The Best Cheap New York Hotels That Are Affordable AND Stylish

Destinations, Hostels, Hotels, Inspiration, Stays

Updated: July 4, 2025

The Best Cheap New York Hotels

Hotels in New York can be really expensive – but do they need to be?

Fortunately, the answer is no. In fact, there’s a growing trend of budget to mid-range hotels that are really stepping up to deliver not only on price but on style too meaning that your cheap trip to New York doesn’t need to be spent in 1 star accommodation with a 5.6 rating.

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If this sounds like what you’re after, scroll on for the ones that have caught my eye in Manhattan and look out for those that I’ve been to in person to check out for you.

When's the best time to visit New York on a budget?

Since it is one of the most visited cities in the world, travelling in peak times does mean that the price can go up significantly – even in cheaper hotels – so if you’re really hoping to do New York on a budget, when you go is key.

Whilst things might be a bit chilly, January and February are often the cheapest and ahead of the summer holidays, there are still plenty of deals to be had. After the peak summer months, October and November offer better value too but if you’re hoping to be in New York for December… Well, you better get saving now!

All the prices displayed below reflect the best price found from March 2022 including all taxes and fees but when I booked for February 2022, I found several of these for between £55 – £100 a night.

The Best Cheap Hotels in Manhattan

Of the 5 boroughs in New York City, Manhattan is easily the most well known and most visited.

It’s a great area if you haven’t visited the city before and want to see all the top tourist attractions – the Empire State Building, Central Park, a Broadway show – however this can impact the price and in some parts, your ability to experience what it’s like to live in New York as a local.

Travellers often flock to Times Square – and there are some great options in the area – but be open minded to staying elsewhere too. Remember, you can still visit – you just don’t need to stay!

The Jane Hotel

West Village, Manhattan

For what The Jane Hotel lacks in space, it makes up in bags of character and history. Plan to not stay in more than to sleep – the ballroom, cafe and rooftop bar are all good excuses to leave your cabin but check to see if they’re open when you’re staying.

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Pod Hotels

Times Square, Murray Hill & Midtown East, Manhattan

Don’t mind a small space but a private bathroom is a must? Then Pod Times Square may be for you. They also have 3 other outposts in New York (though watch out for shared bathrooms at Pod 51!) so make sure to check out their other locations and scroll down to see my stay in Pod Brooklyn.

YOTEL

Times Square, Murray Hill & Midtown East, Manhattan

If your favourite part of your holiday is the airport, you’re going to love YOTEL – they even call their staff cabin crew! But what caught my attention was the Yobot – the world’s first robotic luggage concierge service. Get a Solo to save money or a Premium Queen for more space.

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UNTITLED at 3 Freeman Alley

Bowery, Manhattan

There are more than 208 of these minimalistic but trendy rooms at Untitled at 3 Freeman Alley. Choose from double, queen and king rooms, some with a little more space than others. Prices start at £155 a night and you get a continental breakfast included.

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CIVILIAN Hotel

Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan

I fell in love with the boutique feel of CIVILIAN Hotel‘s rooms that prove that just because they’re petite, they don’t have to spare on the glamour! Their optional add ons like house keeping and fast Wi-Fi mean you can pay for just what you need – perfect if you’re on a budget. This is accessible luxury! You’re right in the middle of things – near Times Square, but it’s a nice retreat from the chaos. Their rooftop bar is lovely and there’s live jazz some nights here too – don’t forget to leave!

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Freehand New York

Flatiron District, Manhattan

I stayed at the Freehand New York on my trip in February 2022 and I absolutely loved the location and its cosy interiors which had bags of character. It has solo and bunk rooms too – and 2 beautiful bars, a cafe and a connecting restaurant.

Please note I'd stay in this room for 3 nights at this point!

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citizenM

Times Square & Bowery, Manhattan

citizenM is a great go to brand for good value in cities all over the world and New York is no exception! I particularly like that both have a rooftop bar with incredible views.

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Moxy

Times Square, Chelsea, East Village & Downtown, Manhattan

I was lucky enough to check out both the Moxy Times Square and Moxy East Village and both blew me away with how stylish they are and their fantastic guest spaces – they’re a step up from their European Moxy counterparts! Check out both of their amazing roof terraces, or check out Downtown for the cheapest rates.

About Chelsea Dickenson

Chelsea Dickenson is the founder of Holiday Expert and a UK travel expert known for helping people travel smarter without overspending. Trusted by over 1 million followers across her social platforms, Chelsea’s known for not only sharing helpful travel advice, but testing out travel hacks and those deals that seem too good to be true.

As well as her social content online, you can find Chelsea on the sofa on This Morning as one of their regular travel experts, and writing for the Metro in her monthly column – as well as popping up as a guest expert across other media publications.

She also keeps followers updated with topical articles on Holiday Expert, the best deals on her weekly newsletter and the most interesting travel stories on her podcast, The Holiday Expert Show.

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The Best Cheap New York Hotels That Are Affordable AND Stylish

The Best Cheap New York Hotels

When's the best time to visit New York on a budget?