Best Long Island City Hotels for Families Visiting NYC on a Budget 

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If you're planning a family trip to New York City, one of the first questions you'll run into is where to stay. Manhattan is the obvious answer — but it comes with a price. Mid-range hotel rooms near Times Square run anywhere from $390 to $574 a night, and you're often paying that for a standard room with no kitchen and less square footage than you'd expect.

Fifteen minutes away in Long Island City, the math looks very different. Bigger rooms, lower rates, and a quieter neighborhood that's one subway stop from Midtown. For a family of four on a four-night stay, the difference can put over a thousand dollars back in your pocket.

In this post I'm covering all ten mid-range LIC hotels I reviewed — the three I recommend for most families, the ones with specific use cases, and the ones I'd avoid. Here's how I built the list. I pulled the ten best hotels in the area, filtered by average room size — which is publicly available — then went through twelve months of guest reviews for each property to check for red flags.

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Why Long Island City Instead of Times Square

Long Island City sits directly across the East River from Manhattan. One stop on the E or M train puts you at Fifth Avenue. Multiple lines serve the neighborhood, which makes it straightforward even for first-time visitors. And unlike Midtown, you can actually find free street parking here — something that's nearly impossible when you're staying near Times Square.

The other thing LIC gives you that Manhattan can't: the skyline. Most visitors want to see it, but you don't see the Manhattan skyline when you're in it. From Long Island City, you do — and at several of these hotels, that view is a genuine highlight.

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How LIC Hotels Compare to Times Square Hotels on Price

These are mid-range Times Square hotels for a four-night stay in July. Not luxury — mid-range.

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The best LIC hotels for families on this list range from $960 to $1,569 for the same four nights — with larger rooms and full kitchens on the top picks. The point isn't the exact number, which shifts based on season and how far out you book. The point is the gap.

Important note on pricing: all rates below are based on a four-night stay from July 22–26. NYC hotel prices fluctuate significantly by season and booking window. Use these figures as a comparative tool, not a guarantee.

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The Full List —  10 LIC Hotels Reviewed

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1. Home2 Suites by Hilton LIC

⭐⭐⭐ | ~1,200 Google reviews | Built 2014 ~320–350 sq ft | $392/night | $1,569 total Best for: Families with young kids who need a true home base

"This is by far the most kid-friendly hotel we've ever stayed at as a family. We were four people — two adults, one teenager, and one toddler — in a queen studio room. It was the perfect amount of space. The housekeeping was impeccable. We came home to our beds made, dishes done, and fresh towels every day."

That's a real guest review, and it captures why the Home2 Suites is my top pick for families with young children. The assumption most families make is that booking a kitchen suite means giving up daily housekeeping. At the Home2 Suites, you get both.

Rooms include a full kitchenette — not a mini fridge, an actual stovetop with dishes. For families with young kids that means leftovers, snacks at 11pm, and skipping the hotel breakfast line when you just need to get out the door. Twelve months of reviews consistently flag cleanliness, spaciousness, and great views. Staff helpfulness with families comes up specifically and repeatedly, which isn't something that shows up in every NYC hotel review set.

The honest trade-off: Street noise in some rooms depending on when you're visiting, and breakfast gets repetitive after a few days. Neither is a dealbreaker when you have a kitchen.

My take: Great views, great beds, genuinely kid-friendly staff. The kitchen is the reason to book this over a standard hotel room. Check recent reviews before booking — cleanliness is generally strong but worth verifying.

