New York. New York. At this point, everything has been said about New York. New York City: a relentless symphony of life, where every street corner reveals a new story, and every building whispers secrets of transformation. Jennifer Egan revels in its endless possibilities; Eula Biss feels its isolating vastness. Joan Didion chronicled her affair with the city’s fleeting magic, while James Baldwin laid bare its unforgiving truths. I know, too literary a reference. Tehe! Even Taylor Swift finds a melody in its vibrant chaos. Discover the best areas to stay in New York for first-time visitors: explore the charm of Greenwich Village, Chelsea, and more.

Best hotel in Manhattan: The Cloud One New York-Downtown by Motel One Group
Best hotel in Upper West Side: Hotel Lucerne
Best hotel in Financial District: Hotel Indigo NYC Downtown – Wall Street, an IHG Hotel
Best hotel in Greenwich: Gansevoort Meatpacking
Best hotel in Chelsea: Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel

Best Areas to Stay in New York for First-Time Visitors

1. Midtown Manhattan
   • Why Stay Here: Midtown is the heart of New York City and offers proximity to many iconic landmarks such as Times Square, Broadway theaters, Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of the action.
   • Highlights: Times Square, Fifth Avenue shopping, Central Park, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
2. Upper West Side
   • Why Stay Here: Known for its residential feel, the Upper West Side provides a quieter alternative to Midtown while still being close to many attractions. It’s ideal for families and those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.
   • Highlights: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, Riverside Park, Lincoln Center.
3. Financial District, New York
   • Why Stay Here: This area is rich in history and offers a unique blend of old and new New York. It’s well-suited for visitors interested in the city’s financial history and its colonial past.
   • Highlights: Wall Street, One World Trade Center, Battery Park, South Street Seaport, Staten Island Ferry.
4. Greenwich Village
   • Why Stay Here: Greenwich Village is known for its bohemian vibe, charming streets, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a great area for those who enjoy exploring trendy neighborhoods, boutique shopping, and diverse dining options.
   • Highlights: Washington Square Park, NYU, historic jazz clubs, off-Broadway theaters.
5. Chelsea
   • Why Stay Here: Chelsea offers a mix of art, culture, and nightlife. It’s home to numerous art galleries, the High Line park, and a wide array of restaurants and bars.
   • Highlights: The High Line, Chelsea Market, Hudson River Park, numerous art galleries.

Areas to Avoid:

1. South Bronx
   • Why to Avoid: While the Bronx is home to attractions like Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Zoo, the South Bronx has historically struggled with higher crime rates. It’s advisable to avoid this area, especially at night, due to safety concerns.
2. East New York (Brooklyn)
   • Why to Avoid: East New York has one of the highest crime rates in Brooklyn. The area is undergoing development and revitalization, but it’s still considered one of the less safe neighborhoods, particularly for tourists unfamiliar with the area.

The best hotels in Manhattan

Manhattan’s best hotels offer more than just a place to rest your head—they’re gateways to the city’s soul. From the opulence of The Plaza to the edgy charm of The Standard, High Line, each locale tells a story. Whether it’s history, luxury, or modern flair you seek, Manhattan has a bed—and a story—for you.

The Cloud One New York-Downtown by Motel One Group

The Cloud One New York-Downtown by Motel One Group offers a fantastic stay in the heart of the Financial District. Located near the World Trade Center and Rector Street subway stations, the hotel provides easy access to major attractions like the Brooklyn Bridge. Guests enjoy clean, spacious rooms with stunning river views, ample amenities including a microwave and iron, and a quiet atmosphere. The friendly staff and excellent breakfast, featuring delicious bagels, ensure a memorable experience. Ideal for families, it’s a top choice for exploring New York City.

Pestana Park Avenue

Discover the charm of Pestana Park Avenue Hotel, a cozy and delightful retreat in Midtown Manhattan. Guests love the super comfortable beds, ensuring a restful night’s sleep, and the clean, albeit small, rooms. The friendly and helpful staff create a welcoming, family-like atmosphere. Enjoy complimentary coffee and bagels each morning in the inviting lobby. With its great location, near all transportation and a safe neighborhood, Pestana Park Avenue Hotel offers excellent value and quality for your stay in New York City.

Margaritaville Resort Times Square

Experience the vibrant heart of New York City at Margaritaville Resort Times Square. Conveniently located in the bustling Times Square, our hotel offers clean, tastefully decorated rooms with a tropical, fun vibe. Sink into the comfort of our plush beds after a day of exploration. Indulge in delightful dining experiences at our restaurants and bars, or relax by the heated pool. Our friendly staff ensures a top-notch experience, making your stay truly memorable. Escape to paradise at Margaritaville Resort Times Square.

