The Most Budget-Friendly Hotels in Queens

The New York City borough of Queens has Manhattan and the best of Long Island within striking distance
The New York City borough of Queens has Manhattan and the best of Long Island within striking distance | Odyssey-Images / Alamy Stock Photo
Nicholas Grantham

Quieter than neighboring Manhattan and more personal than the blown out Brooklyn, Queens is frequently touted as one of the most underrated boroughs in New York. An authentic sense of community is everywhere, from family-run restaurants, independent specialty shopping and rich heritage. With that in mind, we’ve put together some of the best cheap hotels in Queens that won’t break your bank.

1. The Local NYC

Hostel

Industrial-chic room at The Local with artwork and bare brick walls
Courtesy of The Local / Expedia

In the Long Island City (LIC) neighborhood of Queens, The Local offers guests a comfortable stay and friendly service, delivered by a passionate team. It has a selection of rooms available but all grant access to amenities, such as a guest workspace, fully fitted kitchen, and in-house bar perfect for grabbing a night cap. The hotel has great transport links for exploring the wider city and has tempting local eateries nearby.

2. Nesva Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Nesva Hotel room with pattern carpet and colourful pillows
Courtesy of Nesva Hotel / Expedia

In the heart of the LIC, the Nesva is an ideal choice for guests looking for a contemporary and eco-friendly place to stay. The rooms and amenities have been designed top to bottom with an ecological mindset and include thoughtful features such as sustainably sourced toiletries, motion-sensor lighting and low-flow showers. Outside the environmental efforts, the design showcases the local area with the lobby featuring work by resident artists.

3. Quality Inn – Long Island City

Hotel

Quality Inn Long Island City - Queensboro Bridge room with large bed, wooden headboard and bedside lamps
Courtesy of Quality Inn Long Island City - Queensboro Bridge / Expedia

A popular choice for business trips and weekend breaks, the Quality Inn is a no-fuss option for exploring the wider city. Found within striking distance of both JFK and LaGuardia airports, it has excellent transport links for getting into both downtown Manhattan and for exploring up-and-coming Long Island City. The rooms are comfortable and clean and each has complimentary wifi, breakfast and even a morning newspaper. The friendly staff are more than happy to help you plan your visit and can give you some top tips on the best local restaurants and bars.

5. Sleep Inn

Hotel, Chain Hotel

Sleep Inn Long Island City double with city view and ambient light
Courtesy of Sleep Inn Long Island City / Booking.com

One of the popular Sleep Inn group of hotels, the LIC edition offers the great value, professional service and comfy rooms for which they’re best known. The rooms are pleasantly furnished, and have everything you’d need, plus a few welcome additions such as access to a specialized sleep app, gorgeous city views and free wifi for all guests. A true draw is the easy access to some of the biggest attractions in New York with Times Square, Madison Square Garden and Central Park all less than five miles away.

6. Hotel Vetiver

Budget Hotel

Hotel Vetiver room with patio doors, mirror, pattern carpet and leather headboards
Courtesy of Hotel Vetiver / Expedia

A quirky independent slap-bang in the heart of LIC, Vetiver is a great option for guests looking to spend as much time in the city as possible. Found in the city center of Long Island, and just a short subway trip to wider New York City, it is a perfect rest stop between sightseeing. The rooms are petite but pristine, with wood flooring, premium bedding and flat-screen TVs with cable television. If you’re looking to try the local eateries, be sure to check out House of Thai and Astoria Seafood, both within a 10-minute walk of the hotel.

7. The Collective Paper Factory

Boutique Hotel

The Collective Paper Factory room with neutral tones, headboards and plant on industrial windowsill
Courtesy of The Collective Paper Factory / Expedia

Part of an ultra-modern group of residences known as The Collective, the Paper Factory offers a unique experience during your stay in Queens. It’s ideally suited to guests looking for extended trips to the city, with rooms furnished like a true home away from home. Facilities include a 24-hour concierge service, in-house fitness center and flexible work spaces, perfect for business trips into the city. For guests looking to unwind a little, there’s an eclectic cocktail menu best enjoyed in the relaxing courtyard.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
close-ad
Edit article