Where to eat nearby: Astoria Seafood is one of the most unique dining experiences in Queens — and a great fit for families staying in this part of LIC. You walk in, grab a plastic bag, and pick your own seafood directly from the market. Bring it to the counter and tell them how you want it cooked — grilled, fried, or baked. A full meal for four runs around $120, which is exceptional for New York. It's also BYOB. The atmosphere is loud, lively, and fun. Go on a weekday if you can — weekends get crowded and the wait stretches. Hours: Tue–Sat 12pm–9pm | Closed Sunday and Monday

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2. Courtyard by Marriott LIC

⭐⭐⭐ | ~1,200 Google reviews | Built 2016 ~270–310 sq ft | $341/night | $1,364 total Best for: Families who want reliability above everything else

The Courtyard is the most consistent LIC hotel on this list. Reliable Marriott quality, professional staff, and the cleanest review record of any property I looked at. Going through twelve months of guest comments, legitimate negatives were hard to find — no bug reports, no management complaints, none of the red flags that appeared at other hotels.

Located between two subway stations with access to six train lines, guests consistently call out how easy it is to get to Manhattan. Rooms are smaller than the suite options but still larger than what you'd get at a comparable Times Square hotel at this price. Staff responsiveness is the standout theme across reviews. The property draws business travelers, which means it runs efficiently. Bonvoy points work here.

The honest trade-off: No free breakfast, and the rooms have less character than the suite hotels. A lot of business travelers in the mix, which some families find reassuring and others find sterile. Parking fees are on the higher side.

My take: Great location, helpful staff. Rooms are smaller than the suites but noticeably bigger than Manhattan at this price. The business traveler crowd actually works in your favor — the hotel runs like clockwork.

Where to eat nearby: JACX&CO is a food hall about five minutes away on the ground floor of a major office tower. Around nine vendors from recognized New York chefs — Mediterranean, rice bowls from James Beard Award-winning chef JJ Johnson, Mexican, thin-crust NYC pizza, Crif Dogs, and sushi upstairs. If your family can't agree on dinner, this solves it. Wide aisles, fully accessible, and consistently called out as a great group dining option. Hours: Mon–Thu 9am–9pm | Fri–Sat 9am–10pm | Sun 10am–9pm

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3. Boro Hotel

⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ~1,000 Google reviews | Built 2015 ~250–300 sq ft | $373/night | $1,492 total Best for: Families with teenagers or older kids who prioritize design and views

"This has to be the coolest and most minimalist hotel I've ever been in. A quick MTA ride away to Midtown. I love it and will always keep coming back."

The Boro is a different kind of LIC hotel. Boutique, design-forward, genuinely striking — floor-to-ceiling windows, industrial concrete aesthetic, and skyline views that guests consistently describe as world-class. The bathrooms alone earn their own mentions in reviews: premium fixtures, spacious walk-in showers, and standalone soaking tubs in some suites.

Who it's not for: Families with young children. The minimalist design trades standard family conveniences for style. No full kitchen, less storage than you'd expect, and the concrete construction that makes the rooms look incredible also means sound travels — guests report hearing neighbors and hallway noise. That's a real issue if you have young kids who need quiet nights. If you're traveling with children under eight, book the Home2 Suites or Courtyard instead.

Who it is for: Families with teenagers, or families that travel more like adults. The Boro offers something none of the other hotels on this list can. It's genuinely one of the coolest places to stay in the borough at a price that would buy you a far less interesting room in Manhattan.

The honest trade-off: Farther from the subway than the other LIC hotels here. No free breakfast. The exposed concrete aesthetic isn't for everyone.

My take: Beautiful design, excellent views, stylish in a way that feels earned rather than forced. Cheaper than a comparable Manhattan hotel. Thin walls are the one real issue — factor that in based on your family.

Where to eat nearby: John Brown BBQ is a five-minute walk and one of the most recommended spots in the neighborhood — especially for international visitors looking for classic American food. Kansas City-style barbecue, in Long Island City since 2011, ranked in the top 30 restaurants in all of LIC. Get the burnt ends — chewy, sticky, and the most-ordered item on the menu. Ribs, brisket, cornbread, mac and cheese, meat sliced to order. Casual picnic-style setting with a covered back patio and TVs. Kids are comfortable here. Hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–9pm | Fri 11:30am–10pm | Sat–Sun 12pm–10pm

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4. LIC Plaza Hotel

⭐⭐⭐ | ~650 Google reviews | Built 2020 ~230–260 sq ft | $265/night | $1,058 total Best for: Budget-conscious families who just need a clean, affordable base

The LIC Plaza is the newest hotel on this list and the second-lowest price — $1,058 for four nights is exceptional for a New York City hotel at any level. Guest reviews flag cleanliness and a solid continental breakfast as the main positives, and for a budget property the overall sentiment is better than you'd expect.

