chloedickensonLast Updated on 1st November 2025
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Are you planning a trip to New York for the first time but you’re not sure which area to stay in? I’ve got you covered in my ultimate guide about where to stay in New York for first-time visitors!
Choosing where to stay in New York for your first trip can be pretty overwhelming. Not only do you need to find the right area/neighbourhood to stay in, but you also need to choose a good hotel that suits your travelling needs.
After visiting New York many times over the years, I’d like to think that I’ve got it pretty much nailed when it comes to finding and recommending the best areas to stay in New York for first-time visitors.
This post is a helpful guide if you’re looking for inspiration on where to stay in New York if it’s your first time in the city, but I’ve also included some recommendations of the best places to stay in NYC if you’ve been before!
If you’re looking to explore the many areas and neighbourhoods that NYC has to offer, check out this ultimate guide about where to stay when visiting New York for the first time!
Do you need more help planning your trip to NYC? Get a copy of my Ultimate New York City Travel Guide ebook for more helpful tips and tricks!
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Looking for more New York hotel inspiration? Take a look at my guide to the best hotels in Times Square, where to stay in New York with kids, and where to stay in New York for Christmas.
Where to stay in New York for the first time overview
| Best for | Area | Hotel |
| Overall | Times Square | New York Marriott Marquis |
| Christmas | Midtown East/ Diamond District | Lotte New York Palace |
| Foodies | Greenwich/ West Village | Gansevoort Meatpacking |
| Nightlife | East Village | Moxy NYC East Village |
| Budget | Lower East Side | Sonder Battery Park Apartments |
| Luxury | Upper East Side | The Mark Hotel |
| Families | Upper West Side | Mandarin Oriental |
| Local vibes | Williamsburg | Pod Brooklyn |
All my hotel recommendations of the best places to stay in New York for the first time below are based on the following criteria to ensure that all hotels are recommended fairly:
- Rated at least 7.9+ on Booking.com
- Are at least a 3* hotel.
- Free Wi-Fi
- Private bathroom
- Prices are based on a 3-night mid-week stay in January (as January is typically the cheapest time to visit New York)
What are the boroughs of New York City?
New York City is made up of five boroughs; Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
For their first time in New York, most people opt to stay in Manhattan or Brooklyn as these are the closest boroughs to the heart of the action in New York City.
There are more than 55 neighbourhoods in Manhattan alone, with some of the most renowned areas including Midtown, Chelsea, East Village, Greenwich Village, Upper East Side, and more.
These neighbourhoods are the most well-known places to stay in NYC for a reason; they offer convenient locations to some of the best things to see, do, and eat in New York City.
Where to stay in New York for the first time
For first-time visitors to New York City, I always recommend staying in Times Square/Midtown Manhattan, especially if you only have a few days in the city as you’ll be super conveniently located in the heart of New York.
Most of the top tourist sights and attractions are also situated in Manhattan, so you’ll be super close to all the fun things to see and do!
Times Square
Overall best place to stay in New York City for first-timers
Why stay in Times Square?
If you’re wondering where to stay for your first time in New York, my number one recommendation would be Times Square.
Times Square is the perfect place to base yourself for your first trip to NYC as it’s situated right in the heart of Manhattan, super close to all the city’s top sights and attractions such as Times Square itself (obviously!), Macy’s, Bryant Park, the New York Public Library, and much more!
Downsides of staying in Times Square: You will pay a premium for hotels in Times Square due to its super central location. You’ll also be close to the loud noises of the area and of course, the bright lights and billboards of one of the most famous places in NYC.
Best hotels in Times Square
Pod Times Square (3*) 8.4
Pod Times Square is the perfect place to base yourself when visiting New York for the first time as it’s affordable, super conveniently located, and comes with an on-site bar, restaurant, and free Wi-Fi throughout.
It’s less than 600m from the heart of Times Square and the rooms are surprisingly sizeable and beautifully decorated considering it’s a “budget” option in Times Square.
LUMA Hotel Times Square (4*) 9
LUMA Hotel Times Square is one of my absolute favourite hotels in NYC, and I’ve been lucky enough to stay there twice now, as I just love it so much!
