The 15 best cheap hotels in NYC

This century-old landmark is one of NYC’s most iconic properties. The hipster haven has a storied past visible through its vintage aesthetic. The hotel was once a temporary abode for survivors of the Titanic and the rooms have been restored to look like ship cabins. The antique, manually operated elevator run by classically uniformed bellhops adds to the charm and the rooms exude a dreamy Wes Anderson quality. Choices include tiny retro-inspired bunk bedrooms with shared bathrooms, larger dwellings with peacock-patterned wallpaper, and captain’s cabins with private terraces.

Mood? Old world charm.
Location perks? In the Meatpacking District of Manhattan.

As the only hotel on Roosevelt Island, the Graduate has so much to offer. From the on-site restaurant and bar garden to the fitness and business centers, this great (but cheap) hotel in NYC is a winner for those on a budget. Enjoy room service in your air-conditioned room with a TV before joining the continental breakfast served every morning – sadly not included in the room rate but totally worth it. The best part? The surrounding outdoor deck with panoramic views of the Hudson and New York City.

Mood? Bespoke design.
Location perks? On Roosevelt Island... yep, really.

Billed as 'Manhattan's famous art hotel', The Carlton Arms Art Project started in the late 1970s when a small group of creative types brought fresh paint and new ideas to a run-down shelter. Today, the site is a bohemian backpackers’ paradise and live-in gallery—every room, bathroom and hallway is festooned with outré artwork. The place gets booked early, so reserve well in advance.

Mood? Eclectic energy.
Location perks? Walking distance from Madison Square Park. 

Formerly the New Mills Hotel, the boutique Moxy Times Square proves you can have it all—affordability, comfort and style. Relax in a Yabu Pushelberg-designed room thoughtfully outfitted with 100 per cent Egyptian cotton linens and an oversize walk-in rain shower. Once recharged, head to one of five in-house dining spaces—we recommend a sunset cocktail at Magic Hour, New York’s largest all-season indoor-outdoor hotel rooftop bar and lounge featuring a rotating carousel, putt-putt golf course, topiary garden and stunning views of the Empire State Building.

Mood? Modern and central. 
Location perks? Seconds from Times Square. 

Located in the heart of Manhattan, the Millennium Broadway offers guests a front-row seat to the endless action of Times Square. The glitz and glamour of Broadway is so close you can actually access the Hudson Theater via the hotel lobby. Keep an eye out for special packages that include tickets to the current show.

Sitting in the middle between a true bargain and top-end luxury, this Fifth Avenue hotel has several nice perks that will make your trip feel a bit special, while still staying within the ‘affordable’ bracket. We rate the heritage-inspired décor of the rooms, with statement dark colour choices and shiny wood. There’s a full-sized Starbucks onsite for when you need that morning boost, plus some excellent only-in-NYC views.

Mood? Urban, fast-paced and buzzy.

Location perks? Right next door to the Empire State Building – a pretty good landmark to find your way home by, right?

The dark-wood interior, moody lighting and lilting jazz music make musician René Calvo’s Harlem inn feel more like a 1930s speakeasy than a 21st-century B&B. The airy suites, named for Harlem Renaissance figures such as Chester Himes and Cozy Cole, have restored tin ceilings, a quirky mix of junk-store furnishings and working sinks in original antique cabinets.

Mood? Historic home vibes.
Location perks? In the heart of Harlem.

When people think of pod hotels, they’re usually talking about Tokyo – but NYC has them too. The perfect choice for those that are conscious about budget but not about space, Pod 51 offers a choice of six pod types that sleep between one and four guests. It’s all exceptionally clean and well-designed, featuring trendy décor and a surprisingly large number of amenities. Sure, you’re in a big box, but that doesn’t mean your big box can’t still be comfortable and have a flatscreen TV, WiFi, desk and more.

Mood? Contemporary design. 
Location perks? In Midtown East.

Achieve serenity without breaking the bank at this wellness-minded hotel located within walking distance of the Brooklyn Bridge. In addition to the expansive in-house fitness studio, each room is complete with its own training zone, fitness kit, revitalizing spa shower and natural eucalyptus linens.

Mood? Cheap and cheerful.
Location perks? Situated in downtown Brooklyn.

At this Brooklyn hotel, hospitality and sustainability converge. Wake up to environmentally friendly touches like organic linens, recycled teak furniture and all-natural bath products. The eco-consciousness extends into the mini-bar, which comes stocked with locally handcrafted wines, spirits and snacks.

Mood? Traveler vibes.
Location perks? In the BoCoCa neighborhood.

Firmly claiming the title of "oldest operating hotel in New York City", this Broome Street spot once welcomed the likes of William Waldorf Astor and John L. Sullivan. A contemporary makeover has left some rooms with skylights, a yellow-and-blue color scheme, flat-screen TVs, exposed brick walls, and hardwood floors, but it still retains some of that 1805 charm.

Mood? Classic NYC loft energy.
Location perks? In the heart of – you guessed it – Soho.

Booking a hotel that doesn’t compromise your long-term savings plans doesn’t have to mean ending up far, far away from everything you want to see and do. The La Quinta by Wyndham is bang in the heart of the action, offering you a Midtown location right near Times Square. The rooms are more fresh-looking with a small nod towards style and aesthetics. There’s a great little snack bar and a kid-friendly buffet to enjoy on site, but really this place’s biggest selling point is its excellent location – go forth and explore!

Mood? A comfy, clean crash pad with a few nice extras.

Location perks? Head to nearby MOMA for a culture fix.

If you want to be central, you can't get much more central than literal Times Square. And you'll be pleased to know it won't bust the bank either. You can get a standard room for close to $100, which is unheard of in this area, unless you're sharing a dorm. For your money, you get three-star accommodation (so fewer frills), but that includes free wifi and a 24-hour front desk. Plus, you can get a cheap bang-up breakfast at Connolly's Irish Pub next door.

Mood? Maximalist charm.
Location perks? It's literally steps from all the action of Times Square.

Now, if you really want to stretch your budget as far as it can go while still getting the most out of your stay in NYC then Hi New York City is a no-brainer. Situated in the Upper West Side, a short stroll from Central Park and everyone's guilty pleasure, Dunkin' donuts, the hostel is a great base for the solo traveler and groups alike. To accommodate everyone's needs, the hostel offers a selection of single-sex and mixed dorms, and while we'll admit the rooms are quite snug they are clean which is key in our books - the beds are decent too. Comfy sheets aside, this place is a social hub and that's what we like about it. No need to be cooped up in your dorm with a coffee, when there's a terrace, snack bar, and shared lounge where you can enjoy a game of Billiards. 

Mood? Backpacking haven. 

Location perks? The neighborhood is relatively safe and sits super close to the subway, making it easy to hop on and head to popular attractions like the Rockefeller Center and the Empire State. 

Not what you'd expect on a budget, huh? We were pleasantly surprised too when we stumbled across Radio Hotel. Right off the bat, it has to be said that this place is pretty neat. From the outside, it looks a bit like a giant tower of Lego, and the fun (we assure you) continues inside too. Everything from the lobby right through snazzy block-colored furnishings and clever storage space is a mood. The best part? Rooms are affordably priced starting from $140 a night. 

Mood? Tres chic 
Location perks? On-site restaurant, fitness center, garden, terrace, and room service.