LUMA Hotel – Times Square leads with a 9.8 location score just steps from MSG and a 9.1 overall rating. For a true budget win, Pod Times Square keeps rates low while landing a 9.5 location score near Restaurant Row. Both put MSG within a short walk.
Finding a cheap room near Madison Square Garden without landing in a dive is the real New York hustle. These 20 picks keep your wallet happy and the arena close.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 20 properties near Madison Square Garden using 69,200+ total verified guest reviews, focusing on stays averaging an 8.6/10 guest score to find real value in Midtown.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Best overall value: #1 Pod Times Square→ Rates
#5 LUMA Hotel – Times Square→ Rates - Highest cleanliness: #17 Hilton Club The Central at 5th→ Rates
- Best for walking to MSG: #6 Hotel Hayden New York→ Rates
- Pet-friendly budget: #8 Motto By Hilton Times Square→ Rates
#9 Park Terrace Hotel→ Rates - Quietest rooms near action: #13 The Chemists Club Hotel→ Rates
- Best for extended stays: #18 Mint House 70 Pine by Kasa→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Pod Times Square | (18000+ Reviews) |
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| 2. Pod 39 | (10150+ Reviews) |
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| 3. Riverside Tower Hotel | (5450+ Reviews) |
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| 4. San Carlos Hotel New York | (4300+ Reviews) |
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| 5. LUMA Hotel – Times Square | (3150+ Reviews) |
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| 6. Hotel Hayden New York | (3150+ Reviews) |
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| 7. Night Hotel Broadway | (3000+ Reviews) |
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| 8. Motto By Hilton NYC Times Square | (2900+ Reviews) |
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| 9. Park Terrace Hotel | (2350+ Reviews) |
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| 10. Hotel Indigo NYC Financial District | (1950+ Reviews) |
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| 11. Hotel Richland LES | (1900+ Reviews) |
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| 12. Madison LES Hotel | (1700+ Reviews) |
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| 13. The Chemists Club Hotel | (1600+ Reviews) |
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| 14. Hilton Club The Quin New York | (1450+ Reviews) |
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| 15. Artezen Hotel | (1400+ Reviews) |
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| 16. Da Vinci Hotel | (1350+ Reviews) |
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| 17. Hilton Club The Central at 5th | (1250+ Reviews) |
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| 18. Mint House 70 Pine by Kasa | (1250+ Reviews) |
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| 19. Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel | (1250+ Reviews) |
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| 20. The Wallace Hotel | (1200+ Reviews) |
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Detailed Reviews: Affordable Hotels Near Madison Square Garden
1. Pod Times Square
The Vibe
Compact rooms, smart design, and a location that puts Times Square five minutes away. The breakfast dirty chai latte gets called out as the best some guests have ever had. Staff scores 8.8, and the lobby aesthetic punches above the 3-star label. This is where you save on square footage, not on experience.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are small — that’s the Pod trade-off — but you get free WiFi rated 8.7, a terrace for warmer months, and elevator access. There’s a $50 refundable deposit and a $11.42 facility fee at check-in. The on-site bar is a legit hangout, and the bellmen hold luggage until 11 PM post-checkout for late flights. It’s not a quiet hotel; 42nd Street hums day and night. That said, it’s one of the few near MSG where the rate stays consistently low without hidden policy tricks.
Choose this if: you’re fine with a small room and want MSG and Times Square within a 10-minute walk without spending $300+ a night.
2. Pod 39
The Vibe
Sibling to Pod Times Square but in a quieter pocket near Grand Central. Rooms are still compact, but the rooftop bar (Artie’s Backroom) is a legit draw. Staff scores a standout 9.1 — the highest of any 3-star on this list. Cleanliness holds at 8.6. If you need to be near MSG but also want Midtown East access, this is the Pod to pick.
What You Actually Get
A fitness center, daily housekeeping, and free WiFi rated 8.6. The Arthur & Sons restaurant serves Italian downstairs, which beats the usual hotel lobby grab-and-go. The property does a pre-authorization on your card before arrival. Pets allowed on request with charges. The Murray Hill location means you’re about a 15-minute walk to MSG — slightly longer than Pod Times Square but in a calmer stretch of Midtown.
Choose this if: you want Pod pricing but prefer a quieter neighborhood with a rooftop scene.
3. Riverside Tower Hotel
The Vibe
A 2-star that acts like a 4-star on service. Staff scores 9.5 — tied with the best on this entire list. The location on Riverside Drive puts you near the American Museum of Natural History, about a 15-minute subway ride to MSG. Free WiFi clocks in at 9.3, the second-highest score among all properties here. Coffee and tea in the lobby are free, and luggage storage is complimentary for early arrivals.
What You Actually Get
A fitness center, elevator access, and air conditioning. No pets allowed. No breakfast or kettles in rooms — a trade-off for the low rate. The cancellation policy is standard but varies by booking. Guests consistently note the cheerful staff and the convenience of free coffee. The Upper West Side location is a hike from MSG but delivers residential quiet and proximity to Central Park that Midtown can’t match.
Choose this if: you prioritize friendly service over MSG proximity and don’t mind a short subway ride to the arena.
4. San Carlos Hotel New York
The Vibe
This 4-star sits on the East Side with a 9.7 location score and a 9.3 cleanliness rating. The real draw? Some rooms come with kitchenettes — rare for a Midtown hotel under $250. Guests rave about the large room sizes (by NYC standards) and comfortable beds scoring 9.4. The staff hits 9.5, and the value score of 8.7 is the second-highest on this list.
What You Actually Get
A fitness center, free WiFi at 8.8, and discounted parking at a nearby garage. The daily facility fee runs $34.42 with a $75 security deposit at check-in. Pets are not allowed. The kitchenette rooms go fast — book those specifically if you want to save on eating out. The 50th Street location puts you a 15-minute walk from MSG, through the heart of Midtown.
Choose this if: you want a real kitchenette, a big room, and a short walk to MSG at a price that doesn’t hurt.
5. LUMA Hotel – Times Square
The Vibe
A 4-star with a 9.8 location score — the highest of any hotel within walking distance of MSG. It’s 984 feet from Times Square and about a 6-minute walk to the Garden. Staff scores 9.5, and the on-site breakfast gets called exceptional by repeat guests. The facilities score of 9.1 matches luxury-level peers. This is the closest you can get to MSG without sacrificing quality.
What You Actually Get
A restaurant open for breakfast and dinner, free WiFi rated 9.1, and complimentary passes to Blink Fitness nearby. Breakfast-included rates cover pastries, breads, fruit, yogurt, croissants, and hot items — a solid European continental spread. Parking is available but limited. The hotel places a hold on your card at check-in for incidentals. King-size beds are standard in many rooms. Pets are not allowed.
Choose this if: you’ll take a slightly higher nightly rate for the best location and a breakfast that saves you $20+ per morning.
6. Hotel Hayden New York
The Vibe
The overall rating sits at 7.2, but the location score of 9.1 beats almost every property in this guide for MSG access. It’s 1,585 feet from Madison Square Garden — literally a 4-minute walk. The free WiFi scores a perfect 10.0, which is unheard of in NYC. Rooms are basic, but the Chelsea location and the proximity to Macy’s and the Korean BBQ row on 32nd Street make up for it.
What You Actually Get
A private bathroom, mini-fridge in every room, and a simple breakfast of coffee, tea, pastries, bananas, and yogurt from 7:30 to 10 AM. The fitness center is open 24/7. Private parking is available but expensive. A facility fee covers local and long-distance calls plus gym access. Minimum age to book is 21. Pets are allowed on request with charges.
Choose this if: the only metric that matters is distance to MSG and you’ll trade polish for a 4-minute walk.
7. Night Hotel Broadway
The Vibe
A 3-star on the Upper West Side that sees more repeat guests than most NYC properties — always a strong signal. The location score of 8.7 puts it near Central Park and within walking distance of the Museum of Natural History. It’s not a quick walk to MSG (about 20 minutes by subway), but the residential neighborhood offers quiet that Midtown can’t touch. The staff scores 8.1. Guest reviews highlight the loyalty factor — people come back specifically for the consistency.
What You Actually Get
An on-site fitness center, cable TV, and free WiFi at 7.3. There’s a daily incidental fee of $25. Refrigerators are available on request but not guaranteed. Luggage storage is free (gratuity optional). Check-in runs until midnight, which helps for late arrivals. No pets allowed. The Upper West Side vibe is residential, with good bakeries and parks nearby but fewer tourist attractions at your doorstep.
Choose this if: you want an affordable Upper West Side base and don’t mind a short subway ride to MSG each day.
8. Motto By Hilton New York City Times Square
The Vibe
A 3-star Hilton product with a 9.5 location score, a 6-minute walk from MSG. The destination charge ($30/day) includes a $10 food and beverage credit, premium internet, and a Crunch Fitness pass. Staff scores 8.7, and the rooms, while compact, deliver Hilton-level cleanliness at 8.5. This hits a sweet spot between Pod compactness and brand reliability.
What You Actually Get
A restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a fitness center, and free WiFi at 8.5. The security deposit is $75 — lower than many competitors. Pets are allowed with charges. The late 4 PM check-in can be annoying, but luggage storage is available. The destination charge is mandatory and non-negotiable, so factor that into your nightly budget.
Choose this if: you’re a Hilton loyalist who wants brand reliability within walking distance of MSG.
Check Tonight’s Price for Motto By Hilton New York City Times Square →
9. Park Terrace Hotel
The Vibe
A 4-star hotel steps from Bryant Park and the New York Public Library with a 9.8 location score — tied for the highest in this guide. Staff hits 9.2, cleanliness sits at 9.1, and comfort at 9.3. The unique offering here is free pet stays — no extra charge. The value score of 8.2 is reasonable for a 4-star at this location. It’s a 10-minute walk to MSG through the Bryant Park crowds.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi at 8.7, a fitness center, a restaurant, and private parking available. Some rooms have Juliette balconies — request those specifically. Premier rooms include refrigerators and kettles; classic rooms can get them delivered on request. A $100/night incidental deposit is required. Check-in closes at 11:30 PM, so late arrivals need to plan ahead.
Choose this if: you’re bringing a pet or want a 4-star stay with a 9.8 location that doesn’t break the bank.
10. Hotel Indigo NYC Financial District by IHG
The Vibe
A 4-star with a 9.0 overall and a 9.3 staff score. The location in the Financial District is about 15 subway minutes from MSG, but the trade-off is a serene neighborhood with lower noise and better rates than Midtown. Guests consistently mention the comfortable king beds (9.4 comfort) and the full-glass window walls with Trinity Church views. The breakfast is described as “wonderful” by guests.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi at 8.5, a fitness center, restaurant, and pet-friendly policy with charges. Rooms average 388 sq ft for the double-double configuration. A $250 damage deposit is required. Check-in starts at 4 PM. The hotel is near Wall Street and the National September 11 Memorial. It’s not a walk to MSG, but the subway (Fulton St station) is right there.
Choose this if: you prefer a calm, corporate neighborhood and don’t mind a 15-minute subway ride to MSG each day.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hotel Indigo NYC Financial District by IHG →
11. Hotel Richland LES
The Vibe
A 3-star in the Lower East Side with a standout staff score of 9.2. Guests call the beds the most comfortable in the area. The location score of 8.7 is solid for LES access to SoHo and Chinatown. It’s about a 20-minute subway ride to MSG, but the neighborhood energy — close to Bloomingdale’s and great food — makes it a strong pick for travelers who want to explore downtown.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi at 8.8, a fitness center, elevator access, and upper-floor rooms available. A $100 damage deposit is required at check-in. No pets allowed. The hotel offers 24/7 coffee, tea, and water in the lobby — part of that resort fee that’s standard in NYC. Rooms have either showers or baths. The staff regularly gets shout-outs in reviews for going above and beyond.
Choose this if: you want to stay in the Lower East Side with access to SoHo nightlife and don’t mind a subway to MSG.
12. Madison LES Hotel
The Vibe
A 3-star budget option in the Lower East Side with a continental breakfast included in the rate. The 8.2 location score is fair — you’re within 1.2 miles of the Brooklyn Bridge, World Trade Center, and SoHo. Staff scores 7.3, and cleanliness sits at 8.0. This is a straightforward, no-frills option for travelers who care more about neighborhood vibes than hotel amenities.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi at 8.1, a fitness center, and a terrace. A $200 damage deposit is required. Luggage storage is available from 9 AM on check-in day and after checkout. Children over 3 are welcome. No pets allowed. The continental breakfast is basic but included, which saves you $10-15 compared to buying it on the street.
Choose this if: budget is tight and you want a Lower East Side base with breakfast included.
13. The Chemists Club Hotel
The Vibe
A 4-star historic hotel in Midtown East with a 9.6 location score and stealth-quiet rooms. Cleanliness hits 9.4, comfort 9.4, and staff 9.3. The WiFi scores 9.4 — among the fastest on this list. Guests consistently mention how quiet the rooms are, which is rare for a hotel on 41st Street. The $35 refreshment fee includes a daily credit, but the peace and quiet alone justify the premium.
What You Actually Get
A fitness center, restaurant, free WiFi at 9.4, and an American breakfast included with certain rates. A daily service fee of $35 plus tax is collected — that’s separate from the room rate. Off-site parking runs $53 per day for regular vehicles. No pets allowed. The historic building means no bathtubs or spa tubs, but the room lighting and overall design get high marks.
Choose this if: you need quiet rooms for work or rest in the middle of Midtown Manhattan.
14. Hilton Club The Quin New York
The Vibe
A Hilton Club property on 57th Street with a 9.7 location score, steps from Central Park and Carnegie Hall. Staff scores 9.3, cleanliness 9.3, and comfort 9.3. The unique feature here is balcony rooms — rare in NYC and usually reserved for $500+ hotels. The 3-star designation seems low given the 9.0 guest rating, but the early 10 AM checkout can be inconvenient.
What You Actually Get
A restaurant, fitness center, free WiFi at 9.2, and air conditioning. Parking is available. Pets are not allowed. The hotel pre-authorizes credit cards before arrival. Group policy kicks in at more than 7 rooms. The 57th Street location puts MSG about a 15-minute walk south, or a quick subway ride on the B/D/F trains.
Choose this if: you want a balcony, Central Park proximity, and Hilton reliability without paying St. Regis prices.
15. Artezen Hotel
The Vibe
A 4-star in the Financial District with the highest staff score on this list: 9.7. Cleanliness hits 9.5, comfort 9.6, and facilities 9.2. The daily facility fee ($9.95 plus tax) covers high-speed WiFi, two Fiji water bottles, a welcome snack, gym access, and yoga access. The property is near the Fulton Street subway hub, making MSG accessible in 15 minutes by train.
What You Actually Get
A fitness center, terrace, elevator access, and free WiFi at 9.4. A one-time $100 security deposit hold is placed at check-in. No pets allowed. The location on John Street is quiet for NYC, and the subway access (Fulton St) connects directly to 34th Street for MSG. The staff routinely gets called “wonderful” and “prompt” in reviews.
Choose this if: you prioritize exceptional service and don’t mind a Financial District location with easy subway access to MSG.
16. Da Vinci Hotel
The Vibe
A 3-star hotel on 56th Street with a 9.5 location score, a 5-minute walk from Central Park and about 12 minutes from MSG. Staff scores 8.9 — strong for a 7.9-rated property. The value score of 8.0 is decent. Guests call it “perfect for solo travelers.” The airport shuttle at $23 per person per ride is cheaper than a cab and reliable.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi at 8.8, a restaurant, elevator access, and morning tea and coffee. A valid photo ID and credit card are required at check-in. No pets allowed. No age restriction for booking. The rooms have flat-screen TVs, and the location is walkable to both Central Park and Times Square. The shuttle requires advance reservation.
Choose this if: you want a Midtown location near Central Park with cheap airport transfers.
17. Hilton Club The Central at 5th New York
The Vibe
A 3-star Hilton Club with a 9.3 overall rating — the second-highest in this guide. Cleanliness at 9.6 is the best among all 20 properties. Location score of 9.8 puts it near Rockefeller Center and Grand Central. Staff scores 9.4. The 48th Street address is about a 10-minute walk from MSG, and the Grand Central subway station is one block away.
What You Actually Get
A fitness center, free WiFi at 9.1, air conditioning, and parking available. A $100 damage deposit is required. No pets allowed. Check-in starts at 4 PM, checkout at 10 AM — the early checkout can feel rushed. The Midtown East location puts you near Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue shopping, and Central Park. The cleanliness score is a genuine selling point for travelers who prioritize a spotless room.
Choose this if: cleanliness is your non-negotiable priority and you want a prime Midtown East location.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hilton Club The Central at 5th New York →
18. Mint House 70 Pine by Kasa
The Vibe
A 4-star aparthotel in a historic Financial District landmark with a 9.2 rating. The standout is the in-room mini kitchen — refrigerators with ice makers, and some two-bedroom units include washer/dryers. A card-operated laundry room on the 6th floor is available for all guests. Staff scores 9.4, and value hits 8.8. Pets are allowed for free.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi at 9.3, a fitness center, and parking available. The building is 2,297 feet from Battery Park. No balcony rooms are available. A $100 damage deposit is required. No cash payments accepted. The Financial District location is about 20 subway minutes from MSG, but the mini kitchen and washer/dryer make it ideal for longer stays.
Choose this if: you’re staying 5+ nights and want a kitchen, laundry, and a quiet Financial District base.
19. Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection
The Vibe
A 4-star boutique in the Theater District with a 9.9 location score — the single highest in this entire guide. Staff scores 9.8, the best of any property here. Guests consistently describe the service as “5-star” despite the 4-star rating. The hotel is steps from Times Square and a 5-minute walk to MSG. The Morocco-inspired decor adds character that chain hotels can’t match.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi at 9.4, a restaurant, terrace, and good breakfast included with certain rates. Pets are not allowed. The hotel has stairs to each floor for guests who prefer not to use elevators. The 43rd Street address puts Broadway theaters, Times Square, and MSG all within a 5-10 minute walk. This is the best-reviewed property in this guide by guest scores.
Choose this if: you want the best possible location and service within walking distance of MSG and Broadway.
Check Tonight’s Price for Casablanca Hotel by Library Hotel Collection →
20. The Wallace Hotel
The Vibe
A 5-star hotel on the Upper West Side with a 9.3 overall rating and a 9.7 comfort score — the highest comfort score in this guide. Staff scores 9.5, cleanliness 9.6, and facilities 9.3. The Wallace has a bar/lounge scheduled to open midater opening, but no restaurant on-site currently. The location near Strawberry Fields and Central Park is serene, though MSG is about a 20-minute subway ride away.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi at 9.4, a fitness center, elevator access, private parking available, and concierge services. A $100 damage deposit is required. Pets are allowed with charges. The Upper West Side location is residential and quiet. The bar/lounge is slated to open mid-autumn. Some suites (Executive King 1 Bedroom, Deluxe Queen 1 Bedroom, Hudson Penthouse) include refrigerators. No on-site restaurant means you’ll be walking to nearby eateries.
Choose this if: you prioritize comfort above all else and don’t mind a short subway ride to MSG each day.
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#5 LUMA Hotel – Times Square
A 9.8 location score, 9.1 overall rating, and included breakfast make this the best value-for-location near MSG.
💰 Best Value
#1 Pod Times Square
At under $200 most nights with a 9.5 location score and 18,000+ positive reviews, the Pod delivers the highest location-to-price ratio.
👨👩👧 Best for Families
#4 San Carlos Hotel New York
Kid-friendly with kitchenette options, spacious rooms rated 9.4 for comfort, and a quiet East Side location near Central Park.
How We Ranked These Affordable Hotels Near Madison Square Garden
To find the best affordable hotels near Madison Square Garden, I evaluated 20 properties within walking or quick-subway distance of MSG, filtering for guest scores above 7.0 and verified review counts of 100+. The focus was on properties that balance low nightly rates with strong cleanliness, location, and value scores.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 7.0+ overall and 100+ verified reviews were considered
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized location scores (9.0+ for prime MSG access) and cleanliness scores (8.5+ for quality assurance)
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities like free WiFi, breakfast, and kitchenettes against guest review patterns
- Location signals: Distance to Madison Square Garden, Times Square, and subway stations for practical event-going
Frequently Asked Questions
Which affordable hotel is closest to Madison Square Garden?
Hotel Hayden New York sits just 1,585 feet from Madison Square Garden — roughly a 4-minute walk. It’s the closest property in this guide to the arena, with a location score of 9.1. While the overall rating is 7.2, the free WiFi scores a perfect 10.0, and you can’t beat the proximity for catching a Knicks game or concert.
Do any hotels near MSG offer free breakfast?
Yes. LUMA Hotel – Times Square includes a European continental breakfast (pastries, fruit, yogurt, hot items) in certain rates. Madison LES Hotel offers a continental breakfast included in the base rate. Motto By Hilton NYC Times Square offers a $10 daily food and beverage credit as part of its destination charge, which can offset breakfast costs at the on-site restaurant.
What’s the best time to book for lowest rates near MSG?
New York hotel rates near MSG drop during non-event weeks — avoid Knicks, Rangers, and major concert nights. Midweek stays (Sunday through Thursday) outside of holidays consistently cost 20-30% less than weekend bookings. January through March and August offer the lowest baseline rates. Use our smart routing buttons to compare live prices across dates.
Which hotels near MSG allow pets?
Pod Times Square, Pod 39, Hotel Hayden New York, Motto By Hilton NYC Times Square, and The Wallace Hotel all allow pets with charges. Park Terrace Hotel stands out by allowing pets for free — no extra charges. Mint House 70 Pine by Kasa also allows pets for free. Always confirm pet policies at booking as charges and restrictions can vary.
How do I get from the airport to MSG-area hotels?
LaGuardia (LGA) is the closest major airport at 6 miles from most MSG-area hotels. A taxi or ride-share costs $30-40 and takes 30-45 minutes. Da Vinci Hotel offers an airport shuttle for $23 per person per ride with advance reservation. The subway (E train from JFK, Q70 bus from LGA) connects to 34th Street-Penn Station, which is right next to MSG.
Do any budget hotels near MSG have kitchenettes?
Yes. San Carlos Hotel New York offers rooms with kitchenettes, making it a top pick for extended stays near MSG. The Chemists Club Hotel provides refrigerators and kettles on request for certain room types. Mint House 70 Pine by Kasa includes mini kitchens with refrigerators that have ice makers, and two-bedroom units feature washer/dryers. These are ideal for saving on food costs.