Where To Eat On A Budget
Eating out and eating well in any large city can be pricey. But thanks to food carts and ethnic enclaves, eating well doesnt have to empty your wallet. New York City is a hotbed of eateries, with more than 24,000 restaurants in the five boroughs.
Instead of joining the throngs at one of the 50 Michelin-starred eateries, head to Haveli Banjara in the heart of the East Village. This expansive Indian restaurant on Curry Row stands apart from its unimaginative neighbours thanks to a unique and varied menu encompassing every regional cuisine in the South Asian nation. The chicken liver and poori appetizer is as mouthwatering as it sounds. Opt for one of the tandoori dishes or a traditional thali for a main course.
Across the river in Woodside, Queens, lies one of only two great Thai restaurants in the entire city. SriPraPhai still packs them in for dinner you might have to wait 30 minutes for a seat years after its opening. You wont just find pad thai and pad krapow on the menu, however. Think crispy minced catfish salad with mango and cashews or sauteed frog legs with basil and lime. Its Bangkok by way of 39th Avenue.
The Frederick Hotel Moderate
Hip Tribeca hotel with an all-day restaurant, fitness room, and valet parking for a fee situated a 7-minute walk from the One World Observatory, an 11-minute walk from the 9/11 Memorial, and a 17-minute walk from Chinatown. Every guest room features Frette linens, desks, designer toiletries, and mid-century modern decor some rooms have sofa beds.
Cheap Hotels In Greenwich Village
The area is centered around Washington Square Park and goes as far east as Broadway and west as 7th Avenue, from Houston Street to 14th Street.
This is quintessential New York City, bubbling with life 24 hours a day, partially due to 20,000 undergraduate students of New York University whose buildings dominate the area.
Greenwich Village is a neighborhood filled to the brim with cafes, bars, cheap restaurants, and comedy clubs, making it a great neighborhood to stay in.
This means it is not easy to find cheap accommodations here.
Below are two hotels that are not necessarily cheap, but affordable given the central location.
Check out our guide for things to do in Greenwich Village or join one of our free walking tours.
113 Jane Street | Rooms from $92 to $295.
This land-marked building located in what New Yorkers call the West Village has a deliberate kitsch nautical theme.
The building was constructed in 1908 for mariners in the early 20th century .
The nautical-cabin style 50-sq-ft room is kitsch, but not for the claustrophobic.
The small rooms cost a relatively small price to stay in a fabulous part of the northwest corner of Greenwich Village .
The cheaper rooms share bathrooms, but if you prefer your privacy, you will pay quite a bit more.
Free Wi-Fi and free bikes available for use.
See hotel photos and read their reviews on TripAdvisor.
This New York Times article outlines the unusual history of The Jane.
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Which Area Should You Stay In
Luxury hotels reign supreme in fashion-focussed SoHo. Browse art and fashionista-spot the day away then trot over to the fluttering lanterns and steaming dim sum of Chinatown.
If youre in the city on business, the shiny state-of-the-art hotels in New Yorks Financial District are a smart move. But if its NYCs thumping nightlife youre jetting in for, try TriBeCa or the Lower East Side, both laden with hip hangouts and buzzing eateries.
If you have the cash for five-star accommodation in New York or a four-star New York hotel and fancy plonking yourself amid rich folk and swanky boutiques, nab a spot in the Upper East Side. Its peaceful, super pretty and close to Central Park. But be prepared for a bit of a jaunt to get to the other attractions.
Broadway Tickets For Cheap
The same goes for Broadway shows. Fewer tourists mean that tickets are easier to come by and many shows offer discounts.
As with restaurants, there is also a Broadway Week, which actually lasts for 2 weeks and takes place in later summer and again in late January, when you can get 2 for 1 tickets to several popular shows.
There is even an off-Broadway Week in late September.
And as with museums and attractions in the slow season, discounts for Broadway shows can be had through Groupon and Living Social or through tourist passes.
We detail this in our budget tips section below.
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Hilton Garden Inn Times Square Central Moderate
Steps from Bryant Park and Times Square , this mid-range hotel is surrounded by shops and restaurants and sits a 10-minute walk from Grand Central Station and a 12-minute walk from Rockefeller Center. Hotel amenities include a 24-hour sundry shop, gym, lobby bar, and restaurant rooms feature refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, and desks.
New York Accommodation Thats Close To The Action
Greenwich Village retains its 1960s boho roots, plus a mellow mix of brownstones, jazz dens and fine food. Shake all this up with a generous dose of funk and youve got East Villages edgy bars and arty hangouts.
Chelsea is a solid bet for those who want to be within easy reach of the action but not slap-bang in the middle of it.
