Where to Stay in New York: A Solo Traveler’s Neighborhood Guide

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As someone who has visited New York dozens of times, both as a solo traveler and as someone who has traveled with friends and family, deciding where to stay in New York can be overwhelming. There are what feels like hundreds of neighborhoods across several boroughs to choose from, and you want to ensure you are staying in an area that is not only safe, but close to the attractions you want to see, is near public transit, maybe close to restaurants and cafes, really whatever is important to you.

In this guide, I will be sharing all of my favorite places to stay in New York, from favorite neighborhods to favorite hotels, along with price points, and what makes them special, so that you can pick the right neighborhood and hotel that best fits your travel style.

Introduction: Where to Stay in New York

As we dive into this guide, you’ll realize that deciding where to stay in New York City isn’t just about finding a warm bed to sleep in at night; it honestly sets the tone for your entire trip. I will guide you through various neighborhoods and boroughs, explain why you may or may not want to stay there, give you some budgeting ranges, and what each area offers, so that you can match the right neighborhood and hotel with what you want to get out of your trip. Now, let’s get into it.

1. Midtown (Manhattan)

One of my personal favorite areas to stay in is, of course, the center of New York City, which is Midtown. This area is perfect for first-time visitors or maybe if you are visiting for a long weekend, because you can literally walk to pretty much everything that you’ll want to see and do.

In your backyard (literally), you’ll have Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Broadway, Bryant Park, some of the busiest subway hubs that will take you pretty much anywhere in the city, and countless restaurant options.

For budget travelers, I recommend the Hampton Inn Manhattan/Times Square South as it’s clean, simple, and very reasonably priced by NYC standards. If you are looking for something a little more comfortable that is still reasonably priced, I would highly recommend the Evelyn Hotel, which is a cute boutique hotel located right in the center of the city. If you want something maybe a little more luxurious, then The Pierre is a New York staple, and is elegant, sophisticated, and well located for those wanting that true iconic Manhattan stay for their trip.

I actually always enjoy staying in Midtown because it’s quick and easy to get to places, I have a subway hub right out the front door, and I feel like it’s a very safe area, especially if you are a solo traveler or a family visiting the city for the first time.

Midtown is a go-to for first-time visitors because of its central location and easy transit access. As a solo traveler, I often stay here when I have just a few days and want to minimize commuting.

Midtown Hotel Recommendations

Budget Hotels:

Pod 51: This compact, modern, and minimal-style hotel in Midtown East. It’s popular among travelers, especially solo travelers who want to stay in the heart of Manhattan without overspending.

Truss Hotel Times Square: This hotel, just steps from Times Square, offers modern rooms with amenities like free Wi-Fi, in-room microwaves and mini-fridges, and a rooftop bar with city views. It is also located near public transportation hubs like the Port Authority Bus Terminal and Penn Station, and top attractions including the Javits Convention Center and Hudson Yards.

Moderate Hotels:

The Evelyn Hotel: This boutique option in Midtown has nicer amenities and more character than basic chain stays. It’s often praised in “cheap hotels in NYC” roundups.

Luxury Hotels:

The Jewel Hotel: often booked for its blend of style, location, and premium comfort.

Pro Tip: Always try to ask or book a room on the highest floor to minimize street noise. Some hotels do charge extra for this if you book ahead of time, but always ask when you check in, just in case the hotel isn’t fully booked.

2. SoHo and Lower Manhattan

If you are looking for a neighborhood with culture, style, and incredible food all within walking distance, then SoHo is definitely the area for you. I am a sucker for the cobblestone streets, the fun boutique shopping options, and the architecture in this area, which gives it so much personality.

If you are a budget-friendly traveler, then I would recommend Sixty Soho, which has a lively and chic vibe. A more moderate hotel would be The Broom, which is also a boutique-style hotel that feels smaller and more intimate compared to some of the larger hotels that you will find in Midtown. If you ant a splurge on your accommodations, then Nomo Soho, is an incredible choice. The aesthetics of this hotel are unmatched, and it’s not only comfortable and elegant, but it’s perfect for those Instagram and TikTok videos.

The neighborhood of SoHo is absolutely in my top 3 list of favorite neighborhoods in New York City. I love how walkable the area is; it is safe, chic, and the cute galleries and coffee shops make it fun to window shop or enjoy a cup of coffee on the patio outside.

SoHo Hotel Recommendations

Budget-Friendly Hotels: Arlo SoHo — a boutique stay with modern décor, great social spaces, and a rooftop bar. It often gets good visibility in hotel roundups.

