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Growing up in Manhattan, I never dreamed of moving to Jersey. But that's just what my husband and I did two summers ago. We were open to a change and lured across the Hudson River to Jersey City for more space and amenities at a much lower rent.
It's easy to poke fun at Jersey, so reactions to our new address included plenty of bridge-and-tunnel references and (mock?) horror. But friends who've crossed state lines to hang out in our neighborhood tend to be pleasantly surprised; a few have even moved in nearby. The downtown area is quiet, safe, clean, easier to reach than most Brooklyn neighborhoods, and supports a low-key arts scene—if Jersey City ever changes its name, our rent is going way up.
The PATH train connects Jersey City with various points in Manhattan 24/7 for $1.75, and on my 20-minute weekday rides to and from midtown, I've noticed periodic suitcase- or guidebook-wielding tourists. At first I was surprised: could the same qualities that made Jersey City appealing to me as a resident make it an appealing base for tourists?
At least one Budget Travel reader, Lloyd, thinks so. When we asked readers to share favorite New York City hotels, he wrote in to recommend the "fabulous" waterfront Hyatt Regency Jersey City, and its views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, stretching from Wall Street up past the Empire State Building.
The Hyatt is adjacent to the Exchange Place PATH station, a ferry dock, and a few minutes' drive from the Holland Tunnel entrance. Rates start at $139 for a 385-square-foot room—a steal when compared to Manhattan Hyatts like the Andaz Wall Street, where a 372-square-foot room starts at $250, or the Grand Hyatt at Grand Central, where a 250-square-foot room starts at $279.
Two more affordable hotels: the all-suite Doubletree Jersey City from $149, and the Westin Jersey City Newport from $169.
But major chains aren't the only option. Even as New York City issues a crackdown, short-term apartment rentals are gaining momentum in Jersey City.
NYC-JC.com, launched by Norwegian real estate developer Jarl Haugedal in 2009, offers rentals with fully furnished kitchens and washer-dryer units in a choice of historic brownstones and high-rise condos. Opt for the latter, and you'll often get resort-like amenities, such as a rooftop pool and fancy fitness center.
Some sample apartment rates: a studio for two people goes for $125 a night at the Mercer; an apartment that sleeps four is $165 a night at The Grove; and a studio that can sleep three people goes for $245 a night at the luxury high-rise and flagship location, 70 Greene. NYC-JC.com provides a concierge service and can coordinate pickups for guests at train stations or airports.
If you're looking for a local restaurant, gallery, or shop, one resource is this directory from NewYorksSixth.com, a site whose name stakes a claim at Jersey City as New York's sixth borough.
You certainly won't confuse Jersey City with Manhattan, but my hunch is that for some visitors, especially families, that's a good thing. What's your take? Would you book a stay in Jersey City?
PREVIOUSLY
New York's soccer team scores a European-style arena, accessible by PATH
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The hotel savings are noticeable, but consider the higher cab fare you'll pay to cross state lines. If you're a public transportation die hard, go for Jersey City. If cabs are your thing when it's time to go home, add ~$30 to your daily cost of accommodation.
Posted By Alice on August 20, 2010, 3:10 PM
I just came back from doing exactly that. Stayed in Jersey City and spent 4 days having fun in Manhattan. While it is not the garden spot of the world, it is fine for a place to stay and so much more reasonable.
Posted By Mike on August 23, 2010, 9:21 AM
Jersey City is a destination in and of itself! I would absolutely stay in JC and trek into the city for sightseeing, etc. It can be far and sometimes a pain to wait for those trains, but the price and neighborhood are worth the hassle!
Posted By Robyn on August 23, 2010, 9:35 AM
To the Budget Travel editors:
How about article(s)on other major tourist destinations with lower-cost suburban digs and good public transportation? Paris? Rome? Vienna? DC? San Francisco?
Posted By Maureen Tilley on August 23, 2010, 11:19 AM
Another option is the Crowne Plaza in Secaucus, NJ. The public transportation is quick, convenient and cheap. It is also the last pick up into the City and the first drop off coming back from there. The buses are clean, new and drop you off in the tranportation center outside Times Square. The concierge floor there was generally half of staying in New York.
Posted By Bruce on August 23, 2010, 11:25 AM
I would rather sleep on the island of Manhattan (NYC)...That is where the action is.
Posted By Allen on August 23, 2010, 11:31 AM
attending the Dr. Oz show in september. do you think staying in a hotel in new jersey and transportation would accommodate my getting to Rockfeller ctr by 8:30am.
