I'm planning a visit this fall.
First: hotel suggestions for under $500 per night?
How many days? I'm planning to visit the Met, the Neue, the Frick, the 9-11 memorial, Ellis Island and a few other walk by sites like Battery Park, Wall Street, Central Park, etc.
Thanks for your expertise.
I love NYC and was there in June. Pod 51 is definitely under $500 but isn’t for everyone. Hotel Belvedere in the theater district was definitely under that in ‘23 when I was there for 4 nights. I do very art museum intensive visits. Don’t forget the MoMA.
I've not stayed here, but many friends recommend it
https://www.beaconhotel.com/
I usually stay in mid-town, because I want the hustle and bustle if I'm in the city. There are so many hotels that I usually see what's available on booking dot com, then reserve on the hotel site.
Note that Ellis Island and SofL require timed tickets and long lines for ferries and security, so plan accordingly.
I'm not an expert on NYC. Was there once in the 90's fort four full days, and it wasn'y nearly enough. Next time I want a full week (and that is not repeating most of what I did before, except the Metropolitan Museum of Art).
Lucky you! Have fun!
Hi Wanderer!
I love NYC too; we just had another trip there in early June for a wedding + sightseeing fun of some things one or both of us hadn't yet done and re-visits of some we had. Recommended hotels may depend on what sorts of amenities you prefer, and how many of you will be traveling; as you use "I" a lot in your first post, it's just you or will there be more?
We like having specific amenities enough to base our choices on those + reviews, location, + room configuration. Expect smaller rooms than you may be used to but some do a much better job making efficient use of the space so they don't feel as cramped. I also back away anymore from anything charging resort fees for amenities we don't use. I might also expect an up-front, per-night damage fee that will be refunded after your stay but this is becoming more and more common amongst hotels all over the country. Do you have specific preferences?
Given your sightseeing list, you will be using public transit or paying for cabs/ubers as Ellis, the 9-ll Memorial, Wall Street & Battery Park are way down on the southern end, and the Met, Frick, Central Park and Neue are much further north. You could pick a location in between or just find something you like on either end and just deal with longer commute times. Personally, I'd choose something around Midtown, and especially so if your "etc" includes MoMA, a look at Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Plaza, JP Morgan Library (just did this one and can recommend) and some architectural stuff in the area.
How many days? There is SO much to see, and I've no idea if you're a "take your time" museum browser or move at a pretty good clip. Also what you have on that "etc" list; some of us can recommend even more based on your interests. The Met has been a lion's share of a day for us, as was the 9-11 Museum (do the museum; not just the outdoor memorial!!!!). MoMA didn't eat quite as much as we moved more rapidly through sections not of huge interest. You could probably do the Frick and Neue on the same day.
So give a shout back with more about your trip? Happy to forward name of Midtown hotel we used most recently if it sounds, from that additional info, if it might work.
What kind of vibe do you like? I like Chelsea, the Village (West and East), and UES/UWS.
This is where the restaurants are. If you don't mind traveling across the river, then you can stay on the NJ side or Brooklyn. Hotels are cheaper there.
Last Labor Day weekend we stayed at the Park Terrace Hotel. I reserved almost a year in advance (we knew we were going to the US Open that weekend) so I reserved at a really good price. I checked back a couple of times and noticed that the closer to arrival the higher the price rose. Our room for 2 people was small but comfortable. I chose that area because it was walkable to many places we wanted to go and because it has multiple subway stations nearby that had connections for all the lines we needed based on where we were going.
I have stayed at least 10 times at the Lucerne, recommended by Hannah above, because when i was collaborating with the Natural History Museum, that is where they would arrange for us to stay. I love the location near Central Park. It looks like many dates fall under your $500 limit. I've also heard good things about the Beacon from several friends who I trust.
I'd recommend a full week in New York if you have the time. There is a lot to see. I love the Frick. You might also be interested in the Tenement museum--book ahead for that, or the Morgan Library.
You might also be interested in reading All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me, by Patrick Bringley.
Have a great time.
Looks like there are a lot of hotels available throughout Manhattan in October and November for less than $500 a night. I'd focus on where in the city you want to be. Honestly, I think Columbus Circle and Hell's Kitchen offer the best combination of proximity to sites and a cool neighborhood vibe. Plus there are many great reasonably priced restaurants in the area. Others likely disagree. Everyone has different perspectives on New York!
In November 2024, my friends and I had a great stay at the Shelburne. The price was in your range, and the rooms were surprisingly large for NYC.
Since you're planning to visit the Neue and the Frick, you might enjoy the Morgan Library. Before the Pandemic you could buy a combo ticket to all three museums,
Another vote for The Frick Collection on East 70th. It’s just reopened after an extensive renovation and now you need timed entry tickets, but it’s worth the effort. Gorgeous collection of art, furniture and furnishings. Have a coffee or lunch in the cafe they’ve located in what used to be entryway for the horse and carriages. It’s lovely.
Hi! I live in NYC and we usually recommend visiting family and friends stay in Long Island City (LIC). It's markedly cheaper and just as easy to get around. NOT a suburb by any means--it's just another NYC neighborhood, just across the river, at the intersection of 6 or 8 different subway lines. Just a subway stop or two from Grand Central. LIC itself is a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood with lots of restaurants and some cute shops.
Bear in mind the second and third weeks of September are pardon my language but a total s**tshow due to the UN General Assembly being in session. Come in October or later for best results!
Just IMHo based on the OP's wish list, I wouldn't choose in Long Island City. We just did that for a wedding in June, and while it worked for that purpose we moved into Midtown Manhattan after the couple days of nuptial festivities. We liked being walking distance - no transport needed - from many of the attractions on our list that we wouldn't have been had we stayed in LIC.
You can probably fit in State of Liberty, Ellis Island, 9-11 Memorial, Battery Park and Wall Street in one day.
I'd highly recommend one of the tours at the Tenement Museum. Bonus: It's only a few blocks from Katz's Deli. If you're looking for parks to explore, Little Island and High Line are near each other. get lunch at Chelsea Market 15th Street.
My family stayed 6 nights in NYC a couple years ago and never ran out of things to do or see.
