chloedickensonLast Updated on 16th April 2024
This post about where to stay in New York for the first time contains affiliate links.
Are you planning a trip to New York for the first time but not sure which area to stay in? I’ve got you covered in my ultimate guide about where to stay in New York for the first time!
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 five times at the time of writing this post (including spending one month in the East Village over Christmas and New Year in 2021/2022), I’d like to think that I’ve got it pretty much nailed when it comes to 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!
Read more: New York Tips For First Timers – Best NYC Travel Tips
NEW YORK TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Flights: Kiwi.com / Expedia / Trip.com
Accommodation: Booking.com / Hostelworld
Transport: Flixbus / Rentalcars.com
Activities/tours: Get Your Guide / Viator / Klook / Go City
Travel insurance: SafetyWing
Hotel reviews: TripAdvisor
My backpacking essentials: Amazon
New York Passes: Go City Pass / New York CityPASS
USA eSIM: Airalo
Where to stay in New York for the first time summary
- Times Square
- Midtown Manhattan
- Central Park
- Greenwich Village
- East Village
- Lower Manhattan
- Upper East Side
- Upper West Side
Read more: 40 Best Hotels Near Times Square, New York City
First time in New York City travel tip
Get the Go City New York Pass for your first trip to NYC to save up to 50% at top NY attractions such as the Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building Observation Deck, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Cruise and many more!
Check the Go City New York Pass here to save money on tours and attractions!
Must-do attractions/sights/tours in NYC for first timers
- Summit One Vanderbilt Observation Deck
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Cruise
- Edge Observation Deck
- Manhattan Island Helicopter Tour
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum Tour
- Top of the Rock Observation Deck
- Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
- Broadway Show
- Empire State Building Observation Deck
- One World Observatory
Read more: NYC Pass Comparison – Which New York City Pass Is Best?
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.
If I had to recommend just one New York borough to base yourself in, I’d always suggest Manhattan as there are so many wonderful neighbourhoods to stay in and so many incredible hotels to choose from. 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!
Read more: 111 Bucket List Things To Do In New York
Manhattan – where to stay in New York for the first time
There are more than 55 neighbourhoods to choose from 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.
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.
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+ on Booking.com
- Free Wi-Fi
- Private bathroom (except for hostel/dormitory recommendations)
- Prices are based on a 3-night mid-week stay in January (as January is typically the cheapest time to visit New York)
Let’s check out all the best places to stay in New York for the first time in Manhattan!
Booking.comRead more: How To Get To Manhattan From JFK
Times Square – best area to stay in NYC for the first time
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!
It’s the best area to stay in NYC for the first time if you want to be close to the action, but it’s a good idea to be aware that you will likely pay a premium for hotels in Times Square due to its awesome location.
If you stay in the very heart of Times Square, you will also need to be aware that you’ll be close to the loud noises of the area and of course, the bright lights of the billboards of one of the most famous places in NYC!
Having said that, it’s still my number one recommendation for the best place to stay in New York for first-timers as I love how close everything is!
Read more: What Is New York Known For – What Is NYC Famous For?
Best hotels in Times Square
I’ve stayed in/around Times Square three times now and the exciting buzz of the city never gets old! Here are my top three recommendations for the best places to stay in Times Square for the first time!
Pod Times Square – best affordable hotel for first time in New York
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.
Holiday Inn New York City – Times Square
The Holiday Inn New York City Times Square is an excellent mid-range place to stay on your first visit to New York.
Complete with free Wi-Fi, amazing city views, a private bathroom and just 500m from Times Square, this is a great choice for first-time visitors to NYC.
New York Marriott Marquis – best luxury hotel in Times Square for first timers
The New York Marriott Marquis Hotel is one of my favourite hotels in NYC.
It’s on the higher end of the budget scale (around £300+ a night), but it’s located just metres from the famous Times Square Red Steps and the rooms are beautiful. This would be my number one hotel recommendation for first-timers looking to splash out in New York.
Midtown Manhattan – best area to stay in NYC for 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!
Read more: 40+ Best Things To Do In New York In December 2023
Best hotels in Midtown
If you’re looking to base yourself in Midtown Manhattan during your first trip to New York, check out my top hotel recommendations below!
Pod 39 – best budget hotel for first timers in New York
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.
Hyatt Place New York City/Times Square
Located in the Hell’s Kitchen district of NYC, Hyatt Place is less than a 15-minute walk from Times Square, Bryant Park and the Empire State Building.
The hotel is equipped with free Wi-Fi, air-con, large comfy beds, free toiletries, an on-site bar and more!
Lotte New York Palace – best luxury Midtown Manhattan hotel
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.
Read more: 20 Best Family Hotels In NYC
Greenwich Village/West Village/Chelsea – best place to stay in New York 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.
Best hotels in Greenwich Village
Check out some of my recommendations for the best hotels in Greenwich Village/Chelsea for your first time in New York City below!
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chelsea
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel is situated in close proximity to Chelsea, the Empire State Building and the Flatiron Building, so it’s in an excellent location for exploring the city.
It’s also just a few hundred metres from Madison Square Garden and all rooms come with free Wi-Fi, a desk and flat-screen TVs as standard.
Hyatt Place NYC Chelsea
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 – best luxury hotel for first time in New York
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 Hotel on The High Line.
It’s located right on New York’s world-famous 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.
