Now, it is true that New York is somewhat in the shadow of NYC: after all, everyone tends to conjure up images of spectacular skyscrapers and Central Park when this state is mentioned. But while the Big Apple certainly is a unique travel destination, the state of New York is so much more than that.
Whether you’d like to go on a wine tour across Hudson Valley, explore Ausable Chasm’s waterways, go whitewater rafting on the Adirondacks or simply laze on the scenic shores of Lake George, you can be sure that there’s always going to be something to entertain you in New York State!
And if you are planning a road trip through this majestic state, what better way to experience it than by staying in a quintessentially American accommodation – I’m talking motels in New York! Not only are motels located near main road links, but they are also affordable and comfortable.
And, there are plenty of motels in New York to choose from! So if you’re looking for the best of the best, read on to learn more…
In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in New York for One Night
Vintage Motel Near Ithaca Commons
Located near Ithaca Commons, this motel offers complimentary teas and coffee every morning. Its vintage-style rooms feature king-sized beds, private bathrooms with shower and tub, desks, and quaint sitting areas.
- Ithaca Commons
- Cornell Botanic Gardens
- Triphammer Falls
Is this amazing New York Motel booked for your dates? We’ve got your back with our other favorite properties below!
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Staying in a Motel in New York
Okay, I’ll admit it: motels do sometimes get a bad rap, but in reality, they’re excellent options for travelers who are just passing through or simply need a place to crash for the night, especially those on a New York road trip. Additionally, motels have evolved throughout the years and several of them now come with ultra-comfy rooms, as well as other on-site amenities such as pools and diners.
More importantly, motel rooms are significantly less expensive than hotels, so they’re perfectly suited to budget travelers or those backpacking New York as well. Besides, New York offers a dazzling array of activities that are bound to keep you busy, so, at the end of the day, you’ll most likely be only using your motel room to shower and sleep.
Location is everything when it comes to booking a motel in New York. If you’re stopping for a night, you want to be close enough to the highway so you can quickly hit the road again in the morning. Travelers who are on the last leg of their trip across New York may be more comfortable in an airport motel where they can relax for a day or two before catching their flight back home.
What to Look For in Motels in New York
Motel rooms come in different sizes and prices, so your best bet would be to narrow down your option according to the size of your group and budget. If you’re traveling with friends or family, you may wish to book connecting rooms or get one with multiple bed options. Several motels do offer rooms with two or three beds, including a sofa bed.
Another thing you should consider when booking a motel in New York is whether the establishment offers breakfast. You’ll find that plenty of them do provide daily complimentary breakfast – or tea/coffee at the very least – but if not, you may wish to book a place that’s close to eateries. You can also check out motel rooms with kitchenettes so you can prepare your own meals instead.
Wi-Fi is something else that you may wish to consider when looking for your accommodation. Now, most of them do offer free internet, but budget motels may charge you separately so be sure to ask about that before booking the room.
Because motels in New York are tailored to those on an East Coast road trip, you’ll more often than not have parking, but do check whether the parking is secured at night.
You’ll find most motels are available on Airbnb and Booking.com, which makes it really easy for you to plan your road trip. However, it does take some searching to find the best ones, so if that sounds like too much work for you, read on to see the best of the best.
Vintage Motel Near Ithaca Commons
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Fire pits and picnic areas
- > Close to Ithaca College
Affordable Motel With Hot Tub
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Hot tub and dining area
- > Close to Alfred University
Cozy Rooms in East Syracuse
- > $
- > 2-4 Guests
- > Coffee makers in rooms
- > Complimentary toiletries
Motel With Water Views and Pool
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Microwave and refrigerator
- > Close to Niagara Falls Park
Motel With Spacious Rooms and a Bar
- > $$
- > 4-5 Guests
- > Interconnected rooms available
- > On-site bar and restaurant
Cool Motel Near Irondequoit Bay
- > $$
- > 4-6 Guests
- > Private kitchenette
- > 24-Hour front desk
Niagara Falls Motel With Pool
- > $$
- > 2-4 Guests
- > Outdoor pool and courtyard
- > Free shuttle to attractions
Looking for other types of accommodation? Check out our guide to Where to Stay in New York!
