10 Trendy Hotels in New York City with Rooms Under $300 a Night

Not long ago, budget hotels in New York evoked images of bedbugs, thin walls, and flickering bulbs. That changed with the arrival of places like Ace Hotel New York, Archer Hotel, and Hoxton Williamsburg, which provide stylish rooms at affordable rates, complete with trendy amenities and top-tier dining options that even locals adore.

Nowadays, New York boasts a variety of reasonably priced hotels, from favorites like Freehand New York and Arlo SoHo to newcomers like Ace Hotel Brooklyn and Graduate Roosevelt Island. Whether you prioritize a chic room, a vibrant atmosphere, or just a great price, these 10 budget-friendly hotels in NYC guarantee value without skimping on quality.

Ace Hotel Brooklyn

Twelve years after Ace Hotel redefined Manhattan’s NoMad area as a must-visit location, the brand launched its second NYC property in the summer of 2021, located at the border of Brooklyn’s Boerum Hill neighborhood and Downtown Brooklyn. This 13-story structure, crafted from scratch, showcases a striking concrete brutalist facade designed by Roman and Williams. Inside, elements like green leather sofas, wooden accents, and textile art introduce warmth to the raw concrete pillars and ceilings throughout the expansive lobby and the 287 guest rooms.

The ground-floor restaurant, As You Are, draws inspiration from Brooklyn’s diverse culinary scene, offering dishes such as sea trout crudo paired with beets and grilled pork topped with a spiced coconut-onion relish. Be sure to stop by the bakery counter in the morning for a pastel de nata or a warm biscuit to accompany your coffee. If you need to venture into Manhattan, the A/C train at Hoyt Schermerhorn is just a block away.

Arlo SoHo

Just steps from premier shopping, historic architecture, and a vibrant array of bars and restaurants, Arlo SoHo is a go-to choice for both spontaneous bookings and long-awaited escapes. With 322 rooms in a variety of configurations (city king, bunk room, two twins with a terrace), the hotel caters to the needs of travelers while maximizing tight spaces through smart design and a sleek, minimalist style. The brand's other NYC locations—Arlo NoMad and Arlo Midtown—feature similar rates for those seeking accommodations in those areas.

Virgin Hotel

Richard Branson’s quirky and stylish approach to urban hotels made its debut in NYC in February 2023, further enriching the already vibrant NoMad neighborhood (with the Ned, Ritz-Carlton, and the original Ace just around the corner, alongside a variety of budget options).

What distinguishes the Virgin is its signature attitude. Playful and edgy from top to bottom, the hotel features bold red accents, expansive windows, and a spacious bar-restaurant that boasts a large outdoor patio with DJs or live music almost every night.

Upstairs, the 460 “chambers” (which include 39 one-bedroom suites and a penthouse suite known as Sir Richard’s Flat) are compact yet ingeniously designed. In a standard room, a rolling barn-style door separates the sleeping area from the entryway, which also serves as the vanity and sink space; the headboard of the bed extends a couple of feet beyond the mattress, transitioning into a cozy couch.

A guests-only outdoor pool (naturally adjacent to a chic bar), an impressive art collection of over 100 pieces (featuring a lobby mural titled “Where’s Richard?” reminiscent of Where’s Waldo), a spa anticipated to open in December 2023, and a plush, 70s-inspired lounge known as the Shag Room encapsulate Branson's unique flair, making this Virgin addition feel distinctly New York while echoing the vibe of swinging London.

Made Hotel

This NoMad hotel was designed with a community of discerning, trendsetting travelers in mind. Notably, the upscale urban design by studio MAI incorporates raw-bronze shelving, sumptuous fabrics, and hand-carved benches in a thoughtfully planned layout that optimizes space. Made Hotel, developed by the Devli Group, also caters to guests’ needs with a range of venues, including the neighborhood coffee shop Paper and the tapas restaurant Debajo, as well as the rooftop bar Good Behavior.

Graduate Roosevelt Island

While many locals and visitors previously had little reason to explore Roosevelt Island, the 2021 debut of Graduate Hotels’ first NYC location near Cornell Tech’s campus is sure to change that. This narrow island in the East River, nestled between Midtown Manhattan and Long Island City in Queens, is now a must-visit. Like Graduate’s other boutique hotels in college towns across the U.S. and U.K., the 224-room Graduate Roosevelt Island reflects its local community with a blend of quirky and futuristic design. A towering 13-foot statue of artist Hebru Brantley’s Flyboy greets guests at the check-in desk, while the rooms are adorned with technological touches, such as lamp bases featuring Morse code of the Cornell fight song and neon light fixtures inspired by a Cornell alum’s science project.

On the 18th floor, the rooftop Panorama Room offers stunning views of New York City. The striking neon and acrylic chandelier above the bar is just the beginning; the lounge's standout feature is its wall of windows that opens up to create an indoor-outdoor experience, providing unobstructed vistas of the skyline. Not sure how to reach it? You have several options, including the F train, the East River Ferry, and the Roosevelt Island Tram. If you’re taking an Uber from LGA, you can arrive at the Graduate in under 20 minutes without traffic.

Freehand New York

The Freehand New York showcases midcentury-modern design by Roman and Williams, a plethora of artwork created by Bard College students and alumni, and an abundance of greenery. With five distinct categories of guest rooms, including options like bunk beds and the unique “Three’s Company” (a bunk bed over a queen-size bed), every group can find stylish accommodations without straining their budget. While visiting, enjoy a meal at the cozy ground-floor restaurant Comodo (open daily), which serves Latin dishes such as wild mushroom tacos and trout ceviche tostadas, or head to the vibrant rooftop bar Broken Shaker (open Tuesday–Saturday) for drinks with a spectacular view.

Moxy NYC Chelsea

At the Moxy NYC Chelsea, the 350 rooms boast innovative, space-efficient designs by the Yabu Pushelberg firm, featuring foldable furniture that can be stored on wall hooks when not in use, freeing up floor space. Additional luxurious touches in these compact areas include rain showers, high-speed complimentary Wi-Fi, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of the iconic skyline.

The hotel’s entertainment appeal is amplified at the Fleur Room, a rooftop bar on the 35th floor providing panoramic views of Manhattan, with the Empire State Building directly to the north and the Statue of Liberty to the south. Conceptualized by the Rockwell Group, the bar embraces a botanical theme that pays homage to the nearby Flower District, featuring lounge chairs in floral upholstery and real flowers encased in resin high-top tables.

Archer Hotel New York

The concept of making compact spaces feel indulgent defines the Archer Hotel, a beloved Midtown destination just two blocks south of Bryant Park. This includes luxurious five-star linens, subway-tiled bathrooms, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the lively fashion district below. The hotel’s dining options are equally impressive: enjoy a casual bite and drink at the ground-floor AKB hotel bar, or sip cocktails with stunning views of the Empire State Building at the 22nd-floor Spyglass Rooftop Bar.

The Hoxton Williamsburg

Set within the historic Rosenwach Water Tank Company factory, the Hoxton Williamsburg draws inspiration from its vibrant neighborhood. The 175 rooms feature locally crafted ceramics and books thoughtfully curated by local residents.

In addition to Brooklyn-inspired details, a midcentury urban style takes center stage, featuring brass accents, mohair headboards, raw concrete ceilings, and subway-tiled showers. This chic design vision by the Ennismore and Soho House teams extends to public areas like Laser Wolf, an Israeli shipudiya (skewer house) where guests can savor hummus and lamb kofta while taking in views of the New York skyline.

citizenM New York Bowery

This European affordable luxury brand made its debut in 2018 with its second New York property located amidst the vibrant bars, restaurants, and boutiques of the Lower East Side (the first is in Times Square). Here, guests enjoy a cozy, living-room-style lobby with a café and workspaces, along with a rooftop bar that offers panoramic skyline views. Floor-to-ceiling windows create an airy atmosphere in the compact guest rooms, complemented by extra-large king beds, invigorating rain showers, and complimentary movies and Wi-Fi for maximum comfort.

This article was initially published online in 2017 and has been updated most recently on September 21, 2023, to reflect the latest information.