I am trying to plan a trip from 12/25 to 1/1 in NYC for my 18 YO daughter and a friend from Europe who has never been to the US. I want to book them an apartment in a fun and safe area. What are the best booking sites for NYC rentals? What are good areas for two 18 YO girls? Budget isn't fixed, although I would very much like not to exceed $150/night. They are likely to want to see the sites and enjoy the vibe of the city rather than visit museums. Thanks for any help!

A legal apartment in a fun, safe are for $150/night, net, inclusive of taxes, during one of the peak seasons - I do not think is a realistic expectation.

#1. most short term rentals (eg Air BnB) are NOT legal in NYC.
#2. Christmas to New Years is a very popular time in NYC
#3. $150/night is way too low. I think you should expect to pay twice that or more for any place that sleeps 3.

That's way too low A price for an apartment even in February since there are so few legal rentals available here. Focus instead on a room with a kitchenette. Look at Radio City Apartments or the Beacon hotel, but even there you'll likely have to spend more than $150 a night, and it will likely be double by Thursday.

Actually, I'd disagree with J62 here. In general pricing for accommodations in NYC is not at peak rates during most of Christmas week and doesn't pick up again until a couple of days before New Years, but prices are also not as cheap as in January or February. Prices will hit a low on Sunday, December 23, but they will be at a peak by Thursday, so part of the week will be cheaper, part much more expensive. But if they are planning to spend NY Eve in Manhattan, that's always super-peak. As the holidays get closer, if rooms don't book, prices always go way down during Christmas week.

Your cheapest option will be a hotel room in Long Island City Queens, exactly one subway stop from Midtown Manhattan. There are some other hotels that are a couple of stops, close enough that they can take an Uber back to the hotel if they are out late without spending more than $25.

Also, know that some hotels do not allow any unaccompanied if under 21. Check first.

>>What are the best booking sites for NYC rentals? > I would very much like not to exceed $150/night.

Thanks for all the helpful and candid feedback. I guess all of those Manhattan rentals on Homeaway are illegal. Imagine the specter - welcome to the US, my friend from Portugal; now we get thrown in the hoosegow! I knew my preferred amount was low for a hotel but thought perhaps a short term rental on an apartment would be less money. Naive of me. I will check out the hostel, but look at hotels too; ones that will accept two very polite and well behaved girls who are 18 and 19 y.o. This will be a splurge Xmas gift from mom!!

>>I guess all of those Manhattan rentals on Homeaway are illegal.>ones that will accept two very polite and well behaved girls who are 18 and 19 y.o.

Even if an apt were illegal, someone renting it illegally would not be thrown in jail.

Plenty of hotels allow 18 year olds to stay in them, that is the legal age of majority. It really isn't a problem. I know HIltons allow it, although they can't afford that. Marriotts don't allow it usually.

HEre is a cheap one that is $125 a night, they allow 18 year olds
https://www.thejanenyc.com/rooms/bunk-bed-cabin/

But at that budget, you should look at hostels.

No, but they might be thrown out of the apartment and would then have to scramble to find someplace else to stay (having already, presumably, paid for the illegal apartment)

The Jane would actually work if they're willing to stay in bunk beds with a shared bathroom. Tiny room, but good neighborhood to stay in (near the Meatpacking district and Greenwich Village).

Short term apartment rentals are legal if the owner or tenant is present when you are. That is rare and hard to prove that they will be there in advance even if stated. Additionally, the building must permit such arrangements, which is also impossible to corroborate.

A few more to think about.

The first one is in a convent and the second one is in a Christian guest house. You don't need to be Catholic (or Christian) to stay in them. Sometimes they have additional rules, like a curfew to be back by or the doors are locked for the night. (No 24-hour reception.) You will have to ask. They often serve breakfast. I believe both have reviews on Trip Advisor.

Sacred Heart Residence (on West 20th not far from High Line and Chelsea Market)
Sacred Heart Residence

The Leo House (on West 23rd)
https://leohousenyc.com/hotel-rooms-one-person/

This hostel is over the river, but right ear the subway station in Long Island City.
http://www.q4hotel.com/

Are you trying to have them stay the 31st too?

I did those dates last year. If they can head home the a day or two early you will save a lot of money. You can’t even do that budget in a hostel for NYE in the city.

i can vouch for the Jane, and for HI NYC. Between the two, I would pick HI NYC. Jane’s location is better—HI is a bit of a trek—but my first room at the Jane had bedbugs, and I got the impression that’s a recurring issue, at least on that floor. Click on my name—pretty sure I wrote reviews of both places in my TRs.

also, it’s a busy time for the HI, and they’ll meet a lot of fun people they’re age, from all over the world.

you might try the pod Hotels—I don’t know if they allow 18 yr olds, but they have bunks too. Will be above your price range, but maybe an option if they refuse to stay in a hostel.

Thanks for all of the information everyone. I have to do some thinking (promptly)!