This website is dedicated to helping everyday people find a reliable an affordable place to stay near New York City on your budget. We have spent hundreds of hours researching how to find the right neighborhood and hotel for your NYC vacation.
- Cheap Places to Stay Around NYC
- How Much Does it Cost to bring a Car Into Manhattan (Bridge & Toll Info)
- Places to Stay With a Car
- Places to Stay for Families
- Places to Stay for Christmas / New Years
- Places to Stay Passing By NYC, Overnight Accommodations
Where to Stay, First Time in NYC
Finding a place to stay in New York City can be challenging, especially if this is your first time visiting NYC. One of the best ways to save on hotel is to utilize public transportation and avoid driving into Manhattan and getting a hotel in Manhattan. There are no hotels in Manhattan that offer free parking. But, there are lots of attractive areas near Manhattan that offer up a reliable hotel within walking distance to public transit to Manhattan and have free parking. Sometimes the commute time into Manhattan can be as short as 15 minutes depending on your location in Brooklyn, Queens, or NJ. Furthermore, some of the areas across the Hudson or East river offer up great views of the city and a inviting neighborhood. If you can stomach a short commute into NYC you’ll be rewarded with savings and experiencing some of NYC authentic neighborhoods.
Where to Stay on Budget & Cheap in NYC
During peak seasons it can be impossible to find hotels in Manhattan for under $150. But, rest assured there are attractive and delightful alternatives. Finding a cheap place to stay in New York City is a matter of sacrificing a little time and convenience on location.
If you are the type of person who just needs a place to sleep after a long day of sightseeing the hotels in North Bergen, NJ should be able to accommodate most any budget and offer shuttle services from the hotel lobby to Times Square for $3 -$15 one way.
One of the most affordable places to stay in NYC is in Queens near the Queensboro Bridge. There are over 18 hotels in this area that will accommodate most any budget or expectations. With a very short subway ride into Manhattan Queensboro is an excellent choice, especially if you want to be able to return to your hotel late at night. Here are some of the top areas to stay in on a budget in New York City.
North Bergen (Hotel Shuttles)
Neighborhood Vibe: North Bergen is a hilly neighborhood with an extremely high population density. Wherever you go, there will be people there. There are a few parks in the area and decent restaurants. But it is mostly a bland mix of retail areas and housing developments..
Who is Best for this Location?
North Bergen offers up economy hotels that have various levels of shuttle service to Manhattan. Travelers uncomfortable taking public transit will appreciate these options. In some cases shuttle run from the hotel lobby in other cases they pickup and drop off at a nearby intersection. North Bergen Hotels.
Getting Around: Public transportation in this area is not readily available. Area hotels offer van service into New York City. Otherwise, driving is your best bet.
Newark, Downtown
Neighborhood Vibe: New Jersey’s largest city is a great destination less than ten miles from Manhattan. Because it’s a huge travel hub, many people just pass through Newark without checking out the city. That’s a real shame because Newark has so much to offer in terms of art and food. Spend a little time exploring Newark’s art galleries and you’ll have a whole new appreciation for this nearly forgotten city..
Who is Best for this Location?
ewark provides a nice mix of quick access to Manhattan via the PATH, and also quick access to Newark’s airport. Downtown has places to eat and go out at night, this should satisfy both business and leisure travelers looking affordable alternatives to NYC without staying in the suburbs. Hotels in Downtown Newark.
Getting Around: From Newark’s Penn Station it’s just 20 minutes to Manhattan’s Financial District on the PATH train. Or visitors can take NJ Transit to New York Penn Station in the heart of Midtown in just 25 minutes.
Edgewater, NJ
Neighborhood Vibe: Located in New Jersey just across the Hudson River from Upper Manhattan, Edgewater is a tiny three and a half mile long borough. It was once a booming factory town, but now it’s much quieter. It’s popular among those who want to live near, but not in, New York City. The views of Manhattan from Edgewater are incredible and the best part of chilling out in Edgewater. .
Who is Best for this Location?
