11 Best Hotels Near Columbia University New York City

Few academic institutions in New York City match Columbia University’s prestige and popularity. The university is therefore a key landmark in Manhattan and therefore the main reference point in the North of Manhattan. Unfortunately, the university is located on an autonomous academic campus, so visitors looking for hotels near Columbia University NYC have to endure the inconvenience of staying a couple of minutes away.

The university is still one of the routes on the 1 Subway’s 24-hour service, putting most neighborhoods in NYC within a few minutes of Columbia University’s main campus. However, there are still many New York hotels near Columbia from where students and visitors can simply stroll to campus and other nearby destinations. Our team has been around NYC for years and stayed at some of those hotels, so here is our review of the best of them.

Hotel Belleclaire Central Park

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Hotel Belleclaire has been in service for over a century, making it one of the most popular historical hotels near Central Park. Its longstanding popularity has made it almost synonymous with Columbia University, as it is even recommended on the university’s official website. The hotel is a mere four-minute drive from the university and about 10 minutes on the subway. Our favorite aspect of this legendary hotel is the warm welcome offered by the staff, including complimentary snacks from the bakery next door.

We’ve stayed here multiple times and always enjoyed the service. We also got a breakfast coupon for every day we stayed here. The hotel retains its old-school spacious rooms but with a modern touch in the fittings. All the rooms we’ve stayed in had spacious glass bathrooms with stand-up showers. We also loved their comfortable foams with extra-soft crisp white linens that spell the quality of the hotel’s service.

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Edge Hotel Washington Heights

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Edge Hotel is just a few steps away from Columbia University Presbyterian Medical Center, mostly serving patients and visiting family members. Located in Washington Heights, the hotel is in a safe and generally quiet neighborhood mostly inhabited by medical students and young professionals. We booked a room here at short notice and enjoyed an undisturbed night’s rest. The front desk staff were super helpful and even helped us with dinner reservations at a nearby restaurant because the hotel doesn’t have one.

It is still a modern budget-friendly hotel especially suitable for solo travelers. The Subway to Columbia University was just a few blocks from the hotel on 181st Street. The neighborhood was also walkable, so we had no issues going to a restaurant nearby for dinner. Our room was clean and comfortable, although the bathroom was a little cramped. We still had enough room for walking around the room, not to mention the strong wifi and large TV. We also had a clear city view, something we would have paid a premium for anywhere else in Manhattan.

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Opera House Hotel

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Opera House Hotel is a popular neighborhood hotel of the Bronx, but also a hidden gem for anyone looking for affordable hotels near Columbia University NYC. The Subway on 149th Street is a block away from the hotel entrance, putting Columbia University, The Theatre District, and other destinations within a few minutes ride. We booked a room for a one-night stay after an event at the nearby Yankee Stadium and enjoyed idyllic views of Manhattan. We had a spacious studio room with a sofa and two large beds, enough for five people.

Despite this NYC boutique hotel’s moderate pricing, our room was clean and modernly furnished with premium-quality fittings. We were especially impressed by the heavy-duty working desk, blackout curtains, and strong wifi. The room also had some of the funkiest paintings of the Bronx as well as photos of live performances by some of the best artists in the world.

The Gardens Sonesta ES Suites New York

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Formerly a residential building, The Gardens Sonesta ES Suites New York has some of the most affordable suites around Central Park NYC. We also discovered that this is the hotel to stay in when looking for idyllic green views in Manhattan without paying a premium. We got a suite with a fully stocked kitchen and it felt more like living in a regular apartment rather than a cramped Manhattan hotel room. Fitted with a full-sized fridge, a four-burner gas cooker with an oven, and a dishwasher, our suite had everything we needed to prepare a meal.

We also had a private balcony fitted with chairs and lights with a perfect view of a forested area of 65th Street. The suite also had a pull-out sofa that acted as a third bed, with extra sheets and towels to comfortably accommodate our family of four. We also had the option of requesting room service from nearby restaurants, although we opted to buy groceries from the supermarket down the block.

