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When most people think of a New York City getaway, they immediately picture the bright lights of Times Square or the greenery of Central Park.
In this post, I’m taking you to one of my favorite points-redemption gems: Hotel 50 Bowery, part of the JdV by Hyatt brand.
As a frugal tourist, I’m always hunting for luxury experiences that don’t break the bank.
After multiple stays here, I’ve realized this property offers a unique vibe you won’t find uptown.
However, it isn’t for everyone.
Here is my honest breakdown of why this hotel is a staple in my NYC rotation and what you need to know before you book.
The Cost: Staying on Points
Pro-Tip: Don’t forget to check the cash rates before you book with points! In the weeks between New Year’s Day and Lunar New Year, hotel rates in this area are often significantly lower than average. This “sweet spot” can offer better value for cash stays, allowing you to save your Hyatt points for higher-demand dates.
New York City hotels are notoriously expensive.
That’s why I almost always book using World of Hyatt points.
I earn hotel points from my credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card, to book stays for free.
Award rates can change, so it’s always best to check the latest award chart.
Typically, you’ll need the following points for a standard room per night at Hotel 50 Bowery:
- Off-Peak: 17,000 points
- Standard: 20,000 points
- Peak: 23,000 points
For this trip, I was able to find two rooms at 17000 Hyatt points each (February 2026).
Important Tip: Hyatt usually adjusts their award chart once a year. The points required for a free night can go up or down depending on the current demand and category. Always check the latest rates before you transfer your points.
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Why You Should Consider Staying in Chinatown
If you are looking for the quintessential ‘tourist’ experience, this might not be the spot for you.
I’ll be honest: Hotel 50 Bowery is likely not the best choice for first-time visitors.
If your itinerary is packed with Broadway shows, a stroll through Central Park, or Times Square, you’ll find yourself spending a lot of time (and money) on subways and Ubers.
This property is quite far from those ‘heavyweight’ Midtown attractions.
However, if you are a repeat visitor or a traveler who prefers an eclectic, diverse NYC neighborhood over a tourist trap, Chinatown is unbeatable.
Here is why I recommend it:
- A Foodie’s Paradise: You are steps away from the best dumplings, pork buns, and noodles in the city. You won’t find $20 hotel sandwiches here; instead, you get world-class flavors for a fraction of the price.
- Authentic Atmosphere: Staying here allows you to wake up in a living, breathing neighborhood. You’ll see the early-morning markets open, and locals gather in Columbus Park. It feels like a community, not a theme park.
- A Different Perspective: By staying a little farther out, you can explore the winding streets of the Lower East Side and Little Italy, which offer a much more ’boutique’ and artistic side of Manhattan.
If you don’t mind the extra 20 minutes on the ‘D’ train to get uptown, the trade-off is a stay with significantly more character and culture.
Hotel 50 Bowery Review
Location, Location, Location
This is easily the best feature of the hotel.
Located along one of New York’s oldest streets, The Bowery, it is at the crossroads of Chinatown, the Lower East Side, and Little Italy.
You are literally steps away from legendary dim sum parlors and old-school Italian trattorias.
If you are a fan of authentic global flavors like I am, this location is a gastronomic minefield.
You can’t walk a block without finding something delicious.
The Staff
The service here is consistently excellent.
Every time I check in, the staff is warm and genuinely invested in making sure I’m comfortable.
They never miss a beat with status recognition and always walk me through my benefits.
I’ve been offered late checkout on every stay, and they truly try their best to snag me an upgrade whenever space allows.
A standout moment was when I arrived late one night and was stressed about parking.
The team quickly pointed me to an available garage and confirmed it was free for Globalists, which was a huge relief.
The Rooms: Decor
I’ve stayed in a few different room types here, and absolutely love the urban-industrial aesthetic.
Aside from the unbeatable location, I’m a huge fan of the design—think raw brick walls and polished concrete ceilings.
You might worry that sounds a bit cold, but the hotel balances that ‘warehouse’ feel with stunning heritage-inspired art and bright red doors that celebrate the local culture.
It’s the perfect intersection of old-school history and modern NYC style.
Inside the Rooms
The rooms are thoughtfully designed with both form and function in mind.
You’ll find surprisingly spacious closets and, in many layouts, an ample workspace perfect for digital nomads.
A standout touch is the plush bathrobe featuring a red dragon on the back—a stylish nod to the hotel’s Chinatown location.
The bathrooms are equally impressive, boasting crisp white subway tiles, refreshing rain showers, and premium Jonathan Adler toiletries.
To top it off, many rooms offer stunning floor-to-ceiling views of the Manhattan skyline.
The Views
The property’s prime location offers breathtaking vistas from nearly every vantage point.
