The Harrison Waterfront Redevelopment Plan focuses on capitalizing on the areas of the city that incorporate the Passaic River and the Harrison PATH Station. Where factories and warehouses once lined the river, residential developments and retail establishments are now taking their place. The plan seeks development that incorporates the city's cultural, industrial, and environmental history while presenting a new identity for Harrison.
The population of Harrison was 13,620 in the 2010 census and 16,231 in 2016 estimates. The Newark suburb is in Hudson County, tucked just south of East Newark. The land Harrison now occupies was part of a charter granted to Capt. William Sandford of Barbados. The 30,000 acres of land, called New Barbadoes Neck, went from Newark Bay to what is now Rutherford, between the Hackensack and Passaic rivers.
In 1825, the New Jersey Legislature changed the area's name from New Barbadoes Neck to Township of Lodi in Bergen County. The township, along with present-day Bayonne, Hoboken, Jersey City, Secaucus, Weehawken, and Union City, petitioned for the creation of a new county because of their distance from the county seat in Hackensack. Through this appeal, which resulted in the creation of Hudson County, the Township of Harrison was established in 1840. Following changes that restructured the township's borders and created new communities, Harrison was established as a town in 1869.
Harrison was known as the Beehive of Industry because of its industrial growth. The first steam engine in North America was set up in the area to help drain water away from the Schuyler copper mine. Numerous industries have operated in Harrison since that time. Edison Light Works opened a factory in Harrison in 1882 that was very successful, but its operations moved elsewhere in 1929. RCA bought and expanded the property in 1930 and manufactured 3 billion radio tubes until closing in 1976.
What are the best times to visit Harrison, NJ?
The best time to visit Harrison would fall between the beginning of May and the end of September, when high temperatures range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s. Tourism is at its peak during these months, so hotel rates will be higher. If you want to visit during this season, you'll want to book early both to save money and to ensure room availability.
You can score a cheaper rate if you travel earlier in May or later in September. The temperatures get quite cold much of the rest of the year, and tourism is down, but if you do travel during winter, you'll get the lowest rates of the year.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Harrison, NJ:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average rate patterns by star rating class in Harrison, NJ. Analyze these line graphs to determine the best time to make a reservation in Harrison for upcoming travels.
What are the luxury hotels in Harrison, NJ?
4 Star Average Prices: $212.22
Element Harrison - Newark in Harrison offers luxurious features amid bright contemporary decor. The individually decorated rooms feature kitchens equipped with full-size refrigerators and stovetops, as well as 32-inch LCD televisions.
Enjoy exquisite views from the rooftop terrace, enjoy the large indoor pool highlighted by skylights, take advantage of the fitness facilities, and grab a free newspaper in the lobby. Dine at The Station or get a drink in the on-site bar. You can also meet other guests at the hotel's complimentary reception, held on certain days. A free continental breakfast is served each morning. If you need to get some work done, the business center is open 24 hours a day.
Alternatively, take advantage of the central location of Hotel Indigo Newark Downtown, which is just a few blocks from the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Newark Museum. Rooms come with flat-screen televisions, designer toiletries, and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy amazing views from the rooftop terrace, grab a meal and a drink at Ainsworth, or relax in your room with room service during limited hours. Cooked-to-order breakfast is available for a fee. The hotel provides a 24-hour business center, a gift shop, limo/town car service, and a free shuttle that operates within 2 miles and provides round-trip airport transportation.
Courtyard by Marriott Newark Downtown is brightly decorated with vibrant colors in a contemporary style. Your luxurious room will feature stunning views, a refrigerator, a coffee/tea maker, and a flat-screen television. Wi-Fi is available for a surcharge. Meals are available at the on-site restaurant, and you can get beverages and snacks at the coffee shop and a drink at the bar. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are served for a fee. Amenities include 24-hour fitness facilities, a business center, a round-trip airport shuttle, and free newspapers in the lobby.
What are the affordable hotel options in Harrison, NJ?
3 Star Average Prices: $140.53
Hampton Inn & Suites Newark-Harrison-Riverwalk in Harrison is a highly rated hotel on the Passaic River with affordable rates for basic rooms. You'll enjoy premium bedding, a sofa bed, a refrigerator, a flat-screen television, and free wired and wireless internet access. The hotel offers a large indoor pool with skylights, fitness facilities, a 24-hour business center, and free newspapers in the lobby. Take advantage of the free breakfast, or sit on the terrace and enjoy the scenic views of the river.
