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Looking for affordable hotels in Long Island City? Discover 12 budget-friendly places to stay near Manhattan, including the best hotels for couples, families and solo travelers.
If you want to visit New York City without spending a fortune on a Manhattan hotel, Long Island City is one of the best neighborhoods to consider.
Located just across the East River from Manhattan, Long Island City gives you easy access to Midtown, Times Square, Central Park and other major NYC attractions while offering a wider selection of value-oriented hotels.
The neighborhood has everything from simple budget hotels and hostels to comfortable chain hotels and stylish properties. Current hotel listings include several well-reviewed options, and some properties can offer significantly better value than comparable stays in central Manhattan. (Booking.com)
But which hotels are actually worth booking?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best affordable hotels in Long Island City, what makes each one worth considering, who it is best for and what to look for before you book.
Why Stay in Long Island City Instead of Manhattan?
Before getting into the hotels, let’s talk about why Long Island City makes sense for a New York trip.
The biggest advantage is location.
You’re in Queens, but Manhattan is only a short subway ride away. This means you can spend your days sightseeing in Manhattan and return to a neighborhood that can offer more accommodation choices at different price points.
Long Island City is also convenient for travelers who want to explore more than just Midtown. The neighborhood has restaurants, cafés, waterfront parks, skyline views and subway connections.
Another advantage is that you don’t have to choose between saving money and having a decent hotel.
Several Long Island City properties are rated highly for value by travelers. Tripadvisor’s current budget-hotel rankings include options such as LIC Hotel, Home2 Suites, Vista LIC Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, Hyatt Place and Courtyard Long Island City. (Tripadvisor)
1. LIC Hotel
LIC Hotel
LIC Hotel Web Address: 44-04 21st St, Long Island City, NY 11101 Phone: +17184069788
Best for: Overall value
LIC Hotel is one of the first places I’d look when searching for an affordable hotel in Long Island City.
The hotel has a convenient location at 44-04 21st Street and is particularly appealing to travelers who want quick subway access without staying in Manhattan.
Booking.com’s current listing gives LIC Hotel a 8.5/10 guest rating based on more than 3,000 reviews. One recurring advantage mentioned by guests is its location near the subway and the relatively easy trip into Manhattan. (Booking.com)
That’s important when you’re visiting New York.
You probably won’t spend much time sitting in your hotel room, so paying a premium for a Midtown address doesn’t always make sense.
Why it’s worth considering
- Convenient Long Island City location
- Strong guest reviews
- Easy access to subway connections
- Good choice for sightseeing trips
- Often competitive with Manhattan hotels
Best for
Couples, solo travelers and first-time NYC visitors who want a practical hotel without paying Manhattan prices.
2. Home2 Suites by Hilton New York Long Island City/Manhattan View
Home2 Suites by Hilton New York Long Island City/ Manhattan View, NY
Home2 Suites by Hilton New York Long Island City/ Manhattan View, NY Web Address: 39-06 30th St, Long Island City, NY 11101 Phone: +17187066262
Best for: Families and longer stays
If you’re traveling with children or planning to stay in New York for several nights, Home2 Suites is worth putting on your shortlist.
Tripadvisor currently lists it among Long Island City’s best-value properties, with a 4.5/5 rating from more than 1,700 reviews. (Tripadvisor)
The suite-style format can be particularly useful when you’re traveling as a family or simply want more space than you would typically get from a basic hotel room.
Why it’s worth considering
- Suite-style accommodation
- Good option for families
- Strong guest ratings
- Manhattan views from some rooms
- Suitable for longer stays
Best for
Families, couples staying several nights and travelers who prefer having more room.
3. Wingate by Wyndham Long Island City
Best for: A comfortable mid-budget stay
Wingate by Wyndham is another strong option when searching for affordable accommodation in Long Island City.
Booking.com’s current listings show the property with an 8.4/10 rating based on more than 2,700 reviews. Guests frequently highlight the cleanliness, staff and convenient location. (Booking.com)
The hotel is located at 38-70 12th Street, putting you within easy reach of transportation and the rest of NYC.
Why it’s worth considering
- Well-reviewed
- Comfortable rooms
- Good balance of price and quality
- Convenient location
- Recognizable hotel brand
Best for
Couples and business or leisure travelers who want a traditional hotel rather than a hostel.
4. Hyatt Place Long Island City / New York City
Hyatt Place Long Island City / New York City
Hyatt Place Long Island City / New York City Web Address: 27-03 43rd Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 Phone: +19292083100
Best for: Travelers who want comfort without staying in Manhattan
Hyatt Place is a particularly good choice if your definition of “affordable” means good value rather than the absolute lowest price.
