Choosing where to stay for the New York City Marathon takes a little planning. The race starts at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island and finishes in Central Park, so a convenient hotel for race morning is not necessarily the easiest place to return to after the marathon.
For 2026, runners can choose between official transportation options including the Staten Island Ferry, Midtown Manhattan Bus and New Jersey Bus. Many runners therefore stay either near their departure point or closer to Central Park and Midtown for an easier journey after the finish.
Below, we compare 8 hotels for the NYC Marathon, with a focus on race-morning transport and getting back to your hotel after 26.2 miles.
Not sure which part of New York suits you best? See our Where to Stay for the New York City Marathon guide.
When : 1 November 2026
Which Hotel Is Right for You?
Not sure where to stay? Choose the hotel that best matches your travel style and marathon goals.
Best After the Finish
Short walk back after the marathon.
Recommended Area
Upper West Side (W75 – W77)
Best Hotel
Hotel Beacon
Only 5–7 minutes on foot from the W75/W76 runner exits.
Best for Midtown Bus
Stay close to the official bus departure.
Recommended Area
Times Square / Midtown
Best Hotel
Motto by Hilton New York City Times Square
Around 13 minutes on foot from the Midtown Bus at W39th & 6th Avenue.
Best All-Round
Good for both sides of race day.
Recommended Area
Times Square / Midtown West
Best Hotel
M Social Hotel New York Times Square
About 19 minutes to the Midtown Bus and 15 minutes from Family Reunion (after finish).
Best for Staten Island Ferry
Stay close to Whitehall Terminal.
Recommended Area
Lower Manhattan
Best Hotel
Hampton Inn Manhattan/Downtown-Financial District
Only around 4 minutes on foot from ferry terminal.
Best Value
Good location without the luxury price tag.
Recommended Area
Midtown West
Best Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn New York/Central Park South-Midtown West
Around 13 minutes on foot from Family Reunion runner exits.
Best Luxury
Five-star stay close to Central Park.
Recommended Area
Columbus Circle
Best Hotel
Mandarin Oriental, New York
Around 7 minutes on foot from Family Reunion, finish exit at W63rd Street.
How We Researched This Guide
This isn’t simply a list of well-rated hotels near Central Park. We looked at the New York City Marathon from a runner’s point of view, with particular attention to what happens before and after the race.
As marathon runners ourselves, we know that a hotel location that looks convenient on a map does not always work the same way on race day. For this guide, we studied the official 2026 NYRR start transportation and post-finish information, compared hotel locations and walking routes, and looked at experiences shared by runners who have completed the NYC Marathon.
Race-morning logistics
We checked how practical each hotel is for reaching the official Midtown Bus or Staten Island Ferry departure points.
The real post-finish walk
We did not simply measure from the Central Park finish line. Runners leave through designated exits or continue towards Family Reunion, so we measured hotel walks from the most practical runner exit.
Runner experience
We also considered recurring advice from previous NYC Marathon runners, particularly the value many place on being able to walk back to their hotel after 26.2 miles.
Hotel quality & value
Location alone is not enough. We also considered guest reviews, hotel standard, facilities and price range when narrowing the list to eight hotels.
Our Recommended Hotels for NYC Marathon
These eight hotels were selected with race-day logistics in mind, from short walks after the finish to convenient access to the Midtown Bus and Staten Island Ferry. The best choice depends on which part of race day you want to make easier.
BEST AFTER THE FINISH
Hotel Beacon ★★★★
Hotel Beacon is a strong choice for runners who want a short walk back after the marathon. Located on Broadway at W75th Street, it is just a few minutes from the runner exits on Central Park West. Rooms and suites also have kitchenettes, useful if you prefer to prepare your own pre-race breakfast.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Only short walk from the W75/W76 runner exits
- Good public transport connections to the official start transportation
- Rooms and suites with kitchenettes
Good to know: The Upper West Side location is particularly convenient after the race, while the kitchenettes give runners more flexibility with breakfast and meals.
Race morning: Around 14 minutes by subway and on foot to the Midtown Bus entrance at W39th Street & 6th Avenue. Whitehall Terminal is around 30–35 minutes away for runners taking the Staten Island Ferry.
After the finish: Around 5 minutes from the W76 runner exit or 7 minutes from W75.
Upper West Side · $$$
BEST FOR A SHORT POST-RACE WALK
Hotel Belleclaire ★★★★
Hotel Belleclaire is another strong choice if you want to stay close to Central Park after the marathon. Located at Broadway and W77th Street, it is around 7–8 minutes on foot from the W75/W76 exits used by runners after leaving the post-finish area.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Short walk back after the finish
- Marathon-specific runner amenities
- Good subway access for reaching the official start transportation
Good to know: Hotel Belleclaire combines a convenient marathon location with a more residential Upper West Side setting than staying around Times Square. It offers marathon-specific amenities every year, including early breakfast hours and pre-race gift bags with water, electrolytes, a banana and other items.
