Travellers Sphere

Discover where to stay in Long Island City for couples, including the most romantic areas, best hotels, waterfront stays, and tips for a memorable NYC getaway.

Long Island City can be a surprisingly good choice for couples visiting New York City. You get easy subway access to Manhattan, skyline views across the East River, waterfront parks, and generally more space than you might find at a similarly priced Manhattan hotel.

For couples, I would focus on Hunters Point, Court Square, and the areas around Queens Plaza. Hunters Point is the most romantic choice because of the waterfront and Gantry Plaza State Park, while Court Square is better if your priority is getting around NYC quickly.

Best Areas in Long Island City for Couples

Area	Best for	Couple-friendly appeal
Hunters Point	Romantic stays	Waterfront walks, skyline views, restaurants
Court Square	First-time couples	Excellent subway connections
Queens Plaza	Sightseeing	Fast access to Manhattan
Dutch Kills	Quiet stays	Less touristy atmosphere and good value

1. Hunters Point: Best for a Romantic Stay

If romance is your priority, Hunters Point is the first area I would check.

The neighborhood sits along the East River and is home to Gantry Plaza State Park, where couples can walk along the waterfront with the Manhattan skyline in the background. The area also has restaurants, cafes, modern apartment buildings, and a more relaxed atmosphere than Midtown.

This is especially nice if you’re visiting New York for an anniversary, birthday, honeymoon, or weekend getaway.

The big advantage is that you can spend part of your evening enjoying the waterfront instead of immediately heading back to your hotel after sightseeing.

2. Court Square: Best for Couples Who Want Convenience

Court Square is a better choice if you’re planning to spend most of your days exploring Manhattan.

Several subway lines meet around Court Square, making it one of the most convenient parts of Long Island City for getting around. The 7 train also provides direct access toward Grand Central and Times Square.

The neighborhood isn’t as romantic as Hunters Point, but it can save you time when you’re sightseeing.

For couples who would rather spend their money on Broadway tickets, restaurants, museums, and experiences than on a Manhattan hotel room, Court Square is worth considering.

3. Queens Plaza: Best for Sightseeing

Queens Plaza is another practical option for couples.

It’s particularly useful if you want to visit different parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn because of the number of subway connections nearby. Long Island City overall can provide quick access to Manhattan while giving you a different neighborhood experience.

Look for a hotel within a comfortable walk of the subway rather than choosing solely based on the lowest room price.

4. Dutch Kills: Best for a Quieter Stay

Dutch Kills is worth considering if you don’t need to be directly beside the waterfront.

It’s less about romantic scenery and more about having a quieter base with convenient transportation. This can work well for couples who spend most of their day sightseeing and simply want a comfortable place to return to at night.

Best Hotels in Long Island City for Couples

Boro Hotel

4.1•HotelWebsite

•Directions

•(718) 433-1375

The Boro Hotel is one of the strongest options to consider for couples looking for a stylish boutique-style stay.

It’s also one of the properties specifically highlighted among Long Island City’s romantic hotels by Tripadvisor.

The hotel has a more distinctive personality than a standard chain hotel, making it a good fit for couples who want their accommodation to feel like part of the trip.

Best for: Couples wanting a stylish, romantic atmosphere.

The Modernist Hotel

4.6•HotelWebsite

•Directions

•(718) 683-9200

The Modernist Hotel is another interesting option for couples.

Time Out describes it as a family-owned modern hotel with aesthetic rooms, suites, studios, and some rooms with terraces and city views.

It’s a particularly good option if you prefer something smaller and more characterful rather than a large traditional hotel.

Best for: Couples looking for a boutique feel.

Aloft by Marriott Long Island City-Manhattan View

4.2•HotelWebsite

•Directions

•(718) 433-9305

Aloft is worth considering if you like modern hotels and want a lively atmosphere.

Its location around Jackson Avenue puts you within easy reach of the subway and the restaurants and attractions of Long Island City.

Best for: Younger couples and couples who like modern hotels.

EVEN Hotel Long Island City – New York by IHG

4.4•Wellness hotelWebsite

•Directions

•(929) 522-0025

EVEN Hotel is a good alternative for couples who care about wellness and keeping active while traveling.

It can be a useful choice if you want a modern hotel but don’t necessarily need a boutique or romantic atmosphere.

Best for: Active couples and longer city breaks.

Home2 Suites by Hilton New York Long Island City/ Manhattan View, NY

4.4•HotelWebsite

•Directions

•(718) 706-6262

Home2 Suites can make sense for couples planning a longer stay or anyone who wants more room and practical amenities.

It’s less romantic than the Boro Hotel or Modernist, but couples who prioritize convenience and comfort may find it a better fit.

Best for: Longer stays and couples who want extra space.

Long Island City vs Manhattan for Couples

One of the biggest questions couples should ask is whether they actually want to stay in Long Island City or pay more to stay in Manhattan.

Long Island City can offer better value, modern hotels, skyline views, and excellent subway access, while Manhattan puts you closer to many famous attractions.

If you’re planning a romantic trip where the hotel itself is part of the experience, I’d lean toward Hunters Point.

If you’re planning an action-packed first trip where you’ll spend every day visiting Times Square, Central Park, museums, Broadway, and downtown Manhattan, I’d look closely at Court Square.

Things Couples Can Do Near Their Hotel

One of the best reasons to choose Hunters Point is that you don’t have to travel far for a romantic evening.

Start with a walk around Gantry Plaza State Park around sunset. The waterfront gives you beautiful views toward Manhattan, making it a natural spot for couples to slow down and take photos.

You can also explore the neighborhood’s restaurants and cafes before heading back to your hotel.

For art-loving couples, MoMA PS1 is another nearby attraction worth adding to your itinerary. Long Island City has also developed a reputation for its art scene, restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions.

Tips for Booking a Couples’ Hotel in Long Island City

Before booking, check these five things:

1. Check the subway distance.
A hotel that looks cheap can become frustrating if you’re walking a long distance to the station every morning.

2. Look for Manhattan skyline views.
If you’re hoping for a romantic room, don’t assume every Long Island City hotel has a skyline view. Check the exact room category.

3. Consider Hunters Point first.
For couples, the waterfront atmosphere can make the location feel much more special.

4. Compare hotel prices with Manhattan.
Don’t assume LIC is automatically cheaper. NYC hotel prices change significantly depending on dates and demand.

5. Think about your itinerary.
If most of your activities are in Manhattan, prioritize subway access. If you want relaxing evenings close to your hotel, prioritize Hunters Point.

Final Verdict: Where Should Couples Stay in Long Island City?

For most couples, Hunters Point is the best place to stay in Long Island City because it combines romantic waterfront scenery, Manhattan skyline views, restaurants, parks, and convenient transportation.

For couples focused on sightseeing and transportation, Court Square is the smarter choice.

And if you want a hotel with more personality, The Boro Hotel and The Modernist Hotel are two of the first properties I would compare. Tripadvisor currently lists the Boro Hotel among Long Island City’s romantic hotel options, while Expedia also highlights both the Boro and Modernist for couples.