The Big Apple is one of the world’s ultimate city break destinations with more boutique shopping, hip and cool New York Hotels, art and sightseeing than you could possibly dream for. Unfortunately – like most major capital cities – it’s also notoriously expensive. So for those without endlessly deep pockets, we have selected the best and coolest budget hotels in New York.

Travellers Tip: Try to book your NYC budget hotel as far in advance as possible and don’t plan your visit at peak times, this is to ensure you’ll get the best price. You’ll also find the popular lower priced hotels in New York get booked up very quickly.

The Evelyn – art deco budget boutique

Formally known as The Gershwin, the former shabby chic art hotel has had a complete revamp. The three-star hotel still has a budget focus, the same funky bright red facade and a fabulous location in the heart of the ultra-trendy Flatiron District but with newly renovated rooms and a slightly more hipster style. Now you can expect more upscale interiors at the highly rated The Evelyn with a cool edge, original artwork and more mod cons. Standard rooms come with rainfall showers, the suites have whirlpool tubs but handily there is still the shared dormitory option for those on a tighter budget. A pretty fabulous all-rounder!

• Prices from $100 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for The Evelyn

The Jane – bellhops and stuffed monkeys

Once home to salty sailors and Titanic survivors, the highly rated The Jane Hotel is a living work of art. A true (budget) boutique hotel, its rooms are designed as ship’s cabins and are small but perfectly formed. All the rooms are equipped with wireless internet, a flat-screen TV and a safe, and are decorated in warm colours and period furnishings. The Jane is located in the ultra trendy Meat Packing District – just a short walk from Soho and Chelsea. Take advantage of the free bicycle hire on site, dine in the pretty Cafe Gitane, and be sure to tip the immaculately dressed bellhop!

• Prices from $90 per night.
• Check prices and availability for The Jane

Pod 51 – join the Pod culture revolution

The Pod prides itself on being a hip, affordable New York City hotel, and its central location and chic decor makes it a great choice for budget NYC visitors. Only a mile away from the iconic Rockefeller Center, and within strolling distance of Midtown East’s quirky shopping district, the highly rated Pod 51 Hotel is a modern, funky and colourful residence which is easily one of the best budget hotels New York can offer. Choose from single, double or bunk bed Pods (rooms) and enjoy flatscreen TV, free WiFi and dimmable mood lighting. For those on a tight budget, there are dorm rooms with shared bathrooms. Don’t forget to check out the on-site restaurant for tasty organic food.

• Prices from $89 per night.
• Check prices and availability for Pod 51 Hotel

Broadway Hotel – popular and central

Well loved and often talked about, the highly rated Broadway Hotel and Hostel caters for travellers on a limited budget. It features both private and dorm-style rooms, and is located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, just 4 blocks from Central Park. Decorated in a boutique Asian style, all the rooms feature flat-screen TVs, air conditioning and an iPod dock. The dorm rooms are also well equipped and have shared bathroom facilities. Close to the underground and within easy reach of all Manhattan has to offer, The Broadway is a great budget place to stay in New York.

• Prices from $45 per night.
• Check prices and availability for Broadway Hotel and Hostel

Sohotel – stylish budget boutique

Lower East Side’s highly rated Sohotel is located a stones-throw from Little Italy – a vibrant Manhattan neighbourhood which offers plenty of dining options. This is an outstanding budget boutique New York hotel which offers a good choice of room types (all decorated to a high standard) with the usual modern facilities you’d expect from a boutique hotel, but the without the designer price tag. The dark woods, exposed brickwork and animal print furnishings make for a glamorous stay, especially in the Regency Plus room which features a marble bath suite.

• Prices from $115 per night.
• Check prices and availability for Sohotel

Hotel Edison – nostalgic Art Deco in Times Square

Housed in an impressive 1931 Art Deco building, history buffs will love the fact that the hotel is named after Thomas Edison (who turned on the lights when it first opened). Hotel Edison has both a striking exterior – all bold lines and curved edges and a classic elegant interior. It also happens to enjoy an excellent central location based only a few steps away from the razzmatazz of Broadway and Times Square. Expect well turned out en-suite bedrooms, internet access and even a classy piano bar all for a price which won’t break the bank.

• Prices from $110 per night.
• Check prices and availability for Hotel Edison

YOTEL – futuristic Tokyo style fun

We’ve all heard of the fun food chain YO! Sushi now you can stay at the hotel equivalent! The highly rated YOTEL is a super futuristic, funky place to lay your head but without the humongous price tag. Aiming to fit into the affordable but different niche, this fun place is located in an equally as fun location – Times Square. Expect innovative technology including motorised beds (which transform into sofas), a funky’ techno wall’ with flat screen TV, a work desk with iPod connectivity and handily free WiFi and local phone calls. Other unique features include an automated check-in and a self-service galley on each floor.

• Prices from $120 a night.
• To check prices or availability for YOTEL

Carlton Arms – arty, quirky and fun

New York is known for its forward-thinking creativity and the highly rated Carlton Arms is a perfect showcase for this. An excellent choice for arty types on a budget, this unique New York budget hotel has even attracted a few celebrities in its time – even Banksy has painted here. Remaining very unpretentious, the decor is more edgy than designer and each of the funky 54 rooms has been painted by an up-and-coming artist. The result is a fun, liberal explosion of colour which is the antithesis of a sterile chain hotel.

• Prices from $95 a night.
• To check prices or availability for The Carlton Arms Hotel

Serenity at Home – cosy tranquillity in Brooklyn

Manhattan island may get all the attention, but for cheaper New York hotels also look on the surrounding boroughs – you’re more likely to get better value for money. The highly rated Serenity at Home Guest House is located in Brooklyn, just over the bridge from Manhattan island, on a pretty tree-lined street, close to the Botanical Gardens. A B&B with an old school feel, the Serenity dates back to 1901 and offers cosy, warm spacious guest rooms. Check out The Serenity Suite, a separate one bedroom apartment that has access to the lovely gardens of the house.

• Prices from $110 per night.
• Check prices and availability for Serenity at Home Guest House

Hotel 91 – great value functionality

Located in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, this great value budget NYC hotel is set in the heart of Chinatown – a bustling colourful neighbourhood with plenty to see. A stone’s throw from the Brooklyn Bridge, and within easy reach of transport links, teh highly rated Hotel 91 is a very good value-for-money residence with well-appointed rooms and facilities. Proud of its Chinese roots, Hotel 91 is a clean and functional hotel at a great price. Nearby Little Italy is worth exploring, as is Clinton Street – a trendy avenue of cafes and eateries including the famous Clinton Street Baking Company & Restaurant.

• Prices from $120 per night.
• Check prices and availability for Hotel 91

Condor Hotel – chic and stylish in Williamsburg

This is another fantastic budget hotel located just across the bridge in Brooklyn. The highly rated Condor Hotel is a chic and stylish residence perfect for those who love their classy stays, but without the hefty price tag. Condor’s target market is actually Orthodox Jews but they welcome all people of religious beliefs! The Condor hotel has a trendy modern design, a good range of facilities and a plentiful hot (kosher) breakfast served every morning. Guests can even relax in the hotel’s own well-tended garden – perfect for that post-shopping long drink.

• Prices from $140 per night.
• Check prices and availability for Condor Hotel

We also have a post on the best budget hotels in London. And if you have a dog, make sure to check Top 15 dog-friendly hotels in New York.