The 15 Best Staycations NYC Has to Offer (2024)

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From Chelsea to Greenpoint

The 15 Best Staycations NYC Has to Offer (1)

By Dan Koday

Published May 1, 2024

Additional reporting by

Marissa Wu

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

The 15 Best Staycations NYC Has to Offer (2)

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Ah, New York. It goes by many names: Gotham City, the Big Apple, the City That Never Sleeps. That last one is exactly the reason why you might need a staycation. Because, of course, you’re way too busy to take an actual holiday. (*Cries.*) Staycations are the ideal compromise: You don’t have to travel far, deal with inevitable flight delays or schedule in a buffer day when you come back more exhausted than when you left. Dare I say that staycations are actually more relaxing? Choose the right hotel and you might never have to walk out the doors until you check out. On the other hand, should you want to explore, there are a plethora of options. Spend the whole day at a bathhouse; grab a pint (or two) at one of city’s many stellar breweries; stuff your face with tacos or even take a page from one PureWow editor who went full-on tourist mode and dined at the Times Square Olive Garden after catching a Broadway show in Times Square.

Sound enticing? Lucky for you, I’ve rounded up the 15 best staycations NYC has to offer, including our best overall pick, The Plaza Hotel, which packs in the history, opulence and glamour of old New York with a prime location ten blocks from Rockefeller Plaza. (Did we mention it’s right across the street from Central Park?) Other notables: The Dominick in Soho, Walker Hotel in Greenwich Village and The Wall Street Hotel in FiDi. Whichever you choose, one thing’s for sure: Each staycation will make you feel like you got away for a much-needed break. (Even if that just means taking the Q train three stops.)

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Sophisticated and Family Friendly

1. DUMBO: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

“Only three minutes away from Brooklyn Bridge Park, this waterfront retreat offers expansive views of the East River and Manhattan skyline. Perfect for when you need a weekend away to get some zen but can’t leave the city, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge’s individually decorated rooms are filled with native greenery, reclaimed wood and organic cotton mattresses. The hotel is fabulously family friendly with a Gwyneth Paltrow vibe. (No joke—the actress actually stayed there). I stayed there last year with my husband and 5 year old. [Though it’s incredibly family-friendly, that doesn’t mean the adults can’t have any fun.] I recommend treating yourself to a dip in the rooftop plunge pool or a deep tissue massage at Bamford Wellness Spa, which offers a selection of holistic treatments and classes to help you completely unwind. And if you want to stay locked into your own little paradise, you can easily do so. The hotel features a full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you don’t have to leave the premises. And it also has a lounge open daily for evening drinks and light bites for a romantic night overlooking the NYC skyline. Pro tip: Order the tequila- and grapefruit- infused Watchtower co*cktail---it doesn’t disappoint.” - PureWow Senior Director of Special Projects & Royals Rachel Bowie

Best Overall

2. Central Park: The Plaza New York

“Glitz, glamor, history. Welcome to The Plaza Hotel. Situated at Central Park South, this New York institution is in a prime location. When else will you ever have one of the world’s most famous green spaces as your backyard? It’s also an easy ten blocks to Rockefeller Plaza, and Times Square isn’t far, either. But honestly, once you step inside The Plaza, you won’t want to come out. (Ask for late checkout.) The afternoon tea at the Palm Court is a can’t-miss, I promise. And, if you don’t book yourself into the Guerlain Spa, you’re missing out. I did the Abeille Royal facial, and it was probably the best, if not one of the top two I’ve done in New York City. Top off your stay with drinks at the Champagne Bar and channel your inner Gloria Gilbert, because it’s time to go party like it’s 1920.” - PureWow Associate SEO Editor Marissa Wu

