As an 18-year-old, it can be tricky to find decent (and affordable) hotels in New York. Most hotels only accept guests aged 21 or older, so we have compiled a list of the best budget hotels in New York City with 18+ check-in.
We think a decent hotel needs to provide good food, comfortable lodging, and most important of all – the stay has to be pleasant and the staff welcoming. Our editors have made a comprehensive list of the perks and cons for each hotel, collected information from friends who’ve stayed there and online reviews, and we’ve summarized these reviews all in one place so you don’t have a hard time comparing the amenities of these hotels.
Near the end, we’ve also listed some alternatives if you don’t want to stay in a hotel. Let’s get right into it!
Note: The amenities and prices provided at these hotels are subject to change without notice. Age requirements are unlikely to change but please make sure to call the hotels to know about updated prices and the age requirements.
10 Best New York Hotels With 18+ Check-In
Note: Almost all hotels require you to provide a proof of identity and credit card before you can make reservations or check in.
1. Pod 51
3 stars | Affordable hotel in an ideal location
One of the most affordable hotels in the area, the Pod 51 is located centrally in NYC – minutes away from the Rockefeller Center and just 1.1 miles from Times Square. The ideal location of this business-friendly hotel means that you won’t have a hard time getting to nearby tourist destinations like Bryant Park, Channel Gardens, and the Empire State Building.
Each room is furnished with a flat-screen TV, and a hairdryer! If you’d like to have American cuisine, there are two fantastic restaurants- POD Cafe and Clinton Hall serving breakfast, cocktails, and delicious lunches.
There’s also a rooftop garden if you’d like to relax in the hotel and enjoy the view.
Facilities:
- Heating in all rooms
- Beautiful roof-top terrace
- Pet-friendly
- Non-smoking rooms
- Single, double, and twin room options
- Free safety deposit boxes in all rooms
- Public parking nearby for free
- English and Spanish spoken
2. Kimpton Hotel Eventi
4 stars | Welcoming atmosphere for pet lovers
Located in Chelsea, the Kimpton Eventi Hotel is roughly 600 meters from Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden. Each room comes with a 37-inch HD TV, minibar, and fantastic service. You also get free coffee every morning and there’s a wine-tasting hour every evening from 17:00. If you would like to dine at the hotel, there are two on-site restaurants- L’Amico and The Vine; both serving fantastic American cuisine.
For many years, the hotel has also been awarded as the best in terms of guest satisfaction among upper upscale chains, so it’s definitely full of very friendly staff.
Tip: If you care about environmentally-friendly hotels, look for a Travel Sustainable badge on the site!
Facilities:
- Friendly atmosphere with tasty food
- Pet-friendly, no additional charges
- Bicycle Rental
- Welcoming disabled guests
- Spa bath and bath
- Fitness center open 24 hours
- Premium suites with jacuzzi tubs
- Valet Parking at $65/ day
- Non-smoking and allergy-free rooms
- Free cots for young children when available
- Environment-friendly/ Travel Sustainable
3. Hotel Edison Times Square
4 stars | Delightful cuisine and good location, ideal for guests who don’t want pets around
Featuring an exquisite aesthetic and a fantastic location in the heart of New York – Times Square, the Hotel Edison is a delightful experience for anybody looking for a good time in New York City.
Each room here is offered with a cable TV, free toiletries, a hair dryer, and an iron/ ironing board. The hotel has Bond 45 and Friedman’s restaurant offering Italian cuisines and À la carte menu. Pets aren’t allowed here, so if you’re allergic to pets or don’t have one, it’s great for you!
Facilities:
- NYC neighborhood walking tours
- Kitchenette and Balcony
- Fitness center
- Tour desk
- Extra beds available at $30 per person
- Very Travel Sustainable
- Iron/ ironing board in all rooms
- Non-smoking rooms and allergy-free rooms
- Can smoke in the terrace space
- Double, quadruple, suite, and apartment options
- On-site minimarket, shared lounge, and vending machines
- On-Site ATM and currency exchange facility
- English, Spanish, Korean, and Chinese spoken
4. SIXTY SoHo
4.5 stars | Luxurious pet-free hotel in a prime location
If you want a luxurious experience in the heart of New York, the SoHo district hotel provides a 24-hour concierge service, fantastic French cuisine (at Bistrot Leo), and beautiful rooms that look trendy and aesthetic. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, gorgeous bathrooms, a minibar, and an espresso machine!
There is also a rooftop bar if you’d like to sit and enjoy the views. Nearby destinations include One World Trade Center, Soho Square Park, and Dahesh Museum of Art.
