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If you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple and you’re worried you won’t be able to find a cheap hotel in New York City, I’m here to tell you that it’s definitely possible. NYC may be known for its extravagant buildings and expensive accommodations, but there are also budget-friendly hotels throughout the city.
Just because you’re staying in a cheaper New York hotel, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality and comfort. The affordable resorts in this guide include hotels with beautiful rooms, restaurants, rooftop bars, gyms, and more.
Also, while there are lots of free things to do in NYC, some of the best attractions require an admission fee. So, I recommend staying in an affordable New York City hotel and using those savings to experience all that this city has to offer.
To help you choose a hotel that fits your budget, I’m sharing the 10 best cheap places to stay in New York City. So, keep reading to find your perfect accommodation.
1. The Jane Hotel, a cheap hotel in New York City with a great location
First, The Jane Hotel is a historic accommodation in Greenwich Village, and it’s considered one of the best hotels in Manhattan. Its unique design, cozy atmosphere, and convenient amenities also make it one of the best affordable NYC hotels.
The rooms here stand out because they’re designed to look like passenger cabins on a ship. So, while they’re small, they’re also comfortable, and you can even opt for a room with a private terrace. Bunk rooms and standard rooms are available, and some of them have private bathrooms.
1. The Jane Hotel, a cheap hotel in New York City with a great location
This is a good cheap hotel in New York City if you plan on doing lots of sightseeing during your stay. The Jane Hotel is near Washington Square Park, and guests can enjoy free bike rentals, so you can easily go exploring.
Also, this accommodation offers free Wi-Fi and an on-site café where you can grab coffee and breakfast pastries before starting your day.
2. Pod 39, a cheap hotel in New York with a rooftop bar
Pod 39 is another affordable boutique hotel in NYC, and a good choice if you’re looking for something that’s a step up from a typical hostel. This is a smaller hotel where you can get a restful night’s sleep and socialize with other travelers.
The rooms include Bunk and Queen Pods with individualized climate controls, a TV, and a private bathroom. Some of the rooms offer nice city views, and you can even book a pet-friendly room if you’re traveling with your pup.
2. Pod 39, a cheap hotel in New York with a rooftop bar
Also, despite being one of the best hotel deals in New York, Pod 39 boasts lots of guest amenities and facilities. For example, the game room is the perfect place to hang out and play ping-pong and board games, and the lively rooftop bar is a great evening chill-out spot.
When you get hungry, check out the on-site restaurant, which specializes in Mexican-inspired dishes, or the lobby lounge, where you can grab cocktails and snacks.
3. Pod 51 Hotel, a cheap hotel in New York City near Times Square
Pod 51 is the first of the Pod Hotels and it’s larger than Pod 39, so it’s another great option. This cheap hotel in Times Square, NYC boasts an unbeatable Midtown location close to several Times Square attractions as well as the Chrysler Building and the Rockefeller Center.
3. Pod 51 Hotel, a cheap hotel in New York City near Times Square
As for the rooms, you can choose between a Studio, Full, Queen, or Bunk Pod. Some of the rooms have shared bathrooms, which can be an option if you’re traveling with friends. Every room is clean and cozy, with modern conveniences and original artwork.
There are also cool communal spaces in the resort, like the lobby and the rooftop garden, which has a bar and patio seating. There is also a café that’s open for breakfast and a lounge where you can grab lunch and dinner, making this one of the best hotels in NYC for the price.
4. Carlton Arms Hotel, the best cheap hotel in Midtown, New York City
Carlton Arms Hotel is another cheap accommodation in New York City. It’s small and intimate with just 54 rooms, so if you’re looking for a homey place to stay for the night, I recommend it. Plus, the resident cat is super cute.
4. Carlton Arms Hotel, the best cheap hotel in Midtown, New York City
Some of the rooms here have a private bathroom, but they’re all decorated with original furniture and floor-to-ceiling murals. Each room is unique and hand-painted, giving the hotel a unique charm. The artsy vibe continues throughout the property, with a communal sitting room and an on-site gallery.
Overall, this is one of the best budget hotels in New York City, especially if you need something cheap for the night. While there isn’t a restaurant, the hotel is within walking distance of cafes and bars, as well as several famous New York buildings like the Empire State Building and the Flatiron Building.
5. Chelsea Inn Hotel, a beautiful cheap hotel in New York
Another cheap New York hotel with a one-of-a-kind aesthetic is the Chelsea Inn Hotel. It’s inside a 19th-century townhouse, so it offers all the comforts of home at a great price.
5. Chelsea Inn Hotel, a beautiful cheap hotel in New York
Most of the rooms here have shared bathrooms, but you can opt for a studio with a private bath. Either way, each room is bright and clean with wood floors and exposed brick walls, and most of them include a TV and a desk. As a guest, you’ll enjoy daily housekeeping and 24-hour coffee and tea facilities, so it’s a good New York hotel deal for those traveling on a budget.
Moreover, you’ll be in the vibrant Chelsea neighborhood, close to Greenwich Village and the High Line. You can also walk to several restaurants and cafes, as well as Chelsea Market and Murray’s Bagels, where you can try one of the most famous NY foods.
6. EVEN Hotel Brooklyn, the best cheap hotel in Brooklyn, New York
EVEN Hotel Brooklyn is one of the best value hotels in New York City thanks to its gorgeous facilities, guest amenities, and comfortable rooms. So, if you’re looking for a cheap hotel in Brooklyn, I highly recommend it.
