Best Affordable Hotels in Manhattan

No doubt, affordable lodging in New York can be difficult to find. To put it mildly, given the dearth of hotel rooms and the "average" room charge of $275 per night.

Thankfully, there are a few lodging options outside expensive hotels. Yes, you'll typically have to forgo facilities like private bathrooms and elevators, but if saving money is your top concern, the following locations are all spotless, practical, comfortable, and a great bargain compared to typical hotel costs in New York City.

Here are some of our top picks for inexpensive lodging in Manhattan. Hopefully, you'll have a chance to join one of our New York sightseeing excursions while you're here.

Top 7+ Best Affordable Hotels in Manhattan

In this guide, we’ve scoured the heart of New York City to bring you the Top 7+ Best Affordable Hotels in Manhattan. Each hotel on our list has been handpicked for its unique blend of affordability, comfort, accessibility, and excellent service.

Whether you’re a solo explorer, a family on vacation, or a business traveler, you’ll find an option that caters to your needs without stretching your budget.

So, let’s dive in and discover the hidden gems of Manhattan that promise a memorable stay without the hefty price tag.

1. YMCAs

Three Manhattan YMCAs (such as the one depicted at the top) provide guest rooms that are an excellent value even though they aren't hotels.

Each fantastic site has little individual rooms (some with bunk beds) that share enormous, spotless bathrooms, and it is extremely clean and secure. 

Free WiFi and access to the fitness center are additional benefits, and everyone is near to the subway. Prices start at $82.

2. Hotel 17

This modest hotel is a steal because of its prime Gramercy location (three blocks east of Union Square and the subway). 

The rooms, which are all rather small and start at $79 for a single (and go up to $175 for a triple), all have communal bathrooms. The hotel has favorable Yelp reviews from guests in spite of its gaudy decor.   

3. St. Mark’s Hotel

This hotel is located on the rialto of the East Village, close to the West Village and the subway and surrounded by hip restaurants, stores, and tattoo and piercing parlors. 

Although there is no elevator and the rooms are extremely small and basic, the prices range from $95 to $145, making it an unquestionably good deal.  

4. Americana Inn

Budget accommodations in Midtown are convenient to Fifth Avenue, the Empire State Building, Macy's, Times Square, and a number of subway stops. 

There are kitchenettes and communal restrooms on each floor, along with modestly sized rooms. Prices start at $147 for singles and $225 for doubles.

5. The Jane

This waterfront hotel has been totally refurbished and features trendy décor at the end of a picturesque cobblestone street in the West Village. The tiny regular and bunk bed "cabins" have common bathrooms and are styled after ship cabins. 

Larger "Captain's cabins" have private bathrooms. Free wifi and bicycle rental are provided as amenities. The tiny cabins start at $99 per night.

6. The Pod Hotel

An outdoor café, bar/lounge, and rooftop garden are just a few of the fantastic common areas offered by this stylish, practical Midtown East hotel. Cozy "pods" (rooms) with a combination of private and shared bathrooms are available. 

Each has safes, free wifi, and LCD TVs. Prices start at $75 and differ greatly depending on the season. In Murray Hill, a brand-new Pod Hotel debuted in 2012.   

7. Carlton Arms Hotel

There are 54 rooms in this hotel, and each one is decorated with a unique theme and painting. 

Rates start at $70, and weekly rates are also available, despite the absence of an elevator and the fact that many rooms share bathrooms. Although far from fancy, it offers a distinctive New York experience.   

8. Hotel Mulberry

On Expedia, this hotel receives a 9/10 "wonderful" rating. This is a fantastic choice to take into consideration if you're looking for a cheap hotel in Lower Manhattan because it's about 500 meters from Little Italy.

Many downtown attractions are very close to our hotel. They offer excellent, welcoming personnel, high-speed Wi-Fi, bespoke, handcrafted furniture, and a kettle with free coffee in each room. Terraced areas with city views are also available at the hotel. The rate stands at $289.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which well-known sights are around Hotel 17?

ZTrend (0.3 miles), Barnes & Noble (0.3 miles), and Gramercy Park (0.2 miles) are some of the nearby attractions.

How far is The Pod hotel from New York City's downtown?

The distance to New York's center from the Pod Hotel is 1.1 miles.

What time may guests check in and out of the Fabulous 4 Bedroom New York City Manhattan Duplex?

The Fabulous 4 Bedroom New York City Manhattan Duplex 8 Guest accepts check-ins starting at 15:00 and check-outs until 10:00.

Conclusion - Best Affordable Hotels in Manhattan

When visiting Manhattan, there are many stunning, cozy, and reasonably priced hotels where you can stay. Simply go through the list of hotels that are highlighted to make your selection. 

Sure, you can always have a home away from home without spending so much of breaking the bank.