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Traveling to New York City is a dream for many women over 50, but where should you stay in NYC? Planning a trip to the Big Apple can be overwhelming with the many hotels and neighborhoods to choose from. Of course, you want to experience NYC without breaking your budget or missing out on the fun that makes it great.
That said, we’ve created this guide just for you. In this guide, we’ll share our favorite areas of New York with you so you can find one that fits your budget and preference. From high-end accommodations to budget-friendly lodging, we’ve got everything covered! Continue reading to find out more about where to stay in New York City.
Tips for Booking in New York
Like we’ve said, planning a trip to New York City can get overwhelming. Plus, staying in the Big City can also get expensive. While there are hotels for every budget, you can still do something to make your trip memorable and affordable. That said, here are some tips to keep in mind when you’re looking for a hotel in the Big Apple.
1. Stay close to the subway
Before you plan your trip, you can plug in all the NYC places you want to visit on Google Maps. This way, you get an idea of their relative distance to each other. Then, the best piece of advice we can give is to pick a hotel in the middle of these areas and close to a subway station.
2. Take note of room rates
Because New York has high real estate prices, it might be difficult to look for budget hotels. If you don’t want to break the bank on New York accommodations, there are decent mid-range hotels in good locations. Generally, these hotels start at around $200 a night.
There are also cheaper ones, but most are of lower quality. It might also be impossible to find accommodations in a good location for less than $120. If you’re into luxury and comfort and want larger rooms, expect to shell out $300 to $400 a night. Also, remember that room rates vary depending on the season.
You can expect the lowest room rates in January, February, July, and August. On the other hand, the highest prices are in April, May, September, and October.
3. Remember that NYC hotels include taxes
The Big Apple charges a hotel tax of 14.75% and an occupancy tax of $3.50 per day. Typically, these taxes are not included in the room rates you’ll find online. They’re added on top of the hotel fees at the end.
Now, there might also be further fees like “resort tax in some hotels.” Remember not to book a room with other fees besides the basic and city taxes. On booking.com, you’ll be able to find all additional fees that a hotel room charges. Choose a hotel, click on a room type, and scroll down to the ‘not included’ section.
4. Try to get discounts
Various hotels in NYC run promotions and discounts at different times of the year, month, or week. Remember to always look around for these discounts. You’ll find these online by clicking on every hotel in the area you want to stay in. This way, you get an idea of the prices you can expect to pay on your travel dates.
For example, visiting New York City in the winter can mean that you find a mid-range or even a luxury hotel within your budget. Just keep in mind to do your research so you get a picture of how much you’ll pay. Also, remember to check for last-minute deals or daily deals, which most New York Hotels offer.
5. Consider room quality
You’ll never go wrong with booking hotels with good ratings. But get this: New York City hotels are tiny. And when we say tiny, we mean tiny.
While they aren’t as extremely tiny as the hotels you’ll find in Japan; we’re talking about some 150(sf) rooms for $200-$300. And remember, prices also depend on the location. That said, it’s best to consider this when packing for your trip. Remember to pack light and take only what you need.
Of course, it’s best to come prepared so you can avoid the stress of having to carry your luggage when you arrive.
6. Book early
The most important thing to watch out for is where you want to stay in New York. Choosing the best place for you depends on many factors, including how long you’ll stay and your itinerary.
Just remember: wherever you decide to stay in New York, make sure there’s a subway station nearby.
7. Check out Facebook groups
This might sound weird, but Facebook groups are helpful when traveling. Many travel groups on social media platforms, especially ones for women. Typically, these groups have listings popping up here and there.
Most residents can’t rent out their place, so Airbnb isn’t an option. What they do instead is put up a listing of their place if they’re on vacation or just away. In addition, Facebook groups are a helpful way to keep your budget in check. Some of these groups also offer tips that you can follow for an easier NYC trip.
Moreover, checking out Airbnb for accommodation listings is also a great idea.
8. Off-season might be a good option
While it’s a no-brainer tip, it’s still worth putting on the list. If you’re visiting New York City during the off-season, you’re more likely to find good deals on accommodations. And here’s the thing: I highly doubt that you’ll find an inexpensive and high-quality room between the Christmas holidays.