Having been a residential building, the suites retain a large living space and spacious bedroom which gave the kids lots of room to run around. The air conditioning also worked perfectly. Both the bedroom and the living area had lots of natural light thanks to full-length windows. Moreover, the lighting in the bedroom is dimmer to encourage sleep, which was great. Better still, the Lexington Avenue metro station to Columbia University is just two blocks away on 63rd Street.

Courtyard New York Manhattan/Upper East Side

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Despite being located in the affluent Upper East Side, Courtyard New York Manhattan is one of the cheapest hotels near Columbia University NYC. It still offers all the perks of living in the coveted neighborhood including idyllic views of the East River and tree-lined streets. We booked a King Room here recently and enjoyed one of the quietest nights we’ve ever had in Manhattan. It is also a short drive to Columbia, so we especially recommend it for families looking to stay close to Columbia University.

Our room had a clear view of the East River, with full-length windows allowing daylight in for a better experience. We were also impressed by their clean and spacious bathroom which had antislip marts and bars, making it especially safe for the elderly. Besides unlimited coffee and cold/hot water refills in the lobby, we also got a coupon for a delicious continental breakfast.

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Homewood Suites by Hilton Edgewater-NYC Area

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We booked a suite for an extended stay at Homewood Suites by Hilton Edgewater family as a family some time back and got a true taste of New Jersey hospitality. We were especially impressed by the free breakfast, free parking, and Wednesday evening socials, making it one of the best Hilton hotels in NYC. With a complete kitchen, two large beds, and a sofa bed, our suite felt more like an apartment. We also had a TV in the living area as well as the bedroom which made it easy for everyone to enjoy their favorite programs.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Edgewater is a short ferry ride away from Manhattan, making it one of the cheapest hotels near Columbia University, especially when driving your car. Public transport including the metro is also within walking distance. However, with free parking offered by the hotel, renting or driving your car is a better option at this hotel.

Hotel Beacon

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The Beacon NYC is another iconic hotel in the Upper West Side located just a block from a Subway stop. It is one of our favorite hotels in the area because of its pocket-friendly prices, especially for one-bedroom suites. It also serves some of the most delicious American breakfasts in the Upper West Side. However, we chose to make our meals because the suite had a well-stocked kitchen while the hotel was just across the street from a supermarket and fresh produce stores. Moreover, The Beacon Theatre is part of the hotel, so there is always something fun to watch in the evenings.

“We loved the fact that the hotel was close to everything and yet serene and quiet, away from the bustle.”

WOW Travel

The Beacon’s suites are large by NYC standards, although the best thing about them is the view. On our last visit, we had full-length windows overlooking Central Park. The opposite side of the hotel also overlooks tree-lined streets in a quiet neighborhood that offers an escape from the noise and rush, unlike hotels near Times Square. Besides two comfortable queen beds and a sofa bed, our suite had a private balcony with enough chairs for the whole family.

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Arthouse Hotel

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Arthouse is another century-old hotel in the heart of the Upper West Side that young professionals, influencers, and tourists love because of its custom artwork and funky furnishing. The hotel feels like an extension of Broadway, located just a block from the Subway stop. We stayed here after the pandemic and appreciated the friendly staff. The biggest attraction to this hotel is the rooftop terrace that is always open when there is an open bar. The hotel also hosts a daily happy hour at the bar with live entertainment on most evenings.

We booked a studio with a terrace and got upgraded to a junior suite with two queens which was great. The suite had a large living space by NYC standards. We also had a balcony with a nice view. With beautiful paintings, customizable lighting, and firm but soft foams, the bedroom had all the ingredients for a good night’s sleep. We were also spoilt for choice as far as food is concerned because the two restaurants at the hotel (Chinese and Italian) offer room service.

The Mark New York

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The Mark New York is nearly 100 years old but remains one of the most prestigious hotels near Columbia University. It is a five-star hotel that combines everything we would pay a premium for everywhere else in one package. We got a great deal for a suite that included a complimentary third night and had one of the most gracious stays of any hotel around Manhattan. The concierge welcomed us to a beautifully decorated black-and-white lobby with visually captivating art.

