Where to stay in New York State

Hotels

There is a vast range of accommodation in New York running across the spectrum, from luxurious five-star hotels to youth hostels and camping sites. New York City has thousands of hotels and apartments to choose from, whilst out of the city there are plenty of lodges, chain hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts to choose from. Be sure to book far in advance if you plan to visit during the busy seasons, which is summer for Long Island and most of the state beyond New York City, and holidays for New York City. Prices for hotel and motel rooms tend to be higher during busy season and rooms book up quickly.

Bed and breakfast

Though there are a few bed and breakfast accommodations in New York City, this is a particularly popular form of lodging in the other regions of the state, especially in the Hudson Valley.

Camping

Camping is a popular option for outdoor lovers and there are many campsites, both at state parks and commercially owned and operated outfits around the state. The Appalachian Trail cuts through New York, and volunteers maintain both the trail and related facilities. Believe it or not, there's even camping in New York City. From the campsites at Floyd Bennett Field in Queens, you can see airplanes flying into and out of JFK Airport, and the Manhattan skyline rising up in the distance.

Other accomodation

Hostels: Hostels are a budget-friendly way to visit a state where accommodation costs often represent the most significant expense on the visitor's budget. New York City has a number of hostels, ranging in both quality and cost. Hostels are not as readily found outside of the city.

Cabins: Cabins are a good option for families and groups in the state's mountain and ocean-side resort areas. The state's official tourism website has a comprehensive listing of cabins and cottages.

Resorts: New York State has some of the loveliest and most historic resort hotels in the United States, particularly in the Adirondack, Catskill and Hudson Valley regions. These are often found in spectacular settings and offer a range of amenities and services. Sagamore Resort (www.thesagamore.com), located on a private island on Lake George and Mohonk Mountain House (www.mohonk.com) in the Shawangunk Mountains are particular favourites.

Unique Accommodation: Travellers on a budget or those who are interested in meeting locals may find some newer and non-conventional lodging options of interest. Accommodations arranged through  well-visited websites such as Airbnb (www.airbnb.com) and couchsurfing (www.couchsurfing.or) offer a unique view into the life of a New Yorker. Be sure to read the specifications of the accommodation carefully; lodging types can vary dramatically and may range from a couch in an apartment shared with one or more flatmates, to a full apartment or home whose owner has left you with full run of the place.