Guest rooms facing the Bowery overlook the Manhattan Bridge and the vibrant Lower East Side, while those facing Canal Street provide sweeping midtown views, including an unobstructed look at the Empire State Building.
For a perspective of Lower Manhattan and the iconic One World Trade Center, request a room facing Elizabeth Street.
If you want to take it all in at once, every one of these landmarks is visible from the hotel’s highly recommended rooftop bar, The Crown.
Pro-Tip: While the rooftop views are famous, some of the best perspectives of the Manhattan Bridge Arch and Colonnade are actually at street level right outside the hotel entrance—a spectacular photo op that doesn’t cost a cent. This is actually one of the stops on my Chinatown and Little Italy walking tour!
Room Types
The Kindred Suite (Room 308)
I was able to secure this suite by applying a World of Hyatt Suite Upgrade Award.
- The Good: It’s much larger than a standard NYC room and comes with a sofa bed, making it perfect for families. The views of the Manhattan Bridge at any time of the day were stellar.
- The Not So Good: It was on the 3rd floor, so you could hear the traffic noise. Also, since it’s on a low floor, I didn’t get any of those classic soaring views of the Big Apple.
Double Bed with City Views (Corner Room 1730)
I was also assigned a corner room on the 17th floor, and it was spectacular.
- The View: I could see everything. On one side, I had Midtown views including the Empire State Building, The Summit, and the Chrysler Building. On the other side, I could see the Financial District and the One World Trade Center.
My Verdict
If you have to choose between a low-floor suite and a high-floor city view room, go for the view every time.
The sweeping Manhattan skyline is well worth the trade-off in square footage.
Of course, the ultimate ‘pro-move’ is to request a high-floor suite for the best of both worlds.
You’ll just need to decide between the iconic Manhattan Bridge or the glittering City Views—honestly, you can’t go wrong with either.
Globalist Benefits
World of Hyatt loyalists achieve Globalist status after earning 60 elite nights per calendar year.
Members with this top-tier status are eligible for certain benefits at this property, but I would like to highlight two perks we were able to maximize during our stay.
Complimentary Breakfast
The hotel typically partners with local restaurants to prepare breakfast for its guests.
Instructions on how to order (usually via a QR code or voucher) will be given when you check in.
They offer a few flexible ways to enjoy your meal:
- Delivery: You can have breakfast delivered right to your room.
- Grab & Go: You can pick it up at the lobby to take with you.
- The Second Floor Lounge: This is a great hidden gem! You can take your breakfast to the second-floor lounge area (sometimes called the “Living Room”). It’s a comfortable place to eat, and they offer complimentary coffee and tea during certain hours.
Heads Up: The breakfast logistics here could certainly use some refinement. Instead of traditional room service, guests receive a daily voucher code via email to order through a third-party website. This system can be quite inconvenient if you’re hoping for a sleep-in; since popular items like pancakes tend to sell out early, you’re forced to wake up just to secure your order. Unfortunately, you cannot pre-order the night before, and because delivery to the lobby takes 30–45 minutes, you’ll need to plan well ahead—especially if you have an early morning flight to catch.
Complimentary Parking
While we recommend skipping the rental car due to local traffic and tricky parking, we know sometimes driving is necessary.
If you do bring a car, please note that complimentary valet or garage parking is included for Globalist members on award stays.
Amenities
The Gym
Located on the lower level (basement), the fitness center is open 24/7.
It’s on the smaller side, but it gets the job done with Peloton bikes, treadmills, and free weights.
It’s perfect for burning off those Chinatown dumplings!
The Crown (Rooftop Bar)
This Skyline Staple in Chinatown is located on the hotel’s 21st floor.
Even if you don’t drink, you should go up there!
The views of the Manhattan Bridge and the skyline are incredible, especially at sunset.
Heads Up: This rooftop bar is so popular that it’s frequently closed for private events. I recommend visiting on the very first day you’re blessed with good weather, so you don’t miss out.
The Living Room
The property features a second-floor lounge accessible to all guests, offering complimentary coffee and tea at select times throughout the day.
If you’ve ordered breakfast from one of the hotel’s partner restaurants, this is the perfect spot to enjoy your meal.
The lounge also boasts an outdoor terrace with stunning views of the Manhattan Bridge.
Free Walking Tours
The property advertises free walking tours, but these are rare (maybe twice a week) and subject to change.
If one of their free walking tours are not scheduled during your stay, you’re welcome to follow this walking tour itinerary I created that goes through Chinatown and Little Italy.
What Others Are Saying
To make this review comprehensive, I dug into what other recent travelers are saying online to see if their experiences matched mine.
The Good
- Nice Decor: Travelers frequently compliment the room design, noting that the artistic touches and modern style make the stay feel special.
