Intro
Have you been thinking about a staycation in NYC? Have you looked at staycations in and around NYC. Maybe you want to head to Brooklyn? Or try something out east. Or maybe you are wanting to find the best NYC romantic staycation deals? This article is for you.
Staycations are a great way to take a little break from busy lives. But when you live in or near New York City, where can you go to relax? Whether it be in a quiet hotel room, a retreat in the middle of nowhere, or even a tent pitched up in the fields, NYC has many places for a staycation. Here’s how you can have a relaxing staycation.
Where can I do a staycation in NYC?
That's a loaded question. With so much to see and do in and around NYC, ( I mean it is the center of the world, hehe) it can be hard to decide the perfect place to spend your staycation.
When planning your staycation you have a few options.
- At home
- At a hotel
- Out camping
- At a resort or retreat
Regardless of where you end up first think about the experience you are looking for. Do you want some do something cultural, enjoy the nightlife, take in the sea breeze at the shore or sleep under the stars?
Your vacation style will help you decide the best place for you to spend your staycation.

What do couples do during a staycation?
You can just pick a pretty awesome hotel and enjoy swimming at the pool or order room service for breakfast in bed. Or you can choose to go out on the town with your boo. Below are a few staycation ideas you can try.
- Eat a delicious meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant (Poor In a Private Plane tip: Check out Michelin's Bib Gourmand which is a selection of Michelin recommended restaurants without the Michelin Star prices).
- Visit the local markets and try local foods and products that you may have never tried before
- Visit a rooftop bar You can find some amazing rooftop happy hours here)
- Go to NYC.GOV to find a free event near you.
- Or check in and don't leave your room until you have to check out.
How can I stay in NYC for cheap?
New York City can be expensive. But if you're looking to plan a staycation in NYC on the cheap I have you covered.
Start by looking for free events in and around the city. You can find a list of free events here.
Look for cheap accommodations on sites like booking.com and kayak.com These are some of our favorite sites to find deals.
Top Staycations Spots Around NYC
Typically, when people think about vacation spots they envision long plane rides or road trips. But oftentimes, the best vacations are those that you don't have to travel too far for!
In NYC there are so many unique places one can staycation from visiting a rooftop bar or Michelin-starred restaurant in Manhattan to a resort outside of the city limits.
The perfect place is really dependent on your interests and what you're looking for in terms of an experience.
Below I've created a list of some popular staycation options around New York City. Some are in the city itself while others may be good for a great weekend getaway outside of NYC.
Take a look at the list and pick the ones that are best for you.
Moxy Times Square
Some consider a vacation to be getting away from the bustling city and loud crowds of people, but how about spending your staycation right in the middle of it all. Moxy Times Square gives you that experience. And at an affordable cost.
Located in Times Square, Manhattan, Moxy is an energetic alternative to the typical hotel experience. The hotel rooms are retro-industrial-themed with a 21st-century twist. The hotel also features free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs for those who need to catch up on work or watch some shows.
The Moxy Times Square hotel is perfect for socializing as they even have a rooftop lounge and bar with live DJs and happy hours.
When choosing your room, there are eight styles of rooms available. There is the studio suite, the king room, the queen room, and many more.
You can find rates and availability for Moxy Times Square here.
Things to do near Moxy Time Square
Here are some staycation ideas around Moxy Times Square to consider.
- Stroll through the Metropolitan Museum of Art (You can get tickets here)
- Visit the empire state building (You can get tickets here)
- Skip the fitness center and take a walk down Broadway
- Go to a Broadway Show (Check out TDF for cheap tickets).
- Head up town and take a stroll in central park

