The New York City Marathon draws in over 50,000 runners and attracts around 2 million spectators from all corners of the globe. With such a significant event, the demand for hotel accommodations is substantial.
Fortunately, the city offers a whopping 110,000 rooms, with approximately two-thirds of them conveniently positioned in Manhattan, near the finish line at Central Park.
If minimizing travel time is a priority, you’ll find lodging options near the start line at Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island. Alternatively, you can opt for accommodations close to the Midtown Manhattan Bus Center or the Staten Island Ferry Port, both of which are major transportation hubs for the marathon.
Most hotels are conveniently located near the finish line, situated at 67th Street on West Drive near Central Park. Another viable choice is to stay in New Jersey, close to MetLife Stadium, where you’ll take buses to the Fort Wadsworth starting point.
So before I share with you the very best hotels to stay in NY for the Marathon, here are the transportation options you have to know.
Because the New York Marathon starts on Staten Island and you run across the bridge that gets you to Staten Island (the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge), the bridge is obviously closed for the race, and you need to be in the race Village on the island well before the race starts.
What Are The Official Transportation Options For The NYC Marathon
Staten Island Ferry
Departure Location: Whitehall Terminal, Manhattan
Estimated Travel Time to the Start Line: 90 minutes
You can reach Whitehall Terminal via the 1 train (at South Ferry) and the R and W trains (at Whitehall Street–South Ferry), as well as buses on the M15, M20, and M55 routes.
The ferry is free and it takes you to St. George Terminal on Staten Island. From there, free buses are available to transport you to Fort Wadsworth.
Midtown Manhattan Bus
Departure Location: New York Public Library, Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street
Estimated Travel Time to the Start Line: 90 minutes
The buses will transport you directly to Fort Wadsworth. The New York Public Library is conveniently situated in a central location and can be easily accessed through various subway and bus routes.
New Jersey Bus
Departure Location: MetLife Stadium Parking Lot K, near the Quest Diagnostics Training Center
Estimated Travel Time to the Start Line: 60 minutes
The bus will take you from MetLife Stadium Parking Lot K directly to Fort Wadsworth. Please note that there is no parking available at this location.
What If I Want To Use My Own Transport?
For the New York City Marathon, I highly recommend that you use the official TCS transportation to get to the start line.
However, if you decide to use your own private vehicle, there are important things to consider:
- Taking your own transportation means you’re responsible for getting to the start, which can be difficult due to road closures.
- You must arrive at the start before 7:00 a.m. when the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge closes to all traffic.
- Since there won’t be any parking available in Fort Wadsworth, you’ll have drop-off near the intersection of Lily Pond Avenue and McClean Avenue outside Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island. Keep in mind that there’s a walking distance of about half a mile (approx 1 km) from the drop-off area to the Start Villages.
- If you’re coming from New Jersey, you need to make sure that you drop off and clear the Staten Island Expressway by 7:00 a.m., as the expressway will close to vehicles at that time.
If you have secured your New York Marathon spot through a charity partner or tour operator, make sure you check with them. This will help you have a clear understanding of how you’ll be getting to the marathon’s start line.
Some of these partners offer official NYRR transportation, while others arrange for coach buses to pick you up directly from your hotel to designated pick-up points.
When it comes to accommodations, if you’re running the New York City Marathon, I recommend staying closer to these three locations:
- Finish Line (I stayed in a lovely backpackers hostel near Central Park, and so it was great to be able to take a very slow stroll home after the race. It’s also great to get in a few easy shakeout runs in the Park before the race.)
- Midtown Bus Loading
- Staten Island Ferry Terminal
What Are The Places To Stay Near New York Marathon Finish Line?
These accommodations are all located within a 20-minute radius of the last mile of the race. Here are my top picks, listed in no particular order:
- Empire Hotel
- The Lucerne Hotel
- La Quinta Inn – Central Park
- Trump International Hotel
- Hotel Beacon
- Fairfield Inn & Suites
- The Hudson New York
- The Watson Hotel
Empire Hotel
Situated on the Upper West Side, this hotel enjoys a dynamic ambiance with museums, parks, and cultural attractions nearby. You can also catch glimpses of Times Square, which is just 1 mile away.
The Empire Hotel stands in close proximity to the Central Park finish line of the New York City Marathon. It boasts a rooftop pool, two restaurants, and cabanas, ensuring a comfortable stay.
The rooms are elegantly decorated in earth tones and feature bathrooms with enclosed glass shower cubicles.
After the race, you can unwind at the lobby bar, which serves drinks on the rooftop or by the pool deck.
With a 4-star rating, the Empire Hotel is a mere two blocks away from Central Park and conveniently located across from the Lincoln Center. The 59th St. Subway station, which offers a direct line to the Staten Island Ferry, is a short three-minute walk away.
The Lucerne Hotel
The Lucerne Hotel, situated on the Upper West Side near Central Park in New York City, is a remarkable establishment.
The hotel goes the extra mile by offering an on-site fitness center and spa, ensuring that you can stay active and relaxed. The rooms are thoughtfully decorated and equipped with a desk and complimentary bath products, providing a comfortable stay.