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Newark International Airport in Newark is a budget-friendly hotel about 6 miles from Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall. Rooms feature refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, and free bottled water. Dine or have a drink at Ted's Bar & Grill, or choose room service during limited hours. Buffet breakfasts are served each morning for a fee. You can exercise in the fitness center and get work done in the business center.
Basic rooms at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Newark Airport in Newark are reasonably priced and only 1.5 miles from the airport for your convenience. Rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea makers, and free weekday newspapers. If you need to get some exercise, swim laps in the indoor pool or work out in the fitness center. Dine at the on-site restaurant or get a drink at the bar. Buffet breakfasts are served each morning for a fee. Bring an Ethernet cord for your laptop, as wired internet access is free but wireless access carries a fee.
2 Star Average Prices: $170.80
What are the discount options in Harrison, NJ?
Seniors, AAA members, government employees, and members of the military can get room discounts at TRYP by Wyndham Newark Downtown. Dutch's Gastropub is an on-site restaurant that specializes in Spanish cuisine. It's open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Buffet breakfast is available each day for a fee. In your room, you can relax in your comfortable bed while watching cable programming on the flat-screen television or catching up on social media using free wired or wireless internet access. The hotel offers a 24-hour fitness center, a business center, coffee and tea in common areas, a convenience store, and a library.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Newark Liberty International in Newark offers government/military, AAA, and senior discounts. Your room will feature a refrigerator, a microwave, a flat-screen TV, a separate sitting area, and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy the refreshing indoor pool and the relaxing spa tub, or get in a good workout at the fitness center. The hotel provides a business center and free 24-hour round-trip airport shuttle.
What are the top hotels in Harrison, NJ?
Home2 Suites by Hilton Newark Airport, which is within a short drive of the Statue of Liberty, offers an indoor pool, fitness center, and business center. You can make your own meals in your kitchenette, which features a full-size refrigerator and microwave. Enjoy premium channels on your 40-inch flat-screen television, and stay connected with free wired and wireless internet access. A free buffet breakfast is served every day.
At Comfort Suites Newark, you can relax on your pillowtop bed or lounge on the double sofa bed. Your room will also feature a 32-inch TV and free Wi-Fi. The hotel provides a fitness center, a 24-hour business center, and free newspapers.
What are the best things to do in Harrison, NJ?
West Hudson Park, located in both Harrison and Kearny, provides expansive open space as well as sports facilities, picnic areas, two playgrounds, a spray pool, 4 miles of walkways, a scenic lake, attractive bridges, and a Chinese gazebo. The 46-acre park combines active and passive space to offer both fun and relaxation.
The Henry Mutz Museum of Harrison, housed in the Town Hall Annex's lower level, is named for Henry Mutz, the first historian of Harrison. Mutz, who served from 1980 to 1989, had an extensive collection of local memorabilia that took him years to accumulate. He used a room in his home to display all of the artifacts he'd collected. When he died in 1989, his family donated his collection to the town.
The New York Red Bulls Major League Soccer team plays in the Red Bull Arena in Harrison. The stadium holds about 25,000 people and features a natural grass field and a wavy, translucent European-style roof that covers the seats but not the field itself. Built along the Passaic River, the arena offers a view of the Newark skyline.
Harrison, New Jersey, offers shopping, dining, cultural attractions, recreation, historic sites, and much more. Find your favorite hotel and book a room here to experience the best this town has to offer.
FAQs about hotels in Harrison
What did travelers think of the city of Harrison?
Below are reviews of the city of Harrison, NJ from an actual visitor's perspective.
"View"
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4.0 / 5
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Yeshiva M., from 12-Oct-2026
"Convenient to airport, good Spanish and Portuguese restaurants."
Score
5.0 / 5
Convenient to airport, good Spanish and Portuguese restaurants.
Michael G., from 13-Sep-2024
"Clean"
Score
5.0 / 5
We were just going through but the little part of the city we saw I felt was clean.
Diana G., from 20-Jul-2024
"Spanish Pavillion and La Fiamma are great!"
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4.0 / 5
Spanish Pavillion and La Fiamma are great!
Janis B., from 04-Jun-2024
"Near Prudential Center & Airport"
Score
5.0 / 5
Great location - close to the Prudential Center and airport.
Lorraine M., from 14-Aug-2023
"Very Picturesque!"
Score
5.0 / 5
It is very picturesque.
Marina C., from 12-Jun-2023
"Nice Shuttle"
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5.0 / 5
Hotel had a shuttle going to the venue and that was nice!
Michael L., from 08-Apr-2023
The average traveler rating of the city of Harrison, NJ shown above is
4.7 out of 5 based on 7 reviews