Our Suite had a vast living space with comfortable sofas including a three-seater, a fireplace, and a large TV. Our favorite part was the private balcony with an unhindered view of Midtown Manhattan. The balcony had chairs for everyone and a glass shield which made it safe for the kids. Moreover, the balcony was shaded by a large umbrella and had proper lighting, so we had no issues staying out until late. The breeze and the ambiance were so good that we ordered room service, although the hotel’s restaurant was also nice.

The Mark has two world-class restaurants, a bar, a modern spa which makes this one of NYC’s best spa hotels, and a salon in the building. It is also the ultimate hotel to stay at in the Upper East Side if you want to meet celebrities who tend to frequent the hotel’s top-rated suites. Luxury and convenience combine perfectly at this hotel as the concierge helped us arrange a cab for travel. It is also easy to travel to Columbia via the Subway which is just a block from the hotel entrance.

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Wingate by Wyndham Bronx Haven Park

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At just 18 floors, with four to five rooms per floor, Wingate by Wyndham Bronx Haven Park is quite small but still one of the cleanest hotels in this area. We stayed here while attending a graduation ceremony at Columbia University and had no issues traveling to the university complex. The Subway station is less than a block away from the hotel entrance while Columbia is a five-minute ride away. It is also a pretty modern hotel with elaborate deco and vibrant lighting.

Besides the comfortable oversized bed and sofa, we had a modern working desk and a 50-inch plasma TV in our room. The wifi was strong and the air conditioning worked perfectly throughout our stay, which was very important for us. The hotel also went extra with basics including a safety box, headboard reading lamps, a fridge, and extra towels.

Hotel Lucerne

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The Lucerne Hotel is one of the most popular old-style luxury hotels near Central Park NYC that many Upper West Side locals highly recommend. It is also one of the most convenient hotels near Columbia University because the entrance is less than a block away from the Subway stop that leads straight to the university. We stayed here a short while ago and felt a real four-star ambiance. From concierge services to a spa, the hotel staff promptly delivered even the least of our requests. Moreover, their good old American continental breakfast was delicious, and there were lots of menu choices for low-sugar and vegetarian guests.

We got an instant upgrade to a suite on arrival which was great because we travelled on a budget. The suburban neighborhood around the hotel is serene, so we never had to deal with noise while here. The rooms also have large windows with lots of natural light as well as blackout curtains for a comfortable sleeping environment. The hotel’s solid mahogany beds complemented by quality linens, are also comfy.

Our Verdict!

All the recommended hotels in this guide are guaranteed to deliver a satisfactory experience to anyone looking for hotels near Columbia University NYC. We can still narrow down the choices to these four top-value hotels that you can book at a glance.

• Best value for money: Hotel Lucerne
• Best location: Hotel Belleclaire Central Park
• Best hotel for LGBTQ+: Arthouse Hotel
• Best hotel for families: The Gardens Sonesta ES Suites New York

Where to Stay in NYC near Columbia University?

While Columbia University is easily reachable from most NYC neighborhoods, these are our favorite neighborhoods for a comfortable stay.

If you are looking for the cheapest 5-star hotels near Columbia University New York, then this is a great place to start. NJ is far enough from the hustle and bustle of Times Square but still offers easy access to the most iconic places in Manhattan including Columbia University. If you are looking for the ultimate luxury in 5-star hotels near Columbia, then this neighborhood won’t disappoint. It is more convenient to drive yourself or order a taxi to Columbia when staying here, but you get to enjoy the best views and one of the quietest Manhattan neighborhoods.

We recommend staying here when using the Subway to get to Columbia. Upper West Side is the most convenient place to stay, featuring Idyllic views of Central Park. Hosting Manhattan’s most iconic museums and academic institutions, it offers a lot for families and students to explore. Also known as the Little Dominican Republic, Washington Heights is one of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in New York. It also hosts most medical students from Columbia University and it is a pretty safe place to stay.

Where do most NYC students live?

Student population is high in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, although exact neighborhoods vary based on institutions.

Is Columbia University located in Morningside Heights?

Absolutely. Morningside Heights is an autonomous academic complex housing several institutions, although Columbia University happens to be the most popular.

How far apart are Columbia and NYU?

NYU is located in Greenwich Village, Lower Manhattan a nine-mile drive from Morningside Heights where Columbia is located.