While there are many reasons to visit New York City (and we mean many), there’s no denying the fact that Madison Square Garden, one of the foremost arenas in the world, draws in thousands of visitors itself. Home to the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers, MSG also hosts massive concerts. For instance, Billy Joel has an official residency at the venue -- his record breaking 45th show of the run (and his 91st performance at MSG) will happen this September. If you’re heading to New York to catch a show, and don’t want to have to travel far afterward, there are plenty of hotel options within walking distance – and we’ve rounded up the best for every type of traveler. Keep in mind when planning your trek, though, that you’ll have to navigate through the massive complex to get to the right entrance or exit -- expect to add a few minutes to your ETA.
Luxury: The Refinery Hotel
Walking time to MSG: 10 minutes
Midtown’s luxurious Refinery Hotel is great for those who want to stay in style. Housed in a building that was formerly home to a tea salon and a hat factory, the hotel takes on an industrial-chic vibe. Guests can enjoy modern rooms outfitted in black-and-white decor, with exposed 12-foot ceilings adding to the raw aesthetic. The hotel has a lobby bar (which has live jazz performances), a rooftop bar, and a bistro for guests to sip and dine at.
Romantic: The NoMad Hotel
Walking time to MSG: 9 minutes
The NoMad’s allure is in its details — think clawfoot tubs, minibars in steamer trunks, and planked wood floors, all set within a 1903 Beaux-Arts building. Despite the building’s age, the hotel is actually Leed certified — it was the first renovated hotel in New York to achieve this recognition. Guests can enjoy dining at the property’s eponymous restaurant and bar (a hot spot for locals and guests alike), order a cocktail at the Library, or brunch in the Atrium.
Value: Riff Chelsea
Walking time to MSG: 2 minutes
What this hotel lacks in luxury, it makes up for in distance. Just a two-minute walk from MSG, Riff Chelsea has a prime location for minimal cost. Elegance is not its strong point — it’s an 80’s-music-themed spot — and some rooms suffer from wear and tear, but there’s free Wi-Fi and free coffee and tea served in the morning. Guests should note that the Shared Rooms are actually private bedrooms that share a bathroom, so for an upgrade, consider the Premium Rooms (singles and doubles with en-suites), the One-Bedroom Suites (with kitchenettes), or the Group Suite (which sleeps eight to 12).
Boutique: The Paul Hotel
Walking time to MSG: 7 minutes
For an upper-middle-range boutique stay, consider The Paul Hotel, a 122-room lodging built in 2014. Though the rooms here are small, they have plenty of style — modern furnishings in the rooms and sleek black-and-white bathrooms with rainfall showers. Guests can dine on-site at Paul Bar & Restaurant, which serves three meals a day (and breakfast is included in the room rate — and you can enjoy it on the terrace).
Kid-Friendly: TRYP New York City Times Square South
Walking time to MSG: 4 minutes
Bringing the whole family to a show at the Garden? TRYP has a Family Room with bunk beds that has space for eight guests. The hotel offers guests a laid-back stay, so parents don’t need need to worry about letting their young ones be their energetic selves. There’s a tapas restaurant on-site, which has a lively happy hour for pre-show fun, while cocktails can be enjoyed here late into the night.
Pet-Friendly: Stewart Hotel
Walking time to MSG: 2 minutes
One of MSG’s biggest events is the two-night Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which has been hosted in NYC since 1877. If you’re bringing your pooch to the Big Apple for the affair, the Stewart Hotel is a great lodging just around the corner from the arena, and it turns into one of the hottest spots for the four-legged superstars. While the hotel is pet-friendly year-round, it offers Westminster competitors a dog run and Doggie Day salon during the event. An extra fee for your pet will apply.
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