Deciding where to stay in New York City can feel overwhelming given the number of options. In this article, we’re gonna break down the simplest questions to answer before you decide which part of the city to stay in.

Because the most important factor when choosing where to stay in NYC isn't just price.

Here's what we'll cover:

• Before you look at locations, answer this
• The #1 factor for a good stay, no matter the neighborhood
• A note about Airbnb and short-term, non-hotel rentals
• Our 3 recommendations for the best places stay in New York City
• Tips for finding the best hotel rates (and comparing reviews)

Note: See the full article with specific hotel recommendations here: https://rebrand.ly/where-stay-nyc

What Do You Care More About, Saving Money or Proximity to the NYC Experience?

When you’re trying to figure out where to stay when visiting NYC, you must ask yourself a this-or-that question. Odds are you can’t have both, so you’ll have to decide.

The Question: What do you care more about, saving money or proximity to the NYC experience?

You often, or almost never, can have both. New York City is expensive, and when you prioritize affordability, you will often trade that for distance from common NYC experiences. The same goes for the inverse.

Is Saving Money the Most Important to You?

You will spend very little time in your hotel during your visit to New York City. This is probably the strongest argument for prioritizing a cheaper hotel, even if it means a longer commute.

So, if the cheapest lodging is your highest priority, look at places like:

• Hoboken, New Jersey
• Long Island City in Queens
• Certain pockets of boroughs, like Queens or Brooklyn

Even with that being said, I would never, ever, ever stay in the far reaches of Jersey, or distant parts in Queens or Brooklyn as a traveler. Nothing against those areas, it’s just not where you’re going to likely want to spend your time while visiting!

New York City is a destination, and there is something to be said about staying in your destination, not near it.

Is Proximity to the NYC Experience the Most Important to You?

You will walk a LOT in New York City, part of why comfortable walking shoes are the #1 priority on our NYC packing list, and you will likely finish each day exhausted. Do you want to be dealing with a lengthy, challenging commute at the end of a long, tiring day?

Being close to the action is not only fun, but it’s practical. This is especially true for a short, weekend trip to NYC.

So, if being close to the NYC experiences is your highest priority, look at places like:

• Upper Midtown
• Chelsea
• Financial District

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