The Standard truly is one of the best luxury hotels in NYC and I would highly recommend booking a stay if you want to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime visit to New York.
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 very 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).
Read more: 50+ Best Places To Eat In New York City – NYC Best Restaurants
Best hotels in the East Village
Most of the places to stay in the East Village are actually apartments and Airbnb rentals, but I’ve included a few of my top recommendations of the best hotels in the East Village as well!
Sanctuary NYC Retreats
If you’re looking for more of an apartment feel, complete with your very own kitchen, ensuite bathroom, coffee machine and free Wi-Fi, be sure to check out Sanctuary NYC Retreats.
Considering this accommodation offers private apartment rooms with a fully equipped kitchen and private bathroom, it’s surprisingly affordable and there’s even an on-site yoga studio!
While Sanctuary NYC Retreats isn’t quite as conveniently located as some of the other hotels featured in this list of where to stay in New York for the first time, it is situated less than a 10-minute walk from Delancey St – Essex St subway station, where you can take the metro to most major sights in Manhattan.
Moxy NYC East Village – where to stay in New York for the first time
Conveniently located just minutes from Union Square, Washington Square Park and Tompkin’s Square (where you can find some of the best bagels in the city!), Moxy NYC East Village is one of my number one hotel recommendations for first-time visitors to New York.
The 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 Bowery Hotel
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 first time 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, the One World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial/Museum and much more.
Even though you’re a little further away from the heart of the action in Midtown Manhattan, you can easily get to places such as Times Square and Central Park in less than 30 minutes via the metro.
Read more: 25 Best Free Things To Do In New York – Free Things To Do In NYC
Best hotels in Lower Manhattan
Some of the city’s most well-known and prestigious hotels can be found in Lower Manhattan, let’s check some of them out below!
Hotel Mulberry – where to stay in New York for the first time on a budget
Nestled in the heart of Chinatown, Hotel Mulberry is an excellent and somewhat affordable (rooms start at around £100 a night if you book in advance) place to stay on your first trip to NYC.
With its prime-time 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
citizenM has two locations in NYC; one in Times Square and one on the Lower East Side.
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
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!
Best hotels on the Upper East Side – where to stay in New York for the first time
Below, you can find my recommendations for the top three hotels on the Upper East Side for a low-range, mid-range and splash-out budget.
Courtyard New York Manhattan/Upper East Side
The Marriott Hotel brand is one of my favourites and I’ve been lucky enough to stay in multiple locations all around the world, including two branches in New York.
The Courtyard New York on the Upper East Side is located on East 92nd Street, so it’s quite out of the action of the city, but this gives it a much more relaxed and chilled-out vibe compared to some of the busier hotels featured on this list.
Despite its exclusive location, it’s still only a 15-minute walk to The Met/Central Park West entrance and you can easily get to the sights in Midtown Manhattan in less than half an hour by metro.
The rooms at the Courtyard New York Manhattan/Upper East Side are truly exquisite and there’s also an on-site fitness centre, and each room is equipped with coffee-making facilities, a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi.
Loews Regency New York Hotel
Located between East 61st and East 62nd Street on Park Avenue, the Loews Regency New York Hotel is one of the best places to stay in NYC for the first time as it’s just a 5-minute walk to the 5th Avenue/59th Street Central Park entrance.
It’s also super close to one of my other favourite luxury hotels in New York City; The Plaza Hotel.
Loews Regency New York Hotel is also one of the best places to stay in New York for families as they have over a dozen room types that can cater to families of all ages and needs, and there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants nearby.
Everything from the lobby to the bedrooms to the bar, restaurant, spa and wellness centre have been carefully considered to give guests the most incredible experience and it’s definitely somewhere you should consider staying during your first time in New York.
The Mark Hotel – best luxury hotel to stay in New York for the first time
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.
A stay at The Mark can cost upwards of $1,000 a night (and the premium suites can cost more than $5,000 a night!), so it’s certainly 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!
The Mark Hotel is 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 in 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.
Read more: 22 Best Photo Spots In Central Park
Best hotels on the Upper West Side – where to stay in New York for the first time
For the final section of this ultimate guide about where to stay in New York for the first time, let’s check out some of the best hotels on the Upper West Side!
Hotel Belleclaire Central Park
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 – where to stay in New York for the first time
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
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.
Brooklyn – Where not to stay in New York City the first time
While I’m very much an advocate for staying in Brooklyn as it’s such a wonderful borough of New York City, I personally wouldn’t recommend it for first time visitors in NYC, especially if you’re only in the city for a few days.
Brooklyn is more geared to people visiting New York for the second, third, or fourth+ time as it has so many great neighbourhoods that are best enjoyed once you’ve already seen most of the top tourist attractions in Manhattan.
If you do want to stay in Brooklyn for your first trip to New York, I’d recommend checking out the neighbourhoods below as they’re safe, fun, home to tonnes of coffee shops, bars and restaurants and they can also sometimes be cheaper than Manhattan.
- DUMBO
- Brooklyn Heights/ Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Downtown Brooklyn
- Williamsburg
- Park Slope/Prospect Park
Conclusion – where to stay in New York City for the first time
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 recommendations of the best places to stay for first time visits to New York, but all the other recommended neighbourhoods should also be considered as well!
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Pin for later – where to stay in New York for the first time
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 on Instagram at @imjustagirl_16.
