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Where to stay in New York City: 8 great hotels to choose from

Choosing a hotel to stay in New York City is perhaps one of the most time-consuming steps when planning your trip to the city. NYC is huge and known for not being the most budget-friendly place in the world – at the same time, there are also so many things to do, and not all attractions are concentrated in the same place. So, there are countless possibilities when we talk about where to stay. At the same time, I know that people can get insecure when it comes to making a decision and booking a hotel. So, in today’s post, in partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts, I’m going to recommend 8 hotels in New York. The goal here is, in addition to listing hotels from one of the world’s leading hotel companies with well-loved brands, to give a sense of location and things to do nearby, as well as other basic and useful information for those who are coming to New York.

1. InterContinental New York Times Square

Times Square is probably the most popular area for tourists to stay in New York. This hotel has a more luxurious enviroment and can be a great alternative for those with more budget or looking to upgrade to something more special, as the rooms have city views with floor-to-ceiling windows.
  • What you can’t miss around: in addition to Times Square, its illuminated panels, and diversity of shops, you will be surrounded by Broadway theaters – be sure to include a musical in your itinerary.
  • Eating: this hotel is literally next to a Shake Shack location, probably the most famous fast-food chain in the city – make sure to try it. Not far away, on 40th Street, I highly recommend Boqueria, a Spanish tapas restaurant. Order several tapas to share. Great for happy hour or dinner. Also close to the hotel is worth trying the tacos at Los Tacos No1., which has one of the best tacos in the city – and it’s also a budget-friendly option, as tacos cost around $3-$4 each. You should definitely check The Stinger, a restaurant, bar, and lounge located at the hotel, welcoming patrons with a lively scene, craft cocktails, and an a la carte menu.
  • Starting from 331.55 USD plus 33.25 USD Amenity Fee per night.
  • Address: 300 West 44th Street.
  • Subway lines nearby:  1, 2, 3, 7, A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, S.

2. EVEN Hotel New York – Midtown East

This hotel has a super convenient location – and might be great for someone looking to stay in Midtown, but not necessarily Times Square. For those who like to keep an exercise routine even while on vacation, EVEN offers the Athletic Studio, which offers a variety of top-of-the-line equipment such as Peloton bikes. Every guest room includes an in-room training zone including a trainer which is a mounted fitness wall, resistance bands, an exercise ball, foam roller, yoga mat, yoga block and 18+ on-demand fitness videos ranging from 5-30 minutes in length focusing on exercises using the in-room equipment.
  • What you can’t miss around: EVEN is very close to Grand Central, which, in addition to being a New York landmark, ends up being your subway to explore the city. Plus, you’ll be just steps away from Summit, the city’s newest observatory, and also from the UN headquarters. Finally, a 10-15 minute walk takes you to the Roosevelt Island Tramway and you can use your Metrocard to visit Roosevelt Island.
  • Eating: the brand new Le Pavillon, by chef Daniel Boulud, is located in the same building as Summit and has a menu with modern cuisine and a super-refined atmosphere with views of Grand Central and the Chrysler Building. Remi Flower & Coffee is great for a breakfast – this place is a flower shop + and coffee shop and has delicious and super cute lattes. Finally, maybe many don’t know, but it’s worth remembering that there’s an amazing food court on the bottom floor of Grand Central!
  • Starting from 227 USD plus 25 USD Amenity Fee per night.
  • Address: 221 E 44th Street.
  • Subway lines nearby:  4, 5, 6, 7.

3. Hotel Indigo NYC Downtown – Wall Street

I always say that New York goes beyond Times Square and there are so many cool areas for you to stay in the city. Downtown, for example, is full of history! This hotel is located on one of the most iconic streets in the world – Wall Street. In addition to 127 modernly designed rooms (11 with balconies), the hotel also offers a 24-hour business center and fitness center.

  • What you can’t miss around: there are so many things to do in this area! First, I strongly suggest you explore the South Street Seaport area. It is a very charming area, with cobbled streets, restaurants, a movie theatre, and also the brand new Pier 17, which has restaurants and beautiful views of the Brooklyn Bridge. You’ll also be a short walk from Battery Park and from there you can choose to take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty or even the Staten Island Ferry, which runs between Manhattan and Staten Island and is completely free. You can also take the ferry to Governors Island and explore this island that is an oasis for New Yorkers. You should definitely explore the Westfield World Trade Center, One World Observatory, and the 9/11 Memorial as well. Yes, all these locations are just a few minutes walks from Hotel Indigo!
  • Eating: I love Felice, an Italian restaurant with some locations in the city – including one very close to Indigo! The food is delicious and the atmosphere is sophisticated. For those who enjoy good drinks, you can’t miss The Dead Rabbit, an award-winning and classic cocktail bar in the city. Don’t miss Stone Street – this street has pubs and restaurants and a European vibe.
  • Starting from 198 USD plus 22 USD Amenity Fee per night.
  • Address: 120-122 Water Street.
  • Subway lines nearby: 2, 3, 4, 5, J, Z.
  • Bonus: you can also take advantage of the NYC Ferry – all the lines stop at Pier 11, which is nearby.

4. Holiday Inn Express New York City – Chelsea

I love this area! It’s quieter than Times – but at the same time super convenient because it’s close to a lot of cool places! In addition to the comfortable rooms and fitness center, you also get breakfast here – a great extra for those traveling on a tighter budget!

