Top 10 Cheapest Hotels in New York City Under $100/Night
New York City may be one of the most iconic travel destinations in the USA, but it’s also infamous for its hotel prices—yet savvy travelers know that the city still offers some hidden gems in the realm of cheap hotels of USA that deliver both affordability and a great location.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the top 10 cheapest hotels in New York City under $100 per night or close to it—perfect choices if you're hunting for truly budget-friendly stays and want to boost your blog content with rich, location-based, value-driven content that resonates with searchers using similar keywords like cheap hotels in NYC, budget hotels USA, and affordable stays.
1. International Student Center Hostel (Upper West Side) – This hostel is perhaps the most affordable lodging close to Central Park, offering dorm beds from around $40 per night—making it a standout among cheap hotels of USA. The location on the Upper West Side means you’re just steps away from Central Park’s leafy promenades and iconic landmarks like the American Museum of Natural History.
Nearby restaurants include casual bakeries and diners serving hearty American breakfast. You’re also close to subway lines (B/C at 86th Street) providing quick transportation to Times Square,
Broadway, and the Upper East Side. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is about 10 miles away, accessible by bus and subway combination. The location attracts young travelers, students, and budget-conscious visitors who love the neighborhood’s vibrant local vibe and affordability, making this hostel a must-consider entry in your roundup of cheap hotels of USA.
2. Pod Times Square (Midtown Manhattan) – Part of the “Pod” hotel chain known for smart, compact rooms under the PodLife ethos, Pod Times Square keeps costs low by offering small but cleverly designed rooms, with rates hovering around the $100 mark if booked in advance or via deals—still among the top cheap hotels in NYC. Located on 42nd Street, guests can walk to Times Square, Bryant Park, and Grand Central within minutes.
Nearby eateries range from dollar-slice pizza joints to budget-friendly diners. Transit access is exemplary—multiple subway lines at Times Square–42nd Street as well as Port Authority. From JFK, it’s approximately 17 miles via taxi or AirTrain plus subway. Visitors love it because it’s a premium Midtown location at wallet-friendly prices—exactly what people searching for cheap hotels of USA need.
3. Cassa Hotel 45th Street (Theater District) – A boutique yet still affordable stay located inside a historic Broadway theater building, Cassa Hotel features minimalist modern rooms often priced below $100 when hotel deals are available via EuroCheapo, ranking it among the rare cheap hotels in NYC under $100.
It’s tucked just off Times Square, so you’re within walking distance to Broadway theatres, 5th Avenue shopping, and Hell’s Kitchen restaurants. The subway at 42nd Street–Bryant Park is a short walk, giving access across the city. JFK is around 17 miles.
Guests love the theatrical heritage, central location, and wallet-smart pricing—a prime entry for any list focusing on cheap hotels of USA.
4. HI New York City Hostel (Upper West Side & Harlem) – Not a hotel but a highly rated hostel with dorm-style lodging and private rooms available. Rates start around $100 for shared rooms—making it noteworthy among budget stays in NYC and relevant for seekers of cheap hotels of USA who may select affordable lodgings even beyond traditional hotels.
It sits near Central Park and museums, close to cafes and budget eateries. Subways (1/2/3 at 103rd Street) connect you downtown fast. LaGuardia Airport is roughly 9 miles away. Travelers love the social vibe, clean facilities, free WiFi, and unbeatable price for a Manhattan base.
5. Pod Hotel (Murray Hill/Brooklyn) – Another of the Pod Hotels chain, especially their Midtown and Brooklyn locations provide modern micro rooms under $100 when booked early.
The Brooklyn location, though slightly outside Manhattan, offers a roof terrace, lounges, and café. Both options feature easy access to Manhattan via subway—Murray Hill near Grand Central (4/5/6) or Brooklyn near Williamsburg (L train). Airport connections vary but around 15–20 miles. These are smart, stylish, and affordable—some of the best cheap hotels of USA blended with social spaces.
6. Now Now Hotel (Bowery) – A transformed Bowery flophouse turned into a sleek, minimalist “sleeper-cabin” hotel, starting at around $125 per night, so slightly above $100 but still a bargain compared to NYC averages around $417, making it one of the most affordable chic options in the city for design-minded budget seekers searching for cheap hotels of USA.
The tiny cabins come with quality linens, sound machines, and shared baths, located in trendy Lower East Side/Bowery. Close to local cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and nightlife. Subway (F/M at Delancey, J/M/Z at Bowery) bring you across the city swiftly. JFK is about 15 miles, accessible by taxi or shuttle. People love its minimalist comfort, affordable pricing, and edgy design—a standout among budget hotels.
7. The Civilian Hotel (Near Broadway, West 48th Street) – Noted as a modern, budget-friendly hotel near Broadway, The Civilian offers compact, cleverly designed rooms styled like actor’s dressing rooms. While current rates cited at around £188 (~$230), promotional packages or off-season deals could potentially dip closer to $100—making it worth mentioning for blog readers searching for cheap hotels in the USA with theater-district access.
The hotel offers perks like the Rosevale Kitchen and rooftop lounge, no resort fees, and customizable packages to save costs. Its location puts you steps from Times Square, multiple subway lines, and Midtown’s shopping and dining, plus easy transfer to airport via shuttle or train. Travelers love its theatrical ambiance, flexibility, value—aligning with the search intent for affordable, stylish New York stays.
8. International Student Center Hostel—again hostels — Since actual hotels under $100 are rare, doubling up with hostels like International Student Center helps emphasize real cheap hotels in NYC for readers who prioritize price.
But for variety, consider another budget lodging: WashJef Hotel or Belvedere (near Times Square), recommended by travelers on Reddit as cheap options near that price point—they may come closer to $100 if deals are found, especially for solo travelers. These budget hotels often offer clean basic rooms and central location. Subways, restaurants, and Times Square are within walking distance.
9. Jane Hotel (West Village) – Though rates usually exceed $100, some basic cabins historically have gone lower in slow seasons. The Jane is a historic budget hotel and once cost-effective, located in West Village near the High Line, Meatpacking District, and Whitney Museum.
Close to Path at 9th Street and 14th Street–6 Avenue, it puts travelers near trendy food spots and shopping. Airport transport is longer but manageable. Featuring nostalgic charm and affordable legacy pricing, it’s often cited among cheap hotels of USA for its unique character.
10. Best Western Premier Herald Square (Midtown) – Often available just under or near $100 with discounts or points: located near Herald Square, Empire State Building, and shopping around 5th Avenue. Part of a recognized chain, offering basic comforts, sometimes breakfast included. Subway at 34th Street–Herald Sq connects everywhere. Many travelers searching for cheap hotels USA pick chain hotels for reliability when prices fall into budget range.
Each of these options reflects different approaches to cheap hotels in NYC—from hostels to micro-hotels to creative redesigns—all aiming at affordability, strong location, and traveler-friendly amenities. Though strictly under $100 is increasingly rare, especially post-2024 pricing, these selections highlight where budget-conscious visitors stand the best chance to find deals under or near that benchmark.
To help with SEO and hit similar keyword searches, make sure each hotel section repeats terms like cheap hotel New York City, budget-friendly stays USA, affordable hotels NYC, and cheap hotels of USA in natural ways—for example: “Pod Times Square is one of the top cheap hotels in New York City, offering affordable stays that appeal to readers searching for cheap hotels of USA in Midtown Manhattan.”
Quick summary of key highlights for each hotel/hostel:
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International Student Center Hostel: dorm beds ~$40, location Upper West Side, near Central Park, transit, budget eateries.
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Pod Times Square: micro rooms ~$100, Midtown, very central, transit access, ideal for travelers hunting cheap hotels in NYC.
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Cassa Hotel 45th Street: boutique budget under $100 deals, Theater District, historic building, walkable to Broadway.
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HI New York City Hostel: dorms near Central Park, social vibe, under $100, access to museums.
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Pod Hotel (Murray Hill/Brooklyn): modern micro rooms under $100, Midtown/Brooklyn, terraces and lounges.
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Now Now Hotel: cabin-style rooms ~$125, Lower East Side, trendy yet affordable for design travelers.
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The Civilian Hotel: compact theatrical rooms, packages might approach $100, prime Midtown location.
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WashJef or Belvedere (via Reddit tip): possible ~$100, near Times Square, basic, central.
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Jane Hotel: historic, overhead pricing but legacy cheap value, West Village.
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Best Western Premier Herald Square: chain reliability, sometimes under $100 with promos, excellent location.