The Williamsburg Hotel
Do you want to spend your staycation in the city? But also want to have your furry companion with you too? If you're looking for a pet-friendly hotel the Williamsburg hotel is perfect for you.
There are so many good features about this red brick hotel. Firstly, it is only minutes away from Manhattan and New York hotspots. Secondly, the rooms are gorgeous, and lastly, the Williamsburg hotel is pet-friendly. Not many hotels in the city are, and that's what makes this hotel stand out.
The Williamsburg Hotel has twelve styles of rooms available for all budget types. It has plenty of space for you and your furry companion to spend your staycation indoors. All the rooms each have floor-to-ceiling windows. And many rooms feature a private balcony and bathroom with a free-standing bathtub.
This hotel also has a rooftop pool and bar, which are perfect for weekend afternoons and nights.
You can find rates and availability for the Williamsburg Hotel here.
Things to do near the Williamsburg Hotel
Here are some staycation activities and attractions to check out near the Williamsburg Hotel
- Shop for local produce at artists and fleas
- Take a stroll through Domino park and along the East River for stunning views of Manhattan
- Attend an event at the music hall of Williamsburg
- Pick up breakfast at Bakeri
- Check out Westlight at the William Vale hotel for a cocktail and amazing views of the Manhattan Skyline
- If you are feeling it take a ferry ride over to DUMBO and visit Brooklyn Bridge Park.
The Langham
If you like contemporary luxury and urban sophistication, the Langham is the perfect staycation spot for you. Nestled in Manhattan, this hotel has 60 stories, giving you the best views of the city below. The Langham hotel has been voted top hotel in New York for multiple years and has a high future for many more years to come.
The rooms feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows and plush bedding and furniture, contemporary themed fixtures throughout the room. The room also has a marble-clad bathroom featuring a beautiful rainfall shower.
If you're feeling a little hungry, you can always head down to the hotel's restaurant. The Michelin-starred restaurant Ai Fiori is an Italian and French Riviera-inspired cuisine restaurant that displays a high-end menu that’ll sure get your mouth watering.
You can find rates and availability for The Langham Hotel here.
Things to do near The Langham Hotel
Below is a list of things you must try on your staycation at the Langham Hotel.
- Go Shopping in Herald Square
- Have a drink at 230 Fifth (They have an amazing rooftop terrace with epic views of the empire state building).
- Walkthrough the New York Public Library

James Hotel
If you love the look of urban luxury, James hotel is a perfect place to start. James hotel has 337 gorgeous rooms to choose from, featuring spectacular views of the city below. Because this hotel is in the heart of Nomad, everything is accessible. James hotel is close to public transportation and many famous landmarks.
The James Hotel has seven options of hotel rooms available from your standard room to the penthouse. Each room has a modern feel, and the colors remain neutral tones.
You can find rates and availability for The James Hotel here.
Things to do near The James Hotel
If you want to know what there is to do around the area. Below is a list of staycation ideas you can do.
- Take a photo in front of the Flat Iron Building
- Visit Eataly for amazing wine and food
- Go to the original shake shack in Madison Square Park
- Visit the pop-up shops that are sometimes set up in the Flat Iron District
The New York Edition
The New York Edition hotel has to be one of the most interesting hotels in New York City. The hotel was built around a historical clock tower. One of its main features is the dark interior throughout the whole building. Although, the outside gets kept as a white clock tower.
Although it seems strange having a hotel in a clock tower, it makes the perfect place for a staycation.
You can find rates and availability for The New York Edition here.
Things to do near The New York Edition
Do you want to know what to do around the New York edition hotel? Below is a list of staycation ideas you can do.
- Go downstairs and enjoy a high-quality meal from the Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Relax with a trip to the spa
- Take a walk down Madison Avenue
- Visit Bryant Park
Camp Rockaway
Would you believe me if I told you that you can go glamping on the beach right here in the big apple? If you don't believe me I get it. I was surprised by it too. But it's possible. And it's called Camp Rockaway.
Located in Rockaway Beach, Queens, Camp Rockaway is the perfect place to spend your staycation. We have a full review of Camp Rockaway here.
Things to do near Camp Rockway
Do you want to know what other staycation activities and attractions are available at Rockaway?
- Bring food to cook over the communal fire
- Take a dip (in the summer of course)
- Bring your bike and bike along the boardwalk
- Check out some of the many eateries in the area

TWA Hotel
Let's go back in time with a visit to the TWA Hotel. The TWA Hotel is located at John F Kennedy international airport and was created during the 1960s. It brings you back to the golden age of air travel.
The building has been designed with modern touches but stays true to its past style. The hotel rooms are small, making it feel like you're living in an airplane cabin.
But the TWA Hotel is a great option for a New York staycation. The history alone makes it the perfect staycation for those who want to reminisce about the good ol' days.
Things to do near TWA Hotel
Are you ready for some fun staycation ideas you can do near TWA Hotel?
- Visit Flushing Meadows Corona Park (home of two World's Fairs)
- Ride along the quiet streets of a Queens neighborhood on your bike
- Take a dip in the Pool

