Cheap Hotels in New York: 3-Star Stays Worth Booking

There's no shortage of 3-star hotels in New York, but not all of them have facilities worth the money. In fact, tread carefully, because some are genuinely terrible!

If you want centrally located accommodation in New York at reasonable prices, keep reading, because here's a list of five 3-star hotels in New York that tick those boxes and then some.

5 three-star hotels in New York

1. The Flat NYC (Our pick)

No beating around the bush: the best thing about The Flat NYC is the price. Guests recommend it for the great location and the excellent service from the staff. It's well worth it, even though there's no elevator and not every room has a private bathroom.

Why do we like The Flat NYC?

1. It's one of the cheapest options among 3-star hotels in New York.
2. It sits right in the middle of Manhattan, 250 meters from the Flatiron Building and 200 meters from the 23rd Street subway station.
3. The front desk staff are genuinely friendly, and they speak Spanish!
4. There's free bottled water and coffee 24 hours a day.
5. Guests have rated it 9.6 for trips of two people.

2. Fairfield Inn by Marriott New York Manhattan/Financial District

The Fairfield Inn by Marriott New York Manhattan/Financial District is a 3-star hotel that feels like a four-star. For starters, every room has a private bathroom, and some have lovely views across the East River toward Brooklyn.

The hotel has its own bar, a restaurant, a gym (open 24 hours), WiFi and free luggage storage. It's also very well located in the Financial District, 150 meters from the South Street Seaport Museum and about a 10-minute walk from the Brooklyn Bridge.

Our verdict: this hotel is a real bargain in terms of value for money. The front desk staff also speak several languages, including Spanish, which matters if you're looking for Spanish-speaking hotels in New York.

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3. Pod 39

Of all the things going for Pod 39, its location in the heart of Manhattan stands out, a 5-minute walk from Grand Central Terminal. You can't beat that, since New York's main train station is an attraction in its own right.

Young and modern in style, it works whether you're traveling solo, as a couple or with a group of friends. The rooms are small but practical. They include a decent-sized private bathroom, and you can choose a twin bed, a queen or a room with bunk beds.

Amenities include a common area with pool and ping-pong tables, plus a bar serving food and cocktails every day. You can bring your own food if you prefer.

The Mexican restaurant will also surprise you (guests rave about the tacos), as will the charming rooftop, where you can grab a drink while taking in the city lights.

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4. Holiday Inn Express New York City Chelsea

The Holiday Inn Express Chelsea has several things going for it. For one, it's in the fascinating neighborhood of Chelsea, barely 300 meters from Madison Square Garden and two blocks from the elevated High Line Park. You can also walk to the Empire State in 10 minutes.

And like other hotels in New York with breakfast included, you won't have to pay extra for the first meal of the day.

If one thing stands out about the rooms, it's how big they are. With an average of 23 m² and good-sized beds, you can stretch out and rest properly. The style is classic and traditional but exceptionally comfortable.

If you like this part of New York, take a look at these other hotels in Chelsea.

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5. Courtyard by Marriott New York World Trade Center Area

You could say this hotel is about as central as it gets, right in the heart of the Financial District. It's 200 meters from the World Trade Center (Ground Zero) and close to Battery Park, a pretty park where the ferries to the Statue of Liberty depart. On top of that, the Rector Street subway station is practically at the front door,

Guests single out the friendly staff, the comfort and cleanliness of the rooms, and the breakfasts and dinners served in the hotel restaurant. And if your body is asking for a workout, on top of all that walking around New York, there's a fully equipped gym.

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Best 3-star hotels in New York City

• The Flat NYC – From €161
• Fairfield Inn by Marriott New York Manhattan/Financial District – From €177
• Pod 39 – From €187
• Holiday Inn Express New York City Chelsea – From €238
• Courtyard by Marriott New York World Trade Center Area – From €191