Where To Stay in New York – Best Areas + Hotels For First Time Visitors in 2026

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Where To Stay in New York – My Experience

Every time I’ve visited New York I’ve stayed somewhere different because I always want to experience a different side of the city. The first time I visited, I stayed more centrally because I wanted that classic New York experience where you walk outside and immediately see yellow taxis, skyscrapers and busy streets. It made sightseeing so easy and definitely helped me get my bearings around Manhattan quickly.

But after going back a few more times, I realised my favourite parts of New York were actually the moments outside of the major tourist attractions. Walking through Chelsea in the morning with a coffee, spending hours wandering around SoHo, watching sunset from Brooklyn Bridge Park or finding random restaurants in the Lower East Side ended up becoming the parts of the trip I remembered most.

Personally, I would always prioritise staying somewhere near a good subway station over obsessing about being close to one specific attraction. The subway becomes second nature surprisingly quickly and being well connected makes such a huge difference during your trip.

Best Areas To Stay in New York

Times Square – Best Area For First Time Visitors

I know people online love telling tourists not to stay in Times Square and I’ll be honest, I’m usually one of them. But I think there’s a big difference between your first trip to New York and your fourth. The very first time I visited New York, I stayed in Times Square because I wanted that classic New York experience. I wanted to walk outside and immediately see the bright lights, yellow taxis, giant billboards and all the things I’d seen in films and TV shows growing up. For a first trip, I actually don’t regret it because it made sightseeing incredibly easy and helped me get my bearings around Manhattan.

That being said, I personally wouldn’t stay in Times Square again. After returning to New York multiple times, I’ve realised my favourite parts of the city are actually places like Chelsea, SoHo, and Brooklyn. Times Square is somewhere I’ll walk through for ten minutes and then happily leave.

For first-time visitors though, Times Square still makes a lot of sense. You’re right in the middle of the action and close to many of the attractions people want to see during their first visit. It also gives you fantastic subway connections, making it easy to explore other neighbourhoods once you’re ready to venture beyond the main tourist spots.

Best Hotels in Times Square

Tempo by Hilton New York

Tempo by Hilton is one of the newer hotels in the area (opened in late 2023) and feels a lot more modern compared to a lot of traditional Times Square hotels. The rooms are minimal and designed in a way that actually makes sense for a city break, which isn’t always the case in this part of New York.

The biggest selling point is the views. If you can get a higher floor, you’ll have that classic Manhattan skyline view, which is especially impressive at night when everything is lit up. The hotel also has a really good rooftop bar, which makes it easy to grab a drink without having to fight through crowds outside.

Hard Rock Hotel New York

One of the main reasons I’d recommend Hard Rock Hotel New York is for the location. You’re just a few minutes from Times Square, Broadway, Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue, which makes it incredibly easy for a first-time trip when you’re trying to fit a lot into your itinerary.

The stand out for me though is RT60, the hotel’s rooftop bar. It’s located on the 34th floor and has both indoor and outdoor spaces with views across Midtown Manhattan. They regularly have DJs throughout the week, which makes it feel much more like a night out rather than just somewhere to grab a quick drink before dinner.

Chelsea – My Favourite Area To Stay in New York

Chelsea is probably still my favourite area to stay in New York overall and the one I recommend the most for girls trips because it has such a good balance of everything. You’ve got amazing restaurants, rooftop bars, coffee shops, skyline views and great transport links whilst still feeling slightly calmer than Midtown.

One thing I loved about staying in Chelsea was how walkable everything felt. I found myself constantly walking through Flatiron, the High Line and Hudson Yards without even really planning to because everything connected so easily. I also think some of the best hotel views in New York are in Chelsea. Waking up and seeing the skyline from your bed genuinely never gets old no matter how many times you visit the city.

Best Hotels in Chelsea

Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea

If I had a friend planning their first trip to New York and they asked me where to stay, Motto by Hilton New York Chelsea is probably one of the first hotels I’d send them. I’ve stayed here myself and it is still one of my favourite hotel stays in New York. As you can tell, the biggest selling point for me is the views. If you can get a room on one of the higher floors, you’ll wake up to some of the best skyline views in Manhattan. There’s something really special about opening the curtains in the morning and seeing lower manhattan right outside your window. It never gets old, no matter how many times you’ve visited New York before. If you do want a room with a view, I would recommend booking the Landmark City room view, which is the exact view I got in my picture.

The rooms are definitely on the smaller side, which is pretty standard for Manhattan hotels, but they feel incredibly well designed. Every inch of space feels purposeful (especially with the under bed storage) and I never felt cramped during my stay. The beds are also some of the most comfortable I’ve slept in in New York, which you’ll appreciate after spending 25,000 steps a day exploring the city.

Moxy NYC Chelsea

If I was planning a girls trip to New York and wanted a hotel that had a really cute rooftop lounge, Moxy NYC Chelsea would be the hotel I would book. I’ve recommended this hotel to so many people over the years because it ticks a lot of boxes for a New York trip. The location is fantastic, the rooms are modern, and it has that fun, social atmosphere that works really well for girls trips, and first-time visits to the city.