Top Staycation Spots Outside of NYC.
Eastwind
If you want your staycation in the middle of a luscious forest landscape, you must visit the Eastwind hotel. No matter whether you want a staycation with your family, friends, a romantic getaway, or even some alone time, Eastwind hotel is suitable for everyone.
This unique hotel has nestled the hillsides of Windham, which is roughly 2 hours away from New York. I know, this isn’t in New York. But I couldn’t pass not adding this spot on the list because it truly is a remarkable place.
Eastwind has eight glamping cabins to choose from, from Lushna cabins to hill house king cabins. All the rooms have gotten beautifully crafted to make sure you feel at home, and with that extra touch of luxury, you don’t feel as if you’re in a rundown cabin in the woods.
You can find rates and availability for Eastwind here.
Things to do around Windham, NY
Do you want to know what staycation activities and attractions you can do around Windham? Below is a list of ideas to try.
- Visit the Elm Ridge wild forest.
- Explore the old town hall
- Join a cooking class at Armand’s kitchen
Ocean house
Do you want to have your staycation in NYC close to the beach? Nothing gets any close to Ocean house. Ocean houses can get found in Rhode Island, where fresh food is known for being some of the best around.
Ocean house has 49 guest rooms and 20 suites for guests to spend their staycation. The rooms are beautifully designed with coastal-chic interiors and high-tech appliances so you can definitely relax however you want.
You can find rates and availability for The Ocean House here.
Things to do near The Ocean House in Rhode Island
Do you want some staycation ideas to do around Rhode Island?
- Take a swim in the clear Atlantic water
- Learn the history of the marble house
- See the animals at the Rodger Williams park zoo

The Outlier Inn
If unique staycations are what you are looking for, you must stay a night or two at the outlier inn. The Outlier inn is a perfect spot for events such as a wedding and photoshoots, or can even get as a wellness retreat.
This retreat gets situated on twelve acres in the heart of Woodbridge, New York. It has many different accommodations that guests can stay in, from tiny homes to geo domes.
The domes rooms have to be a must if you want the best views of nature just outside your window. The dome home is a fantastic glamping experience that’ll make your staycation as relaxing as possible.
The dome itself features a queen bed, and an outdoor bathroom with double showers, a gorgeous claw-foot bathtub. It also features an outdoor kitchen that gets equipped for your glamping needs.
Things to do Near the Outlier Inn
Are you wondering what else you can do at the Outlier Inn? Below is a list of staycation ideas you can try.
- Take a weekly yoga class
- Take a look through the barn and shop
- Relax in the wood-fired hot tub
- Walk the trails
Shou Sugi Ban House
Shou Sugi Ban House is a serene Japanese-styled retreat that gets known for its peace and simple beauty. This retreat's inspiration came from the meditation technique and referred to the Japanese process of preserving wood by charring it. The Shou Sugi Ban House is situated 90 miles out of New York in the Hamptons. But it is worth the drive.
This retreat is definitely the perfect staycation location and will revitalize you for your future endeavors.
The Shou Sugi Ban House has thirteen rooms. You can either choose to stay in the guest studio or within the retreat. If you opt to stay in the guest studios, it features a garden patio, fireplace, organic bedding, and robes. The rooms also come with complimentary toothbrushes made from bamboo.
You can find rates and availability for Shou Sugi Ban House here.
Things to do at the Shou Sugi Ban House
Are you wondering what else you can do at the Shou Sugi Ban House? Here is a list of staycation ideas.
- Spend a day at the Shou Sugi Ban House spa
- Join a seasonal or private workshop
- Participate in a healing art session
- Have a romantic dinner experience made by the Michelin-starred chef, Mads Refslund
The Best NYC Staycation Spots
There are a lot of great NYC staycation spots to explore, but some stand out more than others. Here is a map to help you plan your staycation.
From the city’s most iconic landmarks and museums to its best local haunts, there is always something for everyone in this diverse city.
So what will you be doing on your next NYC staycation? Do you have any specific ideas or places that we haven't mentioned? We'd love to hear from you!
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