New York City's Short-Term Rental Ban: Where to Stay Now That Airbnb is Limited

Planning a trip to New York City looks very different today than it did a few years ago. In September 2023, the city began strictly enforcing Local Law 18. This legislation effectively eliminated thousands of short-term Airbnb and Vrbo listings. If you are struggling to find a place to stay, you are not alone. Here are the best alternative accommodation options for your next trip to the Big Apple.

Understanding Local Law 18

Before looking at alternatives, it helps to understand why your favorite rental platforms look so empty. Local Law 18 requires all short-term rental hosts to register with the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement.

The rules for these registrations are incredibly strict:

• Hosts must physically live in the apartment during your stay.
• Hosts can only welcome a maximum of two paying guests at a time.
• You cannot rent an entire unshared apartment for less than 30 consecutive days.

Because most tourists want a private space to themselves, the traditional weekend Airbnb stay is practically gone. Fortunately, the hospitality market in New York has adapted to fill the gap.

The Rise of Apart-Hotels

If you loved renting apartments because you wanted a kitchen, extra living space, or in-unit laundry, apart-hotels are your best legal alternative. These properties operate with commercial hotel licenses but are designed to feel like residential apartments.

Sonder Sonder operates multiple legal properties across Manhattan and Queens. Their units range from studios to multi-bedroom suites. They offer self-check-in through an app, fully equipped kitchens, and stylish furniture. Popular locations include Sonder Battery Park and Sonder Court Square in Long Island City.

Mint House Mint House caters to travelers who want high-end residential amenities. Mint House at 70 Pine is located in the Financial District and offers massive rooms by New York standards. You will find full-sized refrigerators, custom furniture, and access to a Michelin-starred restaurant located right in the building.

Micro-Hotels for Budget Travelers

One of the biggest losses from the Airbnb ban was the disappearance of cheap, no-frills neighborhood bedrooms. To replace that budget-friendly option, look into the city’s growing micro-hotel market. These hotels offer extremely small rooms (often under 150 square feet) but compensate with fantastic locations and vibrant public spaces.

The Pod Hotels The Pod Hotel brand has locations in Times Square, Murray Hill (Pod 39), and Midtown East (Pod 51). You can book a tiny room with a private bathroom or save even more money by booking a room with a shared bathroom down the hall.

CitizenM CitizenM has outposts in Times Square and the Bowery. Their rooms are essentially just large, comfortable beds pushed up against a window. The rooms feature mood lighting, rain showers, and iPad controls. The lobbies serve as massive coworking spaces and cafes.

Arlo Hotels Arlo operates properties in Soho, NoMad, and Midtown. They are famous for their rooftop bars and clever storage solutions in their tiny guest rooms. These hotels are perfect if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the city and only need a clean, safe place to sleep.

Extended Stay Platforms for 30+ Days

If you are a digital nomad or taking a long working vacation, you are in luck. The strict short-term rental laws do not apply to stays of 30 consecutive days or more. You can still rent an entire apartment on Airbnb or Vrbo as long as you meet that one-month minimum.

For higher quality and more reliable long-term stays, consider corporate housing platforms. Companies like Blueground and Furnished Quarters specialize in monthly rentals. They offer fully furnished, move-in ready apartments with utilities and high-speed internet already set up.

Upgraded Hostels

Hostels in New York have evolved far beyond the dirty dorm rooms of the past. They are now highly regulated, safe, and often quite trendy.

HI New York City Hostel Located on the Upper West Side, this is the largest hostel in North America. It sits in a historic landmark building just blocks from Central Park. They offer secure locker storage, massive communal kitchens, and organized group tours.

Freehand New York Located in the Flatiron District, Freehand blurs the line between a hostel and a boutique hotel. You can book standard private rooms, or you can book a bunk room to share with friends. It is a highly stylized property featuring several popular bars and restaurants on the ground floor.

Looking Across the River to New Jersey

If you want the space of a traditional hotel but cannot stomach Manhattan prices, look directly across the Hudson River. Cities in New Jersey like Jersey City, Hoboken, and Weehawken offer excellent hotel options.

The Hyatt Regency Jersey City sits right on the water and offers better views of the Manhattan skyline than you will find in New York itself. You can walk out of the hotel lobby, hop on the PATH train, and be at the World Trade Center in less than ten minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb completely banned in NYC? No. Airbnb still operates in New York City. However, you can only rent an entire apartment for 30 days or more. For shorter stays, you can only rent a private room where the host remains in the apartment with you.

What happens if I book an illegal short-term rental? If a host lists a property illegally, the city can shut it down at any time. This means your reservation could be canceled at the last minute, leaving you stranded without a place to stay. It is highly recommended to only book registered listings or traditional hotels.

How do I know if an Airbnb host is legally registered? Legal listings will display a registration number provided by the Office of Special Enforcement directly on their public profile. If you do not see a registration number on a short-term listing, you should not book it.

Are hotels more expensive now because of the ban? Hotel prices in New York City have generally increased over the last year. With fewer alternative options available, hotel demand is higher. To get the best rates, you should book your accommodations at least two to three months in advance.