Downtown Darling

3. Tribeca: The Dominick Hotel

“Technically The Dominick Hotel is in SoHo, but it’s so far west and such a pleasantly short walk to Tribeca that you really do get the best of both worlds...stunning art galleries like Park West, exquisite Italian fare at Locanda Verde on Greenwich Street, the Ghostbusters Headquarters (duh) and easy access to the shores of the Hudson. I love the location because it’s in easy proximity to two vibrant neighborhoods, but not smack dab in the middle of it. (Because let’s be honest, the city gets noisy!) Once you check in, first things first: Take a bath in the beautiful bathroom while rewatching all the episodes of Sex and the City and the reboot on the T.V. mounted above the tub. Then, wander to the rooftop bar and pool, where you can book yourself into a cabana for some R&R. You can’t stay at The Dominick without doing two things on the premises: getting a treatment at Sisley Spa and having a meal at Vestry. The latter blows many a hotel restaurant out of the water (it has a Michelin star to its name) and is helmed by Chef Shaun Hergatt. Expect artful plates and impeccable service.” - PureWow Associate SEO Editor Marissa Wu

The Slice of Heaven

4. FiDi: The Wall Street Hotel

“This is my absolute favorite hotel in NYC. The Wall Street Hotel is such a rare slice of heaven in the otherwise crowded city. It’s near many iconic NYC sites: the Staten Island Ferry to the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, Battery Park and South Street Seaport. The hotel itself boasts Grecian fresco-inspired wallpaper, velvet banquettes and hand-drawn fonts. Inside the guest rooms, the standout is always the bathroom. Fiorito reports that the heated floors and marble walk-in shower made it just the place to unwind after a long day of exploring. Should you find yourself hungry, head to the lobby where you’ll find the modern French brasserie La Marchande, opened by the Michelin-starred chef-restauranteur John Fraser.” - PureWow Director of Branded Content Roberta Fiorito

For the Spa Enthusiast

5. Midtown: The Peninsula

The Peninsula has the best spa in the city, spanning two floors with a 24-karat gold mosaic-tiled wall and signature treatments that leave you feeling like a million bucks. And did I mention the glass-enclosed pool? There are also several restaurants on the property; I loved the homemade granola at Clement Restaurant and grabbing light bites and co*cktails at the bar in the evening. Even if hotel dining isn’t your thing, the one can’t-miss you must do is ride up to the 23rd floor Shanghai-inspired Salon de Ning. You’ll be rewarded with skyline views and a commanding view of Fifth Avenue.” - Gallery Media Group CEO Ryan Harwood

For the Art Lover

6. Greenwich Village: Walker Hotel

“The Walker Hotel is the perfect marriage of luxury and character. The Art Deco-inspired property is located in West Village, with a laid-back charm completed by the gas lamps, exposed bricks and live music. If possible, you want to opt for a room with a terrace on or above the tenth floor. I promise the views of the Empire State are amazing. The rooms aren’t sprawling, though the standout feature is definitely the bathroom. The tub is so deep, it felt like I was swimming in my own pool. Other highlights were the charming Society Café, where I found the most delicious popovers with house-made herbed butter. While the hotel sits in one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods, it’s also situated on a quiet street with soundproof windows and walls. That made it easy to be in the middle of the action but still have a great sleep.” PureWow Executive Editor Alexia Dellner

The Peaceful River Oasis

7. Hudson Yards: Pendry Manhattan West

“The Pendry is located in Manhattan’s hot new neighborhood, Hudson Yards. I love that it’s close to some of the best attractions in the city, including Times Square, the Empire State and the Highline. But even if you never set foot outside the hotel during your stay, you won’t be bored. I recommend starting the day with a cappuccino in the literal Garden Room and unwinding at Bar Pendry, which is the definition of glamorous. Then there’s the retro Vista Lounge, which make a mean homemade granola featuring berries and pumpkin seeds. The true highlight of it all, though, is that in the City that Never Sleeps, it’s ironically easy to do so at The Pendry. The vibe is distinctly L.A. meets the Hamptons. Think lush greenery, warm recessed lighting, neutral tones, light wood paneling and floor-to-ceiling windows. Plus, the macarons served after turndown service are the perfect way to end the day.” - Gallery Media Group CEO Ryan Harwood

