Where to stay in the USA: areas and hotels

If you are visiting the USA for the first time and want to see the most famous sights without getting lost over vast distances, the best strategy is to choose two or three cities and stay close to their centres. In New York, this means Manhattan, near Times Square or Midtown, so you can get around by metro without a car. In Los Angeles, on the other hand, the city is so sprawling that your hotel's neighbourhood pretty much dictates your entire experience, with Hollywood being the most convenient base for visitors without a car.For couples seeking something more atmospheric, San Francisco, with its hills and trams around Union Square, offers a more human scale, while Miami Beach, with its Art Deco hotels right on the beach, provides a more relaxed, summery vibe. Las Vegas remains the classic choice for short trips with friends or for couples seeking shows and casinos, with the Strip gathering almost all major hotels within walking distance of each other.Families with children fare better in cities with spacious streets and parks, such as Chicago, where the centre boasts museums, Lake Michigan and plenty of space for walks, or in Orlando and Florida generally if the goal is theme parks (see our guide to Florida). Travellers with a more limited budget usually do better in Chicago or in hotels slightly outside the most touristy areas of New York and San Francisco, where prices drop significantly without losing easy access to public transport.

How to plan your trip to the USA

The United States is a continent-sized country, and the distance between two cities that appear close on a map can be greater than the whole of Greece. New York and Chicago are about a two-hour flight apart, Chicago and Los Angeles about four, while a coast-to-coast flight takes five to six hours. If you want to visit more than one city on a single trip, travel is almost exclusively by domestic flights, as trains outside the northeast coast are slow and infrequent.

Every major city has its own main airport: JFK and Newark serve New York, LAX serves Los Angeles, O'Hare serves Chicago, Harry Reid serves Las Vegas, SFO serves San Francisco, and Miami International serves Miami. Transfers from the airport to the city centre usually take 30 to 60 minutes by taxi, Uber or train, with the exception of Las Vegas, where the airport is practically next to the Strip.

The season you choose greatly affects the experience, depending on the city. New York and Chicago have very cold winters, with temperatures below freezing and frequent snow, while spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the most pleasant periods. Las Vegas becomes exhaustingly hot in summer, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees, so spring and autumn are also preferable choices there. Miami has a tropical climate year-round, with winter being the coolest and most pleasant season, while summer brings humidity and frequent thunderstorms. Los Angeles and San Francisco have mild climates throughout the year, with San Francisco remaining cool even in summer due to the ocean fog.

Within most cities, getting around on foot and by public transport is only feasible in central areas. New York has the most extensive metro network, operating 24/7, Chicago has the L train which serves the centre well, while San Francisco combines trams, buses and the BART to the suburbs. In Los Angeles and Miami, life is designed around the car, and renting a vehicle usually saves time, unless you are staying in a very central location and plan to travel mostly by Uber. In Las Vegas, the Strip is easily covered on foot or by monorail, but distances between hotels are greater than they appear from afar, due to the size of the complexes.

Accommodation prices vary significantly depending on the season and events. In New York, prices are consistently high, with a slight dip in January and February. In Las Vegas, prices can triple when there is a major conference or event, so it's worth checking the event calendar before booking. Generally, booking a room two to three months in advance combined with flexible dates helps secure a better price, especially in cities like New York and San Francisco where demand remains consistently high.

New York: Manhattan and Times Square

For a visitor, the heart of New York is Manhattan, specifically the area around Times Square and Midtown. From there, you are a short walk or a single metro stop away from Central Park, Broadway theatres, and most major shops. It is also the area with the densest access to metro lines, which is invaluable if you want to explore other neighbourhoods like SoHo or Brooklyn without relying on taxis.

1. W New York - Times Square

A modern hotel right on the square, with views of Times Square's bright lights and easy access to theatres and the metro. Guests highlight its location and spacious rooms.

• Average cost: €260 to €420 per night
• Ideal for: couples and first-time travellers

2. Hilton New York Times Square

A large chain hotel on 42nd Street, with comfortable rooms and ground-floor restaurants. A good choice for those seeking consistent quality and quick access to sights on foot.

• Average cost: €210 to €350 per night
• Ideal for: families and business trips

3. Fairfield By Marriott New York Manhattan Times Square

Located in Hell's Kitchen, a few minutes' walk from Times Square, with more affordable rooms for the area. A good base for those wanting to be close to the centre without the higher prices of hotels right on the square.

• Average cost: €150 to €260 per night
• Ideal for: families and budget travellers

Los Angeles: Hollywood

Los Angeles doesn't have a single central hub, but Hollywood remains the most practical base for visitors wanting to see the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, and have relatively easy access to Beverly Hills and the Sunset Strip. The area is quite lively in the evenings, so if you prefer something quieter, hotels on the side streets offer the same proximity with less noise.

1. Loews Hollywood Hotel

A large hotel next to the Dolby Theatre, with a rooftop pool and views towards the Hollywood Sign. Ideal for those who want to be in the centre of Hollywood's action.

• Average cost: €240 to €380 per night
• Ideal for: families and couples

2. Dream Hollywood, by Hyatt

A boutique hotel with a retro aesthetic, a pool with city views, and restaurants next to the Walk of Fame. Primarily attracts a younger crowd seeking style and a lively atmosphere.

• Average cost: €200 to €340 per night
• Ideal for: couples and groups of friends

3. Magic Castle Hotel

A small, family-friendly hotel with a pool and complimentary ice cream, just minutes from the Walk of Fame. Stands out for its personal service despite its more moderate cost.