An added bonus is the presence of an on-site French restaurant named Nice Matin, which boasts an outdoor terrace perfect for dining alfresco.
The Lucerne Hotel is positioned around 19 minutes away from the finish line of the NYC Marathon. This 4-star hotel can be found on 79th St., situated between 77th and 81st St., aligning conveniently with post-race runner exit locations.
It is only half a block away from the 79th St. Subway station, which offers a direct line to the Staten Island Ferry.
La Quinta Inn – Central Park
La Quinta Inn – Central Park is a highly favored 3-star hotel by many New York marathoners.
This property offers more than just a place to stay during the marathon. It’s conveniently located near cultural attractions, parks, and museums, allowing you to experience more of New York after the big race.
I advise you to avoid sightseeing activities in the days leading up to the race to ensure you’re fully prepared for the big day. Focusing on rest and preparation will help you perform at your best during the race.
The hotel is just a quick two-minute walk to the finish line Park and within a five-minute reach of two subway stations.
Trump International Hotel
Trump International Hotel offers a luxurious 5-star experience with stunning views of Central Park.
Situated at the meeting point of Broadway and Columbus Circle, Trump International New York is just 6 minutes away from the Central Park finish line of the New York City Marathon.
The hotel is positioned near two Subway stations, one with a direct line to the Staten Island Ferry, and the other closest to the runner exit.
Hotel Beacon
Hotel Beacon, a 4-star establishment situated at 77th and Broadway, offers a convenient three-minute walk to the 79th St. Subway station.
Less than a mile away from the Central Park finish line of the New York City Marathon, Hotel Beacon provides rooms with living areas and kitchenettes, creating serene and comfortable spaces.
With its Upper West Side location, Hotel Beacon is near a subway station and surrounded by museums, parks, and theaters, making it an ideal choice for those seeking cultural exploration.
It’s approximately a 14-minute walk from the hotel to the marathon finish line, allowing for easy access on race day.
Fairfield Inn & Suites
The Fairfield Inn & Suites offers a convenient stay within a short walk to the west of the south side of Central Park, making it close to the finish line.
Situated near Fordham University Lincoln Centre on the southeast side of the Upper West Side of Manhattan, this hotel provides comfortable rooms equipped with coffee makers and refrigerators. Onsite amenities include Bar 58 for drinks and a mini-market for convenience goods.
The hotel is at a walking distance of approximately 17 minutes from the marathon’s finishing line.
The Hudson New York
Located not far from the Central Park finish line of the New York City Marathon, The Hudson New York offers a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.
With features like a fitness center, an interior lobby garden, and concierge services, this hotel is a welcoming choice. You can enjoy panoramic New York City views and easy access to nearby tourist attractions and city walks.
This hotel is just a 12-minute walk from the marathon finish line, making it one of the best value options for NYC Marathon accommodations.
The Watson Hotel
Situated on the North side of Hell’s Kitchen in New York, The Watson Hotel is a popular choice for accommodation. It is just a short 15-minute walk from the marathon’s finish line.
This hotel features an onsite restaurant and bar, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool available for use during the warmer summer months.
The contemporary-styled rooms come fully equipped with air conditioning and private bathrooms. Times Square and the Museum of Modern Art are only 0.8 miles away from the hotel.
What Are The Best Hotels Near NY Public Library (Midtown Manhattan Bus)
On the morning of the race, many runners choose to either hop on the buses at the Public Library on 5th Ave. & 42nd St. or take the Staten Island Ferry to the starting line.
If you stay close to the midtown bus loading spot, you could sleep in a little on race day and simply walk to the buses. With about 65 hotels within half a mile of this area, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a place to stay nearby.
What’s more, these hotels are conveniently positioned within a short walk of several popular tourist spots like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Rockefeller Center. This makes them a great choice not just for race-day ease but also for exploring the city’s famous sites.
So, here are my best picks for you:
Hyatt Place New York/Midtown-South
Situated in Downtown South Manhattan, the Hyatt Place offers good value. It’s conveniently near the Herald Square subway and a quick walk from the Empire State Building.
The hotel provides modern, comfy rooms with features like a TV, corner sofa, and fridge. You can enjoy their gym, business center, and free Wi-Fi. Plus, it’s a great starting point for exploring the city and just a short stroll from Times Square.
Hyatt Place is about an 8-minute walk from the Midtown Manhattan bus loading area.
Library Hotel by Library Hotel Collection
A charming boutique gem, the Library Hotel has a high rating. It’s conveniently close to Midtown Manhattan bus loading, just 3-minutes away.
The hotel’s American library-style decor gives it a special touch, and rooms come with Cable TV and cozy bathrobes and slippers. You can dine in their restaurant, enjoy the rooftop bar, and have a continental breakfast in the Reading room.
But make sure you STICK to your tried-and-tested nutritional plan. NO TRYING NEW THINGS ON RACE DAY.
Murray Hill East Suites
With a fitness center that’s open all the time, Murray Hill East Suites is a short walk from the New York Public Library, which is super convenient for NYC Marathon participants. The hotel offers self-catering options in its rooms, and they provide housekeeping twice a week.