It’s located just mere metres from Bryant Park and Times Square, and many of the rooms even have fantastic views of the famous Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball Drop!
Their on-site restaurant, AperiBar, is also a brilliant place to eat, and I love how many room types they offer to cater to many different travellers.
New York Marriott Marquis (4*) 8.3
The New York Marriott Marquis Hotel is another one of my favourite hotels in NYC, thanks to its awesome Times Square location (with many rooms boasting incredible views!), fantastic room offerings, and multiple on-site dining options.
It’s on the higher end of the budget scale, but it’s located just metres from the famous Times Square Red Steps and the rooms are so beautiful.
This would be my number one hotel recommendation for first-timers looking to splash out in New York!
Midtown East/Diamond District
Best area to stay in New York for tourists at Christmas
Why stay in Midtown Manhattan?
Technically, Midtown Manhattan encompasses multiple other New York neighbourhoods, such as Times Square, Murray Hill, and Chelsea, so it’s a really huge area that’s excellent for first-time visitors to NYC.
Midtown is also the best place to stay in New York for Christmas as there are so many incredible festive things to see and do, such as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree/ice skating rink, Radio City Music Hall, Bryant Park Bank of America Winter Village, Union Square Holiday Market, and so much more!
Downsides of staying in Midtown Manhattan: As you’ll be in the heart of the city, hotels in Midtown are some of the most expensive in the city, especially at Christmastime.
Best hotels in Midtown
Pod 39 (3*) 8.4
For one of the best and most affordable hotels in Midtown Manhattan (particularly in the off-season), check out Pod 39.
With free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, a lounge, and a seasonal rooftop bar, Pod 39 is also less than 500m from Grand Central Station, so it’s in a super great location for exploring New York for the first time.
Hilton Club The Central at 5th New York (3*) 9.1
Just a 2-minute walk from the Rockefeller Center, and a 10-minute walk from Grand Central Terminal and Bryant Park, Hilton Club The Central at 5th New York is a brilliant Midtown hotel all year-round, but especially at Christmas in New York thanks to its incredible location.
The hotel features a fitness centre, free W-Fi, 24/7 reception desk, and luggage storage, and all rooms come equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, huge comfy beds, hairdryers, refrigerators, work desks, free toiletries, and so much more.
Lotte New York Palace (5*) 8
The Lotte New York Palace Hotel is one of the best places to stay in NYC at Christmas as it features one of the best Christmas trees in the city!
Inside the hotel, you’ll find some of the most prestigious and grand decor, including ornate marble bathrooms and sweeping staircases. It’s also just over the road from my favourite place in NYC; the Rockefeller Center.
Greenwich Village/West Village/Chelsea
Best place to stay in NYC for foodies
Why stay in Greenwich Village?
Greenwich Village, the West Village, and Chelsea are all located right next to each other which is why I’ve grouped them together for this ultimate list of where to stay in New York for the first time.
These neighbourhoods are fantastic for first-time visitors to New York looking to eat at some of the best restaurants in the city as you’ll find top dining options, fancy bars, and quirky cafes in all three neighbourhoods.
Downsides of staying in Greenwich Village: It’s one of the more expensive areas due to the super luxury apartment complexes and desirable living conditions, so if you’re looking for advice on where to stay in New York on a budget, Greenwich Village/West Village probably aren’t your best options.
Best hotels in Greenwich Village
Hyatt Place NYC Chelsea (4*) 8
Less than a 10-minute walk from one of my favourite rooftop bars in New York, 230 Fifth, the Hyatt Place NYC Chelsea Hotel is a great mid-range hotel choice for your first time in the city.
The hotel features an on-site bar, restaurant, and 24-hour fitness facility and Madison Square Park and the Flatiron Building are only a 5-10 minute walk away.
The Standard, High Line (4*) 7.9
If you’re looking to experience one of the very best luxury hotels on your first trip to NYC, look no further than The Standard, High Line.
It’s located right on New York’s High Line, less than a 5-minute walk from Chelsea Market, and every single room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with a city or river view.
