The best cheap hotels in New York City

Opened in 1907 as the American Seaman’s Friend Society Sailors Home, this 14-story landmark was a residential hotel when Eric Goode and Sean MacPherson took it over and renovated it. The wood-paneled rooms were inspired by vintage train sleeper compartments—there’s a bed (or bunk bed) with built-in storage and brass hooks for hanging up your clothes. No en suite, however, which is reserved for the Captain’s Cabins, along with iHome docks and wall-mounted TVs. Very much the vibe you'd expect in prime trendy Meatpacking District accommodation. There's also the Old Rose, which you can grab good local produce cooked Italian style bite across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night dining, alongside local craft beers on tap, and natural wines. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk too, so you can really experience the city that doesn't sleep.

Mood? Old-world charm.
Location perks? Nestled in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan.
Budget range? Very budget-friendly. 
Time Out tip: Don't stay without visiting the The Whitney. This huge museum of American art is only two blocks from The Jane and boasts a jaw-dropping 15,000-strong collection.

With a name so heavily imbued with history and character, you won't be surprised to discover that The Harlem Flophouse is a darkly atmospheric Victorian townhouse. Much of the decor has been kept as such too, so stepping through the door at the top of the stone stairs is a little like stepping back in time (the website looks old-school too!). You're in good company too, as each of the rooms is named after artistic greats of Harlem past, such as Thelonious Monk and Chester Himes, jazzy. While the location is fairly north of central NYC, the lights and the music is just a short subway ride away, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby. The idea was to make this a European-style guesthouse but also an inexpensive alternative to typical NYC hotels, they succeeded.

Mood? Historic appeal. 
Location perks? In the heart of Harlem.
Budget range? A fantastic deal.
Time Out tip: While the heart of NYC is a short subway away, you are right by Colombia University and the world-famous Paris Blues jazz club.

Not one bargain, but two: the Pod hotel group has two midtown locations for you. Both of which are in its signature style, hip yet inexpensive. If you want to be among it all, Pod 51 is the place to book. The rooms themselves have everything you need (including desks, free Wi-Fi, TVs, and a rain shower.) With six pod choices to pick from, the rooms can fit anywhere between one and four guests, so bring your mates if you want. In the hotel, you'll also find a lively café for good slow coffee mornings and a rooftop deck suited for sunbathing and shmoozing. The other spot is Pod 39, and that's very much the same, except it's in the less congested lower midtown.

Mood? Modern vibes.
Location perks? Sip a drink on the rooftop terrace as skyscrapers and the city skyline surround you. 
Budget range? Very well priced. 
Time Out tip: You'll be just a couple blocks from the booming bright lights of Times Square, so you can afford to take in this overwhelmingly bustling attraction in stages.

This Upper West Side hostel has an awesome location: you’re right by Broadway Street and a short ten-minute wander all the way to Central Park. So the positioning is excellent: what about the hostel itself? Well, you’re in a good place there, too. It’s a hostel in the truest sense of the word, so that means dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms, but it’s got a reputation for cleanliness and top-notch services throughout. And if you’re looking for some orchestrated fun? Oh, and there’s free wifi throughout.

Mood? Backpacker life.
Location perks? On the Upper West Side, a 10-minute walk from Central Park.
Budget range? Pricey for a dorm bed.
Time Out tip: HI NYC puts on activities for its guests, including pub crawls and quiz nights.

This is another cheap NYC hotel with an excellent location. It’s right on the southwestern tip of Central Park, so you’ve got the whole park right on your doorstep, with Hell’s Kitchen and Midtown within very easy reach. You can share to keep the costs down or you can have one to yourself for just a little more. There’s also a massive fitness center if you want to look after yourself or pay a bit of physical penance after really enjoying the New York nightlife. 

Mood? Cheap and cheerful.
Location perks? Within easy walking distance from Central Park. Bliss.
Budget range? Cost-effective.
Time Out tip: Speaking of nightlife, The Empire is just up the road. So you can save money by staying at the YMCA, but party it up in luxury four-star at The Empire Rooftop, the hotel's bar which has a retractable cover, so you can drink (and drink in the view) from the terrace in all terrains.