9. Save money for other aspects of your trip
Last but not least, save your money elsewhere. If you think you’re spending way over budget just for your accommodation, try to save your money for something else. For example, you can do your research to find out when certain tourist attractions are free of charge. You can also save money by walking instead of taking the subway.
Another tip is to make yourself snacks from the grocery store. This way, you don’t only save money, you can also ensure that your food’s clean and healthy. Lastly, you can always choose to eat at cheaper restaurants. Just remember that there’s a reason why you should avoid places with less than A health inspection ratings.
Best Areas to Stay In
Now, you might be wondering where to stay in New York City. If it’s your first time traveling, you might be overwhelmed with the options you have. But you don’t have to worry, because we’ve got you covered. This guide will help you find the perfect New York City neighborhood for you.
1. Central Park
Central Park is New York’s most iconic area, well-loved by locals and tourists alike. Here, you’ll find runners, dog walkers, photographers, cyclists, and couples on romantic strolls. Central Park is also seasonal.
In Spring, you’ll find the blooming of cherry blossoms, while Summer gives you deep green vibes. You’ll find yourself in awe of the autumnal foliage in the Fall, while the Park is a magical winter wonderland in the Winter.
Additionally, some of the richest names in American history lived in the Upper East Side. You’ll also find the most luxurious hotels in New York near Central Park. But you don’t have to worry, because you’ll also find good hotel deals around the area.
Central Park is also known for its relaxing and calm ambiance while giving you easy access to Midtown and Downtown Manhattan spots. It’s not only safe but family-friendly too. While subway access isn’t the best, it’s still very walkable in the city.
Now, if you’re looking for accommodation recommendations around Central Park, here are some you’ll have to check out.
Budget Hotels
Mid-range Hotels
Luxury Hotels
Things to Do
- Go for a run in Central Park
- Explore New York City museums, such as the MOMA and Guggenheim Museum
- Visit Central Park’s The Mall, Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, and The Ramble
- Go shopping at the 5th avenue
2. Times Square
Known for the flashing lights and the New Year’s Eve ball drop, Times Square is one of the most iconic places in NYC. It’s the center of Midtown Manhattan, attracting millions of tourists each year. If it’s your first time in New York, we suggest that you book a hotel near Times Square. It’s also a good location if you want to go sightseeing for a limited time and avoid long travels.
Not only that, but it’s also connected to all other parts of the town, so it’s easier to explore the area on foot. Subway isn’t also a problem because all of the major subway lines run through Midtown.
Additionally, booking a hotel in Times Square can be incredibly inexpensive. The downside? It’s also known for pickpockets and tourist traps. Regardless, booking a hotel in Times Square is still a pretty good idea, especially if it’s your first time in NYC.
Budget Hotels
Mid-range Hotels
Luxury Hotels
Things to Do
- Go sightseeing at the Empire State Building
- Visit Top of the Rock, Fifth Avenue, and Edge at Hudson Yards
- Go to the Grand Central and Broadway
3. Midtown South, Manhattan
Manhattan’s Midtown South is the closest location that gives you Madison Square Park and Bryant Park real estate. It’s located at the heart of the 5th and 6th avenues, where you’ll find the central strip of Midtown South.
Like other NYC areas, Midtown South attracts tourists each year, as this is where you’ll find NoMad, Koreatown, the Empire State Building, and Macy’s Department Store. Midtown South is also a good location to stay in New York because you’re close to Grand Central and Penn Station. It’s also easy to explore the city on foot if you’re in Midtown South.
Shopping, dining, and tourist attractions are also easy to access, and it’s much less chaotic than Times Square. On top of that, you’ll find a wide array of hotels around the area, ranging from high quality and standard. In other words, Midtown South is the perfect location for you if it’s your first time in New York.