Gansevoort Meatpacking (5*) 8.2
If you’re wondering where to stay in Manhattan as a family, particularly in the Greenwich Village/West Village neighbourhoods, Gansevoort Meatpacking should be a serious contender.
It’s one of the best hotels in New York with a year-round heated pool which accompanies the hotel’s incredible rooftop lounge area. Gansevoort Meatpacking is also just minutes from the High Line, Little Island, and Chelsea Market, so it’s in a great location for exploring many of Manhattan’s top sights.
East Village
Best place to stay in New York for nightlife
Why stay in the East Village?
The East Village is one of my favourite areas of Manhattan as it’s where I spent one month over Christmas and New Year in 2021/2022, so this whole neighbourhood will always have a special place in my heart.
The East Village is also one of my favourite places in New York for the food, drink, and nightlife scene as there are so many awesome bars and restaurants in the neighbourhood (some of my favourites include The Library Bar, Doc Holliday’s, and McSorley’s Old Ale House).
Downsides of staying in the East Village: There are very few decent hotels to choose from in the East Village, so while it’s a great place to base yourself, especially if you’re looking for where to stay in New York for couples, you might not find too many available options.
Best hotels in the East Village
Moxy NYC East Village (4*) 8.2
Conveniently located just minutes from Union Square, Washington Square Park, and Tompkins Square (where you can find some of the best bagels in the city!), Moxy NYC East Village is an awesome place to stay for first-timers in NYC.
Moxy East Village boasts an incredible rooftop terrace with awesome views of the Manhattan skyline, as well as stunning rooms, and an uber-plush bar with lavish decor.
The Standard, East Village (4*) 8.2
The Standard, East Village features multiple on-site dining facilities, free Wi-Fi, and even its very own garden terrace.
It’s just a 10-minute walk to Washington Square Park, the Museum of Ice Cream, and one of my favourite bagel spots in the city; Tompkins Square Bagels. Many of the rooms at the hotel also boast stunning city skyline views, as well as super comfy beds, modern bathrooms, and stylish furnishings.
The Bowery Hotel (4*) 9.1
The Bowery Hotel is definitely on the more luxury end of the hotel budget scale, but if you’re travelling to New York for the first time and want to stay somewhere super special, this luxury boutique hotel might be for you!
It’s located at the intersection of the Lower East Side and East Village, so it’s in a really great area for exploring both parts of the city, as well as getting to other parts of New York via the nearby subway stations of 2nd Avenue and Bleecker Street.
There are so many wonderful bars and restaurants nearby too, including a Levain Bakery branch, McSorley’s Old Ale House, Von wine bar, and many more.
Lower Manhattan
Where to stay in New York City on a budget
Why stay in Lower Manhattan?
Lower Manhattan is a great place to stay in New York for the first time as there are so many options for both tighter and luxury budgets.
You’ll also be close to some of the city’s top sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge, the Financial District, One World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial/Museum, and much more.
Downsides of staying in Lower Manhattan: You’ll be further away from the heart of the action of Midtown Manhattan, but you can easily get to places such as Times Square and Central Park in less than 30 minutes via the subway.
Best hotels in Lower Manhattan
Hotel Mulberry (3*) 8.5
Nestled in the heart of Chinatown, Hotel Mulberry is an excellent and somewhat affordable place to stay on your first trip to NYC.
With its prime Chinatown location, it’s also less than 500m to the heavenly food district of Little Italy, so you have so many food options right on your doorstep.
The rooms at Hotel Mulberry aren’t quite as flashy and fancy as some of the other hotels recommended on this list of where to stay in NYC for the first time, but they’re surprisingly sizeable, super comfortable, and come equipped with conveniences such as free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a refrigerator in every room.
citizenM New York Bowery (4*) 8.7
The citizenM New York Bowery Hotel has an incredible rooftop bar, as well as a gorgeous indoor bar/lounge area, making it a great place to hang out and enjoy the city views. It’s just a short walk to Little Italy and Chinatown and less than 15 minutes on the subway to the Empire State Building.