The rooms here feature floor-to-ceiling windows, separate seating areas, and private bathrooms with spa showers. You’ll even have daily housekeeping and ambient LED lights, so you’ll forget you’re staying in one of the most budget-friendly hotels in the city.
6. EVEN Hotel Brooklyn, the best cheap hotel in Brooklyn, New York
This is also one of the best cheap hotels in New York City for families since there is plenty of room for kids and you can even bring your pet. Everyone will love the communal terrace, where you can hang out, enjoy the city views, and grab a drink from the bar. There is also a restaurant that serves healthy, organic dishes and can meet special dietary needs.
Not only that, but the hotel has a 24-hour gym with modern cardio machines and weights, so you can keep up with your workouts. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best places to stay in NYC on a budget.
7. Freehand New York, another great cheap hotel in New York City’s Midtown
If you want to stay in a cheap hotel in Midtown New York, check out Freehand New York. In addition to its awesome location, this hotel boasts all kinds of services that you might not expect from a more affordable accommodation.
For example, there are five restaurants and bars, including Comodo, which serves Latin American-inspired cuisine, and Broken Shaker, a rooftop bar that hosts daily happy hours. There is also a 24-hour gym with state-of-the-art machines and equipment. All of the facilities are well-maintained and feature beautiful artwork, thanks to the property’s collaboration with Bard College.
7. Freehand New York, another great cheap hotel in New York City’s Midtown
As for the rooms, each one is spacious, with a private bathroom, a TV, a desk, and gorgeous artwork. Bunk rooms, standard guestrooms, and suites are available, the latter of which includes a separate dining area and living room with a sofa. Extras like complimentary robes and slippers make this one of the best hotel deals in New York.
Finally, you’ll be close to interesting New York City attractions like the Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park. For all these reasons, it’s no surprise that this resort is considered one of the best cheap hotels in Manhattan.
8. HI NYC Hostel, one of the best cheapest hotels in New York City
HI NYC Hostel is on the Upper West Side, close to Central Park, so it has an unbeatable location in the heart of Manhattan. In addition, it offers some of the most comfortable and convenient hostel facilities and amenities, making it one of the best NYC hotels under $100 a night.
The dorm-style rooms are spacious enough to accommodate four to eight people, depending on the room type. You’ll have a bunk bed, a shared bathroom, and daily housekeeping to ensure you always have a clean place to sleep.
8. HI NYC Hostel, one of the best cheapest hotels in New York City
If you’re looking for a cheap accommodation in New York City where you can stay with friends or as a large group, this is the best bang for your buck. Even if you’re traveling alone or as a couple, you’ll feel at home with a game room, a common lounge and patio, and guest activities like movies and comedy shows.
Also, there is a community kitchen where you can cook your own meals, as well as a café for grab-and-go items. That said, you’ll be close to lots of great restaurants, bars, and bakeries, so you won’t go hungry.
As one of the best cheap hostels in NYC, this accommodation offers services to make your stay more convenient, such as laundry facilities and luggage storage.
9. Row NYC, another cheap hotel in New York’s Times Square
Over in Times Square’s Theater District, Row NYC offers beautiful rooms and contemporary spaces for you to enjoy. This is another cheap NYC hostel with a lively atmosphere and all the comforts you need to make yourself at home.
The rooms here feature a Full or Queen bed, a work desk, and a modern bathroom with a tub. Some of the rooms have city views, and larger suites are available for longer stays. You can also take advantage of comfortable amenities like pillowtop beds, blackout curtains, and individualized climate controls.
9. Row NYC, another cheap hotel in New York’s Times Square
Another thing that makes this one of the top cheap hotels in Times Square, NYC is the lobby bar, which serves a daily continental breakfast. In the evening, it transforms into a nightlife venue with cocktails and live music. Row NYC also has a bakery/café where you can grab quick bites like sandwiches and pastries before beginning your day of sightseeing.
Finally, this is one of the best affordable hotels in New York City for business travelers since there is a fitness center and an internet lounge where you can keep up with work and your exercise routine.
10. West Side YMCA, the best cheap hotel in New York City with a pool
Finally, the West Side YMCA is just a five-minute walk from Columbus Circle and is the perfect no-frills accommodation in the center of the city. The rooms are clean and the front desk staff is friendly and helpful, so it’s a good New York hotel deal for quick stays.
Here, you can choose an accommodation for 1-6 people, so it’s ideal for solo travelers and groups of friends. The dorm-style rooms include bunks and single beds as well as a shared bathroom. There is a TV in each room and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
10. West Side YMCA, the best cheap hotel in New York City with a pool
Unlike other cheap NYC hostels, this property has a huge fitness center with cardio machines, weights, and group exercise classes. There are also two indoor swimming pools (this is one of the few hotels in NYC with an indoor pool), a sauna, and a steam room where you can relax after your workout.
Overall, it’s nothing fancy, but if you’re looking for a cheap hotel room in New York City, you can’t go wrong with staying here.
That’s it for the best cheap hotels in New York City, but before I go, I’m leaving a map you can download and use while planning your trip. Also, if you’re still not sure where to stay in NYC, you can check our guide for more accommodation options.
I hope this guide helps you find a cheap place to stay in New York City and that you enjoy your trip to the fullest. If you have any questions or you’d like to share your experience staying at one of these affordable NYC hotels, feel free to leave me a comment below.
Until then, have a wonderful time in the Big Apple!