Budget Hotels
Mid-range Hotels
Luxury Hotels
Things to Do
- Visit the Empire State Building observation deck
- Shop, dine, and wine at the many restaurants and bars
- Eat bagels and drink good coffee
4. SoHo
SoHo, or South of Hudson Street, is a crowded New York City neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets and high-end shopping strip. Because of this, it’s one of the NYC places where you’ll enjoy walking around. If you’re looking to experience the busy streets of the Big Apple, you should try booking a hotel in SoHo.
Tourists and locals alike flock to the area for good food, so restaurants are always fully booked. So, we suggest that you reserve ahead of time. It’s also a good location if you’re looking to stay in an old-fashioned neighborhood.
In all of Manhattan, you’ll find the most local and residential aura in SoHo. It’s also a good place to be if you’re done exploring the main highlights of New York City. SoHo is definitely worth the stay for women over 50 who like art and design.
While there aren’t any famous sites in SoHo, its diverse street scene makes it an all-in-one neighborhood. Looking for accommodation isn’t difficult either, as there are a lot of hotels that can fit any budget.
Budget Hotels
Mid-range Hotels
Luxury Hotels
Things to Do
- Shop until you drop
- Eat and drink your way through local restaurants and bars
- Look out for New York City celebs
- Take photos at the Museum of Ice Cream
5. Lower Manhattan
Lower Manhattan includes the Lower East Side, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Financial District. With all these, looking for a hotel isn’t going to be a problem. The area is known for business and stock exchanges, but that isn’t the only thing you’ll find.
There’s a lot more Lower Manhattan has to offer, and it’s just growing over the years. From stunning architecture to hole-in-the-wall restaurants, you’ll never go wrong with staying in Lower Manhattan. You’ll also find cobblestone streets, rising live music bars, and riverside activities that you’ll surely enjoy.
While it’s not the first place people look for when traveling to NYC, it’s filled with tourist spots that you’ll want to see. The area surrounding the Financial District also attracts tourists from all other the world. Many shops and hotels have risen, especially around One World Trade Center and the Oculus areas.
Now, what makes Lower Manhattan an iconic place to stay in New York is the photography locations it has to offer. Like we’ve mentioned, it’s next to the Brooklyn Bridge. Not only that, but you can also get a majestic view of the Statue of Liberty and the One World Observatory in case you stay in Lower Manhattan.
And, here’s the bonus: there are tons of hotels that offer weekend discounts around the area. Like other New York neighborhoods, Lower Manhattan has a lot of hotels and accommodation options. These typically fill up on the weekends, but rooms are cheaper during the weekends.
Budget Hotels
Mid-range Hotels
Luxury Hotels
Things to Do
Lower Manhattan has some of the best New York City tourist attractions, especially first-time visitors. Here are some of the most unmissable places to visit in Lower Manhattan:
- Statue of Liberty
- One World Observatory
- 9/11 Museum and Memorial
- Sunrise and sunset at the Brooklyn Bridge
- Eat and drink to your heart’s content at Piers 15 and 17 along East River
6. Brooklyn
If you’re looking to go sightseeing but still want a residential vibe, Brooklyn is the place for you. It’s the most populated borough in NYC, which has over thrice the land area of Manhattan Island. It’s also known for its highly diverse neighborhood and its touristy ambiance.
The famous DUMBO area is also situated in Brooklyn, where you can view above but still be a subway ride away from Manhattan. For women over 50 who want to go bar hopping, it’s best to book a place in Williamsburg. Now, if you want to know what living in New York City is like, I suggest staying in Brooklyn for a long weekend.
Another unmissable thing in Brooklyn is the Manhattan Bridge photo spot, located at the intersection of Washington St. and Water St. You’ll also find Jane’s Carousel in the area and see the best waterfront views along the Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Since Brooklyn is a huge borough, hotels aren’t difficult to find. There are many options, ranging from budget to full-on luxurious ones.
Budget Hotels
Mid-range Hotels
Luxury Hotels
Things to Do
- Enjoy good food and great drinks in Williamsburg
- Drop by Domino Park and East River
- Visit trendy bars and restaurants
- See the DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Red Hook
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re a first-time visitor, you might have many questions besides where to stay in New York. This section will answer some of the most frequently asked questions New York visitors have. Who knows, you might want to ask these questions too!
