Jersey City’s Best Hotels & Areas (A Local’s Guide for 2026)

👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Jersey City | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ

As a New Jersey resident for over 30 years, I’m going to tell you exactly what you need to know about staying in Jersey City.

If it’s your first time in Jersey City, I suggest staying in the Newport area. Here you’ll have beautiful waterfront views plus plenty of upscale restaurants to visit. My top hotel recommendation in the area is The Westin Jersey City Newport, one of the best luxury hotels in the city.

There are other great options in the city as well. Keep reading, and I’ll break down the best places to stay in Jersey City by area. I’ll also include hotel recommendations and mini guides you won’t want to miss. 

Best Places to Stay in Jersey City

Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Jersey City? Here are my top picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Canopy by Hilton Jersey City Arts District
• 📍 Best Location – Residence Inn by Marriott Jersey City
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – Westin Jersey City Newport
• 👪 Best for Families – Hyatt House Jersey City
• 💻 Best for Business – Hyatt Regency Jersey City
• 🛎️ Best Boutique – DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Jersey City
• 🏙️ Best Near Exchange Place – Hyatt Regency Jersey City
• 🏠 Best Rental – Riverhouse Extended Stay Apartment
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jersey City – Holland Tunnel

Click here to see all top Jersey City hotels or here for apartments.

Ok, now let’s do a deep dive into the best areas and neighborhoods in Jersey City: 

4 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Jersey City

Jersey City is a large city that spans a little over 21 square miles. It’s just across the Hudson River from New York City and features a picturesque waterfront. Jersey City itself has a vibrant downtown and a variety of unique neighborhoods, each with its own flair.

Newport

👉 Best Area For First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best Newport Hotels: Courtyard by Marriott Jersey City Newport • The Westin Jersey City Newport • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Jersey City 

The Newport area is known for its beautiful waterfront views and luxury high rises. It’s a great place for first-time visitors to Jersey City, as well as those who want a relaxed pace. I especially enjoy visiting Newport when the weather’s nice. My daughter and I get a refreshing drink from Starbucks, then take a nice stroll along the waterfront.

This part of Jersey City borders Hoboken and is a very affluent area. It’s quiet, secure, and has lots of shops within walking distance. However, hotels in Newport can be very expensive. 

One of the most popular hotels in the Newport area is the Courtyard by Marriott Jersey City Newport. This Jersey City hotel offers great amenities such as an indoor pool and fitness center. It’s centrally located with access to some of Jersey City’s best attractions! 

The Westin Jersey City Newport, is also very popular, offering elegant, upscale accommodations.

Pros of Staying in Newport:

• Access to beautiful waterfront views
• Upscale restaurants
• Safe

Cons of Staying in Newport:

• It can be very expensive
• Certain areas are only accessible to residents
• Parking can be tough

The Waterfront

👉 Best Area For Families & Business Travelers | ✨ Best Waterfront Hotels: Sonesta Simply Suites Jersey City • Hyatt Regency Jersey City • Hyatt House Jersey City

The Waterfront area is home to gorgeous waterfront views that extend past Newport, into the Exchange Place financial district, and towards the Morris Canal. The Waterfront is a great place for families and business travelers. 

Here, there are activities for people of all ages. You’ll find the Liberty Science Center and Liberty State Park right across the Morris Canal. You can also watch boats sail across the Hudson River and take in views of the NYC skyline. This area is especially great if you visit in the summer. Just for fun, I like to take a ferry from Paulus Hook Terminal to New York, then ride right back. It’s so relaxing!

When staying in this area, the Hyatt Regency Jersey City hotel is popular with families and business travelers. This hotel features family rooms and is located in the heart of the Exchange Place financial district.

The Hyatt House Jersey City is another popular hotel with the same amenities. Both Jersey City hotels are conveniently located within 20 minutes of the Newark Liberty International Airport.

Pros of Staying at The Waterfront:

• A variety of waterfront views
• Excellent restaurants, bars, and nightlife
• Plenty of public transportation is available via bus and light rail

Cons of Staying at The Waterfront:

• Hotels can be expensive
• Parking is extremely difficult
• The waterfront can get crowded, especially on nice days

Downtown

👉 Best Area For Dining & Nightlife | ✨ Best Downtown Hotels: Residence Inn by Marriott Jersey City • Canopy by Hilton Jersey City Arts District

Downtown Jersey City is characterized by a more urban feel, with a wide variety of bars and restaurants to choose from. This makes it a great place to stay for foodies and anyone wanting to experience nightlife in Jersey City. After all, Downtown has a buzzing, big-city feel. 

