Where to Stay in Brooklyn: Best Neighborhoods, Hotels & Airbnbs for Your NYC Trip
Ten years ago, visitors to New York might have raised an eyebrow at the idea of staying in Brooklyn. Today, it's often the cooler, more authentic choice over Midtown Manhattan hotels, offering a genuine Big Apple experience.
Brooklyn is enormous—larger than cities like Barcelona, Boston, or Washington, D.C.—with over 70 neighborhoods. This vastness can overwhelm first-timers. While the 'cool factor' draws many, affordability compared to Manhattan is a big draw. New hotels are popping up in Downtown Brooklyn near the Brooklyn Bridge and trendy Williamsburg, ideal for splurges amid vibrant scenes.
Budget travelers love Brooklyn's affordable Airbnbs, especially private rooms. (New to Airbnb? Sign up with a referral for up to $40 off your first booking.)
Brooklyn spans more area than many major U.S. and European cities and boasts 70+ neighborhoods. Travel within Brooklyn can take an hour; reaching Manhattan or other boroughs often longer. Plan your stay wisely to avoid frustrating commutes.
Where to Stay in Brooklyn: Top Recommendations
This Airbnb map highlights Brooklyn's scale and NYC layout. For efficiency, choose spots close to Manhattan, especially if sightseeing there. Southern areas are cheaper but mean longer subways or Ubers. Prioritize convenience or savings?
Closest neighborhoods to Manhattan:
- Williamsburg
- Greenpoint
- Brooklyn Heights
- Downtown Brooklyn
- DUMBO
These offer prime subway access (except Greenpoint).
Note: Areas south or east of Prospect Park are farther. Hosts may claim '20 mins to Manhattan,' but that's often just across the East River. Real examples:
Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy)
Airbnb hotspot near Utica Ave (A/C lines):
- Utica Ave to Fulton St (Manhattan): 15 mins
- To Central Park: 40 mins
- To Times Square: 35 mins
Bushwick
Many Airbnbs; M/L trains reach Midtown but require changes:
- Myrtle-Wyckoff to Delancey St: 15 mins
- To 1st Ave (L): 20 mins
- To Central Park: 40 mins
- To Times Square: 35 mins
Flatbush / Kensington
South of Prospect Park, budget-friendly:
- Beverly Rd to Fulton St (2/5): 30 mins
- To Canal St (Q): 25 mins
- To Times Square: 45 mins
- To Central Park: 55 mins
Before booking:
Tips for Booking Airbnb in Brooklyn
1. Ask hosts for the nearest subway, then Google Maps your routes (e.g., Broadway shows, Harlem). Weigh commutes vs. savings—many regret far-flung spots.
2. Check recent reviews for commute insights and quality. Brooklyn Airbnbs vary widely.
3. Google the neighborhood for essentials like restaurants, cafes, supermarkets. Avoid isolated blocks in huge areas like Bed-Stuy or Flatbush.
Best Neighborhoods for Airbnbs in Brooklyn
Williamsburg: Brooklyn's trendiest—young vibe, walkable restaurants, bars, nightlife. One L stop to Manhattan. Whole Foods on Bedford Ave; abundant eateries.
Greenpoint: North of Williamsburg—charming, restaurant-packed, serene architecture. No direct Manhattan subway; transfer via G to L or E/M/7.
Park Slope: Family-friendly historic area near Prospect Park. Great eats on 5th/7th Aves, supermarkets, multiple subways (2/3, G/F, R).
Bushwick: Artsy with street art, diverse eats, bars. 30 mins to Manhattan via L/M/J/Z. Appeals to creative travelers.
Clinton Hill & Fort Greene: Brownstone beauty, solid dining. G to A/C in Clinton Hill; Atlantic Terminal hub (2/3/4/5/B/D/N/Q/R) plus LIRR to JFK in Fort Greene.
Airbnb vs. Hotel in Brooklyn
Airbnbs beat hotels on price—rooms from $50/night.
Hotels follow suit: pricier near Manhattan.
Best Hotels in Brooklyn
Downtown Brooklyn's chain options:
- Holiday Inn (from $105)
- Even (from $100)
- Sheraton (from $112)
- Hilton Brooklyn (from $141)
- Aloft (from $229)
Excellent subway access, near Manhattan.
Top pick: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (from $249)—rooftop pool, Brooklyn Bridge/Manhattan views.
Budget Boutique: NU Hotel
Downtown's artsy gem (from $164) with local street art.
Williamsburg Hotels: Brooklyn's Hip Heart
Boutique stays amid bars, eats, East River views—one subway/ferry stop to Manhattan:
- The William Vale (from $249)
- The Hoxton (from $199)
- The Williamsburg Hotel (from $200)
- Indigo Williamsburg (from $129)
- Wythe Hotel (from $200)
- Le Jolie (from $149)
Budget Pod Brooklyn
Williamsburg heart, queens from $85 (seasonal rates vary).
High-Value Budget Hotels Farther Out
Great deals, but check commutes via Google Maps:
- Hotel RL (Bushwick) (from $99)
- Bklyn House (East Williamsburg/Bushwick) (from $139)
- Hotel Le Bleu (Gowanus) (from $149)
- Fairfield Inn & Suites (Gowanus) (from $169)
