TL;DR

If you are planning your first trip to New York City, the overwhelming number of options can make finding the perfect place to stay challenging. To make it easier for you, I’ve put together some tips on selecting the appropriate accommodation. I’ll discuss the pros and cons of staying in different neighborhoods and compare hotels to Airbnb listings. Lastly, I will share some of my favorite budget-friendly Airbnb options in New York.

Ready to visit the Big Apple? Let’s figure out the best place to stay for your next NYC vacation.

Top Tips for Choosing Your NYC Accommodation

When deciding where to stay in New York City, it’s essential to consider the duration of your visit. Due to the city’s immense size, it can take a while to cover even short distances. For example, I stayed in an Airbnb in Jersey City, only 7 km from Times Square. Still, it took 30-45 minutes to get to the city center using public transportation. It’s also worth noting that public transport outside Manhattan typically stops running around 2 am, and sometimes even earlier, which can impact your plans if you’re out late.

Why Manhattan is the Best Place to Stay in NYC

Staying in Manhattan is the most comfortable way to experience New York City, especially for shorter trips of three days or less. Despite the higher cost of accommodation, the central location of Manhattan saves significant travel time to the main attractions, making the extra expense worthwhile. When choosing accommodations, it's essential to consider any negative comments about street noise, as central Manhattan can be very noisy 24/7. This is important for ensuring you get restful sleep.

Advantages of Choosing a Stay Outside Manhattan in NYC

If you plan to spend more than three days in New York City and you are visiting NYC on a tight budget, consider staying outside of Manhattan to save money. Look for accommodations with good public transportation links to Manhattan, preferably with a direct metro line to Penn Station, the central hub for getting around Manhattan.

I recommend Jersey City as your home base. It is a less expensive option and well connected by public transport. However, because the connection only includes a bus, you can lose valuable time in heavy traffic. Alternatively, consider staying in Brooklyn or Queens near a subway station directly connecting to Penn Station.

The Best Transportation Options to JFK Airport
‍The LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) offers direct service from Penn Station to JFK Airport. The AirTrain JFK provides transportation between LIRR’s Jamaica Station and JFK Airport.

How to Pick the Best Stay Close to the Airport

New York City has three main airports: LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark, each serving different purposes. LaGuardia is closest to the city and handles mostly shorter domestic flights. JFK and Newark handle larger aircraft and international flights and have better facilities for handling many passengers.

When choosing your accommodation, consider the airport you’re flying into, as this can save you a lot of stress and time when getting from the airport to your accommodation and vice versa. For example, I booked my flight to New York into JFK and found out too late that my Airbnb was in Jersey City—the other side of the city. It was an absolute nightmare! It took me almost four(!) extra hours to get there. When I finally arrived at my Airbnb, it was already 3 am.

NYC Accommodations: Airbnb vs. Hotel—Which is Right for You?

Deciding between staying in an Airbnb or a hotel for your trip to New York City depends on your preferences, schedule, and budget. Let me explain.

Why Airbnb is a Great Option for Accommodation in NYC

Airbnbs are a great option for accommodation in New York City since they are often more affordable than hotels, especially for extended stays. Many Airbnbs include a kitchen, which allows you to save money by cooking your own meals. Additionally, Airbnb is an excellent option if you’re traveling with a larger group that may have difficulty finding accommodations in a hotel. Since Airbnb often involves staying in someone’s private living space, you get an authentic experience of living in a city like New York. Airbnb offers various properties, from private rooms to entire apartments, catering to every budget, preference, and taste.

However, it’s essential to consider that the quality and reliability of Airbnbs can vary significantly from one property to another. This may not be immediately apparent in the listing. Additionally, more affordable Airbnb options may be located further away from the principal attractions, leading to increased travel time.

Local Law 18: A Game Changer for Airbnb Hosts in NYC
As of October 2020, there were over 42,000 active Airbnb listings in New York City. However, after implementing new regulations (known as Local Law 18) on September 5, 2023, the number of short-term rental listings (stays of less than 30 days) dropped by 77%, from 22,000 to only 4,600. Meanwhile, listings for 30 days or longer stays increased by 48% to 34,900. Long-term rentals now comprise about 87% of Airbnb’s total NYC listings.

Top Reasons to Choose a Hotel in New York City

Hotels generally offer an easy booking and check-in process with consistent standards. Most hotels even include breakfast and provide access to services such as housekeeping, concierge, fitness centers, and dining options. Frequently, hotels are centrally located, close to major attractions and public transport, and have a wide variety of possibilities in Manhattan.

However, hotels are generally more expensive than Airbnb, especially in prime locations. Furthermore, hotel rooms may be smaller and less personalized than Airbnb's, potentially not contributing to a personalized accommodation experience.

The Most Expensive Night in New York City
The Ritz-Carlton New York is a luxury hotel in midtown Manhattan, next to Central Park. The hotel offers a top suite with rates of up to $40,000 per night. The most expensive accommodation is the two-bedroom Royal Suite on the 22nd floor. It features Carrara marble bathrooms, limited edition artwork, and personal butler service.

Wrapping Up: Hotel vs. Airbnb in NYC—What’s the Best Choice?

Airbnb is an excellent choice if you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation or traveling with a group. However, remember that Airbnb properties are often far from the city center. Therefore, I’d consider Airbnb for stays longer than three days. For short-term stays below three days in NYC, I’d prioritize a centrally located hotel for convenience.

My Top Picks for Budget-Friendly Airbnbs in New York

During my trip to New York, I had the opportunity to stay in two Airbnbs. Both were great options for me as I was visiting NYC on a budget.

I stayed on Airbnb in Jersey City for the first few days because the prices were significantly lower than in Manhattan. Additionally, the place was well-connected via public transport to Times Square.

The second Airbnb, located near JFK Airport, was a strategic decision for the last two days of my stay. The proximity to JFK Airport made reaching my departure flight quickly and on time easy.

Below, I have listed both Airbnbs, which I can highly recommend to anyone. I had a fantastic experience at both places.

• Stay with Valeria in Jersey City: Valeria offered us a beautiful apartment just 20-30 minutes by bus from Times Square. I want to highlight her outstanding hospitality. View Listing on Airbnb.
• Stay with Cleveland close to JFK Airport: Cleveland offered a shared apartment in a quiet area of Queens. Although it took me 90 minutes to get from this place to the city center by public transport, it greatly facilitated traveling to JFK Airport on the day of our departure. View Listing on Airbnb.

Final Words

New York City offers many accommodations, each offering a unique way to experience the city. For short trips, staying in Manhattan is ideal due to its convenience and proximity to major attractions. If you have more time and are on a budget, consider staying in Airbnbs in Jersey City, Brooklyn, or Queens, as they offer lower prices and an authentic neighborhood vibe.

Airbnbs can provide more space and a home-like atmosphere, making them perfect for families or groups. However, hotels in central locations might be your best choice for convenience and reliability, especially for brief stays.

Now that your accommodation is sorted, my New York Travel Guide 2024 will help you plan an unforgettable stay in NYC. Check it out!