5 tips for choosing a good hotel in New York

I’m sharing this article for good reason: in early November 2017, a young couple on vacation in New York posted a cry for help in our Facebook group Destination New York. Sophie and her friend had booked the Blue Moon Hotel, which turned out to be absolutely dreadful: “It’s a disaster!” Sophie said. “It’s a dorm with cockroaches!!!!” Fortunately, thanks to the group’s support, they found a much better hotel and enjoyed New York. To help you avoid the same nightmare, here are my 5 tips.

1/ Follow recommended hotels

• To choose a good hotel with confidence, start with the list of recommended hotels in New York. This list includes hotels that have received excellent feedback from our team and forum members. It covers everything from 2-star to 5-star properties to suit all budgets.
• The list is updated regularly as new feedback comes in.

2/ Read reviews

• Before booking, search online to see what other travelers say about a hotel. You can find reviews from Forum New York members in the New York hotel reviews section.
• If you can’t find reviews for a hotel you’re interested in, post a question on the forum in the Questions before traveling to New York section.

3/ Be wary of prices that seem too low

• In New York hotels, the rule is straightforward: higher prices generally mean better quality, and vice versa. A $50-per-night hotel simply cannot offer the same amenities as a $150-per-night hotel. If a price seems unusually low, something is probably wrong.
• Compare prices to get a sense of the market at the time you’re booking. This helps you see how hotels stack up against each other.

4/ Choose a good location

• For a great stay in New York, choose your hotel’s location carefully. If this is your first visit, I strongly recommend staying in Manhattan, the heart of New York.
• Staying in Manhattan has two big advantages: you’ll be in the center of the action with New York right outside your door, and thanks to Manhattan’s dense subway network, you’ll always be close to a subway station. Perfect for exploring the city.

5/ Contact the hotel if you have questions

• If you’re unsure about a hotel you’re considering, contact the front desk by email or phone. This lets you clear up any concerns about the bathroom, views, or location. Better safe than sorry. If the hotel can’t answer your questions, be cautious.
• When you contact the hotel in advance, you can also request a room that matches your preferences—a high floor, a view, or a quiet location.

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