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New York City
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Some people believe that there are no inexpensive hotels in New York City, but they are mistaken. It is true that New York is the most expensive travel destination in the USA; and that the average price of a hotel room is about $200 per night. In addition to the basic price of a room, you must pay a 12% city tax, and another $20 to $30 per night to park your car. Nevertheless, there are some inexpensive alternative accommodations in the Big Apple.
Inexpensive alternatives
Less expensive accommodations can be a bit more difficult to find in the New York City area if you do not know where to look. Here are some tips on how to locate a decent place to sleep in New York City without spending your entire vacation savings.
First of all, most New York City hotels are located in Manhattan, which is where the major attractions are located. The cultural attractions, the theaters, the museums, the entertainment venues, many restaurants, and much of the business and commerce are all located in Manhattan. There are a few hotels in the outlying boroughs especially near the LaGuardia airport and JFK airports, however the selection is limited. There are also hotels across the Hudson River in New Jersey.
The New York Youth Hostel is the biggest bargain
The American Youth Hostel Association (AYH), an affiliate of Hostelling International, operates the largest Youth Hostel in the world on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. You don't have to be a youth to use it, but you do have to be a member of Hostelling International or the AYH. The 624-bed hostel is located at 891 Amsterdam Avenue near Broadway and 97th Street. For about $30, you get a private locker and a bunk bed with linens in a room shared by four to six people. Take your own padlock to secure your personal belongings!
The hostel is a short walk from the subway and bus stops on upper Broadway, which provide convenient transportation throughout the city. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, convenience stores and shops of all kinds in the neighborhood. This hostel contains a coffee shop, snack bar, convenience store, Internet access, and laundromat. Volunteer hosts graciously provide free sightseeing information and assistance with transportation or other special needs. The hostel even offers an outdoor barbecue cookout every summer evening. It is best to reserve your accommodations in advance especially during the summer. Otherwise, it's best to arrive early in the day to secure one of the beds they keep available for walk-in guests.
Shared-bath hotels in Manhattan are inexpensive
Hotels that offer rooms with shared bathing facilities are rare in the USA, but here are some in New York City that offer rooms for less than $100 per night. Click on the links to obtain additional information, check the prices and make your reservations!
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 $80 |
West Side Inn 237 W 107th St. Click for information, prices, reservations ! |
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$80 |
Americana Inn 69 W 38th St. Click for information, prices, reservations ! |
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$80 |
Hotel 31 120 E 31th St. Click for information, prices, reservations ! |
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Search for other New York City Hotels
Click for information, prices, reservations ! |
Have a car? Stay in New Jersey
If you are driving to New York City, I strongly suggest that you stay outside of Manhattan. A car can be a liability in the city, whereas public transportation is readily available and very efficient. In most neighborhoods, on-street parking is almost nonexistent and parking garages charge a small fortune. Traffic can be a nightmare during rush hours.
New Jersey offers some hotel options that are friendlier to car owners and are less expensive. You can find accommodations in Newark near the airport, in Secaucus near the Meadowlands Arena, or in Jersey City. They are not as convenient as a hotel in Manhattan, but they generally provide larger rooms at lower prices. Plus, taxes are lower and parking is free.
I personally prefer the hotels in Secaucus. The area around Newark airport is a bit too industrial. In Secaucus, the hotels are near a shopping mall with restaurants and shops, and transportation into the city is convenient. For additional information about accommodations in Secaucus including a map and listing of hotels, check our Secaucus, New Jersey accommodations page! Secaucus Accommodations
Bed and Breakfast accommodations and apartments
There are some Bed and Breakfast establishments in New York City. For the most part, they are more expensive than cheap hotels, but if you search the Internet, you might be able to find one of the less expensive B & Bs.
Apartments are also very expensive in the city. You can find short-term vacation rentals through several agencies, but they may not be very economical.
Written by: Mike Leco
New York Links
Easytobook offers online reservations to a large selection of hotels in New York City such as the Crown Plaza or the Hilton hotel. This site also features city information, tourist information and hotel ratings.