Homewood Suites Midtown Manhattan Times Square South

Experience the charm of Homewood Suites Midtown Manhattan Times Square South, perfect for a memorable stay in New York City. This beautiful hotel offers spacious, modern, and impeccably clean rooms, ideal for groups and families. Enjoy the 24-hour hot tea and coffee bar, and start your day with a delicious complimentary breakfast, praised for its variety and quality. The location is unbeatable, just steps from Times Square, making it convenient for all your city adventures. With a friendly and attentive staff, your stay here will exceed all expectations.

Virgin Hotels New York City

Virgin Hotels New York City offers a unique and luxurious experience with fantastic facilities. The hospitality is unmatched, with General Manager Jordan providing exceptional service and genuine care for guests. The bar service is top-notch, featuring skilled bartenders who craft personalized drinks. Stunning panoramic city views complement meticulously designed rooms, creating a “WOW” factor from the moment you check in. With attentive and friendly staff like Saulo, the impeccable service ensures a memorable stay. The superb location near the Empire State Building makes this hotel a highly recommended choice for your NYC visit.

The best hotels in Upper West Side

The Upper West Side: an enclave of old New York charm where brownstones line leafy streets, and Central Park is your backyard. It’s the bastion of intellectuals, artists, and dreamers, with iconic institutions like the American Museum of Natural History and Lincoln Center. A stroll here feels like stepping into a story.

The Wallace Hotel

Welcome to The Wallace Hotel, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Upper West Side. Renovated to perfection, this boutique hotel offers a contemporary and comfortable vibe, ensuring a delightful stay. The spacious suites boast modern amenities, including automated blinds and lighting systems, while the attentive staff, led by the excellent Greg, ensure a seamless experience. Enjoy the cozy lounge and nearby sister Italian restaurant. With impeccable cleanliness, comfort, and a prime location near Central Park, The Wallace Hotel promises an unforgettable NYC retreat.

Trump International New York

Experience unparalleled luxury at Trump International New York, where refinement and impeccable service define your stay. From the moment you arrive, the professional and friendly staff ensure a memorable visit, with attention to every detail. Spacious, pristine rooms offer a true sanctuary, and the parkview rooms boast breathtaking views of Central Park. With a prime location at Columbus Circle, elite museums, high-class dining, and convenient subway access, this hotel is perfect for both business and family travel. Enjoy a truly unforgettable New York City experience.

Mandarin Oriental, New York

Mandarin Oriental, New York offers an exquisite blend of luxury and impeccable service, making every stay unforgettable. From the moment you arrive, you’re treated like royalty, with attentive staff ensuring your every need is met. Enjoy beautifully appointed rooms with meticulous housekeeping and stunning views. Delight in the hotel’s exclusive amenities, including a serene indoor pool, direct access to The Shoppes, and incredible spa services. Perfect for special occasions, the thoughtful touches and top-notch service make this hotel a true sanctuary in the heart of the city.

Hotel Lucerne

Hotel Lucerne offers an exceptional stay in the Upper West Side of NYC, combining historical charm with modern comforts. The spacious rooms, a rarity in Manhattan, are impeccably clean and feature comfortable beds and excellent water pressure. Guests appreciate the friendly, prompt service and boutique-style decor that evokes a sense of classic elegance. Conveniently located near numerous attractions and surrounded by delightful restaurants, this economical hotel is a perfect choice for visitors seeking comfort, character, and a prime location. A stay at Hotel Lucerne promises satisfaction and a desire to return.

Hotel Belleclaire Central Park

Hotel Belleclaire Central Park is a charming gem on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, offering a quintessential pre-war UWS ambiance. The clean, spacious rooms boast modern comforts and killer bathrooms. Guests are welcomed by a fresh, delightful scent and a friendly, cheerful staff, with special mentions for Maria and Michael. Enjoy complimentary breakfast vouchers for the attached French café, adding to the delightful experience. Located near Lincoln Center and the Hudson, the hotel ensures a peaceful, quiet sleep. With reasonable rates and top-notch service, it’s the perfect NYC retreat.

The best hotels in Financial District, New York

The Financial District: where New York’s frenetic energy meets its storied past. Skyscrapers cast shadows over cobblestone streets, and every corner hums with ambition. Home to Wall Street’s titans, historic landmarks like the Charging Bull, and Battery Park’s serene views, it’s a clash of power, history, and relentless pace—a true urban jungle.

