United States New York New York City New York City Guide Things To Do Essentials Where to Stay Getaways All New York City Best Budget Manhattan Hotels The iconic Knickerbocker Hotel offers the city's best budget accomodations By Hannah Feeney Hannah Feeney Writer LinkedIn Connecticut College Trinity College Dublin Hannah Feeney is an East Coast-based writer with a background in book publishing. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 01/04/22 Fact checked by Michelai Graham Fact checked by Michelai Graham Michigan State University American University Michelai Graham is a technology and business reporter who has written for The Urban Institute and Scoop News. She reports for AfroTech, Lifewire, and The Plug. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. New York City is notoriously expensive, but the number of excellent budget hotels in Manhattan means that travelers shouldn’t worry about blowing their whole travel allowance on a place to stay. Many of the city’s coolest and most convenient hotels can be booked for under $200 a night, freeing up travelers' funds for all the activities and delicious food the Big Apple has to offer. The trick to having the best Manhattan hotel experience is figuring out what you will be doing in the hours you are not in your room, and locating yourself accordingly: Arts aficionados in town for a few shows at Lincoln Center would be well served by a room on the Upper West Side, and those in town to experience the liveliness of SoHo might not want to spend their whole trip schlepping on the subway from midtown, for example. The following hotels stand out based on customer reviews, proximity to can’t-miss attractions, unique ambiance, and more. The 8 Best Budget Manhattan Hotels of 2022 Best Overall: The Knickerbocker Hotel Best for Families: Kimpton Muse Hotel Best Budget: Pod 51 Best Uptown: Aloft Harlem Best Design: The Maritime Hotel Best for Nightlife: The Standard, East Village Best Upper West Side: Hotel Beacon Best for Solo Travelers: Freehand Hotel Best Budget Manhattan Hotels View All Best Budget Manhattan Hotels The Knickerbocker Hotel Kimpton Muse Hotel Pod 51 Aloft Harlem The Maritime Hotel The Standard, East Village Hotel Beacon Freehand Hotel Final Verdict Compare Hotels Methodology Best Overall : The Knickerbocker Hotel The Knickerbocker Hotel See Rates Why We Chose It The Knickerbocker Hotel has been a New York staple since 1906, and its numerous amenities and sophisticated five-star atmosphere make it the most luxurious option for under $200 a night. Pros & Cons Pros Multiple critically acclaimed, on-site restaurants and bars Sound-reducing windows Spacious and well-appointed rooms with city views Cons Larger rooms and suites can be pricy Expensive, non-refundable fee for pets No in-room coffee makers The Knickerbocker is a classic New York City hotel, and the combination of its amenities, price range, and high-end atmosphere put it toe-to-toe with many of the city’s most expensive accommodations at a much more competitive price. The hotel caters to a wide range of visitors looking for a budget-friendly experience and boasts numerous awards along with thousands of rave reviews. The Knickerbocker's location right between Bryant Park and Times Square puts it within walking distance of many of Manhattan’s most popular attractions and guarantees that visitors are likely no more than a 30-minute express train ride from basically anywhere they want to go in the city. Notable Amenities Diptyque bath amenities24-hour fitness centerIn-room salon and spa services available Best for Families : Kimpton Muse Hotel Kimpton Muse Hotel See Rates Why We Chose It The Kimpton Muse Hotel makes a point of catering to its youngest guests, offering packages and amenities which make this a favorite among those who travel to Manhattan with their kids. Pros & Cons Pros Convenient location close to popular Midtown attractions Extra amenities and services for traveling with kids Spacious and quiet rooms for the area Pet friendly Cons Limited views in some rooms Fee for small fitness room and WiFi The Kimpton Muse Hotel, located half a block from Times Square, seems to have strategized to set itself aside from other properties in the area by going above and beyond in its offerings for kids. Many reviewers were especially pleased with all the thoughtful touches put in place to help younger guests enjoy their stay, from complimentary snacks and extra school supplies to kid-sized robes. The location is perfect for those in town to experience some of the most classic family-friendly attractions, like Broadway and Rockefeller Center. Parents will enjoy heading down to the on-site bar for a nightcap after a day of sightseeing or relaxing in the soaking tubs that come with king-sized rooms. Notable Amenities In-room massage and spa treatments availableOn-site restaurant and bar Best Budget : Pod 51 Pod 51 Hotel