Posted By gretchen on August 23, 2010, 12:21 PM
Took the family to NYC for Spring Break. Stayed at the Courtyard in Jersey City (2 rooms for 5 nights). Had a great time. The PATH train was convenient and took us to either midtown, Greenwich Village or downtown. We saved thousand of dollars compared to NYC. Would highly recommend staying in Jersey.
Posted By Tom on August 23, 2010, 12:23 PM
My mother, a friend, and I did just this as a budget necessity 5 years ago when we were roadtripping up the East Coast after I finished high school. We couldn't afford to stay in Manhattan so we opted for a Holiday inn (I think? like I said, it was 5 yrs ago) in Jersey City. We didn't really have a problem with taking the train or bus over every day, it was an adventure! We still spent plenty of time all day walking in Manhattan sightseeing at the Empire State Building, Times Sq, etc.
Posted By Kaylin on August 23, 2010, 12:37 PM
While I appreciate the cost savings to be considerable, there is nothing like staying in the heart of Manhattan and simply walking back to your hotel. I am a former NYer and also lived in NJ for a few years. Leaving the city at night just isn't the same experience as staying. For a budget trip and if it's the only way to make the trip possible, staying in NJ is a good cost saving option.
Posted By Mary DeSantis on August 23, 2010, 12:40 PM
This makes seeing NYC so much more affordable and with the savings you explore some of the many and much under rated gems on the Jersey side.
Posted By Bobbi S on August 23, 2010, 12:45 PM
I'm a NJ resident and I'd recommend if staying in Jersey City, you should consider shopping in the Newport Center Mall. We have no sales tax on clothing in our state and you can find some great deals. The Hudson Light Rail along our waterfront will take you to some great stops along 'our' waterfront for a nominal fee. One stop to consider is Liberty State Park for great views of the harbor as well as shorter lines for the ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Posted By Mike on August 23, 2010, 12:47 PM
Jersey City is a great option. We've been staying there for the past four years. Liberty State Park is worth the time. Superb view of the statue. (Search "Black Tom explosion" too.) Like hotels, there are some great restaurant bargains in Jersey City.
Posted By Paul on August 23, 2010, 1:17 PM
No, never again. My family tried it once. Well we missed the last train to Jersey. Ended up taking a taxi at 2am. I would've rather paid that onto the hotel room price and stayed in Manhattan.
Next trip we stayed in Manhattan. No problems!!
Posted By Ann on August 23, 2010, 1:18 PM
i stayed in new jersey, secauces, and the bus was great
Posted By CATHY NUSS on August 23, 2010, 1:29 PM
just last year, my husband and i stayed at the hyatt regency jersey city while spending 5 days exploring nyc. it was totally convenient, comfortable, and affordable. (in fact, after doing TONS of research on message boards, i learned that this was one of the hotels i could win from priceline in jc, along with a few others, and i won our stay with a bid of around $70/night. as student-loan-paying newlyweds on our first big vacation, we were super excited about that!)
you can basically fall out the front door of the hotel and onto the platform of the PATH train. so simple--and with trains leaving at fairly short intervals, we never had to wait long. after you're on the train, it's only one stop to your destination, or about 10 minutes. since that stop was the world trade center site, we were able to see the below-ground reconstruction going on up close. that daily view was a truly sobering and memorable part of our trip.
i recommend the jersey city route to everyone looking to save a bit of money in nyc without sacrificing any of the vacation fun.
in the future, when we have a bit more money to spend, we'll try an nyc airbnb apartment and really live like a local for a week or so!
Posted By jessi w. on August 23, 2010, 1:32 PM
i should say: i would like to try an airbnb nyc apartment, but as they may be a thing of the past, i'll probably just stay in jersey city again...
Posted By jessi w. on August 23, 2010, 1:41 PM
The Hyatt is located on a pier that juts out into the Hudson River, next to a boardwalk that lines the river to the harbor. Stunning NYC views day and night. The PATH train is literally next door and runs 24/7, so you can never miss a train. 4 minutes by PATH to downtown (WTC), 20 to midtown. The hotel borders the financial center and also the historic neighborhood of Paulus Hook (where I live) with brownstones and outdoor cafes. Really a can't miss proposition.
Posted By Karen on August 23, 2010, 1:57 PM
I prefer staying in Brooklyn; access is easy to Manhattan and Brooklyn has tons of cool neighborhoods to enjoy.