33 Seaport Hotel New York

33 Seaport Hotel New York offers an exceptional stay in a prime downtown location near Pier 17 and the Brooklyn Bridge. The spacious, clean rooms, including spectacular balcony and corner rooms, provide stunning views. The hotel’s bar, small eating area, and larger attached restaurant with outdoor seating offer diverse dining options. Guests praise the impeccable service and familiar, friendly staff who go above and beyond to ensure a flawless experience. With excellent WiFi and great food, this boutique hotel is a perfect choice for frequent NYC visitors seeking comfort and convenience.

The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel, by Hyatt

The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel by Hyatt, is a luxurious gem located just one block from City Hall and the Brooklyn Bridge. This beautifully decorated hotel features comfortable and spacious rooms, a swanky bar, and elevated dining options by world-renowned chefs. Guests rave about the friendly, professional staff, with special praise for Barry. Enjoy marble showers, luxurious bath products, and impeccable service. The Beekman offers easy access to FiDi, Seaport, and Brooklyn, allowing guests to experience NYC’s historic charm. Don’t miss the fun jazz brunches and the chic underground nightclub. Book your stay for an unforgettable NYC experience.

Artezen Hotel

Artezen Hotel offers an exceptional stay in the heart of New York City, known for its warm and professional staff. Conveniently located near Wall Street and multiple subway lines, it provides easy access to key attractions like One World Trade Center and Battery Park. The modern, cozy rooms are impeccably clean and well-furnished, with spacious bathrooms. Guests enjoy excellent service from all staff areas, including the friendly concierge, Daniel. With reasonable pricing, daily amenities, and a vibrant rooftop bar, Artezen Hotel is perfect for those seeking comfort and convenience while exploring NYC.

Hotel Indigo NYC Downtown – Wall Street, an IHG Hotel

Hotel Indigo NYC Downtown – Wall Street, an IHG Hotel, is a fantastic choice in the Financial District. Offering comfortable rooms with mechanized blackout curtains, this hotel provides excellent value for money. Guests appreciate the clean, affordable accommodations and the friendly, professional staff. Highlights include a solid gym, a rooftop bar with outstanding views and attentive service, and modern room amenities such as a fridge, Keurig, flat phone charger, and streaming TV. Located blocks from the train station in a safe area, Hotel Indigo ensures a pleasant stay from check-in to check-out.

Hyatt Centric Wall Street New York

Hyatt Centric Wall Street New York offers a remarkable stay with exceptional service and modern amenities. Guests are welcomed by a friendly and efficient staff, ensuring a seamless check-in. The impeccably clean rooms feature comfortable bedding, stunning city views, and well-equipped, spacious bathrooms. Perfectly located for exploring downtown Manhattan, the hotel is a short walk from iconic sites like the New York Stock Exchange and South Street Seaport. Dining options are diverse and delicious. With its prime location, top-notch service, and modern facilities, this hotel is ideal for both leisure and business travelers.

The best hotels in Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village: the bohemian heart of New York, where creativity and rebellion intertwine. Cobblestone streets lead to jazz clubs, literary haunts, and historic brownstones. It’s a neighborhood that birthed Beat poets and folk legends, where every café hums with artistic energy. Here, tradition and counterculture live side by side, timelessly vibrant.

Walker Hotel Greenwich Village

Walker Hotel Greenwich Village is a charming boutique hotel in a central location, offering a cozy and stylish retreat. Guests rave about the exceptionally kind, courteous, and professional staff who go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. Despite the small lobby, it quickly becomes a sanctuary with comfortable seating, fresh floral arrangements, and a cozy fireplace. Enjoy excellent service from the friendly team, including Rashad’s early morning tea service. The bar and restaurant offer delightful beverages and food. Perfectly situated for exploring lower Manhattan, this hotel promises a memorable and pleasant stay.

The Standard, High Line New York

The Standard, High Line New York offers an exceptional experience in a vibrant, upscale area. Guests praise the hotel for its impeccable service and attention to detail, from the welcoming staff to the personalized touches like birthday cakes. The rooms are well-appointed, and room service is quick, reasonably priced, and of high quality. Dining at The Standard Grill is a highlight, with delectable meals and exceptional service, particularly from servers like Annelise and Stoyan. The hotel’s prime location provides a safe, lively atmosphere with plenty to do, making it a perfect choice for an unforgettable New York stay.

Gansevoort Meatpacking

Gansevoort Meatpacking offers an exceptional stay with a touch of understated class in the vibrant Meatpacking District. The modern, clean rooms are complemented by comfortable beds, high-quality toiletries, and thoughtful amenities like hair straighteners and diffusers. Guests appreciate the friendly, welcoming staff who go above and beyond. The hotel’s prime location provides easy walking access to The Whitney, Chelsea Market, and the Hudson River. With great fitness facilities, secure access, and comfortable workspaces, this hotel is perfect for both leisure and business travelers. Though a bit pricey, it’s well worth the experience.

