Traveling through Newark, I decided to indulge in something more than the usual stay. Newark’s downtown has a fascinating mix of historic charm and modern flair, and tucked into this energy are some outstanding luxury hotels. Each property I explored offered a different slice of Newark living, from skyline views to upscale dining, and each left me with impressions that stayed long after check-out. Over several visits, I learned the ins and outs of booking, timing, and experiencing these hotels to the fullest, and I want to share a detailed, step-by-step guide through Newark’s most notable downtown luxury accommodations.
What makes Newark unique is the way its energy intertwines history and modernity. Walking its streets, you see restored brick buildings, contemporary glass towers, public art installations, and bustling cafés. Staying in a luxury hotel here isn’t just about the room—it’s about immersing yourself in this cultural mix, from the convenience of being steps away from performing arts venues to savoring locally inspired cuisine, or walking along the waterfront nearby.
1. The Robert Treat Hotel by Best Western Premier Collection
Location: 50 Park Place, Newark, NJ
Stepping into The Robert Treat Hotel, I immediately felt a sense of grandeur. This hotel, dating back over a century, has hosted presidents, celebrities, and business magnates, and the lobby preserves that old-world charm. Ornate chandeliers hang from the ceiling, marble floors gleam under soft lighting, and historical portraits of Newark’s past adorn the walls.
I stayed in a deluxe corner room on the 12th floor. Large windows offered sweeping views of Military Park and the city skyline. The décor balanced classical elegance with modern convenience: plush bedding, blackout curtains, and high-speed Wi-Fi made working and relaxing equally effortless.
Dining at Maize Restaurant, located on-site, was another highlight. I remember savoring a dish of pan-seared Atlantic salmon with a citrus glaze, accompanied by roasted local vegetables. Breakfast the following morning included made-to-order omelets, fresh pastries, and locally roasted coffee—each bite was a reminder that Newark’s culinary scene is quietly refined.
Traveler Reviews: Many guests online praise the hotel for its historic atmosphere and central location. Some note that certain areas reflect the building’s age, but attentive staff and thoughtful updates in the rooms more than make up for it.
Cost & Booking: Prices generally start around \$150–\$200 per night when booked early. Using Booking.com or Hotels.com, I frequently find discounted rates with free cancellation. Occasionally, Expedia offers bundled hotel-plus-flight deals that shave off another 10–15% on total travel costs.
Pro Tip: Signing up for Best Western Rewards is a must. On one trip, the points I accumulated allowed me to secure a free weekend stay in Boston, which felt like a double win.
Nearby, Military Park provides a scenic spot to relax after checking in. I often took an early morning walk around its fountain and lawns, enjoying the contrast between the quiet park and the bustling streets of downtown Newark.
2. DoubleTree by Hilton Newark Penn Station
Location: Gateway Center, 1048 Raymond Boulevard, Newark, NJ
The DoubleTree by Hilton immediately charmed me with its thoughtful touches. Arriving at Terminal C of Newark Liberty International Airport earlier that day, I appreciated how straightforward my transfer into downtown was. The hotel’s skybridge connection to Newark Penn Station is a game-changer. Without ever stepping onto the street, I could access NJ Transit, PATH trains to New York City, and Amtrak lines.
Check-in came with the classic warm chocolate chip cookie, a small but surprisingly comforting gesture after hours of travel. My room, on the 15th floor overlooking the city, was spacious and modern, featuring Hilton’s signature Serenity Beds. I particularly appreciated the executive lounge, which offered complimentary breakfast, evening snacks, and a quiet space to catch up on work.
Traveler Reviews: Guests consistently praise the location and transit access. Some note occasional street noise, but being on a higher floor significantly reduces this issue.
Cost & Booking: Nightly rates ranged from \$180–\$250, though booking a package deal on Expedia including breakfast saved me roughly \$40 over two nights. Mid-week stays were noticeably cheaper than weekends, which tend to fill up quickly during Prudential Center events.
Pro Tip: Check Hilton Honors rates and promotions. During one visit, a flash sale offered 20% off room rates with free breakfast—a significant saving.
For convenience, I often walked from the hotel to nearby Newark attractions, such as the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, which was only a five-minute stroll. Seeing a show there after a day of exploring the Ironbound district made the city feel alive, and returning to the comfort of my room was seamless.
3. TRYP by Wyndham Newark Downtown
Location: 24 East Park Street, Newark, NJ
I gravitate toward hotels with personality, and TRYP by Wyndham did not disappoint. From the moment I entered the lobby, the vibrant colors, exposed brick walls, and lively bar area made me feel energized. The hotel attracts both tourists and local professionals, which added to the urban buzz.
My room on the 10th floor offered a perfect view of the downtown skyline, and the industrial-chic aesthetic made it feel more like a boutique hotel than a standard chain property. The on-site restaurant impressed me with its Portuguese-style seafood stew, a nod to Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood. I also loved that the staff recommended nearby eateries and bakeries, which made my culinary exploration of the city easier.
Traveler Reviews: Many guests appreciate the stylish décor and attentive staff. Some mention that rooms are smaller than expected, but I found the ambiance and location made up for it.
Cost & Booking: Rates hover around \$170–\$220 per night. Using Hotels.com rewards, I effectively halved the price of my stay on a previous trip.
Pro Tip: Check Wyndham Rewards promotions. Signing up can earn bonus points for stays, and occasionally there are “stay two nights, get double points” deals.
Nearby attractions include Military Park and the Newark Museum of Art, both within a ten-minute walk. On one afternoon, I spent hours wandering the museum before heading back to my room for a sunset view from my window.
4. Courtyard by Marriott Newark Downtown
Location: 858 Broad Street, Newark, NJ
Courtyard by Marriott offered a perfect combination of business efficiency and comfort. Located near the Prudential Center, it was ideal for both conference trips and leisure visits. The lobby is spacious and modern, with plenty of seating areas for meetings or casual relaxation. I often started my mornings at the Bistro, enjoying a Starbucks coffee and made-to-order breakfast.
My room was sleek, with the minimalist décor that Marriott is known for. I appreciated the quiet, despite the central downtown location, which allowed for restful sleep before a full day of exploring Newark’s cultural scene.
Traveler Reviews: Guests repeatedly praise the hotel for cleanliness, reliable Wi-Fi, and modern facilities. Business travelers note the helpful workspaces, while leisure visitors enjoy proximity to restaurants and theaters.
Cost & Booking: Nightly rates ranged from \$160–\$210. Booking via Marriott Bonvoy provided double points promotions, which I used to offset future stays in other cities.
Pro Tip: Marriott Bonvoy credit card holders can maximize points and unlock upgrades. On one visit, an upgrade to a corner room with a skyline view cost nothing but points.
Nearby, I explored Military Park and New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The proximity made it easy to mix relaxation and cultural engagement without needing to drive.
5. Hotel Indigo Newark Downtown
Location: 810 Broad Street, Newark, NJ
I was drawn to Hotel Indigo because of its boutique charm. The lobby immediately felt vibrant, with colorful murals and eclectic furniture. The rooftop bar offered panoramic views of downtown Newark—a feature I could not resist photographing during sunset.
My room was cozy yet artistic, featuring bold wallpapers and modern amenities. The hotel has strong ties to the local arts scene; staff provided recommendations for gallery openings, live performances, and local dining, enhancing my stay with unique experiences.
Traveler Reviews: Guests rave about the rooftop bar and boutique vibe. Some note minor wear in areas due to the building’s age, but the artistic and cultural integration makes up for it.
Cost & Booking: Prices typically range from \$180–\$230 per night. Booking through Expedia’s member rates shaved about 12% off the cost.
Pro Tip: Pair your booking with flights using Google Hotels to find package deals that sometimes aren’t listed elsewhere.
Nearby, I visited Newark Museum of Art, Military Park, and even walked to the Prudential Center for an evening concert. Returning to the hotel’s rooftop lounge afterward created one of those perfect city experiences—great music, a skyline view, and a cocktail in hand.
Booking Platforms I Used and Recommend
To secure the best rates and perks, I rotated between:
- Booking.com – Great for flexible cancellation, detailed reviews, and frequent discounts.
- Hotels.com – Loyalty program offers one free night after ten stays.
- Expedia – Bundling flights and hotels often results in significant savings.
- Google Hotels – Alerts on sudden price drops are incredibly useful.
For longer stays or unique loft-style accommodations, Airbnb was occasionally a good option, but for luxury and downtown convenience, hotels consistently delivered superior amenities and service.
Tips for Maximizing Value
- Book early – Many downtown Newark hotels raise prices last minute.
- Mid-week stays – Typically cheaper than weekends, especially near Prudential Center.
- Loyalty programs – Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, Wyndham Rewards, and Best Western Rewards all provide extra points, upgrades, and member rates.
- Package deals – Check Expedia or Google Hotels for hotel-plus-flight savings.
- Check local promotions – Hotels often run seasonal offers, like double points or discounted breakfast.
- Room choice – High floors minimize street noise and provide better views.
- Dining – Take advantage of on-site restaurants for convenience and curated menus.
- Walking radius – Many attractions are accessible on foot, saving transport costs and adding to the urban experience.
- Booking flexibility – Choose platforms offering free cancellation to adapt to schedule changes.
- Special events – Be aware of sports games or concerts, which can spike prices.
Each of these downtown hotels gave me a distinct experience: historic elegance, modern chic, or rooftop glamour. What united them all was the sense of Newark hospitality—a city that continues to surprise and welcome travelers with open arms.
Whether savoring a Portuguese-style seafood stew, watching a performance at the NJ Performing Arts Center, or enjoying a skyline view with a cocktail, Newark’s luxury hotels transform a standard trip into a multi-sensory city adventure. By planning strategically, leveraging loyalty programs, and exploring beyond the hotel walls, I discovered that a stay in downtown Newark could be both indulgent and remarkably accessible.