The trade-offs are what you'd anticipate at this price: rooms are on the smaller side at 230–260 square feet, mattresses are firm enough that guests mention it, and the elevators are compact. Street parking only, which matters if you're driving.

For families who genuinely just need a clean, well-located base and plan to spend most of their time in the city, the LIC Plaza delivers real value. For families who want space and comfort to come back to after long days, step up to one of the kitchen hotels higher on this list.

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5. LIC Hotel

⭐⭐⭐ | ~1,600 Google reviews | Built 2016 ~220–250 sq ft | $280/night | ~$1,120 total Best for: Families prioritizing transit access above all else

The LIC Hotel has the most Google reviews of any property on this list, which is itself a data point worth noting. The standout feature is location — guests consistently call out how close it is to the 7 train specifically, and how easy the commute to Manhattan is from this spot. Views from higher floors are a genuine highlight and come up repeatedly in reviews.

The trade-offs at this price point are predictable: small bathrooms, a basic breakfast, and a minimalist lobby that doesn't offer much communal space. At 220–250 square feet, these are the smallest standard rooms among the mid-range LIC hotels on this list. But at $1,120 for four nights with strong transit access and solid reviews, the value case is real for families who plan to spend most of their time out in the city rather than in the room.

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6. TownePlace Suites by Marriott LIC

⭐⭐⭐ | ~1,100 Google reviews | Built 2016 ~300–450 sq ft | $319/night | $1,274 total Not recommended — far from subway and restaurants

On paper, the TownePlace Suites looks like the best deal on this list. The largest rooms, a full kitchen, rooftop skyline views, and the lowest price among the kitchen hotels. Guests consistently praise the space and the Airbnb-with-housekeeping feel.

The reason it didn't make my recommendation list comes down to location. The area surrounding this hotel is more industrial than the rest of Long Island City — the walk to the subway is longer, and there are fewer restaurants and amenities within easy reach. For visitors who will be spending most of their time in the city, that's a meaningful trade-off. You're starting and ending every day with a longer commute and fewer options when you step outside.

If you're a family that genuinely plans to stay in and cook most meals, the space and kitchen make a strong case. But for most first-time visitors to NYC, the location creates friction that the other hotels on this list don't.

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7. Aloft LIC

⭐⭐⭐ | ~1,400 Google reviews | Built 2016 ~250–280 sq ft | $451/night | $1,804 total Best for: Families with older kids who want a social, modern vibe

The Aloft is a solid hotel that doesn't quite fit a traditional family travel profile — but deserves mention for the right family. High ceilings make the rooms feel bigger than the square footage suggests. The Camp Aloft program for kids gets called out specifically in parent reviews, which is a genuine differentiator. Service is consistently praised.

The W XYZ Bar is a highlight for adults — cocktails, billiards, occasional live music. That's also the trade-off: the lively bar scene can mean noise filtering into lower-floor rooms. The open bathroom layout is better suited for couples than families sharing a room. And at $1,804 for four nights, you're paying close to Manhattan prices for a Long Island City property that doesn't offer the kitchen or the extra square footage that justifies the premium at other hotels on this list.

The honest trade-off: No free breakfast, compact bathrooms, and inconsistent housekeeping appear regularly in reviews. Street noise from the nearby elevated train is also mentioned.

My take: Nice hotel, good service, modern feel. Better value options exist in LIC for families, but if the social atmosphere matters to your group, this works.

