Where to Stay in New York

Three Hotels, Three Experiences

Finding the right hotel in New York can make a huge difference to your stay, and sometimes the priorities are very different.

For my own short visit, I chose the Hampton Inn by Hilton New York Times Square. I wanted somewhere comfortable and central, with easy access to the bus station for my onward journey to Newark. It worked perfectly for what I needed — and I particularly loved having breakfast included.

The other two hotels featured here were selected for clients looking for a little more luxury, while still wanting breakfast included. That can be surprisingly difficult to find in New York, especially when you want the right combination of location, comfort, style and value.

These three hotels offer different experiences and price points, but all have one important thing in common — breakfast is included, so you can fuel up before heading out to explore New York! 🗽

Hampton Inn by Hilton New York Times Square

For travellers who want to be right in the heart of Manhattan without paying for unnecessary frills, the Hampton Inn by Hilton New York Times Square⁠ is a great option. Located on West 48th Street, the hotel is just steps from Broadway, next to the James Earl Jones Theatre and within two blocks of Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and Fifth Avenue shopping. Central Park is within a mile, while the subway is just one block away — ideal for exploring more of the city. 

Rooms offer a comfortable base after a busy day sightseeing, with free Wi-Fi, while one of the hotel’s biggest advantages is the complimentary hot buffet breakfast — something that isn’t always easy to find with a centrally located New York hotel. There’s also a lobby bar and the Interlude Rooftop Lounge, where you can enjoy drinks, snacks and panoramic views across the city. 

Why I chose it: I stayed here during my own short visit to New York. My priorities were a central location, comfort and breakfast included, as well as convenient transport for my onward journey to Newark. It suited my trip perfectly — I found it very comfortable and particularly loved being able to start the day with breakfast before heading out to explore.

Great for: Short New York breaks, first-time visitors, sightseeing-packed itineraries and travellers who value location and breakfast over luxury extras.

Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square

For travellers looking for a stylish, modern hotel in an exceptional central location, Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square⁠ is a great step up. Situated at 145 West 47th Street, it puts you right in the heart of Manhattan, close to Times Square and Broadway, with subway stations and bus stops nearby. 

The hotel has more than 650 contemporary rooms, with options ranging from Deluxe rooms to larger family rooms and suites. Some rooms on the higher floors feature large panoramic windows and impressive city views — a lovely way to wake up in New York. There’s also a 24-hour gym, free Wi-Fi, Grab & Go service and a bar with terrace. 

For the clients I selected this hotel for, one of the big attractions was being able to book a bed and breakfast rate. Breakfast is served buffet-style in the Park Avenue restaurant, giving you a substantial start to the day before heading out sightseeing. Vegetarian and gluten-free choices are also available. 

Why I chose it: This was selected for clients wanting something a little more luxurious than a straightforward city base, while still having a fantastic central location and the convenience of breakfast included.

Great for: Couples, families and first-time New York visitors wanting modern accommodation, a prime Manhattan location and a little extra comfort, without moving away from the action.

Sanctuary Hotel New York

For travellers wanting something more intimate, stylish and luxurious, Sanctuary Hotel New York offers a boutique alternative to New York’s larger hotels. Located on West 47th Street between 6th and 7th Avenue, it’s just moments from Times Square and puts Broadway, Rockefeller Center and many of Midtown Manhattan’s attractions within easy reach.

The hotel has a sophisticated European-inspired feel, with comfortable rooms and suites featuring plush bedding, spa-inspired bathrooms, Wi-Fi and premium amenities. Guests also have access to some distinctive dining experiences, including Haven Rooftop, Sushi Lab and Sushi by Bou.

Breakfast can be included as part of your stay, making the Sanctuary an attractive option for travellers who prefer the convenience of starting the day with breakfast before heading out to explore New York.

Why I chose it: This was selected for clients wanting a more luxurious and individual New York experience, while still enjoying a fantastic central location. The boutique atmosphere makes it particularly appealing for travellers who want their hotel to feel like part of the New York experience rather than simply somewhere to sleep.

Great for: Couples, special occasions, theatre breaks and travellers looking for boutique style, a central Times Square location and a little more luxury.

So Many Places to Stay in New York

These are just three examples from the hundreds of hotels available across Manhattan and central New York City. From simple, good-value bases for a sightseeing-packed city break to boutique hotels, familiar international brands and five-star luxury, there are options for almost every style of traveller and budget.

Hotels aren’t the only choice either. Depending on what you’re looking for, we can also check aparthotels, suites and serviced accommodation, which can be particularly useful for families, longer stays or anyone wanting a little more space and flexibility.

One thing that can make comparing New York accommodation more complicated is breakfast. It is often not included in the standard room rate. Some hotels offer both room-only and breakfast-inclusive options, while others may allow breakfast to be added separately or paid for once you’re there.

You don’t need to work all of this out yourself. Tell us what matters to you and we can check the available options, compare what’s included and find accommodation to suit your requirements and budget. If having breakfast included is important, we’ll look specifically for suitable rates and let you know what is available.

The three hotels featured on this page all have the option of breakfast being included, which is one of the reasons we’ve chosen to highlight them. But they’re only a starting point.

Whether your priority is price, location, breakfast, room size, family facilities, proximity to Broadway, a little luxury or simply a comfortable base for exploring, we can search the options and help you find the right place to stay in New York. 🗽