It's been a whirlwind month of back-to-back World Cup matches and now we're down to four talent-packed teams competing for a spot in the final game. If you're planning to watch the top two soccer teams in the world duke it out for the trophy, you'll be heading to East Rutherford, New Jersey this weekend — the home of the MetLife Stadium.
If you're not familiar with this suburb outside of New York City, you might not be sure exactly where you should stay. The right choice depends on what your plans are for the trip. Are you just flying in and out for the game? Then, you'll want to stick close to the stadium to minimize the stress of game-day transportation. Are you making a bigger summer vacation out of it? Then, you might be better off with a more centrally located home base that allows you to easily visit more than just the stadium.
Not sure where to start? Here's our guide to some of the top hotels in the area for every style of World Cup traveler.
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How to choose where to stay for the World Cup final
Where you choose to stay can make or break your World Cup final experience. With the championship match being played in East Rutherford, your best bet is to stay in town.
Fortunately, this is a solid home base even for travelers looking to make a bigger trip out of it with visits to iconic nearby locations like Manhattan or the Jersey Shore. Here are three hotel options that cater to different types of travelers.
For the die-hard fans who want to be in the action: Hampton Inn Carlstadt - At The Meadowlands
Located a stone's throw from MetLife Stadium, the Hampton Inn Carlstadt - At The Meadowlands is the ideal choice for fans who want to be as close to the action as possible. The hotel offers a shuttle service for guests to get you to the stadium. You won't have to deal with any of the stress those trying to drive in will be dealing with.
After the game is over, you're just 30 minutes away from Times Square by public transit, so visiting the iconic sites of New York City will be a breeze. As for your stay in the hotel itself, you'll enjoy free hot breakfast, free parking and free WiFi — everything you need for a comfortable stay.
When you've got the whole family in tow: Homewood Suites by Hilton East Rutherford
If you need extra space and amenities to accommodate parents and kids, try the Homewood Suites by Hilton East Rutherford. Here you can get a suite with a fully-equipped kitchen and extra space for the kids. That kitchen can save you money on feeding the family throughout the day. But you'll also have access to free hot breakfast because who wants to cook in the morning on vacation?
Come match day, you're just two miles from the stadium. On a normal day, the drive would take less than 10 minutes. Though you'll want to allow for significantly more than that during the World Cup final — even if you're taking an Uber or shuttle and won't need to deal with parking.
It's also a convenient stay for hopping into the city for a day trip or two. You'll be just 40 minutes from Times Square by bus.
Make it a friend's trip to remember: Hilton Garden Inn Secaucus/Meadowlands
Traveling in a larger group but still want some space to yourself at the hotel? Consider the Hilton Garden Inn Secaucus/Meadowlands. The hotel offers confirmed connecting rooms so you can stay close, but you've got your own private space to retreat to when you need it.
There are also plenty of on-site spaces to gather with your friends. Wind down in the hot tub after a long day of cheering for your team or walking in the city. Grab dinner at the Garden Grille, the hotel's on-site restaurant. Plan the day's activities over a free hot breakfast in the morning.
When it's time to head to the World Cup final match, you'll be a little farther out than the previous two hotels. But the stadium is still accessible via public transit and the tradeoff is that you're much closer to New York City for the rest of your vacation. Times Square is a straight shot on the 190 bus line or a 30 minute drive if you prefer to call a rideshare or drive yourself.
Do not walk to the MetLife stadium
Even when you're staying at a hotel nearby, most locals recommend taking the train or bus — or calling a rideshare, like Uber or Lyft. While it might look like a walkable distance on the map, the MetLife stadium is surrounded by a network of major highways. Sidewalks are scarce and it's just not safe to walk to or from the stadium.
Fortunately, the local transit authorities have been working hard to make sure public transit is frequent and convenient so you'll be able to easily get to the stadium via bus or train — just plan for crowds and extra time above what the map on your phone is telling you.
On match days, the New York and New Jersey departments of transportation have coordinated official NYNJ Stadium shuttle buses that provide express service to the stadium.
The exorbitant transit ticket prices you might have heard about are largely referring to transit from New York City into East Rutherford. If you're staying in East Rutherford already, you'll spend a lot less.
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