These hotels typically range from $120 to $250 per night depending on season, location, and availability, and offer exceptional value through central locations, clean rooms, strong safety standards, and modern amenities.
Jump directly to hotel details:
- Pod Times Square
- Hotel St. James
- Freehand New York
- The Jane Hotel
- citizenM Bowery
- YOTEL New York Times Square
- Arlo SoHo
- Moxy NYC Times Square
- Holiday Inn Express Manhattan
- Row NYC
Best booking platforms:
Booking.com |
Agoda |
Expedia |
Hotels.com |
Tripadvisor |
Kayak
Key Takeaways From My Personal NYC Budget Hotel Experience
After spending multiple trips testing budget hotels across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and SoHo, I learned something surprising. Budget hotels in New York City do not mean low quality.
In fact, some of the best travel experiences I had came from smaller, smartly designed hotels with excellent locations.
- Budget hotels in NYC typically cost between $120 and $250 per night
- Location matters more than room size in New York City
- Times Square, SoHo, and Lower Manhattan offer the best value for tourists
- Pod-style hotels offer exceptional value for solo travelers
- Booking at least 6 weeks early can reduce prices by up to 35 percent
- Midweek stays are significantly cheaper than weekends
As one traveler told me during my stay at Pod Times Square, “I saved over $800 compared to luxury hotels and still walked everywhere.”
Pod Times Square: Best Overall Budget Hotel in NYC
This is the first budget hotel I personally stayed in in New York City, and it completely changed my expectations.
Pod Times Square offers ultra-efficient rooms that are compact but beautifully designed.
Average price: $140 to $220 per night
Rating: 8.5 out of 10 on Booking.com
Official website: thepodhotel.com
Phone: +1 844 763 7666
Why this hotel stands out:
- Walking distance to Times Square in under 5 minutes
- Exceptionally clean and modern rooms
- Safe neighborhood even late at night
- Strong WiFi suitable for remote work
My experience: The check-in process took less than 2 minutes. The room was small but intelligently designed with storage under the bed and modern lighting.
Hotel St. James: Best Classic Budget Hotel Near Times Square
Hotel St. James is one of the best-kept secrets in Manhattan. Located just steps from Times Square, this hotel offers unmatched value for its location.
Price range: $130 to $200 per night
Rating: 8.7 on Tripadvisor
Official website: hotelstjames.net
Email: reservations@hotelstjames.net
Why I recommend it:
- Extremely central location
- Large rooms compared to NYC standards
- Excellent safety and cleanliness
- Family-friendly environment
One guest review perfectly summarized it: “Best location in Manhattan for the price. Everything was walkable.”
Freehand New York: Best Budget Hotel for Young Travelers and Creatives
Freehand New York combines affordability with artistic design. The hotel has a vibrant atmosphere and offers both private rooms and shared accommodations.
Price: $120 to $210 per night
Official website: freehandhotels.com
Booking platform: Expedia
Highlights:
- Beautiful interior design
- Popular rooftop bar
- Great social atmosphere
- Excellent location near Flatiron District
More Excellent Budget Hotels Worth Booking
citizenM Bowery
Price range: $160 to $240 per night
Official website: citizenm.com
Modern, tech-focused hotel with luxury features at budget prices.
YOTEL Times Square
Price range: $170 to $230 per night
Book here: Hotels.com
Compact futuristic rooms with a great location.
Arlo SoHo
Price range: $180 to $250 per night
Booking: Agoda
Stylish micro rooms with rooftop views.
Moxy NYC Times Square
Price range: $160 to $240 per night
Booking: Booking.com
Trendy hotel with excellent amenities.
Holiday Inn Express Manhattan
Price range: $150 to $220 per night
Booking: Expedia
Reliable brand with free breakfast.
Row NYC
Price range: $140 to $200 per night
Booking: Tripadvisor
Budget-friendly hotel in Times Square.
Frequently Asked Questions About Budget Hotels in New York City
What is the average cost of a budget hotel in NYC?
Budget hotels in New York City typically cost between $120 and $250 per night depending on the season and location.
Which area is best for budget hotels in NYC?
Times Square, Lower Manhattan, and Midtown offer the best balance of price, safety, and accessibility.
Are budget hotels safe in New York City?
Yes. Most budget hotels in Manhattan are extremely safe and located in well-monitored areas.
When is the cheapest time to book hotels in NYC?
January, February, and early March offer the lowest hotel prices.
Final Expert Tip
From my personal experience, Pod Times Square and Hotel St. James offer the best overall value. Booking early using platforms like
Booking.com,
Agoda, or
Expedia can reduce costs significantly.