Where to stay in New York when you want to be steps away from the action? LUMA Hotel – Times Square. It’s not a bargain, but with its stylish rooms, incredible views, and location that puts you right next to Broadway and all the buzz, it’s a stay that’s worth every penny.
So, you’re headed to New York City, huh?
Good choice.
I mean, it’s New York!
The city that never sleeps, where the pizza is legendary, the bagels are thick and chewy, and people have serious opinions about how you fold your slice (FYI: it’s diagonal and one-handed, no forks allowed).
But where do you stay?
NYC is massive, and choosing the right spot can make or break your trip.
You don’t want to end up in a neighborhood where your closest “attraction” is a 24-hour laundromat.
So, let’s break down some of the most popular neighborhoods, and I’ll give you the lowdown on which areas are worth your time—and hard-earned cash.
Times Square: For the “First-Timer” Tourist Vibes
Okay, let’s talk about Times Square.
Do I stay here when I visit New York?
Honestly, not really.
But if it’s your first time in the city, I get the appeal.
Times Square is the classic, in-your-face, neon-light paradise that you’ve seen in every movie set in NYC.
It’s packed with massive digital billboards, souvenir shops, and, of course, those questionable street performers.
It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s a bit touristy, but hey, it’s an experience.
Staying in Times Square is like saying, “I’m a tourist, and I’m not ashamed!”
You’ll be super close to Broadway shows, restaurants that serve food from every corner of the globe, and, of course, all the selfie spots.
However, you’ll also pay for that central location. Hotels here can be pricey, and, fair warning, sleep might be optional (again, this is the city that never sleeps).
Stay in Times Square for the experience once. After that, you’ll likely prefer somewhere a little quieter (and less expensive) next time around. Best hotels in Times Square here.
Midtown
Midtown is like the sensible cousin of Times Square.
It’s central, you can get almost anywhere from here, and it has its fair share of big landmarks—hello, Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center.
But it doesn’t have that chaotic touristy energy that Times Square throws at you.
If you want to see a Broadway show, grab some amazing food, or stroll down Fifth Avenue for a little window shopping (or real shopping if your budget allows), staying in Midtown is a great choice.
I’ve stayed in Midtown a few times, and it’s super practical. You’re close to subways that’ll take you uptown, downtown, wherever you want to go.
Plus, Central Park is just a quick walk away if you need a break from the hustle. Midtown gives you that “I’m in NYC” feel without making you feel like you’re standing in line at Disneyland.
If you book a flight that gets you into town early, Midtown is a solid base to freshen up and immediately jump into sightseeing mode. Just remember, it’s not the quietest area, but hey, that’s New York for you. Search for the best Hotels in Midtown here.
Lower East Side
This area is full of funky boutiques, bars that only locals seem to know about, and street art that practically begs to be on your Instagram feed.
I love staying in the LES because there’s just a cool vibe here. It’s a mix of old-school New York grit and new-school cool.
You’ve got dive bars, some of the best bagels in the city (trust me on this one), and music venues that attract up-and-coming artists.
Plus, it’s not as touristy as Midtown or Times Square, so you’ll feel more like a New Yorker than a visitor.
The downside? The LES can be a little noisy on the weekends (people like to party here), and hotel prices can get up there. But, if you’re all about that artsy, “cool-kid” vibe, this is your spot. Look here for the best Lower East Side hotels.
Brooklyn
I couldn’t write this without giving Brooklyn a shout-out. Honestly, it’s probably my favorite place to stay.
If Manhattan is the shiny, fast-paced side of NYC, Brooklyn is its laid-back, artsy cousin. And don’t even get me started on the food.
From artisanal pizza (yes, that’s a thing) to killer coffee shops, Brooklyn’s got the goods.
If you’re down to explore, neighborhoods like Williamsburg, DUMBO, and Park Slope are all super popular. Williamsburg is more of the tourist hotspot with rooftop bars and thrift stores galore.
DUMBO (which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, by the way) is perfect for those stunning Instagram shots with the Manhattan skyline in the background.
And Park Slope? Well, that’s where you’ll find a more laid-back, family-friendly vibe with tree-lined streets and cute brownstones.
Brooklyn’s great if you want a quieter stay with easy access to Manhattan. Just hop on the subway, and you’ll be in the city in no time. Plus, you might save a few bucks on a hotel here, and who doesn’t love that? Brooklyn hotels here.
SoHo
Oh, SoHo. The land of designer stores and cobblestone streets.
If you’re someone who loves to shop (or window shop), SoHo is a dream come true. It’s full of trendy boutiques, high-end designers, and charming cafes where you can sit, sip, and people-watch for hours.
I’ve stayed here once, and let me tell you, the shopping is dangerous for your wallet. But it’s also super walkable, and it has that mix of being trendy without feeling overly crowded.
Plus, if you stay in SoHo, you’re close to some amazing neighborhoods like Little Italy and Chinatown, which are perfect for a food adventure.
If you’re staying in SoHo, get ready to be tempted by every cute store you walk past. The area can be on the pricier side, but it’s perfect if you want to be in the heart of Manhattan’s stylish side. Search for SoHo hotels here.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, wherever you stay in New York, you’re bound to have a blast. Whether you’re all about the iconic landmarks in Midtown or prefer the artsy vibes of Brooklyn, NYC has a neighborhood for everyone.
Just think about what kind of trip you want: Tourist? Stay in Midtown or Times Square. Trendy? Lower East Side or SoHo. Relaxed? Brooklyn’s your spot.
So, what are you waiting for? Book that flight, start packing, and get ready for your New York adventure! Oh, and one last thing—don’t forget comfy shoes. Your feet will thank you after walking 10,000 steps before lunch.
Happy travels!