-Fi, televisions, entertainment options, and more. 
You can even look for additional amenities (subject to availability) while booking, including housekeeping, laundry, rooftop terraces, parking, elevators, fitness centres, etc. The best part is that it will all come at a pretty reasonable cost. 

Attractions Near Family-Friendly Areas

There are plenty of attractions near family-friendly zones in New York. In fact, you should make a list of what’s near your preferred accommodation beforehand. Some of the top picks naturally include the Central Park Zoo, Times Square, Lincoln Center, Museum of Natural History, and more. 

Where to Stay in New York When Visiting with a Car 

So you’ve decided to rent a car for your NYC trip or you’ve come down in a rental/personal vehicle from another location. In this case, you’ll have to narrow down your accommodation options carefully to avoid parking hassles. 

Why Parking Can Be Challenging in Manhattan

Parking is a real hassle in Manhattan, once you look at the huge number of vehicles, the crowds, and the congestion each day. Another challenge is the limited availability of parking spaces and the skyrocketing rentals for spots/garages. 

Best Neighborhoods with Parking Access

Some New York locations do buck the trend, including Staten Island, Greenwich Village, Queens, and Tribeca, to name a few. You’ll find quite a few large thoroughfares here along with parking-friendly spots. 

Tips for Driving in New York City 

• The first thing that you’ve got to remember is that New York is a high-traffic zone.
• Keep your eyes (and ears) out for pedestrians all around, along with maintaining a safe distance from others. Watch out for cyclists too, along with left-turn restriction signs.
• Stay updated via the radio/GPS about congested areas that you can avoid and leave early for every trip. Some areas may have ongoing construction work, leading to massive traffic roadblocks during peak hours.
• Try to avoid the slots between 8-9 AM and 3-7 PM each day due to the rush peak hours.

Serviced Apartments: A Flexible & Convenient Option 

Most people will tell you that choosing where to stay when visiting New York is a big deal. This is not just for the quality of your stay, but also factors like the budget, location, et al. That’s where a serviced apartment may turn out to be your best option. 

Benefits of Serviced Apartments in New York City 

The benefits offered by serviced apartments are literally endless!

• You can look forward to well-furnished apartments featuring cosy living spaces and hygienic, modern bathrooms designed for your comfort.
• There’s a lot of space and full privacy compared to hotels, while most brands offer 24-7 service and support as well. 
• That’s not all; you can cook meals in well-equipped kitchens, use all the daily appliances you want, and stay secure with advanced safety features.
• These apartments also offer flat-screen televisions, Wi-Fi connectivity, and entertainment packages to keep everyone connected and engaged without any hassles.
• You can also opt for properties that have add-ons like laundry, housekeeping, F&B facilities, gyms, pools, parking spaces, elevators, and so on. 
• You can immediately move into your apartment once you land in the Big Apple without any deposit, maintenance, or documentation hassles.
• There’s also ample flexibility for both long and short-term stays while booking them. And yes the rates are also pretty reasonable, which is another plus point! 

TheSqua.re Offers a Curated Selection of Serviced Apartments for Any Type of Traveler

If you’re planning to stay in a serviced apartment in NYC, consider exploring TheSqua.re. The platform offers a carefully selected range of apartments across various neighborhoods, ensuring you find a space that suits your preferences and lifestyle. With a focus on quality, comfort, and value, TheSqua.re makes it easy to compare options and choose the perfect apartment for your stay.

FAQs About Where to Stay When Visiting New York 

What is the best area to stay in New York for first-time visitors? 

You’ll be better off staying in Midtown Manhattan for its connectivity to all major attractions in the city. 

Where can I stay in New York with a car? 

Look for places in Queens or Staten Island if you have a car. 

Are there family-friendly places to stay in NYC? 

Yes, some of these places include the Upper West Side, Park Slope, and Harlem. 

What are the benefits of staying in a serviced apartment in New York?

You can get full privacy and ample space along with great amenities, reasonable rates, and flexible long/short-term stays. 

Which areas are best for budget travelers in NYC?

Some budget-friendly localities include Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, to name a few. 

Conclusion

As you can see, it is vital to select the right accommodation/area for your trip to New York and that too in advance. Plan your stay carefully based on your budget, travel requirements, and other preferences. 
Discover the perfect place to stay in New York and book your ideal accommodation today.