Moderate Priced Hotels: The Broome (SoHo) — intimate boutique styling, quieter location, but still in the heart of the action. (Mentioned in SoHo hotel listings)

Luxury Hotels: Nomo SoHo — high-end design, upscale finishes, premium guest amenities, and a strong reputation in boutique-hotel guides.

Pro Tip: Lower Manhattan has fewer 24-hour subway lines compared to the hubs in Midtown, so check the lines if you are going to be out late at night, take an Uber/Lyft.

3. Upper East Side & Upper West Side

Both the Upper East and West sides of New York are more residential, so they tend to be a bit quieter when compared to Soho or Midtown. Both areas are very close to Central Park, museums, and iconic landmarks that are must-sees, especially if this is your first time visiting New York City.

The Upper West Side offers several budget-friendly, smaller chain hotels or smaller boutique hotels that are normally very well priced and are just a few blocks from Central Park. What I love the most about this area is that it’s residential, so it’s calmer and quieter, and you can really see and feel how the true locals live.

A moderately priced hotel option is The Pierre on the Upper East Side, which is comfortable and charming, and actually one of my favorite hotels in this area. If you are looking for something a bit more luxurious, then you have countless options along 5th avenue which overlook Central Park and right in the middle of the most prominent shopping district.

If your travel style is being close to museums, shopping in Central Park, and a quieter and calmer vibe, where you can live and feel like a local, then the Upper East and Upper West Side areas may be the perfect areas for you to stay in while in New York.

Upper East/West Side Hotel Recommendations

Budget-Friendly Hotel Options: Smaller boutique or chain hotels a few blocks from the park; I don’t always see a widely marketed name in these price ranges in recent guides, but you’ll find good deals just off major avenues.

Moderately Priced Hotel Options: The Pierre (Upper East Side) — a classic luxury but sometimes classed in the “mid to high” bracket depending on room — offers grandeur, service, and a refined New York stay. Identified often in high-end hotel lists.

Luxury Hotel Options: Luxury hotels along Fifth Avenue or overlooking Central Park — grand lobbies, large rooms, top-tier service. These are the classic “aspirational” NYC stays featured in travel site roundups.

Pro Tip: Opt for rooms not facing the main streets as they tend to be quieter. You are usually a few blocks from the subway in this area, but the streets in these neighborhoods are well-lit and very safe.

4. Brooklyn & Queens

IF you are looking for a neighborhood that offers a little more bang for you buck, maybe something quieter, and further away from Midtown, then Brooklyn or Queens maybe be a great option for you. One of my favorite areas in Brooklyn is Brooklyn Heights, because you get the most amazing views of the New York skyline, the river, and the atmosphere in this area is relaxed and fun.

If you are a budget traveler, Long Island City in Queens has lots of budget-friendly hotels and you are literally only one subway stop from Midtown. In Brooklyn, you’ll find more moderately priced hotel options in Williamsburg or DUMBO which are comfortable and have lots of character. Brooklyn also has lots of options for luxury hotel stays that offer rooftops, modern amenities, and incredible views of the Manhattan skyline that are hard to beat.

Both of these boroughs are great options for solo travelers who are looking for local life, are a better value, spacious rooms, and have great personality.

Budget -Friendly Hotel Recommendations (Queens): Boro Hotel in Long Island City is a stylish boutique choice with solid access to Midtown via subway.

Moderate ly Priced Hotel Recommendations (Brooklyn): The Hoxton, Williamsburg — trendy, well-reviewed, with a great vibe and close to subway lines.

Luxury Hotel Recommendations (Brooklyn): Upscale boutique hotels in Brooklyn (DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights) with skyline views, rooftop lounges, etc. For example, The Williamsburg Hotel is often mentioned as a higher-end Brooklyn pick.

Pro Tip: If you decide to stay in Queens or Brooklyn, always make sure you are close to a subway stop, as you will need to take it to get into the city everyday if you head into Manhattan.

Conclusion: Where to Stay in New York

Deciding where to stay in New York can feel a bit overwhelming. There are several neighborhoods, boroughs, and countless hotel options to choose from. Each neighborhood offers something a little different and there is a neighborhood for every travel style. Whether you are looking for budget-friendly, you want to be close to major attractions, want something quieter, or something with character, New York has hotel for you that will meet your budget needs. Need help planning your stay in New York? Reach out anytime, and I would love to help you pick the best hotel that meets your travel style so that you can have the most memorable trip to the Big Apple.