Tripadvisor currently ranks Hyatt Place among Long Island City’s best-value properties, with a 4.4/5 rating. Travelers describe it as an affordable and convenient option near Manhattan. (Tripadvisor)
It’s worth comparing this hotel with cheaper properties because the difference in price can sometimes be worthwhile if you prefer a more polished hotel experience.
Best for
Couples, business travelers and visitors who want a reliable full-service hotel experience.
5. Hampton Inn Long Island City New York
Hampton Inn by Hilton Long Island City New York
Hampton Inn by Hilton Long Island City New York Web Address: 38-04 11th St, Long Island City, NY 11101 Phone: +19293492323
Best for: Travelers who want breakfast included
Hampton Inn is another practical option for budget-conscious visitors.
Booking.com’s current cheap-hotel listings show the property with a 7.9/10 rating, and the listing highlights continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi. (Booking.com)
Breakfast can make a real difference to your NYC travel budget.
Even if the hotel isn’t always the absolute cheapest option, having breakfast included can reduce the amount you spend before heading out for a day of sightseeing.
Best for
Families, couples and travelers trying to control their daily food budget.
6. Holiday Inn Express Long Island City E
Holiday Inn Express Long Island City E – New York by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Long Island City E – New York by IHG Web Address: 52-09 31st Pl, Long Island City, NY 11101 Phone: +13476171660
Best for: Budget travelers who like predictable hotel brands
Holiday Inn Express is worth considering if you prefer staying with a familiar brand.
The current Booking.com listing gives the property an 8.1/10 rating from more than 600 reviews. (Booking.com)
One advantage of choosing a hotel like this is that you generally know what kind of experience you’re getting before you arrive.
That’s useful when you’re traveling to New York for the first time.
Best for
Families, couples and travelers who prioritize consistency over boutique style.
7. Hilton Garden Inn Long Island City
Hilton Garden Inn Long Island City New York
Hilton Garden Inn Long Island City New York Web Address: 29-21 41st Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 Phone: +17187866001
Best for: A comfortable hotel from a major brand
Hilton Garden Inn is another property to compare when looking for affordable hotels in Long Island City.
Tripadvisor currently places it among the area’s best-value hotels, with a 4.4/5 rating from more than 1,200 reviews. (Tripadvisor)
The hotel can be a particularly good choice when you find a promotion or lower-than-usual nightly rate.
Best for
Couples, business travelers and visitors who prefer established hotel brands.
8. Vista LIC Hotel
Vista LIC Hotel, Premier Collection by Best Western
Vista LIC Hotel, Premier Collection by Best Western Web Address: 27-05 39th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 Phone: +17187868500
Best for: Travelers looking for a boutique-style feel
Vista LIC Hotel offers another interesting middle ground between basic budget accommodation and higher-end hotels.
Tripadvisor currently lists it as one of Long Island City’s best-value hotels and describes it as a budget-friendly property that is clean and well maintained. (Tripadvisor)
This makes it worth checking if you want something that feels a little more special without moving all the way into luxury pricing.
Best for
Couples, weekend visitors and travelers who want a more stylish stay.
9. LIC Manhattan View Hotel
LIC Manhattan View Hotel
LIC Manhattan View Hotel Web Address: 39-05 29th St, Long Island City, NY 11101 Phone: +17187860000
Best for: A simple, practical NYC base
If you’re mostly looking for somewhere to sleep after a long day exploring New York, LIC Manhattan View Hotel is worth comparing.
Its Long Island City location puts you outside Manhattan’s most expensive hotel zones while keeping you close enough to travel into the city for sightseeing.
The property currently has a 4.0/5 rating in local business listings.
Best for
Budget-conscious couples, solo travelers and visitors who plan to spend most of their time outside the hotel.
10. The Local NY
The Local NY Web Address: 13-02 44th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 Phone: +13477385251
Best for: Solo travelers and backpackers
If you’re traveling alone and don’t mind hostel-style accommodation, The Local NY can be an interesting alternative to a traditional hotel.
It has a strong local rating and is located at 13-02 44th Avenue in Long Island City.
Hostels can be particularly useful in New York because accommodation costs can quickly eat into your travel budget.
Best for
Solo travelers, backpackers and younger travelers looking for a social atmosphere.
11. Q4 Hotel New York City
Q4 Hotel New York City
Q4 Hotel New York City Web Address: 29-09 Queens Plaza N, Long Island City, NY 11101 Phone: +17187067700
Best for: Travelers focused primarily on price
Q4 Hotel is another hostel-style option in Long Island City.
It may appeal to travelers who don’t need traditional hotel amenities and would rather put their money toward sightseeing, restaurants and activities.
This can be a smart strategy if you’re spending most of your day exploring New York.
Best for
Backpackers, solo travelers and very budget-conscious visitors.