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8. Microtel Inn & Suites

⭐⭐ | ~1,100 Google reviews | Renovated 2018 ~180–210 sq ft | $240/night | ~$960 total Best for: Families who genuinely just need a place to sleep

The Microtel is the most affordable option on this list at $960 for four nights — and the most honest about what it is. Two blocks from the N and W trains. Simple, no-frills rooms. Basic breakfast included. For a budget that has been stretched by flights, activities, and dining, the Microtel makes the math work.

But 180–210 square feet is genuinely small for a family. There are no extra amenities to speak of, no kitchen, and the rooms are exactly what "budget hotel" implies. This isn't a hotel you'll enjoy being in — it's a hotel you'll leave early every morning and return to late every night. If that's your travel style and the savings matter, it does the job. If you're going to spend any meaningful time in the room, the LIC Plaza or LIC Hotel give you meaningfully more for a modest step up in price.

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9. Wingate by Wyndham LIC

⭐⭐⭐ | ~800 Google reviews | Built 2019 ~240–270 sq ft | $377/night | $1,507 total Best for: Budget families who prioritize free breakfast and don't need a kitchen

The Wingate is the newest mid-range property on this list, built in 2019, and it shows — the rooms feel fresh and well-maintained. Free breakfast is included, which is a genuine plus for families watching the budget, and the friendly service comes up consistently in reviews.

The rooms are also the smallest among the mid-range options on this list at 240–270 square feet, and there's no kitchen. At $1,507 for four nights, you're paying close to Boro Hotel pricing for a standard room. The free breakfast is a real plus but not enough to offset the rest for most families.

The honest trade-off: Tiny gym, views vary significantly by floor, and the area around the hotel offers less than other parts of Long Island City for visitors.

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10. Hyatt Place LIC

⭐⭐⭐ | ~1,500 Google reviews | Built 2017 ~280–320 sq ft | $458/night | $1,831 total Not recommended — cleanliness and management concerns

The Hyatt Place is the most expensive LIC hotel on this list, and the one with the most concerning recent reviews. It has things going for it — large rooms, good proximity to the 7, N, and W trains, a breakfast that guests generally like, and views that earn consistent praise. Under different management it would probably make this list.

But multiple recent guests have reported cleanliness issues — specifically bugs — and when complaints were raised, management responses were inconsistent. At $1,831 for four nights — the highest total on this list — there's no reason to take that risk when better NYC hotels exist at lower prices in the same neighborhood. Always check the dates on reviews. A three-year-old five-star rating tells you nothing about what a hotel looks like today.

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How to Evaluate Any Hotel Outside Times Square

Before booking any NYC hotel — in Long Island City or anywhere else — filter guest reviews by keywords like subway or transportation to see what real guests say about getting around. Compare owner photos to guest photos — they should look similar. And read a few negative reviews on purpose. Every hotel has them. What you're looking for isn't one complaint — it's a pattern. Multiple guests flagging the same issue is a signal worth taking seriously. And always check the dates on reviews. A three-year-old five-star rating tells you nothing about what the hotel looks like today.

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The Full Comparison at a Glance

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The Bottom Line

For families with young children, the Home2 Suites is the top pick among LIC hotels — the kitchen, the housekeeping, and the family-friendly staff make it the most complete option on the list. For reliability without surprises, the Courtyard delivers every time. And for families with teenagers who want something genuinely different, the Boro Hotel offers an experience no Times Square hotel at this price can match.

If budget is the primary filter, the LIC Plaza and LIC Hotel both offer clean, well-reviewed rooms at prices that leave real money for the trip itself.

All of the best NYC hotels on this list for families are within one or two stops of Midtown. All of them offer more space than you'd get for more money near Times Square. If you're looking for the best LIC hotels for families without paying Times Square prices, Long Island City is where to start your search.

Want to see where these hotels sit in relation to your activities? Use our free trip planner to map everything by neighborhood.

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