Posted By dino on August 23, 2010, 2:05 PM
With the Bedbug epidemic, I think I would rather sleep at home!
Posted By Paula Allen on August 23, 2010, 2:08 PM
I love the reader's comment about looking into other cities where it is cheaper to stay in the suburbs and have great public transportation into the big city. How about it budget travel
Posted By sherry on August 23, 2010, 2:48 PM
I totally agree with Maureen Tilley's comment - there are some great examples of major tourist destinations with affordable, accessible "suburbs"
Here in the DC area Fairfax County is a great option for taking in the entire DC area but at a fraction of the cost. Hotels here are a good bit cheaper plus don't charge for parking (while many DC hotels charge $20+/night just to park). There are plenty of activities in this neck of the woods as well so it's not all about getting into the city but for those needing to get down to the national monuments, etc. transportation is pretty easy.
Definitely would love to see an article about good alternatives in other cities!
Posted By Sarah on August 23, 2010, 3:04 PM
My wife and I lived in Bayonne (the next town south of JC) and commuted to NYC for work via bus and PATH train. Her Mom still lives there and when we visit, we take advantage of the Bergen-Hudson High Speed Rail to get to downtown JC, from where we can take the PATH into the city. (Do NOT drive into Manhattan! It is not worth the expense of parking and the traffic will ruin your day!)
JC has changed so much (for the better) since we lived there in the 1980s. There has been a massive building boom in both commercial and residential properties. The quality of available hotel rooms and restaurants has gone way up.
I'd highly recommend staying in JC for NYC visitors. Save the money to take in a Broadway show (get 1/2 price tix in Duffy Square), enjoy a meal at an upscale restaurant, sightsee, or just enjoy the fact that you're saving money!
Several people have recommended Liberty State Park. There's also a wonderful science museum there that the kids will love and you can get the ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty without the crowds you'll find at Battery Park in lower Manhattan. Catch the high speed rail in downtown JC and get off at Liberty State Park. It's a great way to spend the day.
As always, I recommend that anyone who's traveling take the time to do some research in advance. It will make your trip much less stressful.
Posted By John A. Fugel on August 23, 2010, 3:07 PM
Absolutely did exactly what the headline states. Stayed at the Hyatt on the waterfront in Jersey City and they were fabulous to us! The rooms, restaurant, bars and service were all great and very, very affordable. With the PATH train right outside the doorsteps and the magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline, I would stay here every time.
Posted By Jodi on August 23, 2010, 3:08 PM
Don't forget that there are thousands of people who make this a daily commute to work!
Posted By sue on August 23, 2010, 3:30 PM
We did exactly the same thing. The public transportation is right outside your door to Manhattan and the lite rail in Jersey City is a block away. The views of NYC are breathtaking. You can't see the city if you are in the city!!
Posted By Vicki on August 23, 2010, 4:11 PM
I stayed at a hotel in Malmo, Sweden for a week in order to avoid high Copenhagen hotel rates. It worked out fine, and I'd do it again any time. In my case, the daily round trip train ticket was included in my hotel deal.
This kind of arrangement is always an option for the cost conscious when visiting cities where hotel prices are high. In some cities it works better than others.
Posted By Donna on August 23, 2010, 4:51 PM
Try staying at the Sheridan in Weehawken, NJ. right across the Hudson from NYC. Good rates, easy access to the ferry that takes you to almost anywhere in the city. Free buses with the ferry fare takes you to Times Square and return to the ferry terminal. Ferries are small, fast and on time. Good restaurants along the waterfront, also in downtown Hoboken, all remodeled area.
Posted By Paul Merolla on August 23, 2010, 7:20 PM
Thanks a bunch for this article and the comments are really informative. I'm putting this in my New York folder to be used for my next visit. I've been putting off visiting NY again because of the high hotel prices. The Hyatt sounds so much more reasonable.
Posted By mslewis on August 23, 2010, 7:32 PM
Just last week we stayed at a condo in JC and took the PATH to New York every day. Our Metrocard for the NY subways worked on the PATH trains making travel very easy. We started out each morning with a great view of the city and quickly crossed the river for site seeing. We really enjoyed walking on the JC boardwalk each evening when we returned home. We had a great view of the Statue of Liberty as we walked along. We also enjoyed the many restaurants with outdoor seating in JC. This is a great option for families. Our 7 year old loved the train rides each day and mastered the PATH system quickly.
