The Local NYC
by the TopOfHotel team
The Local NYC is the cheapest pick for travelers who can stay flexible — LIC is just a 10-minute subway ride from Manhattan
The Local NYC is the cheapest pick for travelers who can stay flexible — LIC is just a 10-minute subway ride from Manhattan
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
Rooms here are clean and modern, with air-con, a TV, free Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom. Some face the Manhattan skyline, which is a real bonus at this price. Guests consistently praise the cleanliness and the helpful staff — one line that turns up across reviews is that it's incredibly cheap for what you get, with Manhattan hotels not even close. There's also parking, which is hard to find anywhere near New York.
Food and amenities
The neighborhood does the heavy lifting on food. Restaurants and coffee shops across Long Island City are varied and run noticeably cheaper than across the river, so you can eat well without the Manhattan markup. Back at the hotel, free Wi-Fi and the rare convenience of parking cover the practical side.
Location and getting there
From the hotel it's a 3-minute walk to Court Square station, where the 7 train reaches Times Square-42nd St in 10 minutes. The E line at Court Square also connects you to Downtown Manhattan. A single subway ride is a flat $2.90 no matter the distance, which keeps the trip from LIC into the city cheap and quick. If you're already comfortable on the subway, this is the best value base in the city.
Things to know before booking
The honest catch: it's not in Manhattan, so you'll take the subway in every time you want to be there. LIC is much quieter than Manhattan — great if you want a calmer night, less so if you came for round-the-clock energy. And a few Downtown Manhattan spots take a little longer to reach from this side of the East River.
Our take
The Local NYC is a smart pick for anyone who knows how to use the subway. You give up a Manhattan address and get a rate starting around $46 a night — about half the going price across the river — plus MoMA PS1 and the skyline view from Gantry Plaza State Park on your doorstep. Score 7.9/10. For value over location, it's hard to beat.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- From about $46/night — half the price of comparable hotels across the river in Manhattan.
- The 7 train is a 3-minute walk from the hotel at Court Square and reaches Midtown in 10 minutes.
- Gorgeous Manhattan skyline views from LIC, with some rooms facing the river.
- MoMA PS1 — the larger MoMA branch — is right here in Long Island City.
- Restaurants and cafes in LIC are varied and noticeably cheaper than Manhattan.
- It's not in Manhattan, so you have to take the subway in every time you want to be in the city.
- LIC is much quieter than Manhattan — you may miss the full big-city energy if that's what you came for.
- Some spots in Downtown Manhattan take a bit longer to reach from this side of the river.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near New York City
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Insider Tips
- Take the 7 train from Court Square to Times Square — it's only 10 minutes.
- MoMA PS1 is a 5-minute walk and opens Thursday through Monday.
- Walk 10 minutes to Gantry Plaza State Park on the East River for the best Manhattan skyline view in the city.