Room Service Supreme

8. Williamsburg: The William Vale

“The William Vale is one of Brooklyn’s tallest structures and a Williamsburg hotspot. I should know, having lived in the neighborhood for nearly a decade. If you stay here, try to nab the Gotham Corner Suite, which provides sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. There’s an on-site restaurant, Leuca, serving up fare inspired by southern Italy. I didn’t get a chance to go, but I did get to head down near closing time to sit at the bar with a friend and sip on a couple glasses of sparkling rose, which I'm glad a did, because the ambiance is enveloping. I then proceeded to order two pizzas via the room service app---utterly delectable. As for amenities, the rooftop transforms with the seasons: ice rink in the winter and pool in the summer. ” - PureWow Executive Editor Dara Katz

A Taste of the '20s

9. NoMad: The Ned

“Stepping into The Ned feels like you’re instantly transported to 1920s New York---but with a modern twist. The Beaux Arts Johnston building is decked in jewel tones and rich mahogany, and everything is elegantly vintage. Standing in delightful contrast are almost 300 contemporary artworks, by names such as Rashid Johnson, Marilyn Minter and Mickalene Thomas. If you must combine work and fun, I recommend working (and sipping co*cktails) in the Library before heading to the Atrium for live music. Ned’s Club Upstairs will amply supply you with rooftop views, oysters and melon margaritas. Tell me, what more do you need from a staycation? When you’re ready to turn down for the night, soak in the luxurious clawfoot tub before flopping onto the plush bed.” - PureWow Director of Branded Content Cristina Polchinski

For the co*cktail Connoisseur

10. Tribeca: Smyth Tribeca

“At Smyth Tribeca, downtown cool meets refined elegance. The boutique hotel is conveniently right beside the Chambers Street subway stop, featuring 100 rooms over 14 stories. My highlights? The ultra-comfy bed, marble rain shower and fragrant MALIN+GOETZ products. However, the true star is inarguably Smyth Tavern. Don’t be fooled by the name. Fare includes deviled eggs with caviar and a burger with bacon onion jam. I also recommend Galerie Bar. Post up by the fireplace for a cozy date night. My Vesper was perfectly balanced and the stylish co*cktail glasses made me feel like an Old Hollywood star.” - PureWow Senior Editor, Branded Content Kelsey Paine

For the Broadway Junkie

11. Times Square: W Hotel

“From the moment I stepped inside the W, I was instantly transported. The rooms here are surprisingly generous by NYC standards. Though, the real star is the Living Room bar and lounge. The décor pays homage to old New York, complete with neon signs that evoke the heyday of Broadway. Here, you’ll find craft co*cktails and an excellent wine selection. Plus, it becomes quite the nighttime venue, complete with a DJ spinning tunes into the wee hours. Of course, the hotel is also in the heartbeat of the city, so I could walk outside and immediately be surrounded by all the restaurants, bars and theaters to my heart’s content.” - PureWow Vice President News and Entertainment Philip Mutz

The Hidden Gem

12. Greenpoint: The Box House Hotel

  • Address: 77 Box St. Brooklyn, NY 11222
  • Price Per Night: from $308/night
  • Things to Do: see the skyline at Hunter’s Point, Brooklyn Blackout cake at Ovenly, dinner at Madre

Greenpoint is equal parts trendy and chill, offering visitors the chance to soak up as much or as little of the emerging shopping, food and nightlife scenes as they’d like. The Brooklyn neighborhood has always had more of a tight-knit community feel, but that doesn’t mean visitors won’t feel welcome at The Box House Hotel. The individually designed apartment-style rooms will make you feel totally at home. Since many of the rooms have their own kitchenettes and outdoor terraces, you might even be able to make some local friends and invite them over to enjoy a night in a private space.