If its full-on buzz youre after, and dont bat an eyelid at noise and premium prices, theres no better location for hotels in New York than Times Square and the surrounding Midtown. Just south of Central Park, this area flashes with the neon of Times Square, the glitz of Broadway and is home to architectural giants such as the Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building.
Want to know how to get from the airport to your hotel? Take a look at our page .
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New York Might Be Notoriously Expensive But This Selection Of The Best Budget Hotels Leaves Change To Spend On The Finer Things
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Long ago, staying in a cheap hotel in New York City conjured up images of a filthy room in a questionable neighbourhood, with a surly receptionist and only the bare necessities consisting of a bed, dresser, toilet and TV, none of which necessarily worked properly.
Today, the citys most affordable hotels are the most stylish and tech-savvy spots in town, thanks to an influx of design-forward brands that encourage guests to hang out in lobbies with carefully curated lounge scenes or on rooftops amid sweeping city views.
This might mean the rooms are on the smaller side, but what they lack in size they make up for in artful decor, fun amenities and great technology.
Of course, a budget hotel room in the Big Apple still costs about $150 a night, depending on the season, but you can score further discounts by booking directly through a hotels website or by becoming a member of their loyalty programme.
Additionally, several hotels offer discounts with their advanced pre-pay rates. Be aware that these rates are non-refundable, however, so be certain youll make your stay or risk losing out.
The Independent’s hotel reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and book, but we never allow this to affect our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
Rates from $176
Rates from $138
Where To Find Cheap Hotels In New York
Harlem may appear a touch shabby around the edges, but if youre keen on experiencing the heart of NYCs African-American culture, this is the place to be its kinder on the wallet too.
Brooklyn can also be more budget-friendly than Manhattan. It offers some awesome restaurants, independent shopping and some of the best cheap hotels in New York.
Check out hipster haven Williamsburg in Brooklyn where youll find a number of decent three-star and family options among the citys budget hotel scene. Stay between June and August 2020 and youll also have Celebrate Brooklyn! right on your doorstep, offering an array of outdoor concerts and free family events.
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Cheapest Time For Hotels In Nyc
If you are talking about the cheapest months or season to book a hotel in New York City, the answer, unsurprisingly, is during the winter, just about anytime between Jan 4th until the first half of March.
According to NYC and Company, the citys tourism marketing organization, the average price of a hotel booking for 2016 was $277 per night.
This includes all hotels, from budget accommodations up to 5 stars hotels. See the report here.
However, during the winter months, the average price across the board dipped to just under $200. That means that 50% of NYC hotels cost less than $200/night.
Discount websites that offer deals, such as Hotwire.com, really have their best discounts in the off-season.
If you avoid peak areas and get a moderately priced hotel, you should expect to pay between $100-$130/night.
You can even pay less if you follow our tips for cheap accommodations.
Hotel Week, which runs from Jan 4th, just after the Christmas rush, until Jan 14th of 2019, is likely the cheapest 10 day period throughout the whole year.
Peak Season
There are two main reasons the winter is so inexpensive.
First, its cold here and it can snow, which can cause the occasional unwanted flight delays and cancellations. Second, most people cant travel at this time.
Outside of the winter months, hotels are generally much more expensive. From April through December, all but two months were above the $277/night average price.
Additional Resources and Tips
This Is Incredible City And You Should Visit It
This is incredible city and you should visit it. I was twice in spring time and for Christmas. There is lot of sightsithts and museums. I recomend Met Museum. The city is pricey and you easely can spend 150$ a day only on food. Hotels are also pricey especialy in spring time. Try to eat in Essen chain of restaurant,you can eat soup and main dish for around 12$. If you want to try great food and fancy atmosphere you can eat in The Mark restaurant in same hotel. Also I can recomend Chart House Restaurant that has great food and spectacular view!!! Try to visit Park Line and Chelsey Market!
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Citizenm New York Times Square Moderate
Modern hotel with a 24-hour lobby cafe and bar, gym, terrace, rooftop bar, and comfy lobby lounge with iMac computers. Room amenities include lights and temperature control via an in-room tablet device, rain showers, and oversized king beds. The hotel is a 5-minute walk to Times Square, a 10-minute walk to Rockefeller Center, and a 12-minute walk to the The Museum of Modern Art.
Benefits Of Visiting Nyc In The Low Season
OK. Before we start, lets just get the major disadvantage out of the way. The weather is often bad to terrible.
Although its still unlikely, the best chances for travel delays occur in the winter.
and are the two coldest months in NYC, with afternoon high temperatures in the upper 30s F to near 40 F . Its also most likely to snow during these two months.
Needless to say, not a great time for open-air movies in Central Park.
And late summer means temperatures into the 90s F with humidity that could make you think that you are in the tropics