Each room also comes with wall-to-wall windows that provide excellent views of the Manhattan skyline, as well as black-out blinds and curtains, free toiletries in the bathroom and giant, comfy beds.
Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown (5*) 8.9
The Four Seasons brand is one of the most esteemed hotel franchises in the world and the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown might just be one of the very best!
At £700+ a night for a standard room, a stay at the Four Seasons certainly doesn’t come cheap, but if you’re looking for the ultimate splash-out stay for your first time in New York, I guarantee that it won’t disappoint!
It’s just 700m from the Brooklyn Bridge and the hotel also hosts the exclusive restaurant Cut by Wolfgang Puck! Each room is immaculately decorated and the terrace boasts insanely beautiful views of the iconic One World Trade Center, while the pool is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day exploring the city.
Upper East Side
Best luxury area to stay in New York for the first time
Why stay in the Upper East Side?
If you’re heading to New York City and you’re a Gossip Girl fanatic, chances are, you’ll jump at the chance to stay in the exclusive Upper East Side neighbourhood.
The Upper East Side is known for its fancy museums, expensive hotels, and luxurious residential options. It’s undoubtedly one of the most affluent and exclusive areas in New York City, so if you’ve got a luxury budget to accompany you on your first time in the city, you might want to consider staying on the Upper East Side!
Downsides of staying on the Upper East Side: It’s one of the more expensive places to stay in New York, and it’s also not quite as centrally located as some other neighbourhoods in Manhattan.
Best hotels on the Upper East Side
voco The Franklin New York by IHG (3*) 8.3
For a slightly more affordable hotel on the Upper East Side, check out voco The Franklin New York. While the location of this hotel is pretty far from many of the city’s top central attractions (it’s located on East 87th Street, just a few blocks from the Guggenheim Museum), this actually means that you’ll be able to enjoy a calmer and more peaceful/local side to NYC.
The rooms at the hotel are basic, but clean and comfortable, and there’s also a 24-hour espresso and cappuccino service!
The Pierre, A Taj Hotel (5*) 8.4
The Pierre is one of the most prestigious hotels on the Upper East Side and it’s just steps from Central Park, making it a highly desirable place to stay, with many of the rooms boasting views of one of the most famous urban parks in the world.
The rooms themselves feature a flat-screen TV, plush bedding, a seating area, and a work desk, as well as elegantly decorated furnishings.
The Mark Hotel (5*) 9.3
If you’re looking to enjoy a stay at one of the best and most luxurious hotels in New York City, look no further than The Mark Hotel.
The Mark Hotel is on the very high end of the budget scale when it comes to hotels in NYC, but I wanted to include it in this list of where to stay in New York for the first time just in case you wanted to be extra fancy!
It’s just one block from Central Park and the hotel concierge can even organise a state-of-the-art picnic inside the world-famous park for a truly opulent experience!
All rooms come with free Wi-Fi, a 32-inch flat-screen TV, and huge marble bathrooms that are fitted with their very own mini flat-screen TV for the ultimate relaxing experience after a busy day of exploring the city.
Upper West Side
Best area to stay in NYC for families
Why stay on the Upper West Side?
The Upper West Side is considered to be one of the safest places to stay in NYC, so it’s perfect for families on a first-time vacation in New York.
This neighbourhood has much more of a relaxed, local feel to it as it’s primarily a residential area, so while there aren’t too many hotels to choose from on the Upper West Side, the available hotels are sure to give you an authentic experience of what daily life in NYC looks like. It’s also one of the best areas to stay in New York for the first time if you want to be close to Central Park.
Downsides of staying on the Upper West Side: Unfortunately, there aren’t too many hotels to choose from on the UWS, but thankfully, the hotels that are available are amongst some of the best in Manhattan!
Best hotels on the Upper West Side
Hotel Belleclaire Central Park (4*) 8.4
Boasting a charming selection of rooms, suites, and lofts, Hotel Belleclaire Central Park offers free Wi-Fi, complimentary wine hours, and a great location for accessing New York’s top sights.