If you’re not so comfortable in the kitchen, you can pop into one of the neighborhood’s finest dining hot spots, Madre, located at Franklin Guesthouse. With a name meant to evoke the welcoming feeling of home, the menu features fare crafted with local ingredients whenever possible.

Most Affordable

13. Long Island City: Boro Hotel

Craving a little sunlight? How about a bright, airy space to sprawl out in? The Boro Hotel in Long Island City boasts all of that—and some pretty splendid views—right in your room. It rounds things out with a robust library of Strand books available in the lobby to laze about with. Another great perk of staying here: The hotel is pet-friendly, so you don’t even have to find a sitter for your fur baby.

If you haven’t been to Long Island City since that one time you went to PS1, it’s time to explore the evolving New York neighborhood so you can one day squarely say, “I remember when Long Island City…[insert very New York thing to say here].” But in all seriousness, LIC may have escaped the grips of Amazon, but that was never going to slow the pace of all the new restaurants, bars and shops. There are also museums, like the Museum of the Moving Image, that’s much more doable in a day than, say, the Met. And did we mention the stellar views of the Manhattan skyline? You can head over to either Roosevelt Island or Queensbridge Park for some serious views.

The Central Park Enclave

14. Upper West Side: Arthouse Hotel

About a ten-minute walk from Central Park’s 77th Street entrance is Arthouse Hotel, a casual boutique hotel with a decidedly downtown feel. The building’s historic character is juxtaposed with lots of exposed brick and piping, poured concrete steps and communal spaces filled with comfy, tufted sofas, as well as sconces and soft Edison-bulb light, dimmed to create a comfy ambiance.

The rooms tend to be on the smaller side at Arthouse, but that’s OK, because you’ll want to spend most of your time on the rooftop terrace or exploring the neighborhood. Local highlights include Levain Bakery and its all-too-dangerous cookies just steps away, plus the Boat Basin Café and the American Museum of Natural History.

Creative Crash Pad

15. Chelsea: Soho House Hotel

Soho House may be a member’s-only club, but guests of the 44-room hotel can enjoy all the amenities during their stay. There are four styles of rooms to choose from: cozy, small, medium and big. All have a rainforest shower and bathroom stocked with SoHo Skin products, plus bespoke furniture. If you’re not at the spa, sipping co*cktails by the pool, tucking into brunch in the dining room or rubbing shoulders with a roster of creative who’s-whos at a communal table in The Pantry, you’re going to want to get outside. The property is located in the heart of Chelsea, a block from the famous Chelsea Market, Starbucks Reserve, myriad art galleries and other entertainment. (We suggest gallery hopping at Highline Nine.)

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Dan Koday

PUREWOW FREELANCE EDITOR

Dan Koday is a travel and lifestyle writer and editor with 15+ years experience creating content for your favorite websites,print publications and brands. As a native to the NYC...

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The 15 Best Staycations NYC Has to Offer (19)

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Associate SEO Editor

I’ve covered the lifestyle space for the last three years after majoring in journalism (and minoring in French) at Boston University. Talk to me about all things sustainable &amp...

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The 15 Best Staycations NYC Has to Offer (2024)

FAQs

Where to go for a staycation in NYC? ›

'Island' staycation ideas in NYC
  • Take a ferry to Gitano Island. Restaurants. ...
  • Stay at the Rockaway Hotel. Hotels. ...
  • Sample Island Pops. ...
  • Drink at King Tai. ...
  • Escape into the Ford Foundation Atrium. ...
  • Feast at Habana Outpost. ...
  • Party at Gonzalez y Gonzalez. ...
  • Enter the Rogers Garden.
Aug 16, 2023

What is the best hotel website for New York City? ›

Agoda.com is the best website to book your hotel in New York (NY). With Agoda, you can find the best deals on hotels and accommodations in the city. You can choose from a wide range of hotels that cater to all budgets and preferences.

Where is the best place to stay when traveling to New York City? ›

What are the best areas to stay in New York for first-time visitors? For those making their first trip to the Big Apple, staying in Manhattan is highly recommended. It puts you right in the heart of New York, close to major attractions like Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building.