Travelers who want to take the ferry to Manhattan and take in excellent views of the Manhattan skyline. Keep a close eye on the ferry schedule as during weekends, and late evening their is not service. Edgewater Hotels.
Getting Around: The best way into Manhattan from Edgewater is on the ferry. It’s just a 15 minute ride from Edgewater to Pier 79 in Midtown Manhattan.
Bronx, Mott Haven
Neighborhood Vibe: Mott Haven is just one Subway stop from Manhattan in an up and coming area of the South Bronx. Young professionals are moving in because rents are cheaper. Because of this vibrant, young crowd there’s a lot of new development going on in this neighborhood. Trendy shops and restaurants line Bruckner Boulevard.
Who is Best for this Location?
Mott Haven is great for people who like to explore up and coming neighborhoods and/or who wish to visit Manhattan without paying Manhattan prices for lodging. Bronx, Mott Haven Hotels.
Getting Around: From Mott Haven, it’s easy to take the Red or Green line from the 3rd Ave. – 149 St. Subway station into Manhattan. You can be in Times Square in just 25 minutes.
Queens, Queensbridge
Neighborhood Vibe: The part of Queens near the Queensboro Bridge is a densely populated, middle-class waterfront area. It has a beautiful park and easy access to both Manhattan and Roosevelt Island. The Astoria neighborhood near the bridge is a top pick for people who wish to live in Queens but need to commute to Manhattan..
Who is Best for this Location?
People trying to save money by staying outside Manhattan, but who wish to be as close to Manhattan as possible. Queens, Queensbridge Hotels.
Getting Around: Hop on the Subway and it’s just 20 minutes to Times Square. The Subway is the easiest way to reach most points of interest in the area.
Brooklyn, Gowanus
Neighborhood Vibe: Gowanus is a popular area of Brooklyn just across the East River from New Jersey. Artists, freelancers, and other creative types like the area as rents are still relatively low but more and more fun new businesses are sprouting up..
Who is Best for this Location?
Travelers who want to park the car and stay in one of Brooklyn’s up and coming neighborhoods. There are several brand name hotels to choose from in this area of Brooklyn. Broolyn, Gowanus Hotels.
Getting Around: From Gowanus, it’s less than 40 minutes into Midtown Manhattan by Subway.
How Much Does it Cost to Bring a Car Into Manhattan
Anticipate spending between $15 to $22 round trip to cross over the major tunnels or bridges into NYC. It will cost ~$16 to take a car in and out of Queens and Brooklyn from I-95. It will cost you ~$22 round trip to cross over into Manhattan from NJ off I-95. The bottom-line is if you anticipate parking in Manhattan and driving you should be tacking on an addition $22 in tolls, and additional $30 per day to park. For average person avoiding Manhattan hotels can save as much as $100 for a two night stay.
Bridge & Tunnel Toll Information
Where to Stay in NYC with a Car, Free Parking
We have spent hundreds of hours finding the trifecta for travelers concerning where to stay around NYC with free parking. The trifecta is finding a hotel with free parking in a decent neighborhood within walking distance to public transit to Manhattan. It is important to note that a majority of travelers will be much more comfortable parking their car in New Jersey options over Brooklyn and Queens options.
Paramus, NJ
Neighborhood Vibe: Paramus, NJ is a suburb of New York City. Many people live here because of it’s proximity to New York, lower cost of living, and the convenience of numerous shopping malls. .
Who is Best for this Location?
People who want a comfortable suburban setting, and accommodations that include free parking will appreciate Paramus for its express bus route to Manhattan. Paramus, NJ Hotels.
Getting Around: It’s about fifty minutes by bus to the Port Authority station in New York City. To get around Paramus, it’s best to have a car.
Fort Lee (Hotel Shuttle)
Neighborhood Vibe: Fort Lee is just across the George Washington Bridge from New York. It’s easily accessible from I-95 and has some beautiful waterfront areas on the Hudson River. .
Who is Best for this Location?