See Rates Why We Chose It With room prices that start as low as $50 a night and thousands of positive reviews, Pod 51 is a great option for the discerning wallet-conscious traveler. Pros & Cons Pros Close proximity to Midtown attractions Roof terrace with city views Cons Small rooms Hostel-style rooms may have shared bathrooms For those on a tight budget or tourists not planning to spend much time in their room other than sleeping, Pod 51 is somewhere between a micro-hotel and a hostel and offers very competitive rates for the area. Rooms are small and no-frills, but comfortable and clean. The shared showers and lack of amenities might be a deal-breaker for some, but for those in town for just a night or two who need an easy and affordable place to sleep, Pod 51 is a great option. The rooftop with city views is a favorite feature for many guests and is an asset that sets Pod 51 above similar budget options in the area. Notable Amenities 24-hour check-inRoof terraceOn-site bar and café Best Uptown : Aloft Harlem Aloft Harlem See Rates Why We Chose It For visitors who are particularly drawn to the energy of Harlem, or who just need to be close to uptown, Aloft Harlem offers the best location and the most comprehensive amenities on a budget. Pros & Cons Pros Walking distance to uptown attractions Large fitness center Live music on-site Pet friendly Cons Limited on-site food options Not much ambiance Accommodation options may be limited north of Central Park, but the 124-room Aloft Hotel is the best home-base for those especially keen on uptown attractions. The 125th Street subway stop is a mere two blocks away, but for many area highlights you won’t even need to use it—Aloft is within walking distance of Columbia University, the Apollo Theater, and The Studio Museum Harlem (and for those who prefer a brisker above-ground pace, a City Bike rental station is only one block away). The lobby is a warm, bright, industrial eclectic space, and the Re:Mix Lounge is a great spot to grab a drink at the end of a busy day of sightseeing while listening to live performances by local artists. Notable Amenities In-room access to Netflix Best Design : The Maritime Hotel The Maritime Hotel See Rates Why We Chose It The celebrated historic building sits between Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, offering a can’t-be-beat location for those who decide to eventually leave their charmingly appointed rooms. Pros & Cons Pros Unique design Multiple on-site restaurants Convenient central location Pet friendly Cons Small fitness room with limited equipment Small rooms sizes Even in a city with as many famous buildings as Manhattan, the Maritime Hotel stands out. The building was designed by architect Albert Ledner in 1968 as a headquarters for the National Maritime Union. Ledner trained with Frank Lloyd Wright, and design aficionados will appreciate the playful approach to modernism on display in the building’s porthole windows and white-tiled exterior. The Maritime Hotel opened in 2003, and its design pays tribute to Ledner’s nautical vision with playful upholstery and a highly Instagrammable Maritime mural stretching the length of the lobby. The hotel is right in the middle of three of the busiest neighborhoods in the city for fashion, nightlife, and restaurants, and the fanciful luxury of the rooms offers the feeling of an oasis in the midst of the area’s activity. Notable Amenities 24-hour room serviceC. O. Bigelow bath productsPowerful rain showersComplimentary bicycles Best for Nightlife : The Standard, East Village The Standard, East Village See Rates Why We Chose It Prices for the East Village outpost of this popular chain sit at the top of the $200 range considered for this list, but the oddball-cool vibe of the hotel makes it worth the splurge. Pros & Cons Pros Sweeping city views A range of on-site dining options Close proximity to downtown attractions Stylish decor Pet friendly Cons Facility fee charged for gym access and other amenities Extra fees for bookings within 7 days of stay You know you’re onto something good when you find the place that native New Yorkers choose for their staycation. As many positive reviews attest, the Standard’s East Village location is simultaneously a peaceful place to recharge and a design-forward hotspot which leans in to the East Village’s famous funkiness and energy. For the night-owls and dancing queens, many of the city’s most happening bars are a stone’s throw from the building’s original tenement-style entrance. Those looking for a nightcap a little closer afield need go no further than NO BAR, a funky, a new wave gay bar with cheekily-named cocktails that sits downstairs from the hotel. Those stumbling or strutting home after a night celebrating will be rewarded with an incredible view of the sunrise over the city skyline from the hotel’s signature floor-to-ceiling windows. Notable Amenities Room serviceCustom organic bath amenitiesStocked minibarOn-site event spaces Best Upper West Side : Hotel Beacon Hotel Beacon See Rates Why We Chose It There’s a reason the Beacon is a go-to for many return visitors, as the hotel offers the perfect balance of charm and comfort in the heart of the Upper West Side. Pros & Cons Pros Spacious rooms Fully-equipped kitchenettes in room Special offers for longer stays Great for families Sound resistant windows Cons No room service When it was built in 1928, the Hotel Beacon was best known for a unique architectural feature, the airway beacon on its roof. These days, as it approaches its 100th year in business, the hotel is known and loved for the traditional style of comfort it provides it’s guests, many of who return year after year. The hotel’s most notable feature is it’s apartment-style suites at reasonable rates, which are especially good for people traveling with a group or families. The Beacon is a calm oasis amidst the bustle of the city, providing comfort in spades and a traditional New York feel that will appeal to many. The location is especially perfect for families, who can make good use of the kitchenettes in each room by stocking up on snacks at one of the many upscale grocery stores nearby. Visitors of all ages will appreciate the proximity to Manhattan’s best parks, Central and Riverside, which are two “New York” blocks away in either direction. Notable Amenities Keurig Coffee MakersFitness centerSelf-service laundry room Best for Solo Travelers : Freehand Hotel Freehand New York See Rates Why We Chose It For as little as $99 a night, guests can book warm and stylish “Artist” rooms at the Freehand, which is one of the only hotels in the area that specifically caters to solo travelers. Pros & Cons Pros Lower prices for one-guest rooms Funky and inviting atmosphere Special offers for longer stays Energetic social atmosphere catered towards millennials Cons Mandatory facilities fee Twin beds in single-guest rooms may not be ideal for some Father away from popular attractions Guests love the vibe of the Freehand, which is curated to maximize a creative feel and buzzy ambiance. The walls of rooms and common areas are covered in custom-commissioned artwork by Bard College students and alumni, a feature that strikes a warm and Instragrammable atmosphere—like hanging out in the home of your hippest friend. Although the hotel’s Flatiron District location may be a drawback for those looking to be within walking distance of downtown’s more concentrated bars and clubs, guests do have the option of striking up a conversation with fellow passers-through at the popular onsite Broken Shaker Rooftop Bar, and a one-block walk to the 23rd street subway stop means visitors are just a quick train ride from the rest of Manhattan. Notable Amenities Argan oil bath productsWell-equipped fitness center including Peloton bikes Final Verdict There are some 123,000 hotel rooms in New York City. Between the exceptionally wide range of room rates, different neighborhoods, and hotel marketing strategies, any visitor researching a place to sleep in the city that never does could suffer from analysis paralysis—especially when trying to stick to a budget. The options listed here are the best choices for helping you zero in on what you want to get out of your visit to Manhattan, whether it’s an easy walk to bed after a Broadway show, access to Central Park, or finding the best hair-of-the-dog bloody Mary after a night of dancing downtown. Each property highlighted here will make your stay in New York a little easier by providing a convenient home base that will elevate your experience of the Big Apple. Compare the Best Budget Manhattan Hotels Property Rates Rooms WiFi The Knickerbocker Hotel Best Overall $$ 330 Free Kimpton Muse Hotel Best for Families $$ 200 Free for rewards members Pod 51 Best Low Budget $ 348 No Aloft Harlem Best Uptown $ 124 Free The Maritime Hotel Best Design $$ 126 Free The Standard, East Village Best for Nightlife $$ 144 Free Hotel Beacon Best Upper West Side $$ 278 Free Freehand Hotel Best For Solo Travelers $ 400 Free How We Chose These Hotels We evaluated over 300 properties before settling on the best for the chosen categories. We considered factors like proximity to major attractions, access to public transportation, unique amenities (e.g., large rooms, fitness center access, and on-site food options), design and ambiance, hospitality awards, and whether the hotel offered an experience or particular convenience that gave it an edge over others in the neighborhood and price range. We evaluated numerous customer reviews, paying special attention to hotels with a high number of return visitors. All hotels on this list have rooms consistently available for rates under $200, with the majority on the list running around $150-$170 as of January 2022. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies