In New York City, there are hundreds of hotels to choose from and thousands of Airbnbs, both rooms to rent in occupied homes or entire apartments or townhouses. Like the city itself, New York's hotels and Airbnb rentals are diverse, unique, and range from relatively affordable to very pricey. Each option—hotel vs. Airbnb—has its pros and cons. Here's what you should look out for.

NYC Hotels

In NYC, there are hotels for every price point and aesthetic. There are hotel chains, like the Hampton Inn an🍨d Suites, the W Hotel, Sheraton, the Four Seasons, and DoubleTree, to name a few. There are boutique hotels across the Big Apple, like the Crosby House and the Soho House downtown, and the High Line Hotel in Chelsea. Tourists who want some NYC history with their hotel stay could consider a trip to the Carlyle, the Gramercy Hotel, the Waldorf Astoria, the Algonquin, and The Plaza.

New York City hotel prices vary depending on the location, season, amenities, and le💞ngth of stay. Most rooms start at approximately $100 a night and go up from there.

NYC Airbnbs

There are approximately 37,548 Airbnb listings in NYC as of December 2024, and a bit under half (16,464) are in Manhattan. Some are long-term stays. Others are per night. Some offer a single room only. Others allow you to have the entire apartment. For example, in December 2024, there are about 200 listings in Greenwich Village, and 81% are for entire homes/apartments.

Airbnbs offer tourists a way to experience NYC living in actual New Yorkers' homes. Airbnbs can range widely, from an upscale experience in a doorman building to a simple, modest bedroom in a stranger's apartment. Prices vary widely, as well, depending on location and other factors. You could rent an entire apartment or house in a non-touristy neighborhood, or you could spend more to stay in more popular neighborhoods.

Airbnb offers "Superhost" listings for some apartments and homes whose hosts have stellar reviews and go above and beyond.

Like anywhere, if you are staying in a stranger's apartment, there are risks involved, and it is important to read the reviews of any Airbnb you are considering booking.

Key Differences

When you visit a hotel in NYC or elsewhere, you are guaranteed some or🍸 a lot of amenities, depending on the hotel, and employees who can help you if you lose your room key, suggest a local restaurant or help you navigate the intricacies of the subway. Some hotels offer room service, swimming pools, spas, workout rooms, and on-site bars and restaurants.

Some Airbnb hosts provide amenities, but most are simply renting out a room in their apartment or their entire apartmenꦏt. Unlike a hotel, if you lose your key, you may find yourself in a difficult situation.

Outside of Manhattan, Airbnb properties may offer tennis cou🔯rts, swimming pools, and large outdoor spaces, but these amenities are far and few in an urban setting. Of course, visiting New York City is often about culture, dining, shopping, and visiting sites like Ce✃ntral Park and the Statue of Liberty, so you may not have time to indulge in on-site hotel amenities.

Choosing between an Airbnb and a hotel often comes down to what makes a visitor comfortable and where they can afford to stay. However, staying at an Airbnb (assuming you are not renting a room), can offer privacy and an opportunity to experience a New York neighborhood. Your host may be able to suggest great local restaurants, coffee shops, and galleries that are not in your guidebook.

Special Considerations

For the last few years, home rental companies, including Airbnb, have been struggling with regulations in major cities like New York. A January 2022 law made it mandatory for hots of short-term rentals to register with the Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement. It also prohibits booking service platforms such as Airbnb "from processing transactions for unregistered short-term rentals."

Airbnb critics have often raised alarms that instead of individuals renting out rooms or homes for personal income, comme✱rcial outfitters have bought up large swaths of apartments in cities and used them as illegal hotels for visitors.

🀅 Some New Yorkers object to🍌 Airbnb, claiming that it’s illegal to rent out rooms in your apartment and that many hosts are commercial operators. (When the owner/renter continues to occupy the space, short-term rentals are not illegal, although some buildings/leases may not allow them.) 

The real fear is that landlords will seek to cash in on Airbnb by converting affordable rental apartments to hotel rooms, thus diminishing the city’s already tight housing market. Some landlords do not allow their tenants to rent out their rooms or apartments as essentially short-term sublets to g🦄uests. Airbnb insists that their service benefits both hosts and guests and that this service helps New Yorkers afford the rising costs of housing in the city.

The Bottom Line

When you visit New York City, there are many ways to enjoy your stay. Airbnb o🅠ffers (mostly) affordable rates for travelers, but 💎hotels may provide amenities and immediate assistance if you run into trouble during your stay, making your vacation more relaxing.

In NYC, the wide range of short-term rentals and hotels offer something for everyone's budget. Choosing between them usually comes down to the experience you seek and how much you can afford to spend. Both options offer opportunities to explore, discover, and enjoy the city.