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Original poster

Hotel VS Air BnB for NYC?

18 replies

FuzzySock · 20/07/2023 21:12

Going to NYC this December for a week with DH and we’ve priced a hotel at just over 2k. We could opt for airbnb for the week for around 700 but it’s a 40 min tube ride away in Brooklyn. For reference the hotel is about a 10 min tube ride from Times Square and about a 35 min walk. What would you do? Is it worth paying an extra 1k or so for the convenience? Would we spend a lot on public transport if we stayed in Brooklyn annoy way? Anyone got any experience? Much appreciated!

OP posts:
chipsandpeas · 20/07/2023 21:14

air bnb is pretty much illegal in new york, its only legal if sharing with the owner present

Beautifulsunflowers · 20/07/2023 21:20

We stayed in an Airbnb in New Jersey, it was a 2 minute walk to the bus stop and a 20 min journey straight into port authority bus terminal, the longest we waited for a bus was 5 mins. It was fabulous. The view from the other side of the river was incredible as you get to see the whole nyc skyline.
The host was amazing and picked us up from the airport and took us back again for only $50.
NYC is quite expensive for food and drinks and activities so to save a bit by staying just outside was well worth it.

budgiegirl · 20/07/2023 21:51

It can be well worth staying in Brooklyn or New Jersey, we stayed in a hotel near the PATH station in Jersey City, it was a quick and easy trip over to Manhattan, and we saved a fortune. It also meant that eating out in the evening was cheaper, as we ate in Jersey City, at some great little restaurants that were much less expensive than the equivalents on Manhattan.

However, please do check out the legality of AirBnBs in Brooklyn, you don't want to turn up and not be able to use your accommodation.

HundredMilesAnHour · 20/07/2023 21:55

These are the NYC (so obviously that includes Brooklyn) laws governing short term rentals (STR):

  • Hosts are prohibited from renting out their entire home as an STR, even if one owns or lives in the building. When renting a private room in an apartment or home as an STR, the host must be present during the stay.
  • NYS Multiple Dwelling Law prohibits short-term rentals in buildings with three or more units.
  • New York City Building Code prohibits short-term leasing in one and two family homes.
  • In order to have short-term (less than 30 days) guests, a property owner or renter should take note of the following:
  • 1. You must be present during your guests’ stay if it is for less than 30 days and share your apartment or home.
  • 2. You may have up to two paying guests staying in your household for fewer than 30 days, only if every guest has free and unobstructed access to every room and each exit within the apartment.
  • 3. Internal doors cannot have key locks that allow guests to leave and lock their rooms behind them. All occupants need to maintain a common household, which means, among other things, that every member of the family and all guests have access to all parts of the dwelling unit. Internal doors with such key locks create barriers to escaping in an emergency and may result in the issuance of a temporary vacate order.
ithinkicanithinkican · 20/07/2023 22:44

We were just there and stayed in a lovely historic house in Brooklyn. I find Manhattan very noisy at night, and expensive! We bought an unlimited 7-day subway pass for less than £30.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 21/07/2023 07:01

FuzzySock

i would stay in a hotel as there have been many such reported issues re Airbnb and it’s illegality in NYC and the 5 boroughs. Airbnb do not ever check the veracity of such listings either so it is buyer beware.

The NYC metro is both run down and in dire need of investment. You also do not want a 40 minute plus commute in and out of Manhattan every day, cheap is not always cheerful.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 21/07/2023 07:03

New York City is expensive anyway due to demand. Many people from all over the world go there and it is very much a year round destination.

reluctantbrit · 21/07/2023 08:32

It's December in NY, it will be expensive. As others say, AirBnB is a really difficult issue and I wouldn't trust it.
I also wouldn't want to commute each day during rush hour, I have this in London and don't fancy it for my holiday.

We decided for a Manhattan hotel as we want to have the freedom to have short walks and also the opportunity to go back for a rest if things get too much for DD.

Original poster
FuzzySock · 21/07/2023 08:33

Thanks everyone, hotel it is! 😃

OP posts:
gogomoto · 21/07/2023 08:45

The subway was absolutely fine by the way, buses are good too

bestbefore · 21/07/2023 09:04

Also don't stress about being near Times Square, it's not very nice!! I agree it's a central point but there's so many hotels there I'd look around a but more

budgiegirl · 21/07/2023 16:13

I also wouldn't want to commute each day during rush hour, I have this in London and don't fancy it for my holiday

I can't say what it's like from Brooklyn, as I haven't done it, but the journey from Jersey City was easy and quick, both during rush hour in the week, and at weekends. It was definitely worth it for the money saved.

cheezncrackers · 21/07/2023 16:17

We go regularly and have done lots of different things over the years. One year we got an Airbnb in Jersey City and jumped on the PATH train to Manhattan and it was really easy and much cheaper than staying in Manhattan. I know what you mean about the cost of hotels - even the most basic, bog-standard hotel is hundreds of dollars per room per night. We've never stayed in Brooklyn, but again if you can find a good deal there I would absolutely stay there and jump on the subway, whether it's a much more reasonably priced hotel or some kind of apartment stay.

Oopsydaisydo · 21/07/2023 16:38

Try Radio City Apartments - it’s an aparthotel near Times Sq, so you have your own kitchen so can self cater. But still have 24 hour reception etc. Shabby decor but very clean and very central, a short walk to Central Park, Rockerfeller etc, would recommend this as a compromise between Airbnb and a hotel.

HundredMilesAnHour · 21/07/2023 16:44

I've stayed in Brooklyn a lot as I had friends who lived there (I used to work in NYC). It's a faff to get into Manhattan. Fine for me when I'm just hanging out with friends but not ideal if you're doing more touristy stuff and have limited time. My friends moved to Staten Island (and upstate NY) which I draw the line at so now I just book hotels in Manhattan instead, and do 'day visits' by schlepping over to them on the commuter express coaches.

OlliestronI · 25/03/2024 14:23

That sounds like a fun trip ahead! Considering your options, staying closer to Times Square might offer more convenience, especially if you're planning to explore Manhattan extensively. However, staying in Brooklyn could provide a more local experience and potentially save some bucks.
Before making a decision, think about your itinerary, transportation costs, and what kind of neighborhood vibe you prefer. If you're up for a bit of adventure and don't mind the commute, exploring Brooklyn could add an interesting twist to your NYC experience.
Feel free to check out https://tripsavannah.com/savannah-activities for recommendations on activities and attractions in both areas to help you make the best choice for your trip!

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