12. DoubleTree by Hilton Long Island City
DoubleTree by Hilton Long Island City New York
DoubleTree by Hilton Long Island City New York Web Address: 38-15 9th St, Long Island City, NY 11101 Phone: +17187070102
Best for: A more traditional hotel experience
DoubleTree is worth considering when you find a good deal.
It’s a recognizable brand and provides an alternative to smaller independent hotels in the neighborhood.
Current local listings show the property with a strong 4.3/5 rating.
For travelers who don’t want to compromise too much on comfort but still want to compare prices outside Manhattan, this can be a good option.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay?
Hotel prices in New York change dramatically depending on your dates.
Weekend stays, holidays, summer travel and major events can push prices considerably higher.
Current listings demonstrate just how much rates can vary between properties and dates. For example, Booking.com’s current Long Island City listings show several properties starting at different price points, while Tripadvisor’s rankings also emphasize comparing rates and availability rather than assuming one hotel is always the cheapest. (Booking.com)
So instead of asking:
“What is the cheapest hotel in Long Island City?”
I’d ask:
“Which hotel gives me the best value for my dates?”
That’s a much better way to book NYC accommodation.
Long Island City vs. Manhattan Hotels
One of the biggest reasons travelers consider Long Island City is the potential savings.
Manhattan is fantastic for sightseeing, but hotel rooms in popular areas can be expensive.
Long Island City gives you another option.
You can stay in Queens, use the subway to get into Manhattan, and potentially spend less on accommodation.
The important thing is to calculate your total trip cost, not just the room rate.
For example, a hotel that costs slightly more but includes breakfast and is close to a subway station could ultimately be a better deal than a cheaper hotel requiring more transportation and food spending.
Tips for Finding Cheap Hotels in Long Island City
1. Compare several hotels
Don’t book the first cheap room you find.
Compare at least three or four properties for your exact dates.
Prices can change significantly from one hotel to another.
2. Check the subway distance
This is one of the most important tips.
A cheap hotel isn’t necessarily a good deal if you have to spend a lot of time getting to the subway.
For a sightseeing trip, I’d prioritize hotels with convenient subway access.
3. Look at the total price
Always check taxes and additional fees before deciding.
The advertised nightly rate isn’t necessarily what you’ll pay at checkout.
4. Consider breakfast
If breakfast is included, calculate how much that could save you.
Eating breakfast at the hotel before heading into Manhattan can be convenient and can help keep your daily spending under control.
5. Don’t automatically choose the cheapest room
There’s a big difference between cheap and good value.
A slightly more expensive hotel with better reviews, a better location and cleaner rooms may be worth the extra money.
Is Long Island City a Good Place to Stay in NYC?
Yes, especially if you’re looking for better value than Midtown Manhattan.
Long Island City has become an increasingly attractive base for travelers who want access to Manhattan without necessarily paying Manhattan hotel prices.
You also get something that many visitors overlook: a different side of New York.
The neighborhood has waterfront areas, restaurants, local cafés and impressive Manhattan skyline views.
And when you’re ready to explore Manhattan, you can hop on the subway.
That combination makes Long Island City particularly appealing for first-time visitors who are comfortable staying outside Manhattan.
Best Affordable Hotels in Long Island City: Quick Comparison
| Hotel | Best For | Price Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| LIC Hotel | Overall value | Excellent |
| Home2 Suites | Families | Good for longer stays |
| Wingate by Wyndham | Comfortable stay | Good |
| Hyatt Place | Comfort + value | Compare deals |
| Hampton Inn | Breakfast | Good |
| Holiday Inn Express | Reliable brand | Good |
| Hilton Garden Inn | Business & leisure | Compare promotions |
| Vista LIC Hotel | Stylish budget stay | Good |
| LIC Manhattan View Hotel | Simple stay | Budget-friendly |
| The Local NY | Solo travelers | Hostel pricing |
| Q4 Hotel | Backpackers | Low-cost option |
| DoubleTree | Traditional hotel | Good when discounted |
Final Thoughts
Long Island City is one of the smartest areas to consider if you want to save money on a New York City hotel without staying far from Manhattan.
My first choice for overall value would be LIC Hotel, while families may want to look at Home2 Suites. Travelers who prefer major hotel brands should compare Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hyatt Place and Hilton Garden Inn.
For solo travelers and backpackers, hostel options such as The Local NY and Q4 Hotel can make it possible to keep accommodation costs lower.
The key is not simply finding the cheapest room.
Instead, look for the best combination of price, subway access, guest reviews, included amenities and cancellation flexibility.
And before booking, compare your exact travel dates because Long Island City hotel prices can change substantially depending on demand. Current hotel platforms show significant differences between properties and dates. (Booking.com)
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