Check occupancy limits before you book
New York rooms are small and many are capped at two people regardless of the bed configuration. Booking one room for three is often not allowed. Confirm the maximum occupancy and the exact bed setup rather than assuming a sofa bed counts.
A hotel with its own bar saves the first night
After a long flight, having somewhere decent downstairs is worth a great deal. Several of these have destination bars in the building, so the first evening needs no planning at all.
Downtown and Brooklyn beat Times Square for a night out
The Lower East Side, Williamsburg and the Meatpacking District have the bars. Times Square has the theatres and the crowds. If the weekend is about going out rather than seeing shows, stay south or across the river.
The shortlist
Hotels that fit, and why.
Moxy NYC Times Square
Magic Hour on the 18th floor bills itself as the largest all-season indoor-outdoor hotel rooftop in New York, with its own street entrance.
- Subway
- 34 St-Herald Sq / Times Square area
Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg
Four separate bars and restaurants in one building, including the LilliStar rooftop facing the Williamsburg Bridge.
- Subway
- Marcy Av on the J, M and Z, and Bedford Av on the L
PUBLIC Hotel
Ian Schrager's Bowery hotel, where the money went into the public spaces rather than the rooms. Good value for a group that will not be in the room much.
- Subway
- Second Av, Bowery and Delancey St-Essex St
Dream Downtown
A rooftop pool and a strong summer scene in Chelsea, close to the Meatpacking District's bars.
- Subway
- 14 St and Eighth Av
Royalton Park Avenue
A heated rooftop pool on the twentieth floor in NoMad, central for both downtown and Midtown nights out.
- Subway
- 28 St and 33 St
Virgin Hotels New York City
460 rooms with a guests-only pool club and the Everdene bar, so a large group can actually book together.
- Subway
- 28 St and 34 St-Herald Sq
Pod Times Square
The budget option: bunk pods with individual lighting and charging, which work for friends sharing and keep the cost down.
- Subway
- 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal
Fast answers
Questions UK travellers ask.
How many people can share a New York hotel room?
Usually two, sometimes three or four in specific room types. Occupancy limits are enforced and rooms are small. Book the exact configuration you need rather than planning to squeeze in.
Where is best in New York for a hen weekend?
The Lower East Side and Williamsburg for bars and a genuine night out, the Meatpacking District for late clubs, or Midtown if the weekend is built around a Broadway show.
Do New York hotels charge extra for more guests?
Frequently, yes, and some add a destination or facility fee per room on top. Work out the all-in cost per person before comparing, as a slightly dearer room split three ways often wins.
Sources and update notes
Last updated: 17 August 2026. Hotel rates, fees, rules and transport details can change.