If you’re someone who loves finding cute rooftop bars in New York, this is one you’ll want to add to your list. The views across the Manhattan skyline are incredible, especially around sunset, and it’s the perfect place to grab a cocktail before heading out for dinner. Another thing I love about this hotel is that it’s located in New York’s Flower District. During the day you’ll find flower stalls lining the streets outside, which gives the area a completely different feel from other parts of Manhattan. It feels a little more charming and a little less chaotic than some of the surrounding neighbourhoods.

SoHo – My Favourite Area for Shopping and Walking Around

Every time I go to SoHo I end up spending longer there than I planned. It’s one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in New York with cobbled streets, cast iron buildings, independent coffee shops and some of the best shopping in the city. You can also walk into Nolita, Chinatown, Little Italy, Greenwich Village and the Lower East Side incredibly easily, which means you naturally end up discovering places you hadn’t planned to visit.

If your idea of a perfect New York day involves wandering around cute streets, stopping for coffee and accidentally spending too much money shopping, you’ll probably love SoHo as much as I do.

Best Hotels in SoHo

Arlo SoHo

Arlo SoHo is one of those hotels that I think works for so many different types of New York trips, whether you’re visiting with friends, as a couple or even solo. The biggest selling point for me is the location. You’re staying in SoHo, but you’re also within walking distance of Tribeca, the West Village, Hudson Square and even parts of the Lower East Side. I always think one of the best ways to experience New York is by walking between neighbourhoods rather than constantly taking the subway, and Arlo SoHo makes that really easy.

If your ideal New York day involves grabbing a coffee, wandering around cute streets, browsing shops and finding restaurants you’ve stumbled across by accident, this is a fantastic base. The rooms are definitely on the smaller side, but that’s pretty standard for New York. What Arlo does well is making the space feel functional and modern rather than cramped. Many rooms also have great city views, which always makes a difference when you’re staying in Manhattan

The Dominick Hotel

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in SoHo, The Dominick would be one of my top recommendations. One thing that immediately stands out is the room size as New York hotel rooms are notoriously small, but The Dominick feels completely different. The rooms and suites are significantly more spacious than most hotels in Manhattan, which makes a huge difference if you’re staying for several nights or travelling with friends.

The views are another major selling point. Many rooms overlook the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River or downtown New York, and some of the corner rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows that make the city feel like it’s part of the room itself.

Also a standout for me is the outdoor pool, which is surprisingly rare in Manhattan. During the summer months, it’s a really nice place to spend a few hours if you want a break from sightseeing without completely leaving the city atmosphere behind. If you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a luxury girls trip or simply want to treat yourself, this is the type of hotel that becomes part of the overall experience rather than just somewhere to sleep.

Financial District – The Most Underrated Area in Manhattan

I always assumed the Financial District was an area you’d visit for an hour or two to see Wall Street, the Charging Bull and One World Trade Center before heading elsewhere. I never really considered it somewhere I’d actually want to base myself for a trip.

But after spending more time downtown, my opinion completely changed. You’re close to One World Observatory, the 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street, South Street Seaport, Battery Park, the Staten Island Ferry and the Brooklyn Bridge. If you’re planning to explore Lower Manhattan, you’re already right in the middle of it.

One thing I really like about staying here is that it feels noticeably calmer than areas like Times Square or Midtown. During the day there’s plenty going on, but once the office workers head home, the neighbourhood becomes much quieter. Another advantage is that hotels here can often offer better value for money. New York isn’t a cheap city, and I’ve found that you can sometimes get a much nicer (and bigger may I add) hotel room in the Financial District than you would for the same budget in Midtown. If you’re trying to balance location, comfort and price, it’s definitely an area worth considering.

Best Hotels in the Financial District

Moxy NYC Downtown

Moxy NYC Downtown has a really fun and social atmosphere, which is one of the reasons I think it works so well for a girls trip. Unlike some hotels where you simply sleep and leave, Moxy feels like somewhere you’d actually want to spend time. One of the standout features is its 5,000 sq. ft. bar and lounge space which serves coffee, cocktails and food throughout the day. They’ve also added old school arcade games and even a basketball court, which definitely isn’t something you expect to find inside a New York hotel.

The rooms are really modern, compact and designed really well for city stays. If you’re booking here, I’d definitely recommend looking at one of the City View rooms if your budget allows. They offer views of both the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge, which is one of those little details that makes waking up in New York feel even more special.

Hotel Indigo NYC Downtown

Hotel Indigo NYC Downtown is one of those hotels that often flies under the radar, but I personally think it offers really good value for New York. One thing I think people often overlook when booking hotels in New York is how much easier your mornings are when there’s a good breakfast option on-site. Hotel Indigo has an American restaurant serving breakfast, including warm dishes, fresh pastries, pancakes, fruit and juice, which is ideal if you’re planning early sightseeing starts and don’t want to spend time searching for breakfast every morning.

The hotel also has a fitness centre and bar, which are always nice additions after a long day exploring the city. Whilst you’re probably not coming to New York to spend hours in the gym, having those facilities available can make your stay feel a little more comfortable, especially if you’re visiting for several days.