Tip: Some hotels offer concierge services and free ticket booking services at no charge at all. They may also be able to answer your queries in a language you're fluent in!
Facilities:
- Free cots for young children when available
- Private parking at $64/ day
- Non-smoking and allergy-free rooms
- Heating facility
- Espresso machines in all rooms
- Massage at additional charges
- Private balcony in all suites
- English, Spanish, German, Russian and French spoken
5. Martinique New York on Broadway, Curio Collection by Hilton
4 stars | Pet-friendly hotel near Times Square with elegant aesthetic
If you love renaissance art and want to bring your pets along for the ride, the Martinique New York on Broadway, Curio Collection by Hilton offers a fantastic experience in a good location. The hotel is just minutes away from Times Square and each room here is equipped with a flat-screen HD TV, a working desk, and free toiletries. There is also an on-site restaurant serving À la carte menu/ American cuisine.
Nearby destinations include Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center, and Museum of Modern Art. You can also get a free pass to NY Sports Club!
Facilities:
- Free cots for young children when available
- Tea/coffee machine in all rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Heating and ironing facilities
- Fantastic breakfast
- Fitness center open 24-hours
- Mini-fridge
- Bicycle rental
- Braille aids and wheelchair friendly
- Pets allowed
- English and Spanish spoken
6. New York Hilton Midtown Hotel
4 stars | Largest hotel in NYC with gourmet food and great service
If you’re craving some gourmet food and want to stay in the center of the NYC, the centrally located New York Hilton Midtown Hotel is the perfect option for you. Located in midtown Manhattan, the hotel features exquisite wooden decor with gorgeous marble bathrooms. You get to experience fine meals (buffet and à la carte options) – we recommend trying out seasonal salads and brick-oven pizza at the on-site restaurant Herb N’ Kitchen, sipping coffee from the on-site coffee station, and working out with modern equipment at the spacious gym.
Nearby destinations include the 7th Avenue, Museum of Modern Art, Top of the Rock, Central Park, Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square – all within just couple minutes of walking distance.
Fun Fact! The New York Hilton Midtown is the largest hotel in NYC with 1,929 rooms and over 150,000 sq ft of meeting space.
Facilities:
- Non-smoking rooms
- Pet-friendly
- Continental, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, and Buffet menu options
- Kitchenette and private bathroom
- Free toiletries and hairdryer
- Kid-friendly buffet and special diet considerations
- Fitness center
- Free concierge service
- Free dry cleaning, ironing, and laundry facilities, barbershop on-site as well
- EV charging station and private parking at $80/ day, valet parking
- Cot for free when available
- On-site coffee house and minimarket
- On-site ATM machine and currency exchange facilities
7. Belvedere Hotel
4 stars | Must-visit place if you love Brazilian cuisine/ not for people with pets
Situated at an excellent location, the Belvedere Hotel offers fantastic service and we love the dining and amenities here. It’s located right in the middle of the Theater district and Time Square.
Each room is furnished with an HD TV, an ergonomic working desk setup, a microwave oven, a kitchenette, a hair dryer, and a fridge. You also get to enjoy the free coffee served in the lobby every morning. This hotel doesn’t welcome pets, so it’s ideal for folks who have come with their significant other or are just looking to spend some time in New York City.
Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Empire State Building are all within walking distance – so you can explore the city while enjoying the blissful environment here. The on-site restaurant, Churrascaria Plataforma serves wonderful dishes. We think you will find this hotel a delight if you love delicious Brazilian cuisine!
Tip: If you are traveling with pets or a child, you should ask the reception if they provide cots/ extra beds. Some hotels provide them for free!
Facilities:
- Fitness service
- Private Parking at $65/day
- Free coffee available 07:00 to 10:00
- Free cot for babies on request (only when available)
- On-site ATM machine and currency exchange facility
- On-site Fax/ photocopying and business center
- On-site vending machine (food and drinks)
- English and Spanish spoken
- Accessible to disabled people- tactile/braille signs, toilet with grab rails, wheelchair-friendly
8. New York Marriott Marquis Hotel
4 stars | Luxurious hotel with comfortable beds and great food
The New York Marriott Marquis is located in midtown Manhattan and situated at just the right distance to be at ideal walking distance from popular travel destinations like Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie, Central Park, Bryant Park, Madison Square Garden, Rockefeller Center are also quite near and you will have a great time sight-seeing. The venue doesn’t allow pets, so that’s something you may want to consider if you’ve got pets you’d like to bring along.
