Why visit and stay in New York City?
New York is one of the greatest cities in the world - some would say it's THE greatest - and no one regrets visiting! It is absolutely crammed with world class attractions, from Central Park to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the Statue of Lady Liberty herself, and there is a frankly bewildering amount to see and do.
New York's buzzing energy and trend-setting ways make the city a shining magnet for students and young people, and the wide range of affordable yet decent accommodation means it's a top choice for weekend breaks and other trips.
From a vertical point of view, New York is one of the biggest cities on Planet Earth - a forest of skyscrapers dominates Downtown Manhattan - but surface-area-wise, it's actually surprisingly compact, making it an excellent place to explore on foot. This comes with the added benefit of being free. Woop!
Where are the best places to stay in New York City for students and young adults?
New York has several famous neighborhoods and districts that are popular with students and young people. The city itself is made up of five boroughs: the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island.
If it's your first time visiting New York, you'll probably want to find somewhere in or near to Manhattan, as this is where all the main attractions are concentrated, like the Empire State Building and Times Square. Manhattan is divided into three parts: downtown, midtown and uptown. Uptown is quieter and bit more residential, and where you'll find slightly more affordable hotels. Midtown is where the main tourist energy is at, whereas downtown is the financial district, home to the bulk of the skyscrapers.
Another cool area to stay is Williamsburg. It's one of the more hipster areas of the city, full of arts and independent businesses. This is also where you'll find some seriously epic views of Manhattan from across the East River.
Hotels near Times Square
Times Square is the beating heart of New York City and the place that many first time visitors aim to stay near. Unsurprisingly, the area enjoys one of the densest collections of hotels in the whole city, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding something that suits you. Keep in mind, however, that this is probably the most expensive place to stay in the whole city, so you'll need to be willing to splash out a little extra!
The Holiday Inn New York City is a clean, comfortable and safe accommodation, where you'll need to stump up around $300 per night. Similarly priced and equally acceptable are The Manhattan at Times Square and Hilton Garden Inn Times Square. All these options are 3 stars.
What are the best attractions in New York City?
Central Park
Surrounded on all sides by luxurious highrises, Central Park is a super impressive green space right in the heart of the action. You could spend hours here!
Statue of Liberty
You can't visit New York without paying respects to what's (probably) the world's most famous statue. Head to Liberty State Park for a free view!
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Known to locals simply as The Met, this ENORMOUS museum is one of the best in the country and a magnet for anyone even remotely interested in art.
Empire State Building
Possibly the most famous of New York's numerous skyscrapers, the Empire State is a must see. You can go to the top for $44.
Frequently asked questions about Hotels in New York City
What is it like to visit Central Park in New York?
It is, like, amazing. You could spend hours in Central Park. If you happen to be there in April and May, don't miss the cherry blossom trees. Lush. Other must-see parts include Strawberry Fields and Belvedere Castle.
What are some quiet hotels in NYC?
If you want to stay in a slightly quieter NYC hotel, you'll want to find a neighborhood that isn't too touristy. (So, avoid Times Square, for example.) Look for more residential neighborhoods, like uptown Manhattan, and you'll find quieter accommodation options.
What are some hotels that I should avoid in New York?
It really depends on your budget, but if you can avoid two and one star hotels, you probably should. These places can be less secure and in dodgy areas. Although 3 star places cost a little extra, it's usually worth it.
Where is the best area to book a hotel in New York City?
It really depends on what sort of experience you're looking for and whether it's your first visit. First time visitors usually aim for the heart of the action of classic sights, so midtown Manhattan, whereas those who have experienced all that stuff and ticked it off usually opt for more out the way (but very cool) neighborhoods, like Williamsburg.
Can I check into a hotel in New York if I am 18?
No. New York state law requires all guests checking into a hotel to be 21 or over.
Can you walk from Times Square to Central Park?
You can walk from Times Square to the Hoover Dam if you've got the time, money and energy. But yes, Times Square to Central Park is very walkable - the most direct route is about half a mile and will take about 10-15 minutes. You really don't need the Subway for this one.
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