It’s close to the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Station, and just a brief walk from the United Nations headquarters. A comfy and practical stay.
Murray Hill is just a 14-minute walk to the NY Public Library bus loading area.
Andaz 5th Avenue
Located on the famous 5th Avenue in mid-town Manhattan, the Andaz is close to Broadway and only 0.4 miles from the Empire State Building.
This deluxe hotel offers upscale accommodations. They have dining, a 24-hour fitness center, and a business center. Their stylish rooms have features like cable TV, kitchens, and balconies.
Luxury shops on 5th Avenue are just a minute’s walk away, making the Andaz a superb choice for a deluxe NYC marathon experience.
This hotel is the closest to the bus loading spot, and it’s also only a three-minute walk to 5th Ave. Subway station.
What Are The 3 Best Hotels near MetLife Stadium in New Jersey?
Here are some of the best hotel options near MetLife Stadium Parking Lot K, listed in no particular order:
Hampton Inn Carlstadt At The Meadowlands
This 3-star hotel is located in Rutherford, just 5 minutes away from the MetLife Stadium.
The Hampton Inn offers spacious rooms equipped with amenities like air conditioning, TV, desks, and coffee-making facilities. Onsite facilities include a fitness center, a business center, and free parking.
You can enjoy a buffet breakfast served daily and access a 24-hour snack shop.
Homewood Suites by Hilton East Rutherford – Meadowlands, NJ
Located in East Rutherford-Meadowlands, this 3-star family-friendly hotel is recognized for its good value. Its convenient location near MetLife Stadium offers quick access to the New Jersey bus loading area, which is only an 8-minute drive away.
The hotel offers well-equipped rooms and a free breakfast. Free parking is available, and various dining options are located nearby.
Hilton Meadowlands
Situated in East Rutherford, the 4-star Hilton Meadowlands is a luxurious hotel in close proximity to the Meadowlands Sports Complex and MetLife Football Stadium, just a short 6-minute drive away.
The hotel features chic and contemporary rooms equipped with amenities such as a TV, desk, and coffee maker. Guests are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the New York skyline.
Additionally, the hotel offers an onsite fitness center for your convenience. For easy travel into Manhattan, there’s a shuttle service available to the nearby Secaucus train station.
What Are The Best Hotels Near Staten Island Ferry?
If you prefer not to take the marathon buses from Midtown Manhattan to the start, another option is to enjoy the picturesque journey on the Staten Island Ferry from Lower Manhattan.
This area has many hotels, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to wake up and simply walk to the ferry terminal on the morning of the race.
Hilton Garden Inn (The Closest To Staten Island Ferry)
An affordable option situated in the Wall Street area of Downtown Manhattan, the Hilton Garden Inn places you right in the heart of the city’s financial district.
The rooms offer modern comfort with amenities like a TV, work desk, and coffee maker.
Onsite dining at the Garden Grille bar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With a 24-hour fitness and business center, this hotel is convenient and practical.
From the finish line, you can expect a walk of about a mile (1.6 km), followed by a 30-minute Subway ride with one line change. To get to the Expo, you go via Subway; it’s estimated to take around 35 minutes.
Distance from Staten Island Ferry: 3 minutes walk
Hampton Inn Downtown-Financial District
Situated right next to the Hilton Garden Inn, this 3-star hotel presents yet another fantastic choice if you’re considering the Staten Island Ferry route to the starting line.
The hotel’s location places you in close proximity to attractions like the Stock Exchange, Battery Park, and even views of the Statue of Liberty.
The Wall St. Inn
Located on S. William St., this 3-star hotel is around 0.3 miles (0.48 km) from the Ferry Terminal.
From the finish line, you can anticipate a walk of approximately 1.0 miles (1.6 km), followed by a 30-minute Subway ride with one line change to access the starting area. Getting to the Expo via Subway is estimated to take around 30 minutes.
Additionally, it’s just a four-minute walk to the historic New York Stock Exchange.
Doubletree New York Downtown
Another option is the DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown, which is just 0.2 miles (0.32 km) from the Ferry Terminal.
The distance from the finish line is a 1-mile walk (1.6 km), followed by a 30-minute Subway ride with one line change. Traveling to the Expo via Subway is estimated to take around 30 minutes.
Hotels Near NYC Marathon Start Line (Staten Island)
Hilton Garden Inn New York/Staten Island
The Hilton Garden Inn in Staten Island is close to Newark Liberty International Airport and downtown Manhattan. With 198 modern rooms, it’s near the Staten Island Ferry and the Statue of Liberty.
Distance to Start Line: 19 minutes drive.
Ramada by Wyndham Staten Island
The Ramada Motel is on Staten Island, near Mid-Island Interstate 278. The rooms are comfortable, with air conditioning and free parking. The Staten Island Zoo and Heartland Village Centre are nearby.
Distance to Start Line: 14 minutes drive.
Hampton Inn & Suites Staten Island
The Hampton Inn on Staten Island is a popular hotel near the Staten Island Industrial Estate. The rooms are equipped with a TV, coffee facilities, a microwave, and a fridge. The laundry and business center are on-site.
Distance to Start Line: 20 minutes by car.
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