Brooklyn – Best For Skyline Views & A Different Side of New York

For years, I assumed Manhattan was where you had to stay. It’s what most people picture when they think about New York and where the majority of first-time visitors book their hotels. But after spending more time in Brooklyn, I realised some of my favourite memories from New York actually happened there.

What I love about Brooklyn is that you still have incredible restaurants, rooftop bars, coffee shops and things to do, but everything feels slightly less hectic. It gives you a chance to experience New York beyond the major tourist attractions. I also think the skyline views are better from Brooklyn than they are from Manhattan. There’s something really special about looking back across the water and seeing the entire city in front of you.

If you’ve visited New York before, Brooklyn would probably be one of my top recommendations. Even for a first trip, I’d absolutely consider it if you’re happy being slightly outside the centre whilst still having easy subway access into Manhattan.

Best Hotels in Brooklyn

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

If I was planning a special girls trip to New York and budget wasn’t the biggest factor, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge would probably be one of the first hotels I’d look at booking. The location alone is incredible. The hotel sits right next to Brooklyn Bridge Park, which means you’re waking up to some of the best views in the entire city. Whether you’re walking along the waterfront in the morning or watching sunset in the evening, the Manhattan skyline is constantly in view.

One of the biggest highlights is the rooftop pool. It’s become one of the most iconic hotel pools in New York and it’s easy to see why as swimming whilst overlooking Lower Manhattan is one of those experiences that feels very New York. The rooms are also beautiful and many offer floor-to-ceiling views across the East River. For birthdays, celebrations, girls trips or simply a trip where you want the hotel itself to be part of the experience, I don’t think you can go wrong with this one.

Ace Hotel Brooklyn

Ace Hotel Brooklyn is located in Boerum Hill and is close to Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Prospect Park and multiple subway lines, making it really easy to explore both Brooklyn and Manhattan. The rooms feature high ceilings, large industrial style windows and lots of natural light. Rather than trying to feel ultra luxury, it feels cool, creative and effortlessly Brooklyn. It has that warehouse-meets-boutique-hotel aesthetic that works really well for the neighbourhood.

The hotel is also home to As You Are, which serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails throughout the day. It’s where you could grab a coffee in the morning before heading out sightseeing, come back for a drink in the evening and still feel like you’re experiencing part of Brooklyn’s social scene. If 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is the luxury waterfront option, Ace Hotel Brooklyn is the hotel I’d choose for a trip where I wanted to experience Brooklyn’s creative side and stay somewhere with a lot of personality.

Williamsburg – Best For A More Local Feel

Williamsburg is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in New York because it feels like somewhere people actually live, whilst still having plenty for visitors to enjoy. It’s packed with independent coffee shops, amazing restaurants, rooftop bars, vintage stores and some of the best brunch spots in the city. Every time I visit Williamsburg I end up finding somewhere new that gets added to my New York recommendations list.

The area is also surprisingly convenient. You can be in Manhattan within minutes on the subway, which means you’re never far away from the main attractions. For travellers who have already done the typical tourist experience and want to see another side of New York, Williamsburg is one of the first areas I’d recommend.

Best Hotels in Williamsburg

Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg

Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg has that signature Moxy energy, but it feels a little more grown up than some of the brand’s other properties. It manages to be social without feeling like a party hotel, which I think works really well for groups of friends visiting New York. It has a fitness centre, terrace and garden spaces, which are nice to have after long days exploring the city. The hotel also has a restaurant serving Mediterranean and international dishes, with brunch, dinner and cocktails available throughout the day.

If you’re booking a room here, I’d definitely recommend upgrading to a City View room if it’s within budget. These rooms offer sweeping views across the Manhattan skyline, and at night the city lights are pretty incredible. For anyone looking for a hotel that’s just as much about the neighbourhood as the room itself, Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg is easily one of my favourite places to stay in Williamsburg.

Arlo Williamsburg

If you’re looking for a hotel that feels very New York without being in the middle of Manhattan, Arlo Williamsburg would be one of my top recommendations. One of my favourite things about this hotel is definitely the rooftop! If you’ve followed my content for a while, you’ll know I love a hotel with a good rooftop, especially for a girls trip, and this is exactly the sort of place I’d be booking for those sunset views over the city. Seeing the Manhattan skyline from Williamsburg never gets old and I honestly think some of the best views of New York are from Brooklyn looking back towards Manhattan.

Also did I mention that the hotel also has a pool, which is surprisingly rare in New York and definitely something that makes it stand out. After spending a full day walking around the city, having somewhere to relax for a few hours before heading out for dinner is always a bonus. The hotel has multiple dining spaces, including rooftop drinks and restaurants that make it easy to spend an evening at the hotel if you don’t feel like heading into Manhattan.

I hope this guide on where to stay in New York was useful and if you are planning a trip don’t forget to check out the rest of my guides below.

Check out my other New York guides here:

• New York City Travel Guide for First Time Visitors
• 31 Best Things To Do in New York City
• 4 Days in New York City Itinerary
• 4 Days in New York Christmas Itinerary
• The BEST Hotels in New York City With a View
• How to Get From JFK Airport to Manhattan by Subway (Under $20)
• New York Monthly Guides