You’re looking for a place to stay, and Jackson Heights keeps popping up. Maybe it's the price. Maybe it's the proximity to LaGuardia. But honestly, if you’re looking for a massive Marriott right in the middle of the neighborhood, you’re gonna be looking for a long time.
Jackson Heights is a legendary neighborhood. It’s a place where you can find the best Tibetan momos on one corner and an incredible Colombian bakery on the next. But here is the thing: the actual "hotel scene" within the strict borders of the neighborhood is surprisingly slim. Most people who search for hotels in Jackson Heights NY end up staying in Woodside, Elmhurst, or East Elmhurst.
It’s just how the geography works out.
The Real Deal on Staying "In" the Neighborhood
If you want to be right in the thick of it—under the rumble of the 7 train—your options are basically a handful of no-frills spots. Take the Elmhurst Hotel on 81st Street. It’s basically as close as you can get to the "heart" of Jackson Heights without staying in someone’s guest room.
👉 See also: Finding Your Way: The Sky Harbor Airport Map Terminal 3 Breakdown
It’s a 3-star spot. Nothing fancy. But it's a few blocks from the subway. If you're the kind of traveler who just needs a clean bed and wants to spend all your time eating through the street food stalls on Roosevelt Avenue, it works. People often mention it’s "no-frills," but in a city where a tiny room in Midtown costs $400, "no-frills" is a gift.
Another one that gets mentioned a lot is Kamway Lodge. It’s more of a hostel/lodge vibe. Super close to the 74th St-Roosevelt Ave station. You’ve got to be okay with shared spaces or very basic amenities here.
Why People Actually Stay Here
Most people aren't choosing this area for the hotel lobby bar. They stay here because of the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue station.
✨ Don't miss: Why an Escape Room Stroudsburg PA Trip is the Best Way to Test Your Friendships
It’s a massive transit hub. You’ve got the E, F, M, R, and 7 trains all meeting in one spot. You can be in Midtown Manhattan in about 15 to 20 minutes. It's faster than coming from some parts of Brooklyn, honestly. Plus, you’re only about 10 minutes from LaGuardia Airport by taxi or the Q70-SBS bus.
The "Close Enough" Options
Since the neighborhood itself is mostly residential (famous for those beautiful 1920s garden apartments), the bigger hotel chains clustered just outside the borders. This is where you’ll find the more traditional "hotel" experience.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Woodside: This is technically in Woodside, but it’s a favorite for people looking at hotels in Jackson Heights NY. It’s newer, clean, and includes breakfast. It’s about a 10-15 minute walk to the main Jackson Heights hub.
- Avion Inn (Near LGA): Situated in East Elmhurst, this is for the traveler who has a 6:00 AM flight but wants to grab dinner in Jackson Heights the night before.
- The Queens Hotel: Located on 65th Street. It’s a bit of a walk, but it’s often one of the cheapest reliable options in the area.
Is it Safe?
This is the question everyone asks. Jackson Heights is a high-energy, crowded, urban environment. It’s loud. The 7 train screams overhead. Roosevelt Avenue is busy until 3:00 AM.
🔗 Read more: Why San Luis Valley Colorado is the Weirdest, Most Beautiful Place You’ve Never Been
But it’s generally considered safe by NYC standards. It’s a family neighborhood. You’ll see grandmothers out buying groceries at the same time kids are heading to school. Just use your "city brain." Stay on well-lit streets, keep your phone in your pocket while walking, and you’ll be fine. The "sketchiest" part is usually just the noise and the sheer number of people.
What to Do if You Stay Here
If you’ve booked one of the hotels in Jackson Heights NY, do not—I repeat, do not—eat at a chain restaurant.
Go to 74th Street for Indian food. Walk down to Lhasa Fast Food (if you can find it tucked behind the phone shops) for Tibetan momos. Grab a taco from a truck under the tracks. This is the most diverse zip code in the world, and the food proves it.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Check the Subway Map: Make sure your hotel is actually near a station. Some "Jackson Heights" listings on booking sites are actually a 20-minute bus ride away from the train.
- LGA Access: If you’re using the area as an airport base, the Q70 LaGuardia Link is free and picks up right at the 74th St-Roosevelt Ave station.
- Book Early for June: Queens Pride happens here in June. The neighborhood gets packed, and those few local hotel rooms disappear fast.
- Look at Long Island City: If the local options look too "basic" for you, LIC is only 15 minutes away on the 7 train and has high-rise luxury hotels like the Hyatt Place or Aloft.
Basically, staying in Jackson Heights is a strategic move. You save money, you eat like a king, and you’re close to the airport. Just don’t expect a mint on your pillow at the budget lodges. You’re here for the culture and the easy commute.