The Top 10 Motels in New York
Now you know what to expect from motels in New York, it’s time to take a look at the best motels in the state. Enjoy!
Overall Best Value Motel in New York – Vintage Motel, Ithaca Commons
- $$
- 2 Guests
- Fire pits and picnic areas
- Close to Ithaca College
Whether you’re just passing through or visiting loved ones at Ithaca College, Grayhaven Motel in New York will deliver ample rest and relaxation. This establishment also lies close to Cornell Campus and trendy Ithaca Commons.
Boasting paneled walls and vaulted ceilings, the vintage-style rooms are fitted with desks, seating areas, and private bathrooms with tub/shower combo. Each room also features a comfortable king-sized bed for two.
In the morning, fuel up with a selection of complimentary teas and locally roasted coffee or enjoy a refreshing stroll across the on-site walking trails.
Best Budget Motel in New York – Affordable Motel With Hot Tub
- $
- 2 Guests
- Hot tub and dining area
- Close to Alfred University
With clean and comfortable Standard Queen rooms that sleep two, Best Inn Motel provides all the comforts of home without breaking the bank. Even though it’s super-affordable, it still comes with deluxe amenities such as 24-hour front desk assistance and even a hot tub on the premises.
Because each room provides a private bathroom, dining area, coffee machine, microwave, and refrigerator, you can easily put together an easy meal instead of eating out. Nearby, you can check out popular points of interest such as Colligan Park and Alma Pond.
Budget Tip: Dorms in New York start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
The Cheapest Motel in New York – Cozy Rooms in East Syracuse
- $
- 2-4 Guests
- Coffee makers in rooms
- Complimentary toiletries
Rest assured that you won’t have to sacrifice your comfort with a stay at the HomeTown Inn by Red Roof East Syracuse. Quite the opposite, this motel in New York offers ultra-cozy rooms with one or two double beds to sleep two to four guests, depending on your preferences.
All rooms come with coffee makers, hairdryers, cable televisions, desks, and curved shower rods. Microwaves and refrigerators are available upon request. With complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, this motel is an excellent base for entertainment as it’s close to all the top things to do in Syracuse, as well as shopping facilities at the nearby Waterloo Premium Outlets Mall and Destiny USA.
Best Motel for Couples in New York – Motel With Water Views
- $$
- 2 Guests
- Microwave and refrigerator
- Close to Niagara Falls Park
Offering extra-large double beds in its king rooms, Anchor Motel lies just a quick drive from the spectacular Niagara Falls State Park. Thanks to the refrigerator and microwave, you can prepare a meal in the comfort of your room instead of traipsing around to find a place to eat. Perfect for two guests, the king room also comes with an intimate seating area and a desk.
With an outdoor swimming pool, this motel in New York additionally boasts proximity to both Casino Niagara and the iconic Rainbow Bridge so you can enjoy a fun evening out with your significant other!
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View on Osprey View on REIBest Motel for Groups of Friends – Motel w/ Spacious Rooms & Bar
- $$
- 4-5 Guests
- Interconnected rooms available
- On-site bar and restaurant
Whether you want to book several interconnected rooms or one family room that sleeps five, you can be sure that North Creek Lodge at Gore Mountain’s got you covered. Offering the ideal setting for catching up with friends, this motel in New York has an on-site bar and restaurant specializing in American cuisine.
Fuel up with a complimentary Continental breakfast each morning before indulging in the many skiing and hiking opportunities around North Creek. Picturesque sites such as Thirteenth Lake and the aptly named Friends Lake lie less than four kilometers away, so you’ll always be near the best places to visit in New York.
