So, you’re ready to tackle the Big Apple, but the thought of navigating its towering skyscrapers and having to take elevators fills you with dread? Fear not, fellow elevator-phobe! I’ve been there too and actually avoided New York for years because of my own anxiety. But with the right planning, you can confidently explore the city without stepping into a single elevator.
New York is undoubtedly one of the most challenging cities for those with a fear of elevators. Its towering skyscrapers and locked stairwells can be very frustrating, but with a little preparation, you can make your trip a breeze.
Worried about the cost of your elevator-free getaway? Don’t sweat it! We’ve categorized our hotel picks based on budget:
$$$$ Luxury Lover: Indulge in ultimate comfort with top-tier amenities.
$$$ Comfort: Enjoy a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.
$$ Budget Bliss: Maximize your fun on a tighter budget.
Methodology:
We did our homework. We scoured the city for hotels with great reputations, in awesome locations, and most importantly, easy access to stairs so you can avoid taking the elevator. We called each hotel directly to make sure they had stair access and to check out their fancy amenities. Plus, we dove into thousands of guest reviews to see what real people thought. We wanted to find the perfect places for folks who dread elevators. And guess what? We did it. We compared prices and ranked the hotels so you can find the best spot for a comfortable and stress-free stay.
Here are some of the best hotels in New York City that offer easy stair access, allowing you to enjoy your stay without worrying about enclosed spaces:
Artezen Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (19 floors)
The Artezen Hotel in New York City offers a stylish and modern escape in the heart of the Financial District. Although the hotel is 19 floors, it’s possible to request a room on a lower floor and take the stairs. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk service, concierge assistance, a state-of-the-art fitness center, panoramic city views from the rooftop lounge, room service, and laundry service.
Unique Feature: The hotel’s sleek design and proximity to popular attractions like Wall Street and the South Street Seaport make it a convenient choice for travelers who want to avoid elevators.
“While we can’t guarantee a low floor, requesting a premier king room might increase your chances of getting one. It’s worth a try!” – Tony Amante, Guest Agent
Overall Score: 8.7
Price Range: $$$ Comfort
The Fifth Avenue Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6 floors – Mansion Building)
The Fifth Avenue Hotel offers a luxurious and historic stay in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The hotel’s mansion building is your best bet, with only six floors, provides a more intimate and exclusive experience. Enjoy the prime location, within walking distance of world-class shopping, dining, and attractions.
Unique Feature: The mansion building offers a more intimate and exclusive experience with its limited number of floors.
“The hotel has two towers so you will want to book in the Mansion building. Look for ‘Mansion Suite’ or ‘Mansion Suite Double’. A note can be made in every reservation regarding preference for a high or a low floor, of course, and our Guest Experience team will try their best to accommodate it.” – Daniel Perez, Reservations Manager
Overall Score: 9.4
Price Range: $$$$ Luxury Lover
Hotel 33 Seaport ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (7 floors)
The 33 Hotel offers a stylish and modern stay in the heart of the Seaport District. With only 7 floors, you can easily access your room by stairs. Enjoy the trendy decor, complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour fitness center, and prime location near the Brooklyn Bridge and South Street Seaport.
Unique Feature: The hotel’s proximity to the waterfront and various attractions makes it a great base for exploring the city.
“Don’t worry, you are not the only guest with this phobia and you are more than welcome to make notes in the reservation, this way it will be on your profile.” – Maynard Tolbert, Front Desk Supervisor
Overall Score: 8.7
Price Range: $$$ Comfort
Holiday Inn Lower East Side ⭐⭐⭐ (8 floors)
The Holiday Inn Lower East Side offers a comfortable and affordable stay in the heart of the Lower East Side. While the hotel is 8 floors, you’ll just need to let the front desk know to open the staircase door for you whenever you’d like to return to your room.
Unique Feature: The hotel’s affordable rates and convenient location make it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
“Please indicate your preference for a low floor in the reservation notes, and we’ll do our best to fulfill it.” – Andres Serrano
Overall Score: 8.0
Price Range: $$ Budget Bliss
The Whitby Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (16 floors)
The Whitby Hotel offers a luxurious and boutique experience in the heart of the Upper East Side. While the hotel is 16 floors, you can request a lower floor room and take the stairs. Enjoy the stylish decor, personalized service, and prime location near Central Park and Madison Avenue.
Unique Feature: The hotel’s intimate atmosphere and focus on personalized service make it a great choice for travelers seeking a more exclusive experience.
“You can request a low floor for your reservation and we will do all that we can to accommodate your needs.” – Marcus Beschloss, Reception
Overall Score: 8.6
Price Range: $$$$ Luxury Lover
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Loews Regency New York Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (21 floors)
The Loews Regency New York Hotel offers a classic and elegant stay in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Enjoy the luxurious amenities, prime location near Central Park and Fifth Avenue, and world-class dining.
Unique Feature: The hotel’s iconic status and impeccable service make it a popular choice for discerning travelers.
“Leave a note on reservation indicating that you want a ground floor room” – ElishaLH, Reservations
Overall Score: 8.3
Price Range: $$$$ Luxury Lover
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I know firsthand how daunting it can be to plan a trip to a bustling city like New York when you have a fear of elevators. But with the right planning and a little research, I discovered that there are plenty of amazing hotels that offer easy stair access.
By choosing one of these hotels, you can finally experience the magic of New York City without the fear of elevators. So, pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to explore the city that never sleeps. Remember, you deserve to enjoy your travels without fear. Let’s make this trip unforgettable!
Don’t forget to join the Fear Free Trip community! Connect with fellow travelers who know exactly what it’s like to navigate the world with a fear of elevators. Share your stories, swap tips, and support others as they conquer their own fears. Together, we can make travel more accessible for everyone.
Happy travels, and remember: you’re not alone!”
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