π Jump to:Best Places to Stay in Hoboken | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ
Where to stay in Hoboken is a big consideration when planning a visit. Hoboken is a small city and there are only a handful of hotels available in the city itself. Because of this, visitors often stay in nearby cities like Jersey City or Weehawken and transport over to Hoboken.
Iβm a New Jersey local, and if youβre looking for the best places & areas to stay in Hoboken, then youβre in the right place. Iβll introduce you to the three distinct areas in the city and give you direct hotel recommendations. After all, experiencing the best things to do in Hoboken is made so much easier when youβre in the right neighborhood.
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Best Places to Stay in Hoboken
Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Hoboken? Here are my top picks:Β
- π Best Overall Hotel β W Hoboken
- πΈ Best Luxury Hotel β Global Luxury Suites at Hoboken Waterfront
- πͺ Best for Families β DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Suites Jersey City
- π» Best for Business β Sheraton Lincoln Harbor Hotel(Weehawken)
- π¨ Best Boutique β Dharma Home Suites Hoboken
- ποΈ Best Budget β Courtyard by Marriott Jersey City Newport
Ok, now letβs do a deep dive into some of the best areas and neighborhoods in Hoboken:Β
3 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Hoboken
The city of Hoboken is pretty small β only 1.97 square miles to be exact! This means that there are only a few neighborhoods to stay in Hoboken itself, as seen in this map of the city borders. Letβs take a look at the three main areas that are best if youβre paying this little city a visit:
The Waterfront
π Best Area For First-Time Visitors | β¨ Best Waterfront Hotels: W Hoboken β’ Global Luxury Suites at Hoboken Waterfront β’ Courtyard by Marriott Jersey City Newport
The Waterfront is the main place youβre probably considering for where to stay in Hoboken. Perfect for first-time visitors and families, the views from The Waterfront are the areaβs most popular attraction and one key reason why Hoboken is one of the best cities in New Jersey.
Of course, youβll find dazzling views of the Hudson River in this area, but there are other attractions as well. I recommend that you enjoy an array of restaurants and visit the Hoboken Historical Museum.
For an amazing stay, Global Luxury Suites is an excellent hotel choice. It offers a rooftop garden, gorgeous waterfront views, and a one-of-a-kind luxury experience.
Pros of Staying at the Waterfront:
- Gorgeous waterfront views
- Close to public transportation
- A wide variety of restaurants, bars, and attractions to choose fromΒ
Cons of Staying at the Waterfront:
- Expensive
- Can get very crowded and a bit noisyΒ
- Hotels book up quickly
π Waterfront Mini Guide π
Best Area to Stay for First-Time Visitors
Google Map
β¨ Best Hotels β W Hoboken β’ Global Luxury Suites at Hoboken Waterfront β’ Courtyard by Marriott Jersey City Newport
π Apartments β Browse Top Rentals by the Waterfront
π½οΈ Where to Eat β Blue Eyes ($$), Halifax (inside W Hoboken) ($$), Del Friscoβs Grille ($$)
πΈ Where to Drink β Wicked Wolf Tavern,Pier 13 Hoboken,80 River Bar & Kitchen
ποΈ Top Attractions β Hoboken Historical Museum,Pier C Park,Sybilβs Cave,Pier A Park
π Pro Tip: Hotels in Hoboken, NJ are pricey, especially in the high-demand Waterfront area. If youβre looking for a more budget-friendly place to stay, then I recommend also considering Jersey City β there are some great things to do in Jersey City, after all!
Downtown
π Best Area for Nightlife | β¨ Best Downtown Hotels: Renovated 1 Bedroom Apartment β’ Westin Jersey City Newport β’ Chic 2 Bedroom Apartment
Downtown Hoboken is a little further inland, but still not far from the waterfront. In fact, itβs often debated whether Downtown is also part of the Waterfront area due to their proximity.Β
Downtown Hoboken is characterized by the area along Washington Street. Here youβll delight in a wide range of nightlife options including rooftop bars, lounges, and amazing restaurants serving up cuisine from all over the world. Itβs also home to the legendary Cake Boss, featured as one of New Jerseyβs best foods.
As evening sets in, the Downtown area comes alive β especially in the summer. Music and colorful lights stream from bars and lounges creating a vibrant scene.
The only downside is that hotels become more scarce in this area. Still, I recommend staying at one of many rental properties, such as this well-reviewed 1 Bedroom Apartment.
