Discover NYC's Best Hotels for Under $500 a Night

Central Park, Bow Bridge

New York City is undoubtedly one of my favorite destinations! Having lived there for seven years, I might be a little biased, but NYC remains one of my top destination bookings from clients. Visiting the city in November offers a unique experience: crisp autumn air, vibrant fall foliage in iconic spots like Central Park, and the exciting start of the holiday season. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, shop at festive holiday markets, and explore world-class museums and Broadway shows.

As an expert in NYC travel, I've compiled a list of hotels that offer stylish rooms, excellent service, and prime locations—all for under $500 per night (excluding peak holiday rates). Check out the list below, and let's chat to get you traveling! I’ll help you find the perfect hotel to suit your needs and make your NYC trip unforgettable.

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The Roxy

Image courtesy of The Roxy Hotel New York

The Roxy is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to immerse themselves in New York City's culture right from their hotel! Its blend of art, music, and stylish amenities makes it a unique destination, especially for travelers who enjoy live jazz and cinematic experiences. With its speakeasy jazz club ambiance, the Django truly captures that intimate, underground NYC vibe, perfect for music lovers.

Image courtesy of The Roxy Hotel New York

The location in TriBeCa is also spot-on, giving you easy access to SoHo's shopping scene and local eateries like The Odeon. It’s also close to meaningful landmarks, like the 9/11 Museum, adding a well-rounded cultural experience to the stay. The Roxy’s room decor and in-room amenities like the Smeg mini-fridge and Nespresso machine only elevate the experience, making it a stylish yet comfortable choice.

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Hotel Edison Times Square

Image courtesy of Hotel Edison Times Square

Hotel Edison is a classic choice for travelers who want to be in the center of the action in Times Square. Its proximity to Broadway makes it a top pick for theater enthusiasts, and with multiple subway lines nearby, it’s easy to venture out to different neighborhoods. The Art Deco touches add a nostalgic elegance, while features like outdoor terraces in select rooms and in-room work desks make it versatile for all types of stays, from leisurely to business-focused.

Image courtesy of Hotel Edison Times Square

The perks here go beyond the rooms—the complimentary wine hours and walking tours are thoughtful touches, enhancing the NYC experience without added costs. Plus, on-site dining options are impressive: Friedmans offers Broadway lovers a bit of theatrical charm, Bond 45 serves comforting Italian favorites, and The Rum House provides a cozy spot to unwind with live jazz.

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The Evelyn

Image courtesy of The Evelyn Hotel

The Evelyn is a charming retreat in NoMad, offering easy access to some of Manhattan's most iconic spots while capturing the neighborhood's sophisticated vibe. Its location near Madison Square Park is ideal for those looking to explore local favorites like Eataly or make a quick trip to landmarks like the Empire State Building and Union Square.

The Art Nouveau-inspired decor in both the rooms and common areas lends a unique, stylish touch. Rooms are thoughtfully appointed with work desks, minibars, and cozy bathrobes, ideal for both relaxation and productivity. As with its sister property, Hotel Edison, guests can enjoy complimentary wine hours and walking tours, adding an inviting social element to the stay.

Image courtesy of The Evelyn Hotel

The Tusk Bar’s rich decor creates an intimate ambiance for evening cocktails, while Brass offers upscale dining with a side of live jazz, giving guests multiple ways to unwind right within the hotel. This blend of culture, convenience, and style makes The Evelyn a standout option in the NoMad area.

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Soho Grand Hotel

Image courtesy of Soho Grand Hotel

The Soho Grand perfectly captures SoHo’s chic, artistic vibe, making it a fantastic choice for travelers who want a mix of luxury, culture, and convenience. Its prime location, just steps from the subway and a short walk from both SoHo's shopping scene and TriBeCa’s renowned restaurants puts some of the city’s best offerings right at guests' fingertips.

The rooms here are stylishly appointed, blending modern comfort with nostalgic touches like leather headboards and brass accents, giving them a warm, vintage feel. Thoughtful amenities like Tivoli Bluetooth radios, Nespresso machines, and motorized blackout shades add a layer of luxury to the experience.

Image courtesy of Soho Grand Hotel

For socializing and entertainment, the Grand Bar and Salon are perfect for meeting friends, and the Club Room’s live music events offer an intimate venue for nightlife. The seasonal garden terrace is an inviting outdoor space for warmer days, while the on-site diner adds convenience. The hotel’s art exhibits, featuring rotating collections, reflect SoHo’s creative spirit, making it feel like both a hotel and an art experience.

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11 Howard

Image courtesy of 11Howard

11 Howard is a refined, understated choice for travelers seeking SoHo’s style and sophistication with easy access to the rest of Manhattan. Its prime location makes it easy to explore nearby cultural highlights like the Banksy Museum or take a short walk south to historic City Hall.

The hotel’s design is a perfect blend of minimalism and warmth, with airy rooms featuring a soothing neutral palette, pale hardwood floors, and soft, brushed brass accents. Scandinavian-inspired decor, like the soft pink blanket throws, adds a cozy yet modern touch, while amenities such as an in-room tablet and work area enhance comfort and convenience.

Image courtesy of 11Howard

After a day out, the blond bar's plush, velvet-lined ambiance offers a great spot to unwind, while Le Coucou, renowned for its French cuisine, brings a refined dining experience right to guests. For a more casual bite, La Rubia serves delicious options all day, adding to 11 Howard’s thoughtful selection of dining. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who appreciate elegant, understated luxury and SoHo’s creative energy.

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Gild Hall, A Thompson Hotel

Image courtesy of Gild Hall

Gild Hall brings a cozy, refined feel to the Financial District, offering an atmosphere that feels like a cross between a boutique hotel and a classic library. The lobby, with its tufted leather seating and bookshelves, creates a warm and inviting space that’s perfect for socializing or relaxing. It flows seamlessly into Felice, a lively Italian bistro with delicious Tuscan-inspired dishes and a wine list that invites you to linger. La Soffitta, the wine bar upstairs, offers a more intimate setting with curated vintages and small bites, making it a great spot for winding down in style.

Rooms at Gild Hall echo this sophisticated, warm style, with leather headboards, brass lighting, and tiled bathrooms featuring marble floors. Convenient in-room amenities like work desks and well-stocked minibars add to the comfort, making it a versatile option for both leisure and business stays.

Image courtesy of Gild Hall

The hotel’s location on a quieter street in the Financial District is perfect for guests who want easy access to Lower Manhattan attractions like South Street Seaport’s Tin Building, the 9/11 Museum, and ferry access to Liberty Island. For Broadway or uptown adventures, the subway is conveniently nearby. Gild Hall is an ideal base for those looking to explore Lower Manhattan while enjoying a stylish, cozy retreat.

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