Best Motel in New York for Families – Motel Near Irondequoit Bay
- $$
- 4-6 Guests
- Private kitchenette
- 24-Hour front desk
Offering spacious family double rooms where six guests can wind down in air-conditioned comfort, Relax Inn lies close to Seabreeze Amusement Park and The National Museum of Play. While select rooms come with private kitchenettes, you’ll also find a Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and a Thai restaurant just a short stroll from the motel – perfect for when you don’t feel like cooking!
Thanks to the establishment’s 24-hour front desk assistance, you won’t have to worry about super late flights. All rooms come with coffee or tea-making facilities and kids will no doubt enjoy the on-site vending machine.
Great Motel for Large Groups – Rooms With Classic Home Comforts
- $$
- 3-4 Guests
- Kitchenette with dining area
- Complimentary Continental breakfast
Families and large groups, rejoice! This motel in New York features air-conditioned studios with multiple bedding options that easily sleep up to four guests. If your kids are picky eaters, fret not: some studios even come with kitchenettes so you can prepare any meal of their choice.
With a stay at Starlite Motel & Suites, you’ll be close to Belleayre Beach, Hunter Mountain, and the Rochester Hollow Trail. Kick off each day with a complimentary breakfast and grab a couple of ski passes from the front desk before tackling the nearby slopes.
Best Motel for a Weekend in New York – Niagara Falls Motel W/ Pool
- $$
- 2-4 Guests
- Outdoor pool and courtyard
- Free shuttle to attractions
The Econo Lodge at the Falls North may be an affordable motel in New York, but it still boasts luxurious, hotel-like facilities that are bound to thrill even the fussiest of travelers. With air-conditioned rooms that can accommodate up to four guests, this property even has a spacious gazebo.
Not only does this motel offers a daily complimentary breakfast, but you’ll also be treated to free shuttles to nearby attractions. After exploring awe-inspiring sites like Niagara Falls, enjoy a refreshing swim in the motel’s pool or kick back in the garden courtyard which features a children’s playground. Perfect for a weekend in New York state.
Best Motel for Backpackers in New York – Affordable & Spacious Room
- $
- 2-4 Guests
- Work desk in each room
- Close to Syracuse Airport
Well-suited to backpackers looking for an affordable motel in New York, Motel 6-East Syracuse boasts quaint, air-conditioned rooms with cable TV and desks. With rooms that can accommodate solo travelers, couples, or even groups of up to four people, this property has a 24-hour front desk with both copy and fax services.
Guests visiting loved ones in college will be glad to learn that Syracuse University lies just 15 minutes away. Nearby, you can also catch a show at the Landmark Theatre, go ice-skating at Clinton Square Ice Rink, or check out popular attractions like the Carrier Dome.
Motel in New York With the Best Pool – Motel With Shuttle
- $
- 2-4 Guests
- On-site swimming pool
- Free shuttle to attractions
Not only does the Swiss Cottage Inn offer super-affordable rooms, but it also boasts a prime location near both Casino Niagara and Niagara Falls. The queen room is perfectly suited to solo travelers or couples while the double queen room can comfortably sleep four on its two beds. All rooms feature air-conditioning and flat-screen television.
This property even features a large outdoor pool that’s bound to thrill kids and adults alike. After your swim, dry off naturally on one of the sun loungers or hop on a complimentary shuttle to explore the many attractions in the vicinity.
Don’t Forget Your New York Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Motels in New York
There you have it – some of the very best motels in New York that are bound to enhance your stay in this incredible state.
The thing about New York is that it’s one of the US’s most eclectic places so there’s literally something for everyone.
Because it’s home to some of the world’s best colleges, parents can also opt for an affordable motel room near campus to visit their kids. Of course, it goes without saying that these properties perfectly complement New England road trips as well, especially if you’re looking for an affordable place to stop for the night.
While planning your stay in New York, you may also wish to consider getting travel insurance before booking your motel. This will not only save you a lot of hassle in the long run, but you’ll also have peace of mind in case anything goes wrong during your trip.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