Each room here offers a luxurious experience- complete with Marriott bedding, gorgeous baths, a safety box, an HD TV screen with a subscription, ironing boards, and free refreshments. If you don’t feel like going out, there are many things you can do within the hotel- you can unwind in the spacious ballroom, or try out the delicious offerings at one of the two on-site restaurants (Revel & Rye and Broadway Lounge offering buffet and À la carte options), relax on the terrace while enjoying the view, or visit the on-site souvenir shop to see what you can take back for your family and friends.
Facilities:
- Fitness Center
- Outdoor fireplace and terrace with city view
- Easy access to Broadway shows
- Non-smoking stay
- Travel Sustainable
- Nearby golf course (extra charges)
- On-site styling, barbershop
- On-site coffee house, snack bar, shared lounge, vending machine (snacks and drinks)
- On-site ATM and currency exchange service
- Valet parking, and private parking at $70/day
- English, French, and Spanish spoken
9. The Hotel @ Fifth Avenue
3 stars | Quiet hotel with comfortable beds
If you would like to stay near the Empire State Building, this Manhattan hotel is just minutes away. Each room here is equipped with an HD TV, coffee machine, and heating, and the service is fantastic. You also get free WiFi- and that’s something some hotels will charge you for, so you should check the fine print of your hotel before booking.
The hotel welcomes guests above the age of 10 years and no pets, so if that’s something you don’t mind, it’s going to be a pleasant retreat for you. We think the decision to not allow young kids and pets was made to keep a quiet and calm atmosphere and you will be surprised by how much people enjoy a little peace and quiet; there are many reviews online to prove this!
Unlike most hotels on our list, The Hotel @ Fifth Avenue doesn’t include an on-site restaurant and is a basic hotel that provides good service if you just need a cozy and quiet place to stay. There are plenty of nice restaurants just around the corner, so dining isn’t an issue at all. Destinations that are near this hotel include Central Park, Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center, Herald Square, Bryant Park, Madison Square Park, Jacob Javits Convention Center, and Times Square.
Facilities:
- Free refreshments- tea and coffee in the morning
- Fitness center
- Vending machine (for drinks)
- Key card access
- Non-smoking rooms
- Front desk open at all hours
- CCTV security in shared areas
- Friendly to disabled guests including visual aids and easy access to wheelchair users
10. Hilton Garden Inn New York Manhattan Midtown East
3 stars | Luxurious hotel providing an affordable stay with pets
Located in the heart of New York, this hotel offers on-site dining at Garden Grille and Bar, as well as easy access to nearby destinations. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV, and an ergonomic desk for you to work on, and some rooms offer a gorgeous view. We think the best part about the rooms is – you can get two queen-size beds in a single room, and it’s pretty big, big enough for two adults, and the prices are pretty low compared to what other hotels are charging.
The Manhattan hotel also features a fitness center and business center that are both open 24 hours.
Places that are within walking distance from the Hilton Garden Inn New York Manhattan Midtown East Hotel include Times Square, Rockefeller Center, UN headquarters, Bryant Park, Central Park, Trump Tower, Museum of Modern Art, and Channel Gardens.
Facilities:
- Pet-friendly, free pet bowls
- Non-smoking center
- Buffet & à la carte options
- 24-hour front desk, fitness center and business center
- Kid-friendly buffet and diet considerations
- Microwave and refrigerator
- Indoor games for family- board games
- On-site coffee house
- Wheelchair friendly
- Vending machine (for snacks and drinks)
- On-site shared lounge, minimarket, ATM machine, and currency exchange
- Valet parking at $65 per day
- No resort fees
- English, Spanish, French, Ukrainian, and Arabic spoken
Other Hotels In New York For 18+ Check-In | Our Top Picks
- Hilton Garden Inn Central Park South
- Pod Times Square
- Dream Midtown
- InterContinental New York Times Square
Alternatives To Hotels In New York City With 18+ Check-In
Fancy hotels are hard to beat if you compare the room service, complimentary food and free toiletries, and other services to that of a dorm room. You will have to account for everything but if you don’t mind sharing your room with interesting people or would prefer sleeping in a rented camp sometimes, there are plenty of options for you.
College dorms
Many colleges open up their dorms for travelers when their students are on vacation- this provides them with an extra source of easy income. These listings are usually available on the university website. You can also call the university to check if there are any vacant dorm rooms on rent at the moment.
While it’s definitely cheaper to stay in dorms, you may need to be extra careful about taking care of your valuables and since the universities don’t usually provide free amenities or dining options, you will have to make sure you have everything you need for the duration of your stay.
