The best affordable hotels in New York City

13.08.2020 21:55

Price is usually always a deciding factor in some regard when it comes to booking hotels, and prices in New York can surge dramatically based on the season. However, traveling on a budget doesn't have to mean compromising on the quality.
As New York eases into Phase 4 of reopening following lockdowns due to COVID-19, many hotels are welcoming guests again, but with updated cleaning policies and procedures, which we've noted below.
We rounded up some of the best affordable hotels in New York City, based on properties we stayed at, toured, and personally vetted. They are all priced between $100 and $200 for standard entry-level rooms in low season. If you don't mind sacrificing on space, you'll save big on costs.
Read more: Is it safe to stay in a hotel right now? An infectious disease doctor, a cleaning expert, and hotel reps all share what you should know before you check-in

When I travel, one of my favorite feelings is knowing I got a great deal and managed to stay somewhere special for a cheap price. It almost feels like harboring a secret.

And while I also firmly believe that you get what you pay for in life, some hotels really are just nicely-appointed and well-priced and accessible to the modern traveler — so long as you're savvy in booking, i.e., reading our reviews and booking in advance to secure the best deal.

As hotels in New York City reopen following shutdowns due to the novel coronavirus, most travelers are prioritizing safety and looking for nearby getaways within driving distance. And some New Yorkers who have spent the last few months cooped up in small apartments may be looking for an affordable weekend staycation just for a change of pace.

With safety top of mind, most major hotel brands, and even many boutique hotels, have implemented new cleaning procedures. We've noted new policies for each listing below, but it's always a good idea to read up on new standards for yourself as well before making any bookings.

It's also important to understand the risks associated with travel, and hotels specifically right now. Without a vaccine, there is no guarantee of safety and we always recommend following guidelines from organizations such as the CDC and WHO.

You'll also want to assess your own risk factors and check state and government guidelines before making any travel plans. Keep in mind that New York currently has a 14-day quarantine in place for any travelers coming from a lengthy list of 36 states. That list continues to evolve and change frequently, so check the latest regulations here before traveling.

Need more New York hotel inspiration? Click on a link below to jump directly to all our coverage of the best hotels in New York City.

With all that in mind, if you are planning a stay in New York, hotels in the city can be notoriously expensive, especially in high seasons like fall. Typically, the cheapest hotels are run-of-the-mill, standard chain offerings where a room is just a place to rest your head, rather than a real gem.

Except for those on this list. Our best affordable hotels in New York City are located in central neighborhoods, rated three stars or higher, offer experiential amenities and interesting design, and nice rooms that make good use of a smaller space. They're also priced under $200 to start in low seasons like winter.

And to ensure you don't encounter a case of get-what-you-pay-for-blues, we stayed at, toured, and researched each hotel on this list and carefully selected the final picks. Every hotel on this list is three stars or higher, has a minimum Trip Advisor rating of four or above, and is reasonably priced between $100 and $200 for standard rooms in low season.

These are the best affordable hotels in New York City to book in 2020, sorted by price from low to high:

Arlo SoHo

Jen Gushue/Business Insider

Book Arlo SoHo starting at $104 per night

Arlo SoHo has made it cool to book tiny hotel rooms, popularizing the trend of micro hotels where quarters barely measure 150 square feet. Sure, the bathroom is nearly reachable from your pillow, but the cozy nook beds are actually places where you'll want to curl up and hit snooze. Cheapest options include bunk bed, queen, or king options, that range in price depending on the view, and the time of year.

Plus, what it lacks in size, Arlo makes up for with fun common spaces including four bars, an on-site restaurant, co-working space, rooftop lounge, and a seasonal courtyard. And, it starts at only $103 in slower months, which a great deal for typically expensive SoHo.

Pros: Cheap prices and cool SoHo location.

Cons: The room sizes can feel shockingly small and bathrooms lack privacy, so, prepare yourself.

COVID-19 policies: All Arlo hotels have a Rest Assured policy that includes:

Mobile check-in/check-out via the Arlo app.
Housekeeping services will only be provided upon request in stay-over rooms.
Guest rooms will remain vacant a minimum of 24 hours.
Clorox360 Antimicrobial fogging sanitizing & cleaning system will be used in all guest rooms just prior to releasing the rooms for sale.
Read more here.

Read our full hotel review of Arlo SoHo

Ace Hotel New York

Jen Gushue

Book Ace Hotel New York starting at $113 per night

Ace Hotels have long established themselves as a cool and also affordable boutique offering, with outposts in cities like Portland, Palm Springs, Seattle and more. Rooms are minimal and small (which keeps prices low) with the focus on common spaces that invite guests to linger and mingle.

The New York location is equally hip with industrial-meets-masculine decor. The lobby is bustling with creative types who camp out with laptops, and on-site food, drink, and shopping are all top-notch. Single, small, or bunk-bed rooms offer the cheapest rates. Never mind the smaller quarters, the real scene is happening outside the room anyway.

Pros: The hip Ace brand reputation delivers on cool factor with excellent on-site stores and eateries that may very well keep you on-property your whole stay.

Cons: Rooms are indeed small, especially bunk bed options, and some show wear and tear.

COVID-19 policies: The Ace Hotel has implemented new policies that include:

All staff and guests must wear face coverings in public areas and masks are available for guests.
Implementing deep cleaning and sanitation of public spaces on an hourly schedule.
Guest rooms are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized and then sealed for your safety for a minimum of 24 hours prior to the next guest arrival to allow for proper deep cleaning.
Limiting the number of reservations and safely distancing occupied rooms.
Read more here.

Read our full hotel review of Ace New York

Freehand New York

Connie Chen/Business Insider

Book Freehand New York starting at $149 per night

The Freehand New York is a good pick for budget-conscious travelers who still want serious style, as well as convenience and personality. It also feels more in the know than the similar concept presented at Ace Hotels.

Art-filled accommodations are steeped in character and prices are especially reasonable if you select a bunk bed room or standard offering. Rooms still feel fairly new, too.

Pros: This hotel is hip and cool with excellent on-site food and drink.

Cons: Outside noise bleeds into rooms and may make sleep difficult if you're sensitive to it.

COVID-19 policies: The Freehand hotel brand has implemented new policies across all properties that include:

Online check-in options.
All food and beverage offerings will be grab-and-go.
Masks and other hygiene products are available for purchase in travel shops and vending machines.
Deep cleaning increased throughout the hotels.
Read more here.