Pros of Staying Downtown:
- Lots of options for nightlife
- Very walkable β everything is within walking distance
- Most festivals take place in this area
Cons of Staying Downtown:
- Can get crowded, especially during the summer
- Not many options for hotelsΒ
π Downtown Mini Guide π
Best Area to Stay for Nightlife
Google Map
β¨ Best Hotels β Renovated 1 Bedroom Apartment β’ Westin Jersey City Newport β’ Chic 2 Bedroom Apartment
π Apartments β Browse Top Rentals in Downtown Hoboken
π½οΈ Where to Eat β La Isla Downtown ($$), Satay ($$), Plaka Souvlaki ($$)
πΈ Where to Drink β The Brass Rail,Schmittyβs Hoboken
ποΈ Top Attractions β Barsky Gallery,Carlos Bakery, Hoboken Arts and Music Festival
City Center
π Best for a Quieter Experience | β¨ Best City Center Hotels: Harmony Lofts on Jackson 2 β’ Hoboken Studio via Vrbo β’ Dharma Home Suites
Another beautiful section of Hoboken is the City Center. Itβs not as popular as the Waterfront or Downtown area, but thatβs part of the appeal. There are fewer crowds to deal with.Β
The City Center constitutes the area around Church Square Park. While The Waterfront and Downtown areas are suited for families and tourists who want activities and nightlife, the City Center is more residential. Here youβll find beautiful (and expensive!) homes, as well as a more family-oriented, suburban feel.Β
Hoboken hotels are scarce in this area as well, so youβll most likely have to opt for an apartment rental in the City Center. The Harmony Lofts on Jackson 2 is a highly-rated option.
Pros of Staying in the City Center:
- Quieter than Downtown and the Waterfront
- Nice parks in the area
- Relaxed residential vibe
Cons of Staying in the City Center:
- Limited choices for accommodations
- Not as many attractions
π City Center Mini Guide π
Best Area to Stay for a Quieter Experience
Google Map
β¨ Best Hotels β Harmony Lofts on Jackson 2 β’ Hoboken Studio via Vrbo β’ Dharma Home Suites
π Apartments β Browse Top Rentals in the City Center
π½οΈ Where to Eat β Oniealβs ($$), The Stewed Cow ($$$), Grand Vin ($$)
πΈ Where to Drink β Finneganβs Pub,Moranβs Pub,Willie McBrideβs
ποΈ Top Attractions β Columbus Park,Play Hoboken
Tips for Staying in Hoboken
Plan Ahead
The farther in advance, you plan your trip to Hoboken, the better. Last-minute trips, especially during holiday weekends and special events, can mean a much higher nightly price for you. Cheap hotels arenβt easy to come by in general, so make sure you plan ahead for a more pleasurable and cost-effective trip.
Consider Apartment Rentals
Most people want to stay in a hotel when staying in Hoboken, but hotels in Hoboken can be really scarce. So, try renting an apartment for a unique experience. There are gorgeous apartments and condos available in the area. Getting the residential experience can make your stay in Hoboken even more fabulous.
Visit in Early Fall
Although Hoboken can be enjoyed all year long, early fall is one of the best times to visit New Jersey as a whole. The temperatures are cooler, which makes for more a comfortable experience walking around the city, and hotel prices start to drop in the fall as well.Β
Pay a Visit to Carloβs Bake Shop
Carloβs Bake Shop is home to some of the most delectable treats in Hoboken and to the legendary Cake Boss. Be sure to stop by for some goodies while youβre visiting Hoboken. They offer a variety of cakes, cookies, and even specialty breakfast sandwiches.
Use a Ride Share
Hoboken is akin to a mini New York City in many ways, one of the most prominent ways being parking. Parking is pretty bad in Hoboken. Walking, taking public transportation, or using a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft is your best bet when it comes to getting around.Β
Experience the Nightlife
Hoboken is one of the best cities in New Jersey for nightlife. There are plenty of lively upscale bars, eclectic restaurants, and chill lounges for all tastes and styles. Many offer outdoor seating so you can enjoy the refreshing night air while you savor your favorite dish or beverage.
Spend a Day in NYC
Visiting New York City from Hoboken is as simple as a quick 10-minute ride on the PATH train. From there, you can visit a host of NYC attractions. Take in the sights of One World Trade Center, Madison Square Garden, or the Empire State Building.Β
ποΈ Need a Place to Stay in NYC? Check out our guide on the best areas and hotels in New York City.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Hoboken
What is the best area of Hoboken for first-time visitors?
The Hoboken Waterfront is hands down the best area of Hoboken for first-time visitors. This area is packed with great restaurants, beautiful parks, and of course, gorgeous waterfront views.Β
What areas of Hoboken are safe to stay in?
The safest areas in Hoboken are the Waterfront and the Downtown areas. Hoboken is small with a strong police force patrolling the city. This makes the majority of Hoboken very safe to stay in.Β
What are the best hotels in Hoboken?
Two of the best hotels in Hoboken are the W Hoboken and the Global Luxury Suites at the Hoboken Waterfront. Being that Hoboken is so small, there arenβt many hotels, but these are two of the best.
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Thanks for reading my guide to where to stay in Hoboken! There are beautiful accommodations no matter which area you decide to stay in Hoboken. Up next, check out my guide to the best places to visit in New Jersey.
Have fun in Hoboken!
(Featured Image Credit: Brian Logan Photography / Shutterstock)