Hostels
Often hostels are way cheaper than renting hotel rooms- but the downside is you will be sharing your room with other people. Some hostels will provide 2 beds in a room while others will fit up to 4 beds in a single dorm room.
Provided that you’ve made sure to keep your belongings safe, it can be a fun experience to stay in hostels. As somebody who stays in hostels most of the time I’m traveling somewhere new, I would definitely recommend trying to find hostels that offer good accommodation.
You may get lucky and find one with a tiny kitchen space where you can work on your culinary skills!
Religious homes
It might be reasonable to stay in shared housing if you find some monasteries of your religion. Finding Hindu temples or Christian homes can be easy, but if you’re just trying to get free shelter, it may not be worthwhile to pretend to practice a certain religion.
You will also need to listen to the rules during your stay there- and make sure not to offend anybody.
Airbnb
Airbnb is our preferred way to stay in a new place, and we love it. It’s pretty high on our list, right next to searching for good hostels! You probably already know about Airbnb- hosts will keep you in their homes in exchange for a certain price.
You will usually have to stay with a family, so if you want to mix in with people from another culture or get to know somebody better, it’s definitely a great idea. Airbnb does lack in terms of facilities you can get but it does get a lot cheaper than booking a fancy hotel.
Things To Do While You’re In New York
If you’re planning to visit New York, the city’s skyscrapers, inspiring architecture, and rooftop bars are a must-visit. For those who would like some quiet, Bryant Park, New York Public Library, and the Guggenheim (you do need to pay a good amount for the tickets) are fantastic destinations.
Located super close to the NYC center, the Empire State Building is a 1250 ft-tall landmark that lets you walk all the way to the top to enjoy the spectacular city view. Similar dazzling views of Manhattan can also be seen from the Top of the Rock deck- just book the Rock Pass Ticket, and enjoy skating in the ice rink at Rockefeller plaza.

There are plenty of museums in the city – the Metropolitan Museum of Art (offers rich ancient Roman, Greek, and Egyptian collections), Met Cloisters (if you would like to know more about medieval Europe), Tenement Museum, Museum of Modern Art, American Museum of Natural History, Brooklyn Botanical Garden (with 13 gardens and five conservatories), and Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
Tip: If you're short on time, the Museum of Modern Art might be a better spot than the Guggenheim or the Tenement Musuem!
You don’t even need to pay a dime to walk in Central Park, visit Times Square, admire the aesthetic of the Grand Central Terminal, or steal views of the Statue of Liberty and skyline atop the free Staten Island Ferry!

Also, don’t miss out on the Statue of Liberty! There can be queues, so just make sure to get in line early (for the first Boat leaving at 09:00) and catch the ferry at Liberty State Park. This option will help you get the most out of your visit- and if stunning views are exciting to you, grab a ticket to the pedestal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need an ID to check in as an 18-year-old?
Most hotels in New York will ask you to provide some documents that can verify your legal identity. Some accept student ID cards while others will need your citizenship ID.
Why do some hotels not allow pets?
Cleaning up after a pet can be a lot of trouble- and while some hotels will go out of their way to clean up pee residues and remove pet hair, others don’t necessarily have the time and resources to do so. Most hotels offer allergy-free rooms and ensuring that a room is free of pet hair every time somebody with pet checks out can be cumbersome.
How can I save money on my hotel booking?
Hotels may charge different rates depending on the booking season, and sometimes depending on the day of the week as well. It’s a good idea to look for booking deals online- and you should consider other options as well if you want to stay in New York City on a budget.
Is it legal for 18-year-olds to book a hotel?
Yes, it’s legal for 18-year-olds to book a hotel as long as the hotel policies allow it. Most hotels don’t allow guests under the age of 21 to book hotels and some won’t allow children under the age of 10 as well. It’s legal to book hotel rooms, but whether or not you will be able to will depend on the particular hotel you are trying to check into.
Conclusion
New York City is a fantastic place to visit, and if you do some research, you should be able to save up good money and get sweet deals. We hope our list of the best New York City hotels has provided you with adequate information so you can plan your trips knowing your accommodation will be in a cozy place.
Do keep in mind that not all places allow you to bring in pets, so you might want to confirm the hotel is pet-friendly and offers pet beds/ food. Also, while most hotels feature a physical fitness center and (usually paid laundry/ ironing services), they may not have a pool. So, if you were planning on relaxing in a pool, you might want to make sure that it’s included in the list of services the hotel is offering. Some hotels also offer extra cots and beds (in case you’re bringing your children along) for free, so feel free to ask if your hotel does provide that.
Just make sure the services you’re looking for are covered by the hotel and you will have a great time!