Hey there, fellow travelers! Today I’m in New York City, so I thought I would share some tips and advice for New York hotels. Finding affordable hotels in NYC is nearly impossible, but there are many places to stay in New York. There are hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, Airbnbs, hostels and more. For today’s post, we’re focusing on New York hotels, and what you need to know before you visit New York.
How Much Will I Spend for a New York Hotel?
New York hotels are expensive; there’s no way around it. The average New York hotel rate is around $300 per night. And remember, the advertised rate is just the room rate. New York hotel taxes are very high. Currently, the total tax on a New York City hotel room is 14.75%, plus a flat fee of $3.50 per day. So, a $250 room rate becomes $290 per night with taxes and fees.
When is Low Season in New York?
And there’s really no “low season” in New York when you can get a deal on hotels. New York receives 50 to 60 million visitors per year, including tourists and business travelers, so the hotels are never hurting for business.
How Do I Find New York Hotel Deals?
I recommend booking early to lock in a rate, and then checking back periodically to see if the rates have dropped. It’s sometimes possible to find deals on hotels, but generally, the longer you wait, the more you will pay.
How Can I Save Money in New York?
The great thing about New York is that even though your hotel will be expensive, there are tons of free, or inexpensive, things to do in New York. A lot of museums have a “suggested” entry price, so you pay what you can afford.
What Can I Expect in a New York Hotel Room?
For starters, New York hotel rooms are notoriously small. You’ll feel like a “real” New Yorker living in a tiny apartment. Real estate in New York is some of the most expensive in the United States, so they really try to get as many rooms in a hotel as possible. New York hotels are more like European hotels; very small with single beds sometimes, so if you are visiting New York with kids, makes sure you get a room large enough. Don’t expect two big double beds like you have anywhere else in the States.
What Amenities do New York Hotels Offer?
New York hotels will have the standard amenities you expect. Most hotels will have WiFi, but check ahead if it’s free or not. (Many chain hotels require you to enroll in their loyalty program to receive free WiFi.) Not all hotels offer a free breakfast, but it’s possible to find cheap breakfast in New York at a local diner or bagel shop.
Read: USA Hotels Explained
Can I Drink the Water in New York?
Yes, the water in New York is safe to drink, but it doesn’t taste that great. I recommend buying bottled water, and keeping a few in your hotel room because the tap water is gross.
Where Should I Stay in New York?
This varies greatly, as there are so many cool New York neighborhoods. Most first-time visitors to New York find hotels in Manhattan to be the best for sightseeing. Your interests can really help narrow down where to stay in New York. Try to figure out what you want to see in New York, and stay in an area central to the places you’ll be visiting. A few places where visitors stay in New York include:
- Financial District – great for business travelers, very quiet at night
- Mid-Town – popular with tourists, home to many New York attractions like the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center
- Brooklyn – a trendy borough with lots of restaurants
- SOHO – neighborhood in Lower Manhattan known for shopping, high-end restaurants and nightclubs
- Greenwich Village – LGBT-friendly neighborhood, known for cafes and bars, jazz music and Washington Square Park.
- Meatpacking District – warehouse district now home to trendy restaurants and hotels, Chelsea Market and the High Line
How Do I Get Around New York?
The New York subway is great, and super easy to use. There’s also a ton of taxis, Uber and Lyft rides in New York. It’s really easy to get around New York. Manhattan is very walkable, so you’ll probably spend a lot of time just walking around. This also makes it easy to stay in other boroughs and commute in for sightseeing.
Should I Tip the Housekeeping Staff?
I recommend tipping your hotel housekeeper between $2 and $5 per day. You’ll get better service, and it’s just a nice thing to do. I like to leave a quick thank you note for the staff, along with their tip. Housekeeping usually makes around minimum wage, and probably has to commute pretty far to work in New York.
Watch: Tipping in the USA
Any Other New York Hotel Tips?
Yes! Always use the bathroom before you leave the hotel! Public bathrooms in New York are generally disgusting. We try to only use restrooms in museums or our hotel, because it’s not a fun experience. Especially if you are visiting New York with kids.
Are you ready to book your New York hotel room? We hope these tips help you prepare for your trip! For more travel tips and advice, check out these travel tips and videos:
