I’ve been researching hotels near Times Square for a trip we’re planning for 2026. It’s a really popular spot, and while many people think of it as expensive, I discovered some places that offer a good value. Based on what I’ve found, even with its reputation for high prices, it’s possible to find places to stay that are not only affordable but also have great reviews for their quality and location. I’m looking for places that give you that classic New York City experience without breaking the bank, which is exactly what I found in these hotels.
Affordable Stays in Times Square
When planning a trip to New York City, finding a place to stay that balances cost with comfort and convenience is key. I’ve looked into several options that are specifically highlighted for being budget-friendly while still offering a positive visitor experience. These hotels are often praised for their excellent locations, making it easy to access famous landmarks and attractions, which is perfect for travelers who want to be in the heart of the action. I’m especially interested in places that feel authentically New York, even if the rooms are smaller than what you might expect back home.
JG Time Hotel by JGSTAY
I came across JG Time Hotel by JGSTAY, which seems to capture the New York City vibe really well. It’s known for its compact rooms, ranging from 100 to 185 square feet. This can give you a real sense of what it’s like to live in a small, efficient space in the city. Travelers have shared that despite the small size, they’ve had very positive experiences. One person mentioned that the room was very clean and the bed was comfortable, and they felt safe in the area, noting that it was also surprisingly quiet at night. This sounds like a good balance for those who want to be in a central location.
The JG Time Hotel is noted for being quite affordable, with some rooms available for as low as $108 per night. While I see it’s ranked fifth on my list, this is partly due to having no elevators and the small room sizes. However, many guests felt that the location and the low price made these minor inconveniences worthwhile. It appears that the clean rooms and nice staff help make up for the lack of an elevator, meaning you get a lot of value for your money here. I think this is a great option for travelers who are focused on experiencing the city rather than spending a lot of time in their hotel room.
Is the JG Time Hotel quiet at night?
Yes, reviews indicate that the hotel is surprisingly quiet at night, which is a significant plus for a location right in the heart of New York City. This is often a concern for people staying near busy tourist areas.
The affordability and the clean, comfortable rooms seem to be the main highlights, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious travelers looking for an authentic city experience.
Pod Times Square
Pod Times Square is another hotel that offers small, affordable rooms, with prices generally between $109 and $139 a night. This place is designed for solo travelers or couples who don’t mind close living spaces. They really lean into being “shamelessly affordable” but still manage to maintain good quality. I saw pictures where guests were able to enjoy impressive city views from their rooms, especially at sunset. This makes even a small room feel more special.
The hotel also features a stylish lobby bar, which sounds like a nice spot to relax after a day of exploring. The rooms are intentionally compact, which fits the idea that many visitors to New York don’t plan to spend much time inside their hotel. Some guests even find the small “pod” rooms to be part of the authentic city experience, comparing it to living in a very small, efficient space. For those who might want a bit more room, they also offer “Pod Pads,” which are more like apartment-style rooms, though they will likely cost more.
What are the room options at Pod Times Square?
Pod Times Square offers small, efficient “pod” rooms, and also larger “Pod Pad” rooms which are more like apartments for those seeking more space.
The design is modern, and the ability to get great city views from some rooms adds a lot of appeal for the price.
Radio City Apartments
Radio City Apartments is located conveniently between Times Square and Rockefeller Center, and it has a real vintage New York feel. Built in 1904, it feels like a step back in time. The decor is classic, and the location is fantastic for visiting major sights. One review mentioned that the location was great for getting to theaters, Times Square, and subway stations, and that the room was clean and spacious, even including a kitchen area with appliances like a stove and refrigerator.
Unlike the smaller pod-style hotels, Radio City Apartments offers more space to spread out, and some rooms even come with full kitchens. I found queen-sized studio rooms for about $152 a night, although most rooms can fluctuate between $200 and $300. The inclusion of a kitchen is a big plus if you plan to prepare some meals yourself, saving money on dining out. The staff are also described as friendly, and the location is really hard to beat for anyone wanting to be close to the heart of Manhattan. It truly feels like a piece of 20th-century New York history.
Do rooms at Radio City Apartments have kitchens?
Yes, many rooms at Radio City Apartments come equipped with kitchen areas that include a full-size refrigerator, stove, microwave oven, and coffee maker.
This feature, combined with the historic charm and excellent location, makes it a unique choice for visitors.
Ameritania Hotel at Times Square
The Ameritania Hotel at Times Square is a strong contender, placing second on my list. The hotel’s entrance is grand, and the interior has a cool, funky red theme that makes you forget you’re paying less than $250 a night. Guests have described it as incredibly clean, charming, and full of character, creating a stylish yet welcoming atmosphere. Rooms start at around $164 per night, offering a range of options for different types of travelers visiting the city.
The service at the Ameritania Hotel is frequently praised. Many guests have mentioned how happy the staff were to accommodate special requests before their arrival. They were helpful with things like holding bags before a flight, which is convenient. The friendliness of the staff at check-in and for answering questions has also been highlighted, with multiple reviews commending their willingness to help. It received a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award in 2024, which speaks to the quality of the experience it offers to visitors. It seems like a place where you feel well taken care of.
For families like mine, knowing that the staff are accommodating can make a big difference when traveling with children. If Emma or Sofia needed something special, it’s reassuring to know we could ask for help. This hotel offers a good combination of style, service, and price, making it a very attractive option.
What makes the Ameritania Hotel stand out?
The Ameritania Hotel is noted for its stylish interior, excellent service from friendly staff, and its overall charming and welcoming atmosphere, complemented by its convenient location.
Receiving a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award further validates the positive experiences of its guests.
Belvedere Hotel
Topping my list for affordable hotels near Times Square is the Belvedere Hotel. You can find rooms here for as low as $135 a night. This place is a 1920s Art Deco boutique hotel, and it offers rooms that are surprisingly spacious for New York City standards. The rooms come with useful amenities like an ironing board, a desk, and even a kitchenette with a fridge and microwave. One guest was particularly impressed with how nice the room was for the price paid, calling it a great value with nicely furnished and roomy accommodations.
Located in Hell’s Kitchen, the Belvedere Hotel is very close to all the famous Times Square attractions. It’s within walking distance to Times Square itself, Radio City Music Hall, and Rockefeller Center. Plus, there are many great places to eat nearby, and subway stations are just a block or two away, making it incredibly easy to get around the city. This central location is a huge advantage for visitors who want to maximize their sightseeing time and minimize travel hassle. I think this hotel really hits the mark for combining affordability, good amenities, and an unbeatable location for exploring.
What are the room amenities at the Belvedere Hotel?
Rooms at the Belvedere Hotel typically include convenient amenities such as an ironing board, a desk, and a kitchenette equipped with a fridge and microwave.
Its spaciousness and location in Hell’s Kitchen make it an excellent choice for visitors looking for both comfort and accessibility.
Planning Your Stay
When I’m looking at hotels for our family trips, I always consider where we’ll be staying and how easy it will be to get to the places we want to visit. For New York City, staying near Times Square seems like a great way to be close to so many famous sights like Broadway shows and Central Park, which are must-sees for us. I’ve found that many of these hotels, even the affordable ones, offer good value and are well-regarded by guests for their cleanliness and service. I’m focusing on places that make it easy for you to get around and enjoy everything the city has to offer, especially when traveling with kids.
I’m also keeping in mind that prices can change, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the rates closer to when you plan to travel. The information I gathered is based on research done recently, aiming to find places that offer a solid experience at a reasonable cost. I believe that even on a budget, you can have a wonderful and memorable trip to New York City. For a broader overview of planning your visit to NYC, you can explore our full New York City travel guide for more tips.
What is the best way to find affordable hotels in NYC?
I found that looking for hotels slightly outside the most immediate tourist hotspots, or focusing on those that offer compact rooms or kitchenettes, can lead to significant savings. Reading recent reviews is also crucial to ensure you’re getting good value and service.
Checking prices on various booking sites and directly with the hotel can also help you secure the best rate for your stay in 2026.