Canopy by Hilton Jersey City Arts District is one of the best hotels in Jersey City, and it’s located downtown. This upscale Jersey City hotel features a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, and more. One of the main selling points, though, is the scenic terrace. It features spectacular city views, especially at night!

Pros of Staying Downtown:

• Walkable
• Plenty of public transportation
• A variety of restaurants and bars 

Cons of Staying Downtown:

• Can get crowded
• Avoid dark alleyways and traveling alone at night
• Parking is difficult

The Heights

👉 Best Area For A Local & Residential Feel  | ✨ Best Heights Hotel: Holiday Inn Express and Suites Jersey City North

The Heights is an up-and-coming neighborhood that offers a local and residential atmosphere. It has a homey feel and is less crowded than popular tourist areas.

It’s also one of the safest residential neighborhoods in Jersey City, making it a great choice for families and solo travelers. The Heights is located just northwest of Downtown Jersey City and borders Hoboken. 

Hotel options are pretty limited in The Heights since it’s a mostly residential area. The main hotel is the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Jersey City North. It offers basic amenities. Free WiFi, free parking, and complimentary breakfast are all included in your nightly rate. 

The best accommodation option in The Heights is a vacation rental. I especially recommend this apartment with a private rooftop and parking. 

Pros of Staying in The Heights:

• Quiet, calm atmosphere
• Good variety of restaurants
• Walkable

Cons of Staying in The Heights:

• Limited attractions
• Limited hotel options

Tips for Staying in Jersey City

Use Rideshare

Parking in Jersey City can be iffy because of street parking rules and the lack of parking overall. Opting for a rideshare like Uber or Lyft, as opposed to driving, is much more convenient.

Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes

You’ll likely do a lot of walking if you plan on sightseeing and exploring all the popular Jersey City attractions. Pack comfortable walking shoes. Sandals may seem like a great idea in the summer, but I recommend choosing shoes with more support.

Make Reservations

Certain areas of Jersey City have upscale, fine-dining restaurants. You’ll find these restaurants mainly in the Newport and Exchange Place areas. It’s a good idea to make reservations ahead of time if you plan on eating at these restaurants. Places can book up quickly, especially during peak summer tourist months.

Mind Your Manners

Areas of Jersey City like Newport and the Waterfront areas, have tight security. This is partly due to high tourist traffic and luxury housing in these areas. Be mindful of littering, don’t climb railings (even as a joke), and always remember to pick up after your pets. 

Be Cautious At Night

Much of Jersey City has a prominent police presence. Still, avoid going out alone at night as a safety precaution. Be especially mindful around public transportation stations and desolate roads. If you do go out at night, stay alert, and travel with others if possible.

Take In History

Jersey City is home to a lot of beautiful architecture, including brick buildings that have been around for hundreds of years. Make sure to soak up the history and architectural beauty, especially in Jersey City’s Historic Downtown area. 

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Jersey City for first-timers?

The best areas to stay in Jersey City for first-timers are Newport, the Waterfront, and Downtown Jersey City. These areas offer many attractions, dining options, and easy access to public transportation.

What are safe areas to stay in Jersey City?

Safe areas to stay in Jersey City include Newport, the Waterfront, Downtown, and The Heights, which are all included in this guide.

Is it cheaper to stay in New Jersey when visiting NYC?

It’s typically cheaper to stay in New Jersey when visiting NYC. Accommodations tend to be more expensive in New York City, so many people opt for New Jersey for lower prices. You can easily reach Manhattan with a quick drive, train ride, or ferry. 

How far from Manhattan is Jersey City?

Manhattan is about 11 miles from Jersey City. This makes for a quick train ride, usually anywhere from 15-25 minutes. Driving time varies according to traffic.

Is New Jersey a good place to stay?

Most areas of New Jersey are good places to stay. Some areas are safer than others, but all of the neighborhoods included in this guide are safe for visitors.

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Deciding where to stay in Jersey City mainly depends on what you want to get out of your trip. I hope this guide helped narrow things down. For more ideas on places to stay in New Jersey, read our guide.

(Featured Image Credit: Stas Moroz / Shutterstock)