Where to Stay in New York City on Any Budget: Luxury Hotels, Budget Hostels, and More

A slick and contemporary alternative to the classic interiors found at Mandarin Oriental New York, the Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York offers a taste of the finer things in life. And that taste comes with an eye-wateringly high price tag. But for those who have the means, a stay here is unrivaled. Guest rooms are fresh and modern, with just the right touches of art to contrast the dark woods and marble features. In fact, the Presidential Suite feels like something lifted out of a design magazine. Laduree sweets, Champagne, and Baccarat crystal stemware also complement the decor. You'll find a luxe La Mer spa at the hotel, as well as an indoor pool. Plus, the location next to the newly renovated MoMA is hard to top.

So, you want to be in the middle of it all and feel like you're living the high life? The Mandarin Oriental, New York is your hotel. Easily one of the most exclusive luxury hotels in Manhattan, this property towers over Columbus Circle, Central Park, and Midtown Manhattan. As a magnet for celebrities and socialites, the Mandarin Oriental includes an indoor lap pool, a magnificent Asian-inspired spa, and destination dining at Asiate. While the hotel's lauded afternoon tea service is no longer, cocktails with city views at the Aviary NYC feel more appropriate for the city that never sleeps. To top it off, expect luxe in-room perks like marble bathrooms, soaking tubs, and Champagne-stocked minibars (plus astonishing city views, especially above floor 45).

It's no secret that the editors at Oyster.com love a boutique hotel -- and we're especially partial to boutique hotels that pile on the luxurious amenities. The Greenwich Hotel fits that bill perfectly, and then some. There are some unexpected surprises for a hotel that only has 88 rooms, especially given its TriBeCa location, where space comes at a premium. You'll find a great indoor pool, chic spa, and excellent Italian fare on-site, while rooms feature details like oak floors, Asian rugs, and Moroccan tiling. The address puts you in the heart of trendy TriBeCa, near SoHo, Chinatown, and the Hudson River Park. That also makes this a great spot for business travelers looking for a luxurious spot to unwind after a day in the Financial District, which is just blocks away.

Planted right in Midtown, surrounded by the corporate headquarters of some of the world's largest companies, The Peninsula New York exudes a classic, business-leaning elegance. You'll score spacious rooms, many with views of skyscrapers along Fifth Avenue, plus marble bathrooms and excellent beds. Features at the hotel are numerous, and include a great indoor pool, incredible spa, and numerous dining and drinking spots. You'll also be within walking distance of Fifth Avenue shopping, Central Park, the MoMA, and other New York bucket-list destinations.

1 Hotels have a reputation for being effortlessly cool, and blending high-end amenities with a focus on sustainability. That's especially true at 1 Hotel Central Park, which sits right in the heart of Midtown, yet costs far less than some of the other luxury options in that part of town. Even so, it feels like an incredibly special find. Rooms are bright and attractive, with natural hardwood accents, boho throws and carpets, rainfall showers, organic toiletries, and cozy details like window nooks packed with pillows. While you won't find a spa here, all rooms have yoga mats and there's a solid fitness center on-site. You'll also find great American fusion fare at Jams, the celebrity-chef restaurant at the hotel (it's run by Jonathan Waxman). Need another reason to book a stay? Central Park is only a block away.

For travelers who want their hotel to be a destination -- and not just one for tourists -- The Bowery Hotel is a top option. Will you find a laundry list of amenities here? No. But you're paying for style and location -- it's one of the few luxury properties that's in the East Village, near the city's most popular bars, restaurants, and nightclubs (particularly lively on weekends). SoHo is also just a few blocks away, as is trendy Nolita, and the high-end shops and galleries along the Bowery and in the Lower East Side. The hotel itself features an incredibly popular local Italian restaurant that's packed to the gills nearly every night, plus a lobby lounge that's popular during happy hour and on weekends. Rooms are handsome, tricked out in a classic Americana style with cool custom-made details. Many have exceptional views of Lower Manhattan and some even include a splurge-worthy terrace.

Shimmering in all glass high above SoHo, The James might be worth your money for one reason alone: its pool terrace that displays jaw-dropping views of Lower Manhattan. That's not to say that the hotel has nothing else to offer -- quite the opposite, in fact. Rooms are generously sized for this part of Manhattan, and have a contemporary loft style. Expect reclaimed wood flooring, industrial hardware, and an abundance of chic neutral tones offsetting the views from floor-to-ceiling windows. You'll also find a buzzing bar and locavore Mexican restaurant on-site -- both spots are particularly lively when the weather is warm and sunny. Staying here puts the shops and restaurants of SoHo, TriBeCa, and Chinatown all within an easy walk.

