Long Island City Queens Hotels with Manhattan Skyline Views

Long Island City, usually shortened to LIC, sits directly across the East River from Midtown Manhattan and has become one of the smartest places in New York City to find a hotel room with skyline views at a lower price. Glass towers, old factories and waterfront parks share the same few blocks, and the Empire State Building and the United Nations glow across the water at night.

Why Long Island City Is One Subway Stop From Midtown Manhattan

The headline claim is true for the right station. From Queens Plaza, the E and M trains cross the East River through the 53rd Street tunnel and reach Lexington Avenue–53rd Street in a single stop, which takes only a few minutes. From Court Square, the E makes the same one-stop hop, so a hotel near either station puts East Midtown within easy reach.

Subway Lines & Walking Distance: E, M, R, 7, N and W in Long Island City

Long Island City has several major stations within walking distance of each other. Queensboro Plaza serves the 7, N and W, Queens Plaza serves the E, M and R, and Court Square–23rd Street serves the 7, E, G and M. The G is especially useful for travelers heading to Brooklyn, because it skips Manhattan entirely.

Boro Hotel at 38-28 27th Street Near Queensboro Plaza

The Boro Hotel at 38-28 27th Street is a modern, straightforward hotel a short walk from Queensboro Plaza, where the 7, N and W stop. Rooms are bright and simply furnished, and the building includes a rooftop space with views of the Manhattan skyline, which is the main attraction for many guests.

Z NYC Hotel at 11-01 43rd Avenue Near Court Square

The Z NYC Hotel at 11-01 43rd Avenue is a boutique hotel near Court Square, with a rooftop lounge, stylish common areas and rooms designed around the skyline view. The 7, E, G and M all stop at Court Square–23rd Street, so the hotel connects to Manhattan, Brooklyn and the rest of Queens without a.

Paper Factory Hotel at 37-06 36th Street on the Queens Boulevard Line

The Paper Factory Hotel at 37-06 36th Street occupies a converted factory building and offers a courtyard, a restaurant and compact, design-minded rooms. It sits farther east than the waterfront hotels, near Steinway Street, where the M and R stop, and Queens Boulevard offers plenty of everyday restaurants and shops.

Gantry Plaza State Park & Hunters Point Waterfront Skyline Views

Gantry Plaza State Park, along the East River near 47th Avenue, is the best place in the neighborhood to watch the sun set behind the Midtown skyline. Restored gantries from the old rail terminal frame the view, and piers, lawns and a playground make it a favorite with families and photographers.

MoMA PS1 at 22-25 Jackson Avenue & Long Island City Things to Do

MoMA PS1 at 22-25 Jackson Avenue is a contemporary art museum in a former public school, and it is one of the main reasons visitors come to Queens. Exhibitions are experimental, and the courtyard hosts summer events. Check opening days and ticket policies, which change by season.

JFK, LaGuardia & Newark Airport to Long Island City by Subway and Taxi

LaGuardia is the closest airport, and a taxi to Long Island City takes about fifteen to twenty-five minutes. From JFK, a taxi takes about thirty to fifty minutes depending on traffic, or you can take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and the E train to Queens Plaza or Court Square, which takes about forty-five minutes.

2026 NYC Hotel Nightly Rates & Booking Tips in Long Island City

Plan on about $195 to $295 for budget and value hotel rooms in Long Island City, $320 to $480 for upscale boutique hotels or peak weekends, and $650 or more for a luxury hotel across the river in Midtown Manhattan. Rates are usually lower midweek, and January and February offer the lowest prices of the.

Which Long Island City Hotel Should You Book Near Midtown Manhattan?

Choose the Boro Hotel for a simple stay near the 7, N and W, the Z NYC Hotel for a boutique hotel with a skyline rooftop and a station that serves four lines, and the Paper Factory for the lowest price and a local feel. Chain hotels near Queensboro Plaza suit travelers who prefer a.

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