The Marlton Hotel

The Marlton Hotel is a fantastic boutique gem in NYC, offering a cozy common area with a fireplace perfect for coffee, chatting, and teleworking. Rooms, though snug, are comfortable and equipped with every amenity. The hotel exudes charm and boasts a great shower, friendly staff, and unbeatable ambiance. Located near the W 4th St. subway station, it’s ideal for travelers. Enjoy delightful common areas for cocktails and conversation. A must-stay for your NYC visit!

The Jane Hotel

The Jane Hotel is a charming and unique gem in a prime location near the Hudson River, The High Line, and the vibrant Village. Known for its affordability, the hotel offers clean, simple accommodations with a distinctive character reminiscent of a Wes Anderson movie. Guests appreciate the friendly, hospitable staff and the well-maintained facilities. Options range from economical double rooms with bunk beds and shared bathrooms to larger rooms with private courtyards and spacious bathrooms. With its rich history and unbeatable price, The Jane Hotel is perfect for travelers seeking a memorable and budget-friendly NYC stay.

The best hotels in Chelsea

Chelsea: a playground for the avant-garde. Here, art galleries pulse with modern masterpieces and the High Line weaves a green thread above the streets. It’s where industrial past meets creative present, from the chic boutiques of the Meatpacking District to the historic Chelsea Hotel. Vibrant, eclectic, and unapologetically bold.

Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel

Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel offers a stunning stay with breathtaking panoramic views of Manhattan, particularly mesmerizing at night. Conveniently located in the heart of Manhattan, it provides easy access to iconic landmarks, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The well-appointed rooms are stylish and functional, and the staff delivers exceptional service. Guests enjoy amenities such as a fitness center and a rooftop bar. Ideal for both families and solo travelers, the hotel boasts great ambience, excellent customer service, and proximity to 5th Avenue. A highly recommended choice for a memorable New York City visit.

Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea

Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea offers a delightful stay with friendly staff and clean, comfortable rooms. Guests appreciate the ample storage space, complimentary water bottles, and convenient $10/day restaurant credit, perfect for morning coffee or breakfast. Located close to the subway, it provides easy access to major tourist spots. The modern and clean accommodations feature comfortable beds and well-equipped rooms, with a lovely bar and outdoor seating area for food and drinks. Guests praise the exceptional service, with staff members like Jaime, Myles, Heidi, Caesar, Marissa, Darrell, and Relly going above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. Ideal for couples or solo travelers, this hotel is highly recommended for exploring NYC with comfort and safety in mind.

Kimpton Hotel Eventi, an IHG Hotel

Kimpton Hotel Eventi, an IHG Hotel, offers a modern and spacious retreat in the heart of NYC. Guests appreciate the friendly staff and convenient location, with easy access to transportation and nearby attractions like Madison Square Garden and Bryant Park. The complimentary pastries and coffee in the lobby, along with the fun bar atmosphere, add to the overall experience. The hotel’s amenities, including a free evening wine hour and pet-friendly policies without fees, make it a standout choice. With comfortable rooms, high service standards, and reasonable pricing, it’s no wonder guests return time and time again. Whether traveling for business or leisure, Kimpton Hotel Eventi is highly recommended for a modern and comfortable NYC stay.

The Moore

Experience the charm and comfort of The Moore, a boutique hotel nestled in Chelsea, NYC. With clean and modern rooms, great amenities, and access to a rooftop oasis, it’s the perfect choice for a delightful stay. The friendly and genuine staff enhance the experience, while its central location makes it ideal for exploring nearby attractions. Whether you’re heading north to Hell’s Kitchen or south to Chelsea, High Line, or SoHo, The Moore offers chic and stylish accommodations exactly as advertised.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan Chelsea

Experience the best of Manhattan at SpringHill Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan Chelsea. This clean, modern, and comfortable hotel offers an excellent location in the heart of the flower district. Enjoy friendly and professional service, with reliable daily housekeeping and minimal wait times for elevators and breakfast. Rooms, while standard in size for Manhattan, provide a comfortable stay with stunning city views. Highlights include a welcoming staff, especially Evan at the front desk, and convenient access to Penn Station and subways.

Staycated

Choosing the best areas to stay in New York for first-time visitors sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s the artistic vibe of Chelsea, the historic charm of Greenwich Village, or the vibrant pulse of the Upper West Side, each neighborhood offers its own unique slice of the city’s magic.

Hope you are New Yorked,

Jona of backpackingwithabook.com