Those who want to stay in a suburban setting and not deal with any form of public transit to get access to NYC by using the hotel shuttle service which picks guests up in the hotel lobby. Fort Lee Hotels.
Getting Around: The hotels in the area all offer shuttle service into NYC. If you do not wish to take the shuttle or you want to see more of New Jersey, driving or the bus are your best options.
Newark, Downtown
Neighborhood Vibe: New Jersey’s largest city is a great destination less than ten miles from Manhattan. Because it’s a huge travel hub, many people just pass through Newark without checking out the city. That’s a real shame because Newark has so much to offer in terms of art and food. Spend a little time exploring Newark’s art galleries and you’ll have a whole new appreciation for this nearly forgotten city..
Who is Best for this Location?
ewark provides a nice mix of quick access to Manhattan via the PATH, and also quick access to Newark’s airport. Downtown has places to eat and go out at night, this should satisfy both business and leisure travelers looking affordable alternatives to NYC without staying in the suburbs. Hotels in Downtown Newark.
Getting Around: From Newark’s Penn Station it’s just 20 minutes to Manhattan’s Financial District on the PATH train. Or visitors can take NJ Transit to New York Penn Station in the heart of Midtown in just 25 minutes.
Brooklyn, Atlantic Ave.
Neighborhood Vibe: Atlantic Avenue is one the longest streets in Brooklyn and it’s lined with fun places of interest. It is the lifeline and dividing line between the Crown Heights and Bedford residential neighborhoods. It is a great area for families to stay as there are many family-friendly restaurants and activities like the Prospect Park Zoo..
Who is Best for this Location?
Travelers who want a hotel with free parking in the heart of Brooklyn. Young couples will appreciate feeling like a Brooklyn local, and families might appreciate proximity to the Brooklyn Zoo. Brooklyn, Atlantic Ave. Hotels.
Getting Around: It’s less than 40 minutes by Subway blue line to Times Square and the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Or you could take the blue line then orange line to Coney Island, a journey of about an hour and 15 minutes.
Bronx, Mott Haven
Neighborhood Vibe: Mott Haven is just one Subway stop from Manhattan in an up and coming area of the South Bronx. Young professionals are moving in because rents are cheaper. Because of this vibrant, young crowd there’s a lot of new development going on in this neighborhood. Trendy shops and restaurants line Bruckner Boulevard.
Who is Best for this Location?
Mott Haven is great for people who like to explore up and coming neighborhoods and/or who wish to visit Manhattan without paying Manhattan prices for lodging. Bronx, Mott Haven Hotels.
Getting Around: From Mott Haven, it’s easy to take the Red or Green line from the 3rd Ave. – 149 St. Subway station into Manhattan. You can be in Times Square in just 25 minutes.
Brooklyn, Jamaica
Neighborhood Vibe: Jamaica, Queens is just outside of Brooklyn, only 40 minutes by train to Midtown Manhattan, and convenient to JFK Airport. It is quickly becoming one of the hottest neighborhoods in New York. Rents are still cheap and people are moving here as Brooklyn gets more expensive..
Who is Best for this Location?
Those who want an affordable hotel within walking distance to the subway and close to JFK airport. Travelers who want to discover an off the beaten path area of New York. Brooklyn, Jamaica Hotels.
Getting Around: From Jamaica, you have easy access to both the Subway and LIRR. Take the blue line on the Subway to get to Times Square. Or take the LIRR out to explore Long Island towns like Mineola and Port Jefferson.
Where to Stay in NYC for Families
Families brining children to NYC or families with teenagers will usually desire a place to stay in NYC with suite rooms that can accommodate more people and also allow you to store or cook food. There are two suite room hotels in comfortable neighborhoods in NJ outside NYC near trains to NYC. Those hotels are the Candlewood Suites near the Exchange Place, and the Homewood Suites in Rutherford NJ.
Rutherford
Neighborhood Vibe: Rutherford is a thriving city in New Jersey just ten miles outside of Manhattan. It’s an unassuming place that surprises visitors with the number of good restaurants, performing arts events, and sporting events hosted in Rutherford itself, not just in NYC..
