These days a trip to New York City is no bargain and the sticker shock these days is no longer confined to five star hotels. According to NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization, NYC’s average daily room rate in 2012 was $290.
It is possible to visit Manhattan without breaking the bank. Here’s a short list of cheap and chic hotel suggestions and alternative sightseeing activities that are both fun and affordable:
Starting a $69 per bed, per night, THE OUT NYC's 'Shared Luxury Accommodations' comfortably sleep four people, perfect for families on the go, a group of friends traveling together or the social traveler looking to make friends while traveling. The rooms are just steps from some popular destinations including Times Square and Broadway. Complimentary amenities include The Spa, including saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools and more. www.theoutnyc.com
The family-friendly Broadway @ Times Square or The Hotel @ Times Square properties are part of the Apple Core Hotels brand and located in midtown Manhattan. These hotels are the perfect destination for travelers with kids - especially since children under the age of 12 stay for free. Room rates at these budget-friendly properties start from $195 and include full continental breakfast served daily, WiFi and use of a fitness center; applecorehotels.com/broadway-at-times-square-hotel. applecorehotels.com/the-hotel-at-times-square
Following a full restoration, The Jane has been reincarnated as an edgy 200-room micro hotel. Standard rooms are tiny at 50 square-feet, but start from just $99 per night. All of the rooms are designed like luxury train cabins with a single bed, built-in drawers, luggage rack, personal television, and come with river views or a balcony. www.thejanenyc.com
With a room rates starting at $89 per night, Pod 51 was one of the originators of the micro-hotel concept and accommodates the needs of today's savvy, "young-minded" traveler. Located in Midtown East and a short walk from Central Park, this hotel offers fun communal spaces and amenities including a seasonal outdoor/indoor cafe and a rooftop garden to hang out in and relax after exploring the city. www.thepodhotel.com
Many of New York City’s best landmarks and attractions can cost a pretty penny. Even with a great hotel rate there are additional ways to stretch your travel budget for a splurge-worthy treat while still experiencing the best frill and thrills.
Sightseeing bus tours cost upwards of $54 a person. New York City was made for walking and Pod Hotels now offer their guests free guided city walking tours with authentic NYC tour company, Streetwise. From exploring the immigrant and hipster neighborhoods of Lower East Side and Chinatown to discovering the artistic character of the High Line and West Village, the Pod tours will show you the neighborhoods by day before you come back to experience them at night.
More of a DIY traveler? Pick up a custom made guide map at The Jade Hotel and explore the windy and historic cobble stone streets of Greenwich Village where 19th century row hoses and warehouses became the places where jazz, art, and culture thrived.
For social media savvy young adults who want to Tweet their trip pics including some astonishing skylines, opt for an alternative to the pricey Top of the Rock Observation Center. La Quinta Manhattan (W. 32nd St.), best known for its indoor/outdoor rooftop VU bar, offers stunning views of Manhattan. The $25 you would have spent on a Top of the Rock ticket can go toward enjoying a beer and earning “likes” on your newly posted, close-up shot of the Empire State building.
If the $25 price of admission to some of NYC’s museums leaves you with sticker shock, art enthusiasts can visit the rotating gallery at THE OUT NYC. The hotel’s in-depth arts programming and large-scale installations coincide with major dates on the NYC art world calendar. The rotating gallery shows the work from seasoned veterans and emerging stars with pieces ranging from paintings to sculptures, drawings, and photographs of the highest quality.
Other freebie activities:
- Wander around Central Park
- Ride the free Staten Island Ferry and experiencing amazing views of lower Manhattan, www.siferry.com
- Stop into the famous Grand Central Terminal - celebrating their 100 year anniversary
- Read your way through the New York Library
- People-watch at Times Square
- Visit the Apple Store at 58th Street and Fifth Avenue which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year
- Window shop along Fifth Avenue
Through midnight, April 11, buy one-way tickets to New York City-LaGuardia for $109. This rate is valid on any day of the week when trips are completed on or before June 26 (with no blackout dates!). The same rate applies on trips completed on or before Oct. 30, but only on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
Participating carriers include AirTran, American or Delta Air Lines - all with frequent daily nonstop service.
Sale airfares are always subject to change. Every seat on every flight is not offered at the lowest rate. Since only a limited supply of seats is available, act quickly to make your purchase.
I recommend starting the search for available seats at Kayak.com vs. calling an airline directly. You can also search for the sale at travel websites such as Expedia, Orbitz or Travelocity, etc.
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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