Posted By Jennifer M on August 23, 2010, 7:59 PM
If it's your first trip to NYC, I'd definitely recommend staying in the city. But if you're a repeat visitor, staying in Jersey is fab! We stayed at the Sheraton Lincoln Harbor, and took the water taxi over every day-- it was so scenic. And don't forget- when you stay in New York, you can't see the skyline-- we enjoyed the gorgeous view of Manhattan late and night, and then again in the morning- glorious. Obviously- weather permitting, and do pay close attention to the last departure times for public transit.
Posted By Pajiko on August 23, 2010, 8:36 PM
I always stay at the Courtyard in Jersey City when I travel to New York. The hotel is right next to the Newport PATH station. From there the train will take you into Manhattan all the way to 34th Street and Penn Station, or you can up to Hoboken where Carlo's Bakery (TLC's The Cake Boss - highly recommended) is about a block away. The Courtyard has a restaurant for breakfast and lunch, but there is Cosi across the street and a Starbucks around the corner where you have a great view of the skyline. Newport Mall and several other places to eat are across the street. December 2009 was my most recent time there and the hotel staff was more than willing to help with extending and changing my reservation when it looked like I was going to be stuck there for Christmas because of snow. It is also withing walking distance to the light rail system that will take you to Liberty State Park to catch the ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Posted By Mike on August 23, 2010, 9:41 PM
My wife and I have used the Hyatt Regency twice when visiting NYC. It was a great location, outstanding service and view and NO BEDBUGS!!!!
Posted By HalB on August 24, 2010, 12:06 AM
What about other boroughs, with their access to the subways? They must be cheaper, right?
Posted By Patty on August 24, 2010, 6:43 AM
When my husband & I go to San Francisco, we stay in Sausalito. The views of SF are fantastic & it is convenient, just across the bridge, great restaurants and super scenic. Stayed in a suburb of Savannah (Redmond Hill) & Charleston (Shem Creek) & in even in Vancouver & Europe (Lucern - Hergisville), etc. We don't like to drive in unfamiliar cities because we end up driving the wrong way on one-way streets or getting lost, so we take public trans. in cities and rent our cars in the burbs. Not only is it cheaper, but usually much better service, friendlier people, safer and more attuned to real local living. However, sometimes it is nicer to stay in cities near attractions & not have to drive after a great restaurant dinner with wine.
Posted By Mary F on August 26, 2010, 8:28 AM
Thank you for the suggestion! You just saved me over $200 from where I was going to stay.
Posted By Mark Arthur on August 26, 2010, 1:59 PM
I always stay in New Jersey at Econo-Lodge, Elizabeth, NJ...less than $50 a night including breakfast, free internet, etc., free pickup from Newark airport, New Jersey Transit bus #112 right on the corner, whisks me to 42d street Port Authority in Manhatten. They are member of Choice HOtel group, so easy to find on internet. Rooms are small, but adequate. Only gripe is no coffee maker in the room.
Posted By silverflyer on August 30, 2010, 10:02 AM
We visited Philadelphia in early June, and I was dismayed both by the cost of hotels and the $30-40 nightly fees to park the car. We stayed out in King of Prussia, just off the expressway, at the Clarion Park Ridge, which worked really well for us. There was a cooked breakfast buffet each morning included in the price, plenty of parking, and friendly, helpful staff. We'd do the same thing again, and I would like to hear about similar arrangements in other major cities.
Posted By Linda Overholt on August 31, 2010, 11:14 PM
My son and I stayed at the Hilton Newark Penn Station hotel on our last NYC vacation. The hotel is connected to the Newark Penn station so there wasn't a long walk or extra bus/train ride to the station. From Newark Penn to NYC Penn was about a 20 minute train ride. I know I saved $100 per night by staying in Newark and it was worth the savings. However, we will stay in the city on our next visit. The downside to staying in Newark or NJ is the worry about transportation after midnight/one a.m. and the hotel not being in a central location. We were pretty much confined to our hotel in Newark and we would not have been by staying in the city.
Posted By Andrea on September 2, 2010, 9:03 PM
we wanted to take the kids to the statue of liberty. it was way more reasonable and less stressful to stay in NJ in take the ferry over to ellis island and the statue of liberty. No lines, cheaper hotel and ours even had a bus stop in front for 3 dollars to take you on a 20 minute ride into times square. i highly recommend staying in NJ if you want to stay on a budget.
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