Best of New York: Budget Hotels

Let’s be clear: It’s hard to find a cheap hotel in New York that doesn’t leave you feeling dirty. But for the industrious visitor to NYC, there are definite gems to be found. These hotels all have rooms for $250/night or less, and during off-peak times like late summer and mid-winter, they can often be had for much less. Check out our five favorite budget hotels in New York:

Larchmont Hotel

With an ideal location a few minutes from Washington Square Park and surrounded by picturesque West Village brownstones, the Larchmont Hotel has a lot going for it before you even set foot inside. Once you do, you’ll enjoy the friendly staff, the old-school charm (they still have old-fashioned keys for every door), and the open kitchenettes on every floor. Bathrooms are shared by floor as well, but the price ($75-125) makes it worth the wait for the loo.
27 W 11th St, Manhattan; larchmonthotel.com

The Gershwin

You can’t miss the Gershwin: With its brightly illuminated and colorful façade, it stands out in this Flatiron block. The walls, festooned with pop art reproductions and murals, make it a hip and artsy hangout; the popular coffee shop in the lobby is frequented by trendy locals. The hotel is a few blocks from the Empire State Building and Madison Square Park, home of the famous Shake Shack. Wi-fi connection is available but is not free; luckily, the room prices ($80-250) will leave some money to burn.

7 E 27th St, Manhattan; gershwinhotel.com

Distrikt Hotel

This brand-new addition to the New York hotel scene (It opened in late 2009) is steps from the heart of Times Square, but just far enough out of the way to miss the major crowds. The building is modern, clean, and with a very chic design (a rarity in budget hotels). Visitors love the bed turn-down service, complete with chocolates, and complimentary apple cider in the lobby for those cold winter days. Some worry about the area at night, but a security team is always on hand to make sure you feel safe. Rooms range from $100-300/night.

342 W. 40th St., Manhattan; distrikthotel.com

The Sofia Inn

Staying at the Sofia Inn is like staying over at a friend’s apartment—a friend who is a really, really good host. Surrounded by Brooklyn brownstones on a quiet tree-lined block, this B&B in Prospect Heights is itself a converted brownstone, so there are communal sitting, kitchen, and garden areas where you can relax and hang out with other guests. A quick subway ride will take you into Manhattan; otherwise, you can enjoy Brooklyn as the locals do. Most rooms share a bath—except for the Parlor Suite, which also has a private kitchen—and range from $115-200/night.

228 Park Place, Brooklyn; brooklynbedandbreakfast.net
The French Quarters

A true NYC gem, this is a bit of Paris in Manhattan. Tucked away on a quiet block of Restaurant Row, but a quick walk to Times Square, this budget hotel has it all: great staff, beautiful rooms, affordable price. Visitors rave about the small touches (including L’Occitane bath products), comfortable beds, and delicious restaurant (Try the omelette). At $200-300, it’s on the upper range of this list, but you’ll feel like you’re getting a lot for the money.
346 W 46th St, Manhattan; frenchquartersny.com

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