The 7 Best Hotels for the FIFA World Cup in New York and New Jersey

There’s absolutely no shortage of great hotels in New York City, but for the FIFA World Cup, where you stay is less about luxury level and more about how efficiently you can get to MetLife Stadium.

I’ve lived in NYC and the Northern New Jersey area the better part of my entire life, and have done staycations or visited each of these hotels over the years, I’ve become an expert on all the local options. I also know exactly how game-day traffic and transit can be here. The difference between a smooth experience and a stressful one usually comes down to one thing: proximity to Penn Station, Port Authority Bus Terminal or the Lincoln Tunnel.

Hotels within walking distance of these hubs make all the difference. From Penn Station, you can take NJ Transit directly toward the stadium. From Port Authority, buses run straight across. Miss that positioning, and suddenly you’re navigating multiple transfers or a gridlocked Uber before the match even starts.

If you’re attending the upcoming FIFA World Cup, these are the hotels I would actually book, depending on how you want your trip to feel.

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Best Overall Base Near Penn Station: Moxy NYC Times Square

If your goal is to make game day as easy as possible, this is where I’d start.

Located about a 7–10 minute walk from Penn Station—where many of the trains will begin their journey from the city to MetLife Stadium—Moxy NYC Times Square hits that sweet spot between convenience and high-octane energy. You can realistically wake up, grab coffee, and be at the train before most people have figured out their route.

The hotel itself leans playful and social. Rooms are compact but smart, with under-bed storage and clean design that works for a quick reset between outings. Where it really shines is in its shared spaces. The rooftop bar is one of the more fun in Midtown, and the lobby always has a low-key buzz.

This is where I’d stay if I wanted to keep things efficient but still feel like I have access to everything and anything that New York has to offer at my fingertips. It’s also an especially great option if you’re visiting New York for the first time and will be focused on other tourist-centric activities.

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Best Boutique Near Port Authority: Civilian Hotel

Civilian is one of the more interesting hotels to open in Midtown in years, and it happens to be incredibly well positioned for World Cup logistics.

You’re about a 10-minute walk to Port Authority, which means direct bus access to MetLife Stadium. That alone makes it a smart choice, but what sets it apart is the smart and neighborhood-centric design.

The entire hotel is inspired by Broadway and theater culture, and it shows up in ways that feel intentional. Think layered textures, moody lighting, and curated backstage-style details throughout the property—it’s immersive without being over the top.

Rooms are compact but well thought out, with built-ins that maximize space and beds that are genuinely comfortable—a godsend in this prime part of Manhattan.

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Best for Lincoln Tunnel Access: Pendry Manhattan West

If you want a more elevated stay while still keeping logistics tight, Pendry Manhattan West is the move. Located on the west side near Hudson Yards, the front entrance of the hotel is positioned right in front of an onramp that leads into the Lincoln Tunnel, which makes car transfers and car services significantly easier on match days. You’re also within a 10–12 minute walk to Penn Station and close to Port Authority, too, giving you flexibility depending on how you want to get to the game.

The hotel itself is polished and calm, with a residential feel that stands out in this part of Hudson Yards. Rooms are spacious by New York standards, with warm woods, soft lighting, and bathrooms that beckon you to unwind.

Downstairs, the dining scene is strong enough that you don’t need to go far immediately after checking in. Pro tip: Ci Siamo, Zou Zou’s and Papa San (a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant) are all within walking distance, and there’s even a Whole Food’s around the corner for grab and go healthy meals.

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Best Design-Forward Stay: citizenM New York Times Square

CitizenM is one of those hotel brands I continually find myself telling people about. I’ve always been pleased when trying them out because they’re high tech, stylish stays always rooted in prime locations.

Located within walking distance of both Times Square and major transit hubs, this particular location gives you flexibility without forcing you into a traditional hotel experience. Rooms are compact, but everything is controlled digitally, from lighting to blinds to temperature, which makes it feel more modern than some other aging Midtown options.

The real draw is the fun, often loud decor and vibe. The lobby feels more like a creative workspace than a hotel, and it’s a great place to regroup, grab a drink, or plan activities in between the games.

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Best Value Stay: Fairfield Inn & Suites Midtown Manhattan/Penn Station

If you’re trying to keep costs reasonable while still staying central, this is one of the smartest bookings you can make.

You’re literally across the street from Penn/Moynihan Station, which means direct access to trains heading toward MetLife. That alone makes it incredibly practical, as does the clean and tidy rooms, some of which have inspiring city views. Rooms are otherwise straightforward but comfortable, and the hotel often includes a Continental breakfast, which is a big win when you’re heading out early for a match. A rooftop bar with Empire State views, fitness center and options for business travelers round out some of the perks.

Best Luxury Splurge (NYC): Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards

If you want to turn your World Cup trip into a full-on experience, Equinox Hotel is worth the splurge. Located on the west side near Hudson Yards, you’re still within striking distance of Penn Station while staying somewhere that feels like a destination in itself. The hotel is built around wellness, with an incredible fitness club, spa, and one of the more impressive pools in the city, not to mention access to rooftop barrel saunas and hot-cold plunges.

Rooms are designed for recovery, with blackout systems, soundproofing, and beds that are genuinely hard to leave. You’re also positioned just across the street from NYC’s newest luxury shopping mall destination, The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards.

Best Boutique Escape in New Jersey: The George

If you’re open to staying outside the city and want something that feels genuinely different, The George is one of the most interesting hotel experiences in the area.

Located in Montclair, New Jersey, an adorable commuter town known as “The Brooklyn of New Jersey” it’s about a 20-minute car ride from MetLife Stadium (without any traffic), however, this is anything but your typical suburban hotel. The 32-room boutique property is owned and designed by Bobbi Brown, and you can feel that level of attention to detail the moment you walk in.

The hotel is set in a restored historic home, but the interiors feel layered and lived-in rather than overly precious. Every room is different, filled with a mix of textures, books, and objects that give the impression they’ve been carefully collected over time, not ordered in bulk.

There’s also a strong sense of place in Montclair, which has a creative, slightly under-the-radar energy, with great restaurants, coffee shops, and local boutiques, so your trip doesn’t just revolve around the match. It’s the perfect “match” though if you’d prefer a manageable sized town over staying in the big city.

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