• Average cost: €160 to €250 per night
• Ideal for: families with children

San Francisco: Union Square

Union Square is the natural centre of San Francisco, with the best shops, easy access to the famous cable cars, and walking distance from Chinatown and the waterfront. The area is flat compared to the steep hills elsewhere in the city, which makes it convenient for those who don't want to walk uphill all day.

1. Kensington Park Hotel

A hotel in a historic building next to Union Square, with rooms decorated in a classic style. Very close to a tram stop and shops.

• Average cost: €180 to €280 per night
• Ideal for: couples

2. Inn at Union Square

A small, welcoming hotel with personal service, right behind the square. A good choice for those who prefer something quieter and more homely rather than a large chain.

• Average cost: €190 to €300 per night
• Ideal for: couples and budget travellers

Las Vegas: The Strip

The Strip (Las Vegas Boulevard) concentrates most of the city's major hotels, casinos, and shows, spanning an area of about six kilometres. Getting around is easy on foot for short distances or by monorail for more distant points. If you plan to stay mainly for shows, casinos, and restaurants, the Strip is the only realistic option, as everything is located there. See more in our dedicated [guide to Las Vegas](/proorismoi/touristikos-odigos-las-vegas).

1. Park MGM Las Vegas

A hotel in the middle of the Strip, with a calmer atmosphere compared to the neighbouring casinos and access to celebrity chef restaurants. A good balance between style and price.

• Average cost: €150 to €260 per night
• Ideal for: couples and groups

2. The LINQ Hotel & Casino, A Caesars Destination

Located next to the gigantic High Roller Ferris wheel, with a large casino and pool. A popular choice for groups seeking nightlife in the centre of the Strip.

• Average cost: €110 to €200 per night
• Ideal for: groups of friends

3. Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

One of the Strip's most historic hotels, with a large garden, pools, and live flamingos on its grounds. Good location, amidst several of the most famous casinos.

• Average cost: €100 to €190 per night
• Ideal for: families and couples

Miami: Miami Beach

Miami Beach, with its Art Deco hotels along Ocean Drive, is the most natural base for anyone seeking beaches, sun, and nightlife. It is a separate island from downtown Miami, so if you plan to stay mainly for the beach, Miami Beach saves valuable travel time.

1. Hotel Breakwater South Beach

A classic Art Deco building on Ocean Drive, with a pool and beach views. Located in the heart of South Beach's nightlife and restaurants.

• Average cost: €140 to €240 per night
• Ideal for: couples and groups

2. Colony Hotel

One of the most photographed buildings on Ocean Drive, with its iconic neon sign. Simpler rooms but with an excellent location, right next to the beach.

• Average cost: €160 to €270 per night
• Ideal for: couples

Chicago: River North and Magnificent Mile

Downtown Chicago, around Michigan Avenue (known as the Magnificent Mile) and the River North neighbourhood, combines shops, restaurants, and easy access to Lake Michigan and Millennium Park. The area is safe for evening strolls and is well served by the L train, the city's elevated railway.

1. AC Hotel Chicago Downtown

A modern hotel in River North, close to restaurants and the Chicago River. A good choice for walking to the city centre and the lake.

• Average cost: €150 to €250 per night
• Ideal for: couples and business trips

2. Aloft by Marriott Chicago Downtown River North

A youthful, modern hotel with comfortable communal areas, in a very central River North location. Good value for money for the area.

• Average cost: €140 to €230 per night
• Ideal for: families and couples

Area	Best for	Average cost of stay	Car-free access
Times Square, New York	First visit, theatres, sights	€150 to €420	Very easy, metro everywhere
Hollywood, Los Angeles	Families, cinematic atmosphere	€160 to €380	Moderate, car useful
Union Square, San Francisco	Couples, tram rides	€180 to €300	Easy, tram and metro
The Strip, Las Vegas	Groups, shows, casinos	€100 to €260	Easy, monorail
Miami Beach, Miami	Beach, nightlife	€140 to €270	Good within the Beach, car useful for Downtown
River North, Chicago	Families, museums, lake	€140 to €250	Very easy, L train

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best two-month period to travel to the USA?

Generally, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer better weather in most cities, with less heat in Las Vegas and less cold in New York and Chicago.

Do I need a car to visit the USA?

In New York, Chicago, and largely in San Francisco and Las Vegas, you can manage without a car. In Los Angeles and Miami, renting a vehicle helps a lot if you plan to venture out of your central accommodation area.

How many days are needed to explore a city in depth?

For New York and Los Angeles, at least four to five days are recommended, while for San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Miami, three to four days cover the main attractions.

Where is the best place to stay if visiting New York with children?

Midtown, near Central Park, is the most practical base for families, as it combines easy access to parks, museums, and the metro.

Which city is best suited for couples seeking a romantic getaway?

San Francisco, with its picturesque trams and waterfront strolls, and Miami Beach, with its Art Deco hotels right on the beach, are the most popular choices for couples.

Is accommodation in Las Vegas expensive?

Prices vary greatly depending on whether there is a conference or major event during that period. Outside of peak times, the Strip offers several affordable options compared to other major American cities.

Can I combine more than one city on a trip?

Yes, as long as you factor in the time and cost of domestic flights. A popular combination is Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Francisco, as flights between them are short. If you're interested in other distant destinations, also see our guide [to California](/pou-na-meinw/stin-kalifornia) or [to London](/pou-na-meinw/sto-londino) for a different trip in Europe.