Which is the best area to stay in New York?
Of course, the best area to stay in New York is the one that suits your plans and your budget. Also, keep in mind that each neighborhood caters to different activities and types of people. That said, here are some recommendations, depending on what you’re planning to do.
1. Best area for sightseeing: Midtown
While NYC is packed with touristy spots everywhere, the most NYC attractions you’ll find is in Midtown. It’s the heart of New York shopping and theater and houses some of the city’s most iconic architecture.
2. Best neighborhood for the nightlife: Brooklyn
Brooklyn sidewalks are almost always crowded with fun-seekers until the break of dawn, as it’s home to many famous cafes and dance clubs. It’s also near “Hell’s Kitchen,” a neighborhood west of 9th avenue. You’ll also experience the nightlife in Williamsburg.
3. Best area for foodies: SoHo
Check any dining guide, and you’ll see a wide array of New York’s highest-rated restaurants in SoHo. From classic cooking to ethnic options, you’ll never run out of options in SoHo. If you’re looking to try gourmet, there are several culinary must-tries in the West 50s.
4. Best for the first-time visitors: Midtown South
Like we’ve said, Midtown South is the safest option if you’re a first-time visitor. There are a variety of inexpensive hotels in the area and easy access to NYC’s iconic buildings.
5. Best neighborhood for families: Upper West Side
If you’re bringing your family with you, staying on the Upper West Side is a safe bet. It’s not only surrounded by parks and playgrounds. The Upper West Side is also home to a children’s museum and the famous dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History. It’s also easy to get around the area because there are two subway lines and several buses.
Where should tourists avoid NYC?
For first-time visitors, it can get tempting to follow the famous path of typical New York sites that you see in the movies. The thing is, they’re usually crowded and don’t reach your expectations. Some are also overrated, making the trip even more underwhelming.
Considering this, you should not do some New York tourist traps below.
- Time Square restaurants
- Bringing the kids to FAO Schwartz
- Ice skating at the Rockefeller Center
- Following the Sex and the City food map
- Visiting Bryant Park
- Riding a cab or driving yourself
- Take tours
- Buy knockoff items
- Skip MoMA Friday
- Ride a horse carriage
Is it safe to stay in Times Square?
The short answer is yes, it’s safe to stay in Times Square. Times Square is one of the safest areas in New York. In 2018, only 2,600 major crimes were reported in Midtown South Precinct. Pedestrian spaces have also been enhanced for safety.
Now, if you’re still worried, here are some safety tips to remember wherever you choose to stay.
- Ignore panhandlers on the streets and subways and people who offer to hail you a cab.
- You should also ignore limousine and gypsy cab drivers who offer a ride.
- Leave your valuables at home. Don’t wear gold chains or other jewelry, even fake ones.
- Never hang your bag on the back of a chair or put it under the table.
- Avoid deserted blocks if you’re in an unfamiliar neighborhood.
- Don’t hesitate to ask locals for directions.
- Beware of people bumping or tapping your shoulder from behind.
Is it better to stay near Central Park or Times Square?
Central Park and Times Square are two different neighborhoods in NYC, which means that it caters to different people.
Central Park is an excellent option if you want to stay in a family-friendly area. It’s also good if you want easy access to touristy spots in Midtown and Downtown Manhattan. However, Central Park is also a generally more expensive area in New York. Consequently, it might not be a good choice for you if you’re traveling on a limited budget.
On the other hand, Times Square is perfect for you if you want to see New York’s major tourist attractions. It’s convenient and generally the central area of New York, making it easy to access. There are also many value hotels in Times Square, so it’s worth considering if you’re looking for value.
Where To Stay In New York City
For women over 50, traveling to New York City can be a trip of a lifetime. Of course, you want it to be perfect and stress-free. Many neighborhoods have different vibes and activities you can enjoy while visiting NYC, making it pretty overwhelming.
Hopefully, this guide helped you figure out which ones would be perfect for your trip.
Wherever you choose to stay, one thing to keep in mind is to enjoy the sights and vibes of the Big Apple.
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