Hotels in New Jersey

Hotels in New Jersey can be a viable option if you’re looking for cheap hotels near New York. New Jersey is the state next to New York and can be reached by bus or train from Manhattan, although this can sometimes be inconvenient and time-consuming. Many people who visit New York on a budget choose to stay in New Jersey, as hotel prices here are lower than in Manhattan.

Hotels in New Jersey

New York City is located in the state of New York, which is a different state from New Jersey. These two states are separated by the Hudson River. Despite the fact that you can easily see New Jersey from Manhattan, it can be difficult to reach. New Jersey has a different public transport network, the New Jersey Transit, so there is no subway connection between the two. A taxi can be very expensive because you are crossing a state line, but there are buses and a train network connecting New York and New Jersey.

Hotel rooms in New Jersey hotels tend to be larger than those in New York. The quality of rooms is also better than at cheap hotels in New York. In general, the value for money is better than in New York, especially when it comes to room size.

New Jersey is a good place to stay if you are looking for a cheap hotel or passing through. Almost all hotels in New Jersey have parking.

I’ve spent at least one night in all the hotels mentioned on this page, so I can share my experience and honest opinion with you. Hotels in New Jersey are generally cheaper than in New York City, and since I get a lot of questions about them, I wanted to test them out myself.

1. 1. Jersey City

      Jersey City is located on the waterfront by the Hudson River and overlooks the Manhattan skyline. Of all the hotels I stayed at in New Jersey, this location gave me the most that ‘New York feeling’. You can get there easily on the PATH train, which departs from 33rd Street and the One World Trade Center.

      The hotels in Jersey City aren’t much cheaper than hotels in New York; however, New Jersey hotels do generally have larger rooms, giving you just a bit more space.

      Sonesta Simply Suites Jersey

      This hotel is close to the Hudson River, which is why it is also called The Waterfront. You only have to walk a short distance to get a good view of the Downtown Manhattan skyline. Several restaurants and supermarkets can be found around the hotel, which also has a small kiosk where you can get a drink or snack. This is a good option if you are looking for a hotel in New Jersey.

      Book Sonesta Simply Suites Jersey here

      Average travel time to Manhattan: about 20 minutes

      Other hotels to stay at in Jersey City:
      • Hyatt Regency Jersey City On The Hudson
      • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Jersey City

      

   2. Weehawken

      Weehawken is close to Manhattan and offers a good base for travelling into New York, though it has little else to offer. The area is very residential and doesn’t have much to attract tourists.

      You can get to Weehawken from New York City by bus or by taking the NY Waterway, a ferry between Weehawken and Manhattan. Just keep in mind that a single trip for an adult costs at least $10, so it can quickly get expensive. By bus, you will pay about $5 per person per trip.

      Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel

      This hotel is in a good location: offering a beautiful view of Manhattan just outside its doors. The NY Waterway ferry also stops right in front, making it easy to sail to and from New York. In addition, the bus stop is just a few metres away.

      The hotel itself is fine, if a bit old-fashioned. I would only book this for the location.
      Book Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel here

      Average travel time to Manhattan: about 30 minutes

      

   3. Secaucus

      One of the places in New Jersey where hotel prices are generally on the cheap side is Secaucus. This area lies behind Weehawken and is also easily accessible by bus. I could take a direct bus that took me to Manhattan in about 45 minutes from the hotel.

      If you are going to New York with the family and are looking for a cheap hotel, the hotels in Secaucus could be a good option. The rooms are spacious and there are a number of things to do in the area, including several fast-food restaurants, a cinema and shops such as Walmart. Do keep in mind that this area is not pedestrian-friendly, and it is difficult to walk anywhere. Consider taking an Uber or Lyft for this reason.

      Best Western Plus Meadowlands

      The Best Western Plus Meadowlands offers everything you need and more. The rooms are spacious with a microwave and fridge, and there’s a kiosk. It all feels new and looks neat. There is a shopping centre with some restaurants opposite this New Jersey hotel, making it a good choice for families!

      “Meadowlands” can be found in the names of many places in the area, and also for the hotel. It’s a nickname for the area because of the many meadows there.

      Book Best Western Plus Meadowlands here

      Average travel time to Manhattan: about 45 minutes

      

   4. East Rutherford

      A little further into New Jersey is East Rutherford. Despite being farther from Manhattan, it is easily accessible by public transport. This is partly because a few well-known New Jersey attractions are located here, like the MetLife Stadium, where American Football games take place, and the American Dream Mall. This mall is home to hundreds of shops as well as a Nickelodeon amusement park, DreamWorks water park, and even an indoor ski hall.

      Because East Rutherford is further into New Jersey, hotel prices are lower. The hotel is popular with people who want a place to stay for the night during their car trip, both families and truckers.

      Again, it is difficult to get anywhere on foot in this area. You always need a bus or taxi to travel around. If you want something to eat in the evening, Uber Eats is one of the few options.

      Fairfield Inn by Marriott East Rutherford

      This is a great hotel to stay for a night. The bus stop to Manhattan and back is right in front of it; however, this is a busy road, so even a short walk is challenging. I would only book this hotel if the price of the room is under CA$175.

      Book Fairfield Inn by Marriott East Rutherford here

      Average travel time to Manhattan: about 40 minutes

      

   5. North Bergen

      Many people find cheap hotels in the area of North Bergen, New Jersey. On the map, this part of New Jersey seems to be close to New York, but I found it difficult to travel between the two. Public transport does not run often and it is a long ride to get to Manhattan and back. Besides, there is hardly anything in North Bergen, including restaurants and supermarkets.

      If you are planning a city break to New York, it makes no sense to stay in North Bergen. I would only say this is an option if the hotel is cheaper than CA$175 a night.

      Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott North Bergen

      Despite the fact that I would not recommend staying here due to its location, this hotel is okay. It is a typical American hotel that offers a decent bed.

      Book Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott North Bergen here

      Average travel time to Manhattan: about 50 minutes

      

On my New York hotel deals page, you can find all my personally hand-picked hotel options for the upcoming months.