2026 Race Day Info: Bakery opens at 5:00 AM · Luggage storage after checkout · Complimentary pre-race gift bags from 2:00 AM, available from the front desk on a first-come, first-served basis.
Race morning: Around 15 minutes by subway and on foot to the Midtown Bus entrance at W39th Street & 6th Avenue. Whitehall Terminal is around 33 minutes away if you selected the Staten Island Ferry.
After the finish: Around 7 minutes on foot from the W75 runner exit or 8 minutes from W76.
Upper West Side · $$$
BEST FOR CENTRAL PARK & MIDTOWN
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan/Central Park ★★★
Fairfield Inn & Suites is a practical choice for runners who want to stay between Central Park and Midtown. Its location on W58th Street works particularly well after the race if you continue south through the post-finish area towards Family Reunion.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Convenient location south of Central Park
- Good access to Midtown and the official runner bus
- Breakfast included, with Columbus Circle also nearby
Good to know: Unlike the Upper West Side hotels, Fairfield is better approached from the southern end of the post-finish area rather than the W75/W76 runner exits.
Race morning: Around 18–20 minutes by subway and on foot to the Midtown Bus entrance at W39th Street & 6th Avenue. Allow around 36 minutes to Whitehall Terminal if taking the Staten Island Ferry.
After the finish: Around 12 minutes on foot from the Family Reunion area at W63rd Street.
Midtown West / Central Park · $$
BEST FOR MIDTOWN BUS
Motto By Hilton New York City Times Square ★★★
Motto by Hilton Times Square is a good choice for runners taking the Midtown Manhattan Bus to the start. The official bus entrance at W39th Street and 6th Avenue is within walking distance, while the hotel is still close enough to walk back from the post-race area.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Walk to the Midtown Bus departure on race morning
- No subway needed to reach your official bus
- Central location close to Times Square and Midtown
Good to know: Rooms at Motto are compact, so this hotel is better suited to runners who value location over extra space.
Race morning: Around 13 minutes on foot to the Midtown Bus entrance at W39th Street & 6th Avenue.
After the finish: Around 21 minutes on foot from the Family Reunion area.
Times Square / Midtown · $$$
BEST ALL-ROUND
M Social Hotel New York Times Square ★★★★
M Social Hotel New York Times Square is a good all-round choice for runners who want to stay in Midtown without being too far from either side of race day. You can walk to the Midtown Bus in the morning and return to the hotel on foot after leaving the post-race area.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Good balance between race-morning and post-race access
- Midtown Bus departure is within walking distance
- Central location near Times Square and Central Park
Good to know: This is a useful middle ground if you want to avoid relying on the subway both before and after the marathon.
Race morning: Around 19 minutes on foot to the Midtown Bus entrance at W39th Street & 6th Avenue. Whitehall Terminal is around 25 minutes by subway and on foot if you selected the Staten Island Ferry.
After the finish: Around 15 minutes on foot from the Family Reunion area.
Times Square / Midtown West · $$$
BEST VALUE STAY
Hilton Garden Inn New York Central Park South-Midtown West ★★★
Hilton Garden Inn is a more affordable Midtown option for runners who still want to stay within walking distance of the post-race marathon area. Its W54th Street location also gives you the option of walking to the Midtown Bus on race morning.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Shorter walk back after the marathon than many Times Square hotels
- Midtown Bus departure is still within walking distance
- Good location between Central Park and Times Square
Midtown West · $$
BEST FOR STATEN ISLAND FERRY
Hampton Inn Manhattan/Downtown-Financial District ★★★
Hampton Inn is a practical choice for runners who select the Staten Island Ferry as their official transportation to the start. The hotel is in Lower Manhattan, only a short walk from Whitehall Terminal, making race morning particularly straightforward.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Very short walk to Whitehall Terminal on race morning
- No subway needed before boarding the Staten Island Ferry
- Breakfast included and a quieter Downtown location than Midtown
Good to know: The big advantage here is race morning. The big advantage here is race morning. Breakfast starts at 6:00 AM on marathon morning, although runners with an early assigned Ferry time may need to make other breakfast arrangements.
2026 Race Day Info: Breakfast from 6:00 AM · Luggage storage after checkout · Late checkout subject to availability
Race morning: Around 4 minutes on foot to Whitehall Terminal for the Staten Island Ferry.
After the finish: Allow around 30 minutes by subway and on foot from the post-race area back to the hotel.
Financial District · $$
BEST LUXURY
Mandarin Oriental, New York ★★★★★
Mandarin Oriental combines a luxury stay with a very convenient post-race location at Columbus Circle. After the marathon, the hotel is only a short walk from the Family Reunion area, while Central Park is directly nearby.