How to choose where to stay in New York? ›

We recommend staying in one of these 5 areas:
  1. Midtown: Ideal for your first visit to New York.
  2. Upper East Side: Ideal for luxury, shopping, and museum lovers.
  3. Chelsea & Greenwich Village: Ideal for New York romantics.
  4. Soho & Lower East Side: Ideal for hipsters and coolhunters.
  5. Queens: Ideal for travelers on a budget.

Where should I go for a staycation? ›

Staycation locations
  • Cropton. North Yorkshire.
  • Forest of Dean. Gloucestershire.
  • Thorpe Forest. Norfolk.
  • Beddgelert. Snowdonia.

Is it cheaper to stay in NYC during the week or weekend? ›

Debbie - Weekday rates are higher in almost EVERY big city. Whether it be London, NYC, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, etc. Business travelers pay full price (usually) and do not travel on weekend so many big city hotels are about empty Friday and Saturday nights. It is only resort areas where weekends are higher.

How to get a free hotel room in NYC? ›

H+H Hotel Referral Process

844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692) Say you need a hotel because you have COVID or were exposed to COVID, and you will speak with a nurse who will begin screening process. May need to leave voicemail. Transfer to hotel can happen within a couple hours of phone call.

Is it cheaper to book directly with hotel or with website? ›

Reality is, hotels tend to offer the best rate when guests book directly with them. At the same time, hotels are very clear about their prices in order to avoid any misunderstandings that might affect the guests' experience. Because of this, when you book directly with a hotel, prices are final and free of hidden fees.

What is the most trusted hotel booking site? ›

You can trust Booking.com hotel reviews because guests can only leave a review after they stay at a hotel.

What is the safest area to stay when visiting NYC? ›

A: Some of the safest neighborhoods in NYC include Battery Park City, Tribeca, Chelsea, and Murray Hill. Those aren't the only ones, though! Read on to explore our other top picks for the safest parts of NYC.

What area should I stay in New York for the first time? ›

If it's your first time in New York (or you have a short trip), stay in Midtown. It's as central as it gets, walkable to Central Park, and full of the unbridled energy that makes NYC special.

Is it better to stay in Midtown or Times Square? ›

Stay in the Time's Square/Theater District neighborhood if you want to be conveniently located to attractions like the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center and also hit a few Broadway shows during your stay.

What's the prettiest part of New York? ›

If you are looking for the best of New York nature, the Adirondack Mountains should be at the top of your list. This gorgeous region spans over six million acres and offers opportunities for everything from camping to wildlife observation.

Which part of NYC is the cheapest to stay in? ›

The Lower East Side of Manhattan

The fact the island is relatively tiny and so densely populated is what makes it so pricey. Some areas are of course more affordable than others though, and one of those is the Lower East Side.

How many days is best to stay in New York? ›

The general consensus? You'll need at least a full three days and two nights to get a taste of everything our city has to offer. Three of the most popular NYC attractions are the Statue of Liberty, The Empire State Building, and Central Park.

Where to go if you want to leave NYC? ›

Do you want to enjoy the same quality of life while running away from high cost of living? The most popular places to move to from NYC are Philadelphia, Florida, California, Washington, and much more.

What neighborhood in NYC should I stay in? ›

The best place to stay in NYC - Midtown Manhattan

Nestled right at the heart of the action, Midtown Manhattan is quite simply the epicenter of the New York experience. Midtown is the place where you'll find most of the city's tallest skyscrapers and is one of the largest central business districts in the world.

How do I plan a weekend trip to NYC? ›

2 days in New York City: a weekend in NYC itinerary
  1. Big Bus New York Sightseeing Tour.
  2. The Guggenheim Museum.
  3. Central Park (free!)
  4. Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum.
  5. 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
  6. Empire State Building.
  7. Times Square (free!)
  8. Museum of Modern Art.

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