Hotels for 18- to 20-year-olds in Jersey City, New Jersey

Our opinion: Featuring an indoor pool, a PATH station literally next door, and rates that are usually easier to handle than staying in Manhattan, this is a smart base for a New York trip built around convenience. It works especially well if you want quick city access without spending all day on transport, plus the mall and plenty of food options are right nearby. The main caution: this is more of a practical stay than a stylish one, and extra costs like parking can be annoying if you're road-tripping.

The hotel has a straightforward, reliable chain-hotel feel rather than a boutique personality, but it covers the basics well. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with flat-screen TVs, and many guests mention that the spaces feel roomy by New York-area standards. There’s also a fitness center, a 24-hour front desk, free Wi‑Fi, and an on-site Bistro for breakfast, dinner, and cocktails, plus a Starbucks inside the building. The indoor pool is a nice bonus for downtime, though the overall design leans more functional than trendy.

The location is the real win here. Newport Centre Mall is just a short walk away for cheap eats, shopping, and everyday essentials, while the Newport PATH station beside the hotel makes it easy to get into Manhattan in around 20 minutes. You’re also well placed for Jersey City waterfront walks and skyline views, and spots like Liberty State Park and Liberty Science Center are close enough for a break from the usual NYC checklist. For travelers flying in, Newark is also relatively convenient.

Reviewers consistently praise the location, cleanliness, and easy access to public transport, with lots of positive comments about friendly staff and spacious, comfortable rooms. Guests also like having restaurants, shops, and the mall so close, and several mention the pool, gym, and in-house coffee option as useful perks. The most common complaints are softer beds and pillows, weak shower pressure, pricey parking, and breakfast that feels limited or expensive. A few reviews also mention occasional service issues, dated touches, or the restaurant/bar being closed at inconvenient times. Read more

Our opinion: On the Jersey City waterfront, this stay stands out for its exceptional Manhattan skyline views and easy access to New York without Lower Manhattan prices. PATH trains and ferries are a short walk away, making downtown simple to reach, while spacious rooms and practical extras like a fridge, gym, and indoor pool add value for a longer city break. Service and maintenance can be uneven, so it suits travelers who prioritize location and views over polished luxury.

The hotel has a modern business-hotel feel, but the riverfront setting gives it more personality than a standard chain stay. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, desks, Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, designer toiletries, and windows that open, which is surprisingly useful after a long day in the city. Some rooms and common spaces lean more contemporary than cozy, though the skyline-facing setup does a lot of the heavy lifting. There’s also an indoor pool, fitness center, gift shop, and a standout restaurant-bar, Vu, with Hudson River and Statue of Liberty views. A quirky extra: there’s even a rooftop bee farm producing seasonal honey.

The location is one of the biggest reasons to stay here. Set on the Jersey City waterfront, it gives you a calmer base with amazing skyline photo spots while keeping Lower Manhattan within easy reach. The PATH station is only about 170 meters away, and ferries are nearby too, so you can get into the city quickly without depending on expensive Ubers. Around the hotel, you’ll find shops, restaurants, and essentials within walking distance, making it easy to grab food or supplies between sightseeing runs. It’s especially handy for travelers planning full days in Manhattan but wanting a quieter place to come back to at night.

Reviews are strongest on the views, location, room size, and overall comfort, with lots of guests calling out the skyline as the highlight of their stay. Many also liked the easy PATH access, comfortable beds, and in several cases praised individual staff members for being especially helpful. The weaker points come up regularly too: some guests found the front desk cold or unresponsive, and others mentioned noise from heating systems, hallways, helicopters, or event spaces on certain floors. The pool gets mixed feedback, with several complaints that it felt dated or not very clean, and a few reviewers thought the breakfast, parking, and extra charges were too expensive for the overall experience. Read more