WHY IT WORKS FOR RUNNERS
- Very short walk back after leaving the post-race area
- Excellent location at Columbus Circle and Central Park
- Five-star hotel with spa, pool and wellness facilities
Good to know: For the 2026 marathon, Mandarin Oriental offers a special Marathon Run and Recover package for guests booking directly with the hotel. It includes a grab-and-go runner’s breakfast, medal engraving, a prep and recovery kit and access to a post-marathon recovery zone.
2026 Race Day Info: In-room breakfast from 6:00 AM · Marathon-specific Run and Recover package available
Race morning: Around 10 minutes by subway and on foot to the Midtown Bus entrance at W39th Street & 6th Avenue. Whitehall Terminal is around 25 minutes away if you selected the Staten Island Ferry.
After the finish: Around 7 minutes on foot from the Family Reunion area at W63rd Street.
Columbus Circle · $$$$
How Early Should You Book a Hotel for the NYC Marathon?
New York has thousands of hotels, but the most convenient options for marathon runners are much more limited. Hotels within walking distance of the post-race area, around the Upper West Side and Midtown, can become expensive as race day gets closer.
If you already know you are running, it makes sense to start comparing hotels early, especially if you want to stay near Central Park. A room with free cancellation gives you flexibility if your plans change later.
You also don’t need to wait until your official race-morning transportation is confirmed. For 2026, runners selected their transportation option between August 25 and September 8, with NYRR assigning the departure time based on pace.
OUR TIP
Entered the drawing or secured your place? Start looking at hotels early. If you find a well-located option with free cancellation, booking it can give you more choice while keeping your plans flexible.
Race Morning: What to Expect
Getting to the start of the New York City Marathon takes more time than simply travelling to Staten Island. For 2026, runners select an official transportation option and are assigned a departure time based on their registered or best pace.
1. Leave your hotel
Allow enough time to reach your selected transportation point. The main options from Manhattan are the Midtown Manhattan Bus at W39th Street & 6th Avenue and the Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Terminal.
2. Take your official transportation
The Midtown Bus takes runners directly to Fort Wadsworth. Ferry runners travel to St. George Terminal on Staten Island and continue by official bus to the start area.
3. Arrive at Fort Wadsworth
Once at the start, follow the signs and instructions for your assigned start area, wave and corral. With thousands of runners arriving, this part of the morning takes time.
4. Wait for your wave
Your transportation time may be well before your actual start. Plan for some waiting outdoors and bring the clothing, food and other essentials you need before entering your corral.
OUR TIP
Follow your assigned transportation time rather than planning race morning around your start time. NYRR coordinates transportation and start waves, so check your final runner information before race day.
Which Part of New York Should You Stay In?
For marathon runners, the most practical areas are usually the Upper West Side, Midtown and Lower Manhattan, but each works differently on race day.
Upper West Side works particularly well if you want a short walk back after leaving the post-finish area. Midtown gives you a good compromise between the finish and the official Midtown Bus, while Lower Manhattan is worth considering if easy access to the Staten Island Ferry is your priority.
There is no single best area for every runner. Your choice mainly depends on whether you want to make race morning easier or reduce the journey back after the marathon.
For a closer look at the different areas, transport options and post-race logistics, see our Where to Stay for the New York City Marathon guide.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend hotels we believe are a good fit for NYC Marathon runners based on location, race-day logistics and our research.
New York Marathon Hotel FAQ
What are the best hotels for the NYC Marathon?
Our top picks include Hotel Beacon for a short walk after the race, Motto New York City Times Square for the Midtown Bus, Hampton Inn Manhattan/Downtown-Financial District for the Staten Island Ferry, and Mandarin Oriental, New York for a luxury stay close to the post-race area.
Which NYC Marathon hotels are within walking distance after the race?
Hotel Beacon and Hotel Belleclaire are among the closest in our selection, with short walks from the W75/W76 runner exits. Mandarin Oriental is also well placed, around seven minutes on foot from the Family Reunion area at W63rd Street.
Which hotel is best if I take the Midtown Bus?
Motto by Hilton New York City Times Square is our top pick for the Midtown Bus. The official entrance at W39th Street & 6th Avenue is around 13 minutes away on foot, so you do not need the subway on race morning.
Which hotel is best if I take the Staten Island Ferry?
Hampton Inn Manhattan/Downtown-Financial District is our pick for Ferry runners. It is around four minutes on foot from Whitehall Terminal, making the trip to your official transportation particularly simple.
Do NYC Marathon hotels offer early breakfast or late checkout?
It varies by hotel. Breakfast times and late-checkout policies can differ and may change for marathon dates, so check directly with your hotel before race day. A room with a kitchenette, such as at Hotel Beacon, can be useful if you prefer to prepare your own pre-race breakfast.
