New Jersey is one of my favorite places, and I wear the title “Jersey Boy” proudly. Still, there are times when a change of scenery sounds appealing without traveling far. That is where a staycation comes in—a getaway close to home that delivers the benefits of travel without the hassles of airports or long-haul planning. It also offers the chance to enjoy hotel living without the added cost of airfare.
For those ready to plan a nearby escape, here are several tried-and-true hotels that make strong staycation options, listed in no particular order.
W Hoboken
Located in the heart of Hoboken, W Hoboken sits along the waterfront just across the river from Manhattan’s West Village and Chelsea neighborhoods. Following a recent redesign, the hotel presents a vibrant, contemporary feel from the moment guests enter. Design details include leather-wrapped front desks, high ceilings and a thoughtfully styled Living Room Bar that channels midcentury modern influences.
The hotel features 223 guest rooms designed for both comfort and style. In-room seating adds a residential feel, and many rooms offer skyline views of New York City. Twenty Superior Suites include upgraded features such as separate living areas and private balconies. Guests looking to maintain a fitness routine can use FIT, the brand’s on-site gym concept, which includes modern cardio and strength-training equipment.
Food and beverage options are extensive. The Living Room operates as a daytime café and evening lounge, serving coffee and light bites during the day and small plates and cocktails at night, including mini lobster rolls and caviar service. On-site dining also includes Halifax, a waterfront restaurant focused on farm-to-table cuisine, and Sushi by Bou, an omakase-style concept with a modern approach.
Address: 225 River St., Hoboken, NJ 07030
Getting there: The hotel is about a five-minute walk from Hoboken Terminal, making it easily accessible via NJ Transit for travelers who prefer to leave the car at home.
Hotel Seville
Hotel Seville is located in Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood, north of Madison Square Park. Opened in 2025, the Beaux-Arts building blends early 20th-century architecture with modern updates. The lobby bar sets the tone with a refined, residential-inspired design.
Guest rooms are spacious by Manhattan standards, particularly the king rooms. Bathrooms are designed with a spa-like layout and stocked with premium bath products. The 348-room property also includes a full gym on the third floor.
The hotel offers three food and beverage venues in addition to room service. Il Bar, located at the entrance, functions as a daytime workspace and transitions into a lively bar scene at night. Scarpetta serves Italian cuisine, including branzino, signature spaghetti and house-made desserts. The Seville, a speakeasy-style lounge in the lower level, features cocktails, music and a late-night atmosphere that draws a younger crowd. Live music is offered on select evenings.
Address: 22 E. 29th St., New York, NY 10016
Getting there: From Penn Station, a car service ride takes about 10 minutes. Walking is also an option for light travelers and takes roughly the same amount of time.
Omni Berkshire Palace
Omni Berkshire Palace delivers a classic New York hotel experience with updated design elements. Located in Midtown East, the property features traditional architectural details, including marble floors and ornate elevator facades, paired with contemporary finishes. Its central location provides convenient access to restaurants, theaters and major attractions.
Guest rooms match the grandeur of the lobby. King suites offer generous layouts with space for a sitting area and desk, and bathrooms positioned in separate hall-style entries. Many rooms overlook Midtown skyscrapers, reinforcing the sense of being in the center of the city.
The fitness center includes a full range of cardio machines and strength equipment. A nearby outdoor deck with lounge seating offers city views and serves as a relaxing retreat in warmer months. The hotel also features an on-site restaurant serving classic American fare. The restaurant is located on the lower level and provides convenient dining for guests.
Address: 21 E. 52nd St., New York, NY 10022
Getting there: From Penn Station, take the uptown E train from 34 St.-Penn Station to 5 Av./53 St. The trip takes about 13 minutes.
Nearby Entertainment
One advantage of a staycation is exploring neighborhood highlights close to the hotel.
Hoboken
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Waterfront Walkway
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Washington Street
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Elysian Park
NoMad
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Bathhouse
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Madison Square Park
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Madison Square Garden
Midtown East
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Rockefeller Center
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Carnegie Hall
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Central Park
Nicholas Xavier Hall is a travel, fashion and lifestyle journalist exploring the intersection of style, culture and destination. His work has appeared in Women’s Wear Daily, Garden State City Lifestyle and various digital publications, where he spotlights emerging destinations, luxury experiences and the people shaping today’s cultural landscape.
With a background in brand storytelling and community engagement, Hall approaches every assignment with curiosity and a commitment to thoughtful, elevated narrative. Discover more at nicholasxavierhall.com or connect on Instagram at @nicholasxavierhall.