Who is Best for this Location?
Rutherford stands out for families for its comfortable suburban surroundings and relatively quick commute into NYC via NJ Transit trains. Rutherford Hotels.
Getting Around: It takes half an hour to reach NY Penn Station in Midtown via NJ Transit. From Penn Station, you may transfer to the Subway, the LIRR, or Amtrak. A car is necessary to get around Rutherford itself.
Jersey City, NJ
Neighborhood Vibe: Jersey City is quickly becoming one of the most popular areas for people who work in Manhattan but want or need to live outside the city. The heavy commuter traffic means that many of the best things to do in Jersey City are centered around the PATH stations. The Exchange Place PATH station is on the Hudson River where there’s a waterfront walkway and a park, restaurants and museums are just a few blocks away.
Who is Best for this Location?
People who are particularly interested in sights in Lower Manhattan like this area because it is close to the city, but cheaper than staying in Manhattan. Jersey City Hotels.
Getting Around: From most areas of Jersey City, you can be in Manhattan in under 20 minutes via the PATH. From Exchange Place to the World Trade Center, it takes just six minutes. From the World Trade Center, it’s easy to connect to the Subway to reach other areas of New York City.
Where to Stay in NYC for New Year’s or Christmas
Travelers seeking a place to stay for a NYC Christmas or New Year’s getaway will want to prioritize staying at a hotel near the PATH train system or NYC subway system because both of these subways run late at night and early in the morning. Often ferry, trains and buses have holiday schedules that might limit your ability to get back to the hotel at night. Look at these locations for hotels within walking distance to the NYC subway and PATH train.
Queens, Queensbridge
Neighborhood Vibe: The part of Queens near the Queensboro Bridge is a densely populated, middle-class waterfront area. It has a beautiful park and easy access to both Manhattan and Roosevelt Island. The Astoria neighborhood near the bridge is a top pick for people who wish to live in Queens but need to commute to Manhattan..
Who is Best for this Location?
People trying to save money by staying outside Manhattan, but who wish to be as close to Manhattan as possible. Queens, Queensbridge Hotels.
Getting Around: Hop on the Subway and it’s just 20 minutes to Times Square. The Subway is the easiest way to reach most points of interest in the area.
Downtown Brooklyn
Neighborhood Vibe: Downtown is the commercial heart of Brooklyn and is quickly becoming a popular residential area as well. However, after five and on weekends it’s still a quiet neighborhood. Downtown Brooklyn is a great area for people who want to enjoy the best of both Manhattan and Brooklyn as the public transit is excellent and you can easily hop between neighborhoods from downtown..
Who is Best for this Location?
Downtown Brooklyn is a great area for people who want to enjoy the best of both Manhattan and Brooklyn as the public transit is excellent and you can easily hop between neighborhoods from downtown. Downtown Brooklyn Hotels.
Getting Around: It takes about half an hour to reach Times Square on the Subway, which is the best method of transportation in Brooklyn.
Hoboken
Neighborhood Vibe: Hoboken is a little village that sits right on the Hudson River just across from Manhattan. The best things to do in Hoboken are all in a small, walkable area that has a bright, youthful energy as more and more young people are moving to Hoboken..
Who is Best for this Location?
Travelers will be attracted to the vibrant walkable neighborhood of Hoboken, and quick access to Manhattan. Economy minded travelers won’t find good options here. Hoboken Hotels.
Getting Around: From Hoboken, it’s just 8 minutes on the PATH to Christopher Street in the West Village. Once you’re in Manhattan, you can connect to the Subway to get all over the city. Newark Airport is accessible from Hoboken in under an hour.
Washington Heights
Neighborhood Vibe: The Washington Heights area of Upper Manhattan sits between the Hudson River and Harlem River. It’s a vibrant urban area lined with riverside parks; you can walk from one park to the other in just thirty minutes..
Who is Best for this Location?
A good area for cyclist to setup shop and bike deeper into Manhattan along the river front trail systems. Washington Heights is home to a boutique hotel that isn’t too far outside of Manhattan. Washington Heights Hotels.
