If you’re running the TCS New York City Marathon, where you sleep matters almost as much as how you train. The NYC Marathon takes runners on a 26.2-mile route from the start on Staten Island to the finish line inside Central Park. That means your ideal base camp needs to solve two logistics at once: getting to Staten Island early in the morning, and collapsing into a comfortable bed after crossing the finish line without a grueling commute.
The answer? The Upper West Side — and specifically, a handful of well-priced hotels within walking distance of Central Park’s West 77th Street runner exit.
This guide covers the best Upper West Side hotels for NYC Marathon runners who want genuine value: close to the finish, easy access to the start, and enough comfort to support a proper race-week recovery.
Why Upper West Side Is the #1 Neighborhood for NYC Marathon Runners
The Upper West Side is perhaps the most runner-friendly neighborhood in Manhattan during Marathon Week. Framed by Central Park on the east and the Hudson River on the west, it’s known for tree-lined streets, brownstone buildings, and a relaxed residential vibe — perfect for pre-race rest and post-race celebrations.
Here’s why it wins for marathoners specifically:
Finish line access: After crossing the finish line, runners exit the park at West 77th Street. The closest hotels to that exit are all clustered on the Upper West Side — meaning you can literally walk home on jelly legs without touching a subway.
Start line logistics: Runners are urged to take the Staten Island Ferry to reach the starting line. During the early morning hours, take the 1 train to South Ferry. The line 1 subway from South Ferry to 86th Street takes about 26 minutes and costs $3 — and services depart every 10 minutes. From the Upper West Side, the reverse trip to the ferry terminal takes roughly the same time. It’s one of the most seamless race-morning commutes in the city.
Quieter neighborhood, better sleep: Unlike Midtown, the Upper West Side is primarily residential. There are no blaring Times Square lights or late-night tourist crowds — just the kind of calm that helps pre-race sleep actually happen.
Hotels in this area are approximately 20–25 minutes from the Midtown Bus Loading area at the Public Library via subway, and about 30 minutes from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal — and they tend to be less expensive than Times Square-area hotels.
How to Get from Upper West Side Hotels to the Marathon Start
The route is refreshingly simple for a race with such complex logistics:
- Walk to the nearest 1 train station (72nd St, 79th St, or 86th St — all within blocks of the hotels listed below)
- Ride the 1 train south to South Ferry (~30 minutes, $3 fare)
- Board the Staten Island Ferry (free, ~25 minutes across the harbor)
- On Staten Island, shuttle buses take runners directly from the ferry to School Road at Bay Street, near the Fort Wadsworth starting village.
That’s it. No transfers, no confusion. Just one subway line and a scenic ferry ride to kick off your 26.2 miles.
Pro tip: Arrive at the start village between 5:30 and 7:00 a.m. to avoid crowds. Factor in about 90 minutes total travel time from your hotel to the start village corral.
Race Day at a Glance
The 2025 TCS New York City Marathon takes place on the first Sunday of November, with the official start timeline beginning at 8:00 a.m. for the Men’s Professional Wheelchair Division, with main wave runners starting from 9:10 a.m. onward.
The last three miles of the NYC Marathon take place inside Central Park, finishing on West Drive at West 67th Street, right next to Tavern on the Green. After your finish, you’ll collect your medal and poncho, then make your way north through the park — and out onto Central Park West near 77th Street, steps from every hotel on this list.
Top 6 Budget-Friendly Upper West Side Hotels for NYC Marathon Runners
1. Hotel Beacon — Best Overall for Runners
Address: 2130 Broadway at 75th St
Nearest Subway: 72nd St (1/2/3 trains)
Less than a mile from the Central Park finish line, Hotel Beacon provides rooms with living areas and kitchenettes — serene and comfortable spaces that are ideal for marathon recovery. It’s approximately a 14-minute walk from the hotel to the marathon finish line.
The kitchenette is a genuine advantage for runners: you can stock your own pre-race pasta dinner and your own post-race electrolyte drinks without hunting for an open restaurant at 5 a.m. The 72nd Street subway station is right around the corner, making your early-morning dash to the Staten Island Ferry as painless as possible.
The Hotel Beacon is closest to the W 72nd Street station for the 1, 2, and 3 subway trains — an important detail when you’re heading south at 5:30 a.m. with a bag of gear.
Best for: Runners who want kitchenette convenience and the shortest walk to the finish line exit.
2. The Lucerne Hotel — Best Classic Comfort
Address: 201 W 79th St
Nearest Subway: 79th St (1 train)
The Lucerne Hotel is positioned around 19 minutes away from the finish line of the NYC Marathon. This 4-star hotel sits on 79th Street, aligning conveniently with post-race runner exit locations, and is only half a block away from the 79th Street Subway station, which offers a direct line to the Staten Island Ferry.
The Lucerne is a classic four-star Upper West Side property with an on-site fitness center, spa, and the French restaurant Nice Matin. For marathoners, the spa is the real draw — there’s nothing quite like a post-race soak when your hotel has one on the premises. The 4-star amenities at a non-Midtown price point make this one of the best-value marathon hotels in Manhattan.
Best for: Runners who want a touch of luxury recovery — spa, quality restaurant, and a prime 79th Street location.
