The Best Place to Stay for the US Open Tennis Tournament in NYC
Planning a trip to the US Open comes with one big question. Where should you stay?
The tournament takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, just a few miles from LaGuardia Airport. Because of that location, visitors have two main choices. Stay close to the stadium for convenience, or stay in Manhattan and turn your tennis trip into a full New York City getaway.
When I planned my birthday trip to the US Open, I chose convenience.
Since I was traveling solo, I wanted something easy, comfortable, and close to the tournament grounds.
That decision led me to one of the best hotel options for the US Open.
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Short on Time? Check Out These Hotels
Near the US Open (Most Convenient)
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York LaGuardia Airport – free US Open shuttle and close to the LaGuardia airport.
Stay in Manhattan (Best for sightseeing)
- Intercontinental New York Barclay By IHG – historic hotel and past US Open partner property where players have been known to stay.
Stay in Long Island City (Great transit access)
- Aloft Long Island City-Manhattan View – close to the subway with easy access to the US Open and Manhattan.
You may also like Top Tips for Visiting the US Open for the First Time and Things to Do at the US Open.
My Favorite Hotel for the US Open
During my trip, I stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York LaGuardia Airport, and it turned out to be the perfect home base for attending the tournament.
First, the location made my arrival incredibly simple.
The hotel sits just minutes from LaGuardia Airport, and the hotel’s free airport shuttle made getting there easy after my flight from Texas.
I let the hotel know when I would arrive and followed the signs in the airport for Shuttles and Buses. Of course, not before stopping at the NYC ❤️ Tennis sign!
A Birthday Surprise I’ll Never Forget
When I checked in, the hotel surprised me with a signed birthday card and a KitKat bar. It was such a small gesture, but it made the stay feel personal right away.
Additionally, my husband had arranged a birthday surprise at the hotel.
Waiting in the room was a chilled bottle of wine and one of the most decadent chocolate cakes I’ve ever seen, with “Happy Birthday” written across the plate in chocolate.
Little moments like that are part of what made the stay feel special.
The Hotel Room
The hotel room itself was another pleasant surprise.
Both the bedroom and the bathroom were larger than many New York hotel rooms, and everything felt clean and comfortable.
After a long day walking the US Open grounds, it was the kind of space where you could truly relax.
The Free US Open Shuttle Is a Huge Bonus
The feature that truly makes this hotel ideal for US Open visitors is the complimentary shuttle to the tournament grounds.
The shuttle picks up right outside the hotel entrance and drops guests at the designated shuttle lot near the tennis center. From there it’s about a ten-minute walk to the entrance of the US Open.
Even with traffic, the drive didn’t take longer than 15 minutes.
The shuttle runs on a set schedule, so it’s important to ask the concierge or front desk for the daily times when you check in. I let them know ahead of time that I planned to use the service, and everything worked smoothly.
I also noticed that many US Open trainers and volunteers were staying at the hotel. Their shuttle buses were running throughout the day as well, which says a lot about how convenient this location really is.
Dining and Amenities at the Hotel
Another reason I enjoyed staying here was the ease of having good food on site.
After arriving my first evening, I ordered room service and had a great burger with sweet potato fries. It was exactly what I needed after a travel day.
The next morning, I had breakfast at the restaurant, which offered à la carte items such as oatmeal and fresh fruit, as well as a full buffet.
The hotel also offers a fitness center and an indoor pool. While I didn’t spend much time there because of my full tennis schedule, it’s nice to know those options are available.
There’s even a small on-site shop for essentials in case you forget something while packing.
Booking Tip: Avoid Price Surprises in Flushing
Many visitors assume staying in nearby Flushing will be the most affordable option. However, hotels in Flushing often raise their prices significantly during the US Open.
Because of that, it’s smart to book your hotel well in advance, no matter where you choose to stay.
Staying in Manhattan for the US Open
While staying near the tournament was perfect for my solo trip, some visitors prefer to stay in Manhattan and commute there each day.
If I were planning a trip that included sightseeing around New York City, I would likely stay in Manhattan instead.
Staying in Manhattan makes it easy to explore the city during the day or evening. You can attend matches in Queens and then head back to Manhattan for dinner, museums, or a Broadway show.
One excellent option is the InterContinental New York Barclay on 49th Street. This historic hotel has partnered with the US Open in the past, and tennis players have stayed here during the tournament.
Traveling between Manhattan and Queens is fairly easy. If you’re flying into LaGuardia, I explain all the transportation options in my guide on how to get from LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan.
Visitors planning a longer trip might also enjoy reading about my solo trip to New York City, where I share some of my favorite things to do in and around the Financial District.
And if Broadway is on your list, I also have a guide to scoring cheap Broadway tickets, which can make a night at the theater much more affordable.
Staying in Long Island City
Another great option is Long Island City, which sits between Manhattan and Queens.
The Aloft Long Island City-Manhattan View is a popular choice because it’s close to the 7 train, which runs directly to the US Open grounds. Many travelers who attend the tournament have left excellent reviews about staying here.
Long Island City also gives you quick access to Manhattan if you want to explore the city during your trip.
Turning Your US Open Trip Into a NYC Vacation
Many visitors turn their US Open trip into a full New York City getaway.
You might spend a few days watching tennis and then stay longer to explore the city’s museums, restaurants, and famous landmarks.
My first trip to New York actually happened during the holidays, and it completely changed how I felt about the city.
The lights, decorations, and energy during the season are unforgettable. If you’re thinking about visiting later in the year, you might enjoy reading about visiting New York City at Christmas, which is still one of my favorite travel memories.
Where to Stay for the US Open
Having a comfortable hotel nearby makes a huge difference.
For me, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York LaGuardia Airport checked every box. The airport proximity, spacious rooms, thoughtful service, and especially the shuttle to the US Open made the trip feel easy from start to finish.
If you’re still planning your trip, you may also want to read my guides on tips for visiting the US Open tennis tournament and things to do at the US Open besides watching tennis, which cover everything from tickets to fan experiences around the grounds.