Getting Around: From 168th Street, it’s 25 minutes on the Subway to Times Square. The fastest way to get anywhere that’s not in walking distance is by Subway. Taxis are also readily available.
Where to Stay in NYC Overnight
For some people doing an overnight around NYC means that they are passing by and need a hotel off a major interstate with train access to NYC. If you’re time in NYC is part of a larger trip checkout hotels in North Bergen, or Downtown Newark. These NJ options have free parking with short commutes to NYC via the PATH or hotel shuttle. Staying in NY in New Rochelle or Yonkers can make for good choices as well and will be more desirable areas than options in NJ. As for traveling in NJ take a look at Mr. Arlington, or the Ramsey 17 station each of these options have affordable hotels with free parking, but require long commutes.
North Bergen (Hotel Shuttles)
Neighborhood Vibe: North Bergen is a hilly neighborhood with an extremely high population density. Wherever you go, there will be people there. There are a few parks in the area and decent restaurants. But it is mostly a bland mix of retail areas and housing developments..
Who is Best for this Location?
North Bergen offers up economy hotels that have various levels of shuttle service to Manhattan. Travelers uncomfortable taking public transit will appreciate these options. In some cases shuttle run from the hotel lobby in other cases they pickup and drop off at a nearby intersection. North Bergen Hotels.
Getting Around: Public transportation in this area is not readily available. Area hotels offer van service into New York City. Otherwise, driving is your best bet.
Newark, Downtown
Neighborhood Vibe: New Jersey’s largest city is a great destination less than ten miles from Manhattan. Because it’s a huge travel hub, many people just pass through Newark without checking out the city. That’s a real shame because Newark has so much to offer in terms of art and food. Spend a little time exploring Newark’s art galleries and you’ll have a whole new appreciation for this nearly forgotten city..
Who is Best for this Location?
ewark provides a nice mix of quick access to Manhattan via the PATH, and also quick access to Newark’s airport. Downtown has places to eat and go out at night, this should satisfy both business and leisure travelers looking affordable alternatives to NYC without staying in the suburbs. Hotels in Downtown Newark.
Getting Around: From Newark’s Penn Station it’s just 20 minutes to Manhattan’s Financial District on the PATH train. Or visitors can take NJ Transit to New York Penn Station in the heart of Midtown in just 25 minutes.
Yonkers, NY
Neighborhood Vibe: Just north of the Bronx, Yonkers is considered an inner suburb of New York City. Many people who live in Yonkers commute to Manhattan for work daily. It’s a popular area with families who wish to raise their children outside of NYC but who have jobs in the city..
Who is Best for this Location?
Yonkers offers up a suburban setting with a modest train commute into NYC. Travelers unwilling to drive closer to the city for accommodations will appreciate the hotels and small town feel of Yonkers. Yonkers Hotels.
Getting Around: Hop on a Metro-North train in Yonkers and you’ll be in Grand Central Terminal in just 45 minutes. From there, you can connect to other areas of NYC via the Subway or hail a taxi outside. In the Yonkers area itself, you’ll see the most if you have a car, but you can explore other towns along the Metro-North train route easily.
New Rochelle
Neighborhood Vibe: New Rochelle is a small city in Westchester County, NY. It’s a close-knit, diverse community that includes many families who wish to raise their children outside NYC while still commuting to work in Manhattan. It’s a great place for couples to come visit for a relaxing weekend of checking out new restaurants and shopping. Families like the laid-back vibe too, as well as the nearby parks..
Who is Best for this Location?
Couples coming in for a long weekend getaway enjoy New Rochelle, the area will suite travelers who wish to have free parking and stay 40 minutes outside of Manhattan. New Rochelle Hotels.
Getting Around: Grand Central Terminal is 40 minutes away from Rochelle Park by train. From Grand Central, you can connect to the NYC Subway. It’s best to have a car in Rochelle Park itself and it’s also easy to reach the area by car because it’s just off I-95.
