New York City hotels are a bit of a gamble these days. You think you've found a deal, but then the "resort fee" hits you at check-in, or you realize your "boutique" room is actually a converted closet in a walk-up building. If you are looking for a Super 8 New York City experience, you’ve likely noticed something weird. Most of them are gone. They've vanished or rebranded into those generic-looking independent spots that charge double the price for the same flickering fluorescent lights.
Honestly, the budget landscape in the five boroughs has shifted dramatically. There used to be several Super 8 locations scattered across the city—one near Times Square, another in Brooklyn, and even one near the Barclays Center. Today? If you want the specific reliability of a Wyndham-branded Super 8 within the actual city limits, you are basically looking at the Super 8 by Wyndham Long Island City LGY Hotel.
It’s an interesting spot. It sits in that industrial-meets-gentrifying pocket of Queens that feels like a different planet compared to the glitz of Manhattan, even though the subway can get you to 59th Street in about fifteen minutes. Staying here isn't about luxury. It’s about survival in a city that wants to eat your wallet.
Why the Super 8 New York City footprint shrank so fast
The hotel industry in NYC is currently in a state of chaos. Between the 2023 "Local Law 18" crackdown on short-term rentals like Airbnb and the city using dozens of mid-range hotels to house migrants and the unhoused, the supply for budget-conscious travelers has plummeted. This is why you can't find that old Super 8 in Manhattan anymore. It likely became something else or transitioned into a city contract.
You've got to understand that the Super 8 brand is built on being "roadside chic." It’s for people who are driving. But NYC hates cars. Most people looking for a Super 8 New York City stay are actually trying to find a place where they won't get towed or pay $70 a day for a parking garage. The Long Island City location is one of the few that actually offers a parking lot, though it’s tight. Like, "don't bring your Suburban" tight.
The Long Island City vibe: What to expect
Let's talk about the neighborhood. Long Island City (LIC) is arguably the best place to stay if you can't afford a $400-a-night bill in Midtown. The Super 8 here is located on 14th Street, right near the waterfront.
Is it pretty? Not really.
Is it safe? Generally, yes.
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It’s surrounded by warehouses and some newer residential high-rises. You’ll see a lot of film crews in this area because Silvercup Studios is nearby. If you walk a few blocks toward the East River, you get one of the most incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. That’s the trade-off. You stay in a basic, no-frills room, but you get a million-dollar view if you’re willing to walk ten minutes to the park.
Breaking down the "Budget" in NYC budget hotels
People see the "Super 8" logo and expect $89.99 prices. In New York, "budget" is a relative term. Depending on whether there’s a convention at the Javits Center or a Taylor Swift-level concert at MetLife Stadium, this Super 8 can still run you $180 to $250 a night.
That feels high for a Super 8, right?
But compare that to a Marriott in the Financial District where the base rate is $350 plus a $45 "destination fee" that only covers "enhanced Wi-Fi" and two bottles of water. The Super 8 gives you the basics without the hidden nonsense. You get a bed, a TV, a coffee maker, and—miraculously for NYC—usually a free continental breakfast. Don't expect a buffet. It's mostly cereal, yogurt, and those DIY waffles that everyone loves for some reason.
Room quality and the "Old Hotel" smell
Look, I'm going to be real with you. This is an older building. New York City humidity does things to wallpaper. The rooms are clean, but they show their age. If you are the kind of person who checks the corners for dust or cares about the thread count of your sheets, you might want to look elsewhere.
However, if you just need a place to crash after walking 15 miles through Central Park and the Met, this does the job. The walls are thick enough that you don't hear your neighbor's TV, but you will definitely hear the sirens. That’s just the soundtrack of the city.
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The Logistics of a Super 8 New York City trip
If you’re staying at the LIC location, you need to master the F train. The 21st St-Queensbridge station is your lifeline.
- The Walk: It’s about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. At 11:00 PM, it can feel a bit desolate. Use your "city eyes."
- The Ride: The F train takes you straight into the heart of Manhattan—Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and down into the West Village.
- The Alternative: Use the NYC Ferry. There’s a landing at Astoria or Roosevelt Island. It’s $4.00 and it’s basically a boat tour of the city. Highly recommended over the subway if you have the time.
What about the "other" Super 8s?
You might see listings for a Super 8 in North Bergen or Jersey City. They aren't in NYC. They are in New Jersey.
I see people make this mistake all the time. They book the "Super 8 New York City Area" in New Jersey thinking they’ll just pop over the bridge. Then they realize the Lincoln Tunnel is a parking lot and the bus costs $4 each way, per person. Unless you are specifically visiting Jersey, stay in the boroughs. The extra $30 you spend on the hotel in Queens will be saved in transit time and frustration.
Navigating the booking traps
When searching for a Super 8 New York City, third-party booking sites like Expedia or Booking.com often show "Sold Out" or redirect you to much more expensive "partner hotels."
Always check the Wyndham site directly.
Also, be aware of the taxes. NYC has a 14.75% hotel occupancy tax plus a $2.00-$3.50 per night occupancy fee. On a $200 room, that’s another $33 a night. This isn't the hotel's fault; it's the city's way of getting its cut. If a site doesn't show the "all-in" price, you’re going to have a bad time at the front desk.
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The surrounding food scene (The secret benefit)
One reason to choose the Queens Super 8 over a Manhattan budget spot is the food. Manhattan is full of tourist traps where a mediocre burger is $24. In Long Island City and nearby Astoria, you are in the culinary heart of the world.
Walk north toward Astoria. You’ll find some of the best Greek food outside of Athens. Go to Taverna Kyclades. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and the grilled octopus will change your life. Or, if you want something closer to the hotel, check out the local bodegas. They make a bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll that is better than anything you'll find in a hotel lobby.
Is the Super 8 New York City right for you?
This isn't a romantic getaway spot. If you’re planning a proposal or an anniversary, please, spend the extra money on a boutique hotel in Brooklyn. But if you’re a family on a budget, a solo traveler, or someone in town for a quick business meeting, this is a pragmatic choice.
It’s about expectations. You aren't paying for a lobby with a DJ and a $20 cocktail. You’re paying for a door that locks and a location that doesn't require a two-hour commute.
Actionable steps for your stay
If you decide to pull the trigger on a stay at the Super 8 New York City, follow these steps to make it bearable:
- Request a high floor. The street noise in LIC can be intense, especially with the delivery trucks. Higher is quieter.
- Download the Revel or Uber app. Sometimes the walk from the F train feels too long. An Uber from the station to the hotel is usually the minimum fare.
- Verify your parking. If you are driving, call the hotel directly after you book. The lot is small, and "first come, first served" is a brutal game in New York.
- Bring an eye mask. The streetlights in NYC are bright enough to perform surgery by. The hotel curtains are okay, but they aren't blackout-level.
- Check the NYC Ferry schedule. Use it at least once. It’s the best way to see the skyline without paying for a Circle Line tour.
New York is an expensive, loud, and incredible place. The Super 8 isn't going to be the highlight of your trip, but it might be the reason you can actually afford to be there. Just know that the days of cheap, plentiful chain hotels in the five boroughs are largely over. Secure your spot early, or you'll be stuck paying $500 for a room that isn't much better.
The reality of the Super 8 New York City is that it’s a vanishing breed. As the city continues to squeeze the hotel market, these no-frills hubs are becoming rare. If you find a vacancy, grab it. Just don't expect a mint on your pillow. You're in New York; the fact that you have a pillow at all for under $200 is the real win.