  • What you can’t miss around: the FIT – Fashion Institute of Technology is very close to the hotel and for fashion fans, there is a great and free museum! Plus, while staying at this hotel you can explore Hudson Yards – mall, The Vessel, and the Edge Observatory. From there, you can also head to Highline Park – the city’s elevated park, built on a former train line. Ah, it’s also worth exploring Manhattan West, a new development in the city, with shops and restaurants! Heading to the east, it’s worth walking around Flatiron District, admiring the Flatiron Building, and relaxing in Madison Square Park.
  • Eating: one of my favorite rooftops is a short walk from the Holiday Inn – The Skylark has incredible views of the Empire State Building, delicious drinks, and food! Not far from there is also Planta, a simply fantastic vegan restaurant – believe me, even if you’re not vegan, you’ll love it! It’s also worth visiting Oscar Wilde, a drinks bar with a sophisticated enviroment! Finally, the main MilkBar flagship is close by – and I highly recommend trying Cereal Soft Serve, ice cream with a taste of cereal.
  • Starting from 217 USD plus a 17 USD Amenity Fee per night.
  • Address: 232 West 29th Street.
  • Subway lines nearby: 1

5. voco The Franklin New York

If the idea is to get away from the traditional route but still stay in Manhattan, this hotel can be an excellent choice! It’s on the Upper East Side, housed in a handsome brownstone capturing 19th-century glamour. The rooms have a European style and are cozy retreats. There are options from more compact rooms up to the King Studio, with a desk and seating area.

  • What you can’t miss around: if you are a museum fan, you will be well served by staying here. In addition to the MET, the Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of the City of New York and the Cooper Hewitt Museum are some of the museums located in the same area. Plus, you’ll be just a short walk from one of Central Park’s most beautiful areas, the Jackie Onassis Reservoir. I also recommend visiting Carl Schurz Park – this park has an area overlooking the East River.
  • Eating: there is a Shake Shack location very close by – and much less busy than the others in the city. I highly recommend having lunch one day at Mughlai Indian Cuisine – the food is delicious and they have a 50% off deal at lunch. Pizzeria San Matteo is also worth a visit – authentic Italian pizza! It’s also worth stopping by the Levain Bakery and Chip City unit to try their delicious cookies!
  • Starting from 314 USD plus 11,48USD Amenity Fee per night.
  • Address: 164 E 87th Street.
  • Subway lines nearby: 4, 5, 6, Q.

6. Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan

This hotel is located in Midtown Manhattan near Penn Station, a very popular area among tourists visiting New York.  The rooms here are amongst the largest per square footage in Manhattan. There is a fitness center, business center and a restaurant – which can be very convenient!

  • What you can’t miss around: besides the same recommendations I’ve made for Holiday Inn in Chelsea, I would also suggest that you check the new Moynihan Train Hall, next to Penn Station. It is a beautiful new train station. Also, Herald Square is not far away from the area and you can explore a lot of shopping options like Macy’s. If you love photography, make sure to stop by BH Photography, a true playground for photographers.
  • Eating: Refinery Rooftop is also among my favorite rooftops in the city and it is a short walk from the hotel. Also, make sure to try the vegan sushi from Beyond Sushi – the combination of flavors is gonna blow your mind.
  • Starting from 322 USD plus 19USD Amenity Fee per night.
  • Address: 320 West 36th Street.
  • Subway lines nearby: A, C, E.

7. Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York

Here is another great option to stay in Manhattan – but out off the beaten path. Lower East Side is a cool neighborhood, perfect for anyone looking to discover not obvious spots and see another side of NYC. This hotel is very modern and a lot of the rooms have amazing views of the city!

  • What you can’t miss around: everyone loves to cross the Brooklyn Bridge but since you are here make sure to check Williamsburg Bridge! There is a bike path and a pedestrian path and the bridge is pretty cool. Another great spot if you are a history aficionado is The Tenement Museum. The two historical tenement buildings were home to an estimated 15,000 people, from over 20 nations, between 1863 and 2011.
  • Eating:  For brunch or a special dinner, I highly recommend Beauty & Essex. Also, if you love sushi, try Zest Sushi. It is delicious and budget-friendly. Make sure to also stop by Katz’s Delicatessen and try the most famous pastrami sandwich in the city.
  • Starting from 227 USD plus 28USD Amenity Fee per night.
  • Address: 171 Ludlow Street.
  • Subway lines nearby: F, M, J, Z.

8. Holiday Inn Brooklyn Downtown

Have you ever thought about staying in Brooklyn? This is a trendy hotel in the Dowtown Brooklyn area, close to the Barclays Center. It has 245 rooms, a business center, an indoor pool, a sauna, and laundry. This is a very urban area of Brooklyn with the convenience of being close to several subway lines. You will be a 15-minute subway ride from Downtown Manhattan.

  • What you can’t miss around: You’ll be right next to the Barclays Center – so be sure to check if there is any basketball or ice hockey game. Or even a music concert! Additionally, four subway stops from the hotel you will find Prospect Park (like Brooklyn’s Central Park), the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, and the Brooklyn Museum.
  • Eating: I highly recommend taking checking Dekalb Market – you will find stores, a Target location, and a Trader Joe’s location, as well as a food court with several delicious options. I also recommend Cafe Luluc for brunch.
  • Starting from 160 USD.
  • Address: 300 Schermerhorn St.
  • Subway lines nearby: 2, 3, 4, 5, B, Q, R.

About IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG is one of the world’s leading hotel companies, with well-loved brands, a world-class loyalty program, and a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good. With 6,000 hotels & resorts around the world, there is an incredible array of hotels and destinations where members traveling for business or leisure can dream bigger. IHG has hotels across all five boroughs and encourages visitors and New Yorkers to enjoy some of the City’s finest accommodations and experience the city like a true New Yorker.

This post was sponsored by IHG – all the opinions are mine.

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