One of the most popular boutique hotels in Manhattan since it opened in 2016, 11 Howard puts a luxe veneer on Scandinavian minimalism (and adds an exclusive address to the mix). While rooms are compact, the hyperlocal focus, muted palette, and posh amenities all make them feel special. Beds, in particular, deserve a mention for their softness, Egyptian linens, and down duvets. There are just a handful of prime features here, including the popular Le Coucou restaurant as well as The Blond, a sexy bar that's something of a local destination as well. You'll also find a basic fitness center and infrared spa, though there's a steep amenities fee added. The location can't be beat, with SoHo, the Lower East Side, and Chinatown all outside 11 Howard's front door.

The first outpost of Marriott's signature good-time hotel, the Moxy NYC Times Square is a great home base for travelers who like a party alongside their city stay. The vibe here is lively, the location is impeccable, and the decor is trendy. Are rooms small? Yes, but this is New York and the Moxy Times Square uses that to its advantage. Given the scene at the hotel's always-lively rooftop bar (with its amazing views of the Empire State Building and other Midtown locales), you likely won't be spending much time in your room anyway. There are numerous drinking and dining spots on-site, and when you do need to crash, expect cozy interiors with just the right amount of shabby-chic style.

Much like the Moxy, New York's Arlo Hotels are designed for the socially-minded traveler, though the scene at the Arlo SoHo is tamer than what you'll find at the Moxy NYC Times Square. This locally-owned hotel focuses on curating a New York-centric experience for its guests: A wall of notes on secret spots from previous visitors sits near the elevators; local office workers and freelancers post up in the many co-working areas all day; and local goods are sold in the lobby and minibars. The rooms are pod-adjacent (the hotel bills itself as a micro-hotel), though they're intelligently designed so that space is saved wherever possible. Free fitness classes are part of the package here, and happy hours on the rooftop bar in warm months aren't to be missed. When it comes to location, the Arlo SoHo is great for trend-seekers and foodies: Chinatown, SoHo, and TriBeCa are all within a five- to 10-minute walk.

One of the originators of the micro-hotel trend in New York City, the YOTEL New York remains one of the most popular budget-minded properties in the city. There are a lot of reasons for that, though the reasonable rates certainly have something to do with it. Those are even more enticing as the hotel sits in a touristy area, just west of the Broadway theaters and Times Square. The restaurants of Hell's Kitchen are also just around the corner. The rooms are tiny, but are tricked out with design features to make them feel less cramped. Many also have great views of the city or Hudson River. The YOTEL New York has a lively vibe, with a terrace restaurant and bar that hosts a boozy weekend brunch, and is a nice place for happy hour drinks as well.

You aren't staying at The Jane to lounge in your room day and night -- in fact, doing so could be a bit uncomfortable as many units here are as small as things get in New York. However, rates are shockingly low given The Jane's location on the border of the Meatpacking District and the West Village. This hotel has been a party destination in New York for years, with its always-buzzing bar and lounge. But it can also serve as a vintage-chic home base for exploring downtown's scene. The Whitney Museum of American Art, the High Line, and Le Bain at The Standard High Line are all within a five-minute walk, as are countless restaurants and luxury shops. Keep in mind that the cheapest rooms will share a bathroom, though others are available with private en-suite bathrooms.

Didn't think you could score a Central Park view for under $100 a night? Think again. The West Side YMCA is a bare-bones hostel with a great location that's only half a block from Central Park. You can spot glimpses of the city's most famous green space through windows in some common areas. Rooms are as basic as you might expect, though they're clean and all include flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning. Noise can be an issue, and all bathrooms are shared. Dorm units are also available. Should you want to keep up with your fitness routine while visiting NYC, a stay here also provides access to a massive gym with two pools.

Situated a bit farther uptown than the West Side YMCA, near Columbia University, the Broadway Hotel & Hostel lacks the YMCA's fitness facilities, but it does offer a number of rooms with private bathrooms. It's a little worn around the edges, though rooms offer just a tiny bit more style than the YMCA for nearly identical rates. There are also a few comfortable lounge areas for anyone keen on socializing or for those who are staying in the hostel's dorm units. You're close to the 1 train here, which can get you to Midtown in around 15 minutes and runs the length of Manhattan, putting you within a reasonable commute of almost any NYC destination.




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