Nice Stay vs. a Hotel: What’s the Difference, Really?

If you’re planning a trip to New York City, you’ve probably seen all the options: sleek, big-brand hotels with doormen, trendy boutique accommodations, and of course, our short-term rentals at Nice Stay NYC. With so many places to choose from, how do you know what’s right for your trip? It all comes down to the kind of experience you want.

Let’s break it down. Here’s how a Nice Stay compares to a traditional hotel and why more travelers are skipping the front desk and choosing a different kind of NYC stay.

Room to Breathe

Let’s start with the obvious: square footage. Most NYC hotel rooms average under 300 square feet. While that might work for a night or two, it’s not ideal for a longer stay. At Nice Stay, you get a full apartment with a separate bedroom, living area, and kitchen. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with kids, having space to spread out makes a world of difference.

Think coffee on the couch, bedtime routines that don’t involve tiptoeing around a cramped room, and enough space and furniture to actually unpack like you live here. And when comparing to nightly hotel rates, ours are significantly more competitive than hotels.

Practical Perks for Real Life

Laundry in the building? Check. Free Wi-Fi? Absolutely. A quiet place to work or take a Zoom call? Definitely. Our spaces are designed to function like real homes because they are. Many include thoughtful extras like fitness centers, pet-friendly policies, and plenty of outlets and surfaces to make daily life easy.

Live (and Eat) Like a Local

Hotels are great for room service. But unless you’re booking a suite, eating in usually means perching on the bed with takeout. If you’d rather stock the fridge with your favorite snacks or enjoy a slow breakfast at the kitchen counter, a Nice Stay makes that easy. Every unit includes a fully equipped kitchen, so you can cook, snack, or reheat leftovers whenever it suits you. It’s also a great reason to check out the neighborhood farmer’s market, gourmet grocer, or specialty food spot.

You’re Actually In the Neighborhood

Our apartments are located in vibrant residential buildings in some of NYC’s best neighborhoods like the Upper East Side and Columbus Circle. That means more bagel shops, wine stores, playgrounds, and parks just outside your door. You’re not a hotel guest. You’re living in the city, even if just for a little while.

Whether you’re in town for a few days or several weeks, Nice Stay offers more space, flexibility, and local convenience than a typical hotel. Explore our available apartments and choose the one that fits your needs best.

Experience New York City on your terms.