3. Hotel Belleclaire — Best Historic Character
Address: 2175 Broadway at 77th St
Nearest Subway: 79th St (1 train)
Built in 1903 in the Beaux-Arts style, Hotel Belleclaire is one of the most architecturally striking buildings on Broadway. The interior has been thoughtfully renovated, blending original grandeur with modern comfort. For runners who care about atmosphere as much as logistics, this is a satisfying choice.
In recent years, runners exit Central Park at Central Park West and West 77th Street — and the closest hotels to that point include the Hotel Belleclaire. You could not engineer a more convenient post-race walk.
Best for: History buffs and architecture lovers who want a storied address close to the 77th Street park exit.
4. Arthouse Hotel NYC — Best for Style-Conscious Runners
Address: 2178 Broadway at 77th St
Nearest Subway: 79th St (1 train)
The Arthouse Hotel blends industrial aesthetics with a gallery-like atmosphere — a welcome sensory shift after the chaos of race day. The lobby, bar, and common spaces have strong visual identity, and the location on Broadway at 77th puts it directly in the runner exit zone.
It’s a particularly smart choice for runners bringing a non-running partner: while you’re out conquering 26.2 miles, they can explore the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, and the Lincoln Center neighborhood all within walking distance. Reuniting post-race? Your hotel is right where runners exit the park.
Best for: Couples where one person is running and one is spectating — great neighborhood access for both.
5. The Wallace Hotel — Best Boutique Experience
Address: Broadway at 76th St
Nearest Subway: 72nd St (1/2/3 trains)
The Wallace is one of the newer boutique properties on the Upper West Side, earning a spot on TripAdvisor’s top U.S. hotel lists for its modern interiors, quiet atmosphere, and generous room sizes. It’s a polished, calm option that suits runners who want to minimize stress in the days leading up to the race.
The 72nd Street station — two stops above the Beacon on the same block — gives quick access to the 1 train for your morning journey south. Post-race, the Central Park finish line exit at 77th Street is a few blocks’ walk.
Best for: Runners who prioritize a serene, boutique atmosphere and modern design over historic character.
6. Empire Hotel — Best for the Post-Race Celebration
Address: 44 W 63rd St
Nearest Subway: 59th St–Columbus Circle (A/C/B/D/1 trains)
The Empire Hotel sits right across from Lincoln Center, at the southern edge of the Upper West Side. Its rooftop bar and pool make it the most celebratory option on this list — ideal if your race-weekend plan includes a proper post-finish toast with family and friends.
Spectators can enter Central Park near Broadway at West 61st or 62nd Street to watch the final stretch, making the Empire Hotel a natural gathering point. It’s a short walk from Columbus Circle, where spectators gather for the final approach, and the rooftop offers a festive backdrop for anyone still riding the race-day high.
Best for: Runners celebrating a finish with family — rooftop bar, prime Lincoln Center location, great transit connections.
Upper West Side Hotels for NYC Marathon: Quick Comparison
Hotel Address Walk to 77th Exit Subway to Ferry Best For Hotel Beacon 2130 Broadway (75th) ~14 min 72nd St station Families, kitchenette users The Lucerne 201 W 79th St ~5 min 79th St station Comfort seekers, spa lovers Hotel Belleclaire 2175 Broadway (77th) ~2 min 79th St station Historic character Arthouse Hotel 2178 Broadway (77th) ~2 min 79th St station Couples, design lovers The Wallace Broadway & 76th ~10 min 72nd St station Boutique, quiet atmosphere Empire Hotel 44 W 63rd St ~20 min Columbus Circle Post-race celebrations
Booking Tips for NYC Marathon Weekend
Book early — very early. Prices during marathon weekend spike significantly, so book ideally 6 to 12 months in advance. Hotels in this neighborhood sell out fast once general entry results are released by New York Road Runners.
Check cancellation policies carefully. Entry to the marathon is largely determined by lottery, so if you’re waiting on your lottery result before committing to a hotel, look for flexible bookings — even if they cost slightly more.
Consider marathon Monday. Avoid booking hotels during the first week of November if you’re not running — NYC Marathon weekend drives hotel prices higher than any other comparable week. But if you are running, staying through Monday gives you a zero-pressure recovery day in one of the city’s best neighborhoods.
Pair your hotel with the Expo. All runners must collect their bib at the Marathon Expo at the Javits Center on 34th Street before race day. From the Upper West Side, the crosstown bus or a short cab ride handles this easily — it’s not as close as Midtown, but it’s a manageable errand that shouldn’t drive your hotel choice.
Final Verdict: The Best Upper West Side Hotel for NYC Marathon Runners
For pure marathon logistics, Hotel Beacon and The Lucerne are the strongest picks: both are within a short walk of the 77th Street runner exit, both have the 1 train practically at their doorstep, and both offer the kind of comfort that makes race-week recovery actually work.
If your priority is post-race convenience, nothing beats the Upper West Side. You’ll avoid packed subways and long walks after finishing 26.2 miles — and be back in your room before the city even knows the race is over.
Train hard. Sleep smart. Run well. 🏅
All hotels listed above are rated 8.0 or above on major booking platforms including Booking.com, Hotels.com, and TripAdvisor. Prices vary significantly by season and marathon weekend availability — always compare rates across platforms and book as early as possible.
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