Hotel Belleclaire is perhaps one of the most beautifully decorated hotels featured on this list of where to stay in New York for the first time as it combines timeless elegance inside a landmark Upper West Side building with modern comforts and conveniences.
Just a couple of blocks away, you’ll find the 74th Street branch of Levain Bakery; one of my favourite eateries in the city for decadent cookies! You can also get to Times Square, Bryant Park, and the Rockefeller Center all within 20 minutes via subway.
The Lucerne Hotel (4*) 8.5
Situated inside a classic New York landmark building, The Lucerne Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels on the Upper West Side.
The rooms are tasteful and elegant and the bespoke luxury feel carries on into the hotel’s adjoining restaurant, Nice Matin, where you can find some of the most highly-rated French-Mediterranean cuisine on the Upper West Side!
The Lucerne is also just a stone’s throw from the American Museum of Natural History, so it’s ideal for families looking to stay close to some of the city’s top family-friendly attractions.
Mandarin Oriental New York (5*) 9
For a truly luxurious place to stay on the Upper West Side during your first trip to NYC, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Columbus Circle beckons you with open arms!
Just a 2-minute walk from Central Park, a 10-minute walk from the shops on 5th Avenue and boasting astounding views of the Manhattan skyline, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Manhattan.
Every room features floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the most incredible views of the skyline and the full-service spa, fitness centre, and MO Lounge only add to the opulence of the hotel.
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Best area to stay in New York for local vibes
Why stay in Brooklyn
I usually only recommend staying in Brooklyn if it’s your second, third, fourth, etc time in New York City, as I think Manhattan is definitely the place to be for first-time visitors due to it being the central location where most of the top sights and attractions are.
However, you should consider staying in Brooklyn even as a first-time visitor, especially if you’re a confident traveller and you’re happy to navigate your way around the city via subway (read my comprehensive guide on how to use the NY subway here!).
Brooklyn, in particular Williamsburg, is actually only a 20-30 minute subway ride from Times Square, Central Park, and Bryant Park, so it’s arguably even easier to get to Midtown Manhattan from Brooklyn than it is from Lower Manhattan!
Downsides of staying in Brooklyn: While it is super accessible to get from Brooklyn to Manhattan, you won’t actually be staying in the heart of the action, so getting back to your hotel on a night after a busy day exploring might be a bit of a nuisance if you’re not a fan of travelling via subway.
Pod Brooklyn (3*) 8.4
Pod Brooklyn is one of the best affordable hotels, not only in Brooklyn, but in NYC as a whole. Its excellent location in Williamsburg means that it’s only a 20-minute subway ride from Times Square, Grand Central, One World Trade Center, and more, so you can easily get to and from the city’s top sights as easily as you would if you were staying in Manhattan.
The hotel itself is pretty basic and not at all fancy or luxurious, but there are numerous room types to accommodate all kinds of travellers, including bunkbed pods, queen pods, and even mini suites that can sleep four people, making it an excellent hotel for families staying in New York for the first time.
The William Vale (5*) 8.4
Renowned for its incredible 60-foot rooftop swimming pool, The William Vale is a gorgeous hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with many rooms boasting insane views of the Manhattan skyline.
Despite being a 5-star hotel, rooms at The William Vale aren’t nearly as outrageously expensive as some of Manhattan’s elite luxury hotels, making it a desirable place to stay in New York if you want to enjoy opulent dining facilities, remarkable city views, and super comfortable and modern rooms.
Wythe Hotel (4*) 8.9
Located inside a converted 100-year-old factory, Wythe Hotel is another one of the best places to stay in Brooklyn that also boasts stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
With rustic features, gorgeous views, and a convenient location for getting to and from Manhattan’s best sights and attractions, Wythe Hotel is the perfect boutique hotel in the heart of Williamsburg.
Where to stay in New York for the first time – conclusion
As you can see, there are so many wonderful areas to stay in New York for the first time. Times Square/Midtown Manhattan would be my number one recommendations of the best places to stay for first time visitors to New York, but all the other recommended neighbourhoods should also be considered as well!
Do you have any other recommendations on the best areas to stay in New York for first-timers? Let me know in the comments or in my New York Facebook Group.
