Overview: The New Yorker Hotel vs. Stewart Hotel Near Penn Station & MSG

If your trip centers on Penn Station or Madison Square Garden, two hotels stand out for location and price. The New Yorker Hotel is at 481 Eighth Avenue, at West 34th Street. The Stewart Hotel is at 371 Seventh Avenue, at West 31st Street, directly across from Penn Station and the Garden. Both usually cost about $195 to $295 a night in slow weeks and $320 to $480 on busy weekends. Here is how they compare.

Location and Neighborhood

Both hotels sit in the Garment District, a busy part of Midtown filled with commuters, wholesale shops and fast-food restaurants. The Stewart faces Madison Square Garden and Penn Station, so it is the most convenient option for arrivals by train and for concerts, games and events. The New Yorker sits a few blocks north, on the corner of.

Getting Around by Subway

This is one of the best-connected parts of the city. At Penn Station, the 1, 2, 3, A, C and E stop at 34th Street. At Herald Square, the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R and W stop at 34th Street, a five-minute walk east. The New Yorker is a one-block walk from the.

Rooms and Design

The New Yorker is a grand Art Deco hotel from 1930, known for its giant sign, large lobby and a long history. Rooms vary widely in size, and the decor is updated but simple. Inventor Nikola Tesla lived in the hotel in his later years, and the hotel often mentions this in its history. The.

Food and Drink

The New Yorker has several restaurants and a bar in the building, along with a large lobby, though specific venues and hours change. The Stewart has a simpler food setup, with a lobby cafe and a bar, depending on the season. Both hotels are surrounded by fast, casual restaurants, delis and diners, and Koreatown on.

Service and Amenities

The New Yorker is a big hotel, and service can feel busy during peak check-in times. The staff are generally helpful, and the hotel offers luggage storage and a fitness center. The Stewart is smaller and more modern, with efficient check-in and a calm lobby. Fitness rooms and other amenities vary, so confirm them before.

Who Should Book Which

The Stewart suits travelers who arrive by train, who plan to attend events at Madison Square Garden and who want the shortest possible walk from Penn Station. The New Yorker suits travelers who want a historic hotel with a wide range of rooms at a competitive price. Both work for solo travelers, couples and groups.

Nearby Sights and What to Do

From either hotel, you can walk to the Empire State Building in about ten minutes, to Macy’s Herald Square in five and to Koreatown for dinner. The High Line and Hudson Yards are about a fifteen-minute walk west. The Moynihan Train Hall, across from the New Yorker, is worth a look for its bright interior.

Prices and Booking Tips

Plan on about $195 to $295 a night in slow weeks, rising to $320 to $480 on event nights, in October and during the holiday season. Prices near Madison Square Garden jump when big concerts and games are scheduled, so check the arena calendar before you book. Compare the final price after taxes and fees.

Getting From the Airport

From JFK, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and then the E train to 34th Street–Penn Station, which is steps from both hotels. From LaGuardia, the Q70 bus runs to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue, where the E, F, M, R and 7 trains continue into Manhattan. From Newark Airport, the AirTrain connects to NJ Transit trains.

Seasons and Timing

The Penn Station area is busy year-round, and event nights at Madison Square Garden drive prices up. Spring and fall are comfortable for walking to the Empire State Building and Koreatown. December brings crowds near Macy’s and Herald Square. Quiet weeks in January and February bring the lowest rates, though a big concert can change.

Questions Guests Ask

Guests often ask whether the area is safe. It is busy and well lit, with a lot of foot traffic, but like any transit hub it can feel hectic at night.

Which One Should You Book?

Choose the Stewart if you want the closest possible hotel to Penn Station and Madison Square Garden. Choose the New Yorker if you want a landmark Art Deco hotel with a wider range of rooms and more food options. Both are practical, budget-friendly bases for event trips and train travelers. Whichever you pick, compare the.

Common questions