Hotels with bars on-site, central locations near MSG and the Yankees, and good sleeping rooms for hangovers. Practical recommendations from people who've actually done it.
Quick verdict: for a stag in NYC, you want central Manhattan (you'll be doing sports, bars, restaurants — no time for Brooklyn commutes), on-site bars or 24-hour reception (deal with the post-flight first pint), and rooms with two double beds rather than one king (hotel rooms cost the same; just better for sharing). The Hilton Times Square, Hyatt Centric Times Square and Marriott Marquis are all stag-tested.
Bar 54 — one of NYC's best rooftop bars — on the roof. Walking distance to Madison Square Garden (basketball, hockey, gigs), Times Square, the Theatre District, and a hundred bars. Rooms with two doubles available; group rates often available for 3+ rooms. £230–£340.
Check Prices on Hotels.com →Big rooms, multiple bars on-site (the View revolving rooftop is a NYC classic), 24-hour everything. The hotel of choice when your group's bringing 6+ guys and you want functional Times Square chaos. £290–£440.
Check Prices on Hotels.com →30 seconds' walk to MSG — perfect if your stag is built around a Knicks, Rangers or NHL game. Practical rooms, good prices, 24-hour reception. £170–£250.
Check Prices on Hotels.com →The "let's not blow the budget on the hotel" pick. Small rooms (one queen bed, fine for solo or two-person sharing), but central, well-run, and £140–£200 per night. Good for big groups where 4+ rooms add up fast.
Check Prices on Hotels.com →NYC stag for 4 nights, 6 guys: £900–£1,400 per person all-in (flights £350-£500, hotel ~£250 per person, food/drink £400+, sports ticket if any £100-£200). Less than Vegas, more than Amsterdam.
October-November (good weather, sports starting). Avoid Christmas (overpriced, all the bars are full of corporate parties). January is cheap but cold. Spring (March-May) is excellent.
No. NYC bars are used to international groups and very tolerant. Two real rules: don't be loud about being a stag party (some bars discreetly cap groups), and tip 20% on every round (the bartender will love you).