Where to Stay for the NYC Marathon for Comfort & Convenience Along the Race Route 

Each November, tens of thousands of runners and spectators from around the world descend upon New York City for one of the most iconic races on the planet: the TCS New York City Marathon.  

From the starting line in Staten Island to the finish in Central Park, the city buzzes with energy, anticipation, and celebration. 

And there are ideal places to stay all along the race route, especially closer to the finish line where so much of the action happens. 

Whether you’re planning to run, support a friend or family member running, or are a media member, production staff personnel, or corporate sponsor — or maybe you just want to simply experience the excitement first-hand — where you stay can make a major difference in how smoothly your marathon weekend goes.  

That’s why short-term, fully furnished housing in strategic locations throughout the city is the ideal option for comfort, convenience, and a worry-free experience. 

Here’s an overview of the best neighborhoods and furnished accommodations to consider throughout New York City — and along the course route — so you can focus on the race, not the logistics. 

Why Choose Furnished Housing Over Hotels?

Hotels in NYC book up quickly and prices skyrocket during marathon weekend.  

Plus, not all hotels offer the space, privacy, or amenities that runners and leisure and business travelers may need, especially for longer stays. 

Furnished apartments from the extensive Furnished Quarters inventory of housing in New York City give you all of the comforts of home: 

• Fully equipped kitchens (hello, carb-loading!) 
• Separate living and sleeping areas for better rest 
• High-speed Wi-Fi and dedicated workspaces 
• In-unit or on-site laundry access 
• On-site amenities that may include fitness centers 
• A sense of calm amid the marathon chaos 

And the best part of it all is we offer top-quality furnished housing in some of the most convenient neighborhoods in and around the marathon route. 

Top NYC Neighborhoods Near the Starting Line in Staten Island

1. Downtown Manhattan (Battery Park City & Financial District)

While Staten Island doesn’t have many short-term rental options, staying in Lower Manhattan provides quick and easy access to the Staten Island Ferry, which many runners use to get to the start village in Fort Wadsworth. 

Why stay here? It’s safe, quiet on weekends, and just a short subway ride from anywhere in the city. The ferry ride is free and scenic — a peaceful start to a high-energy day. 

Furnished housing listings in Battery Park City and FiDi by Furnished Quarters offer modern apartments with river views and proximity to local parks for pre-race stretches. 

2. Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn

Another strategic area is just across the Brooklyn Bridge.  

Staying in Brooklyn Heights or Downtown Brooklyn gives you access to multiple public transit options to the Staten Island Ferry or marathon course itself. 

Why stay here? Charming brownstones, leafy streets, and a less hectic pace than Manhattan. You’ll still be close enough to the action while enjoying a relaxing atmosphere. 

Convenient Locations Along the Marathon Route

If you want to stay near friends, family, or cheering sections that are closer to the finish line, consider housing options along the course. 

3. Upper East Side & Upper West Side

The Upper East Side and Upper West Side neighborhoods line the later stages of the marathon route and offer easy access to the finish line in Central Park. 

These are close to a lot of New York City’s best places to visit, eat, and hang out, too. Check out some of our prime short-term housing listings on the UES and UWS and see for yourself. 

After the race, you’ll be thankful for a short walk home instead of navigating subways or rideshares on sore legs. Both neighborhoods are known for being safe, scenic, and residential. 

You’ll be near iconic attractions like the Met, the American Museum of Natural History, and of course, Central Park for a recovery stroll. 

4. Midtown Manhattan

Midtown Manhattan offers the ultimate in central convenience, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends who want to explore the city before and after the race. 

There is easy access to major subway lines, Times Square, Bryant Park, and top dining spots on both the Eastside and Westside of Midtown. It’s also a transit hub to get to the ferry or finish line area, and for trains to enter and leave the city. 

Consider any of our furnished apartments in Midtown for your NYC Marathon stay. 

Pro Tips for Marathon Travelers

Book Early

Furnished apartments fill up fast around marathon weekend. Lock in your stay weeks in advance. 

Consider Transit Access

Proximity to the Staten Island Ferry, subway lines, and buses is key — especially early race morning. 

Stock Your Kitchen

With your own kitchen, you can control your nutrition and prep meals that suit your pre- and post-race needs. Furnished Quarters has also partnered with Cozymeal to offer guests exclusive discounts on their services such as meal prep and delivery, fridge stocking, private chef meals and more.  

Stay with Furnished Quarters for Your NYC Marathon Experience

Whether you’re running 26.2 miles or cheering from the sidelines, you deserve a stress-free and comfortable stay in or around New York City for the big race. 

Furnished Quarters offers stylish, fully furnished apartments in prime NYC locations that are ideal for marathon participants, family members, and spectators alike. 

With flexible stays that only require a 30-day minimum length of stay, hotel-like amenities that ensure you’re comfortable and safe for the entirety of your trip, and that true home-away-from-home experience that is irreplicable, you’ll have everything you need to focus on what really matters: making the most of your marathon experience in the greatest city in the world.