While I used to call New York City home, I’ve since had to find a hotel to stay in during my countless visits back over the past 7 years. I always prioritize being walking distance to great food, bars, and subway stations, and love an Instagram-worthy room or view too. So here are my insider hotel picks from a former New Yorker who would never dare put you through the torture of staying in Times Square.

Every hotel in this list is a place that I’ve actually stayed in, and the vast majority of these properties are mid-range hotels that won’t completely break the bank (with the first hotel in this list being the notable exception). All of the headlines link to the properties on Agoda, which is my booking platform of choice as they always offer discounts—I earn a small commission if you book through my affiliate links (appreciate the support 🙏🏽).

Best NYC Hotels for Rooftop Pool Views

If you’re visiting NYC when it’s warm and want to bask in the sun while taking in beautiful views, these hotels fit the bill.

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

It’s hard to beat the views at the Brooklyn outpost of 1 Hotel, a brand known for their eco-luxury rooms that focus on sustainable design. It’s situated right on the waterfront with unparalleled vistas of the Manhattan skyline, and while the pool is small, it’s perfect for getting an insta-worthy photo. The location is a bit out of the way from everything in my opinion, so I recommend just staying here for a night or 2 and moving to a more centrally located (and cheaper) hotel after you’ve walked the Brooklyn Bridge and explored the park and area.

Royalton Park Avenue

This NoMad hotel has a view of the Empire State Building from the rooftop pool, and offers a great location for those looking to explore Madison Square Park and its surrounding neighborhood while being walking distance to Grand Central, Summit One Vanderbilt, and other midtown sights. Read my full review.

Arlo Williamsburg

While I stayed here when it was still the Williamsburg Hotel, it’s now under the umbrella of Arlo hotels that are known for their blend of modern design and cool rooftop spaces that often boast their own party scene. The rooms are thoughtfully designed with unique touches (like teal tiled bathrooms), and the rooftop pool is also home to their famous Water Tower Bar.

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Best NYC Hotels for Rooftop Views and Location

No pool? No problem. These hotels not only boast great views from their rooftop bars, but also have prime downtown locations that are walking distance to SoHo, Chinatown and the Lower East Side.

Untitled at 3 Freeman Alley

This artsy hotel is nestled within the famous Freeman Alley, decorated with street art and murals. Their rooftop bar Unlisted has excellent views from World Trade Center to the Empire State Building, and their Sky King and Queen rooms even have balconies facing World Trade Center. It’s a great hotel for self-sufficient travelers, particularly if you want to find ways to save money since there are options to save money by skipping daily housekeeping.

🎥 Watch my full hotel tour of Untitled at 3 Freeman Alley

Hotel 50 Bowery

This JDV Hyatt property in Chinatown has modern interiors and relatively spacious rooms, though the crown jewel is definitely The Crown rooftop bar, with 360-degree panoramic views of the NYC skyline.

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Best NYC Hotels for Safety & Convenience

If feeling safe at night and having the convenience of public transportation access are paramount for you, then I would recommend staying in the Financial District at one of the hotels that surround the 9/11 Memorial. There are always police and military guards patrolling, so you’re less likely to encounter anyone suspicious and the area is generally safe and quiet. This is where my parents like to stay for this very reason. You also have access to many subway lines that all converge in the Oculus Transportation Hub, which is itself a sight to see thanks to its unique architecture.

World Center Hotel

Boutique hotel with clean, simply decorated rooms directly facing World Trade Center. Some rooms offer views into the 9/11 Memorial Pools, though there is also a terrace to take in these views (as pictured).

Millenium Downtown New York

Basic hotel directly across the street from The Oculus. It’s important to note that I stayed here when it was still a Hilton property. Recent reviews seem to indicate that the quality has gone down since it is no longer part of Hilton, so I would do additional research to see if this is the right option for you.

Best NYC Hotel for Long-Term Stays

Mint House at 70 Pine

This residential hotel in the Financial District boasts massive, fully furnished studios, 1 bedroom, and even 2 bedroom units that were originally intended for long-term living. You still get most of the amenities you would expect from a hotel like housekeeping, toiletries, and complimentary WiFi, but in a space that’s almost twice as big as a lot of the small hotel rooms in Manhattan with the added bonus of a fully equipped kitchen. Plus, the restaurant and bar triple threat of Crown Shy, Overstory and Saga are in the same building.