- Views: Almost everyone agrees that the views from the upper floors are unbeatable.
- Cleanliness: Reviews consistently mention that the rooms are clean and modern.
- Location: Travelers love being able to walk to SoHo, Tribeca, and the subway easily.
The Bad
- The Lobby: It is very small and not very impressive. It can get crowded easily with luggage and people checking in.
- Elevators: There are only a few elevators for the whole building. During busy times, you might wait a while.
- Noise: It is NYC, so street noise is common on lower floors. Also, rooms on the very top floors can sometimes hear music from the rooftop bar at night.
Where to Eat: My “Must-Visit” Chinatown Staples
Since you are staying in the heart of one of the world’s best food neighborhoods, you have to skip the hotel sandwich and head to these local legends.
All four of these spots are just a short walk from Hotel 50 Bowery.
1. Nom Wah Tea Parlor
If you want history, this is it. Nom Wah is the oldest continuously running dim sum restaurant in NYC, opening its doors way back in 1920.
It has a vintage “diner” feel and is located on Doyers Street – a famous winding alleyway.
Just a heads-up: this restaurant only accepts cash or American Express.
- What to order: The “OG” Egg Roll and their classic shrimp dumplings.
2. Mei Lai Wah
This is the place for the famous pineapple buns you see all over social media.
Mei Lai Wah has been a neighborhood staple since the 1960s.
Be prepared for a line, but don’t worry, as it moves fast!
- What to order: The Baked Roast Pork Bun or the Pineapple Bun with Roast Pork (the perfect mix of sweet and salty).
3. Wah Fung No. 1 Fast Food
This tiny, “hole-in-the-wall” spot is famous for having the best value in Manhattan.
There is no seating here, so do what the locals do: grab your food and walk across the street to Sara D. Roosevelt Park to eat on a bench.
- What to order: Roast pork over rice. It’s a huge portion of delicious, caramelized meat for an incredibly low price.
- Frugal Tip: Since there is no seating at Wah Fung, do what the locals do: take your container to the benches at Sara D. Roosevelt Park across the street. It’s the perfect spot for “people watching” while enjoying the best value meal in the city.
4. The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Finish your food tour at this family-run shop that has been around since 1978.
The Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is known for “regular” flavors that are actually Asian-inspired, while “exotic” flavors are things like vanilla and chocolate!
- What to order: Almond Cookie or Black Sesame.
Must-See Sights Near Hotel 50 Bowery
While Chinatown is world-renowned for its culinary scene, the area is not only about food and culture; it’s also about visiting some of NYC’s most significant historical and artistic sites.
All of these landmarks are within easy walking distance of the hotel.
If you have more time to explore, all of these sights are included in Part 3 of my NYC Walking Tour: Chinatown and Little Italy, which provides a step-by-step route through the neighborhood.
Parks & Squares
- Columbus Park: Just a few blocks away, this park is the heart of the community. In the mornings, you’ll see residents practicing Tai Chi or playing intense games of Chinese chess.
- Chatham Square: A major intersection that has served as a gateway to Chinatown for over a century.
- Kim Lau Square: Home to the Kim Lau Memorial Arch, which honors Chinese-Americans who died in service to the United States.
Historical Sites
- African Burial Ground National Monument: A deeply moving and free historical site. It serves as a memorial to the enslaved and free Africans who lived and worked in colonial New York, providing a sobering and essential contrast to the neighborhood’s bustle.
- Mahayana Buddhist Temple: Located right at the foot of the Manhattan Bridge, this is the largest Buddhist temple in Chinatown. Don’t miss the stunning 16-foot golden statue of Buddha. It is one of the most impressive (and free) interior sights in Lower Manhattan.
- Museum at Eldridge Street: Set in a breathtaking restored 1887 synagogue, this museum tells the story of the Jewish immigrant experience in the Lower East Side.
Urban Art
- Audrey at Mulberry: One of the most photographed murals in the city, this stunning portrait of Audrey Hepburn by artist Tristan Eaton is located at Mulberry and Canal Streets.
- Big City of Dreams: Located nearby on Broome Street, this iconic mural by Tristan Eaton celebrates the energy and grit of New York City.
Final Thoughts
While Hotel 50 Bowery might not be the best choice for first-time visitors looking to be near Times Square, it is an absolute gem for everyone else.
The “warehouse-cool” design, combined with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, makes the property feel far more high-end than its price suggests.
If you value an authentic, diverse neighborhood and a hotel with real character, I highly recommend staying here.
Just remember to bring your appetite and your walking shoes for an unforgettable Chinatown experience!
ADVERTISER DISCLOSURE: The Frugal Tourist is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as MileValue.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. All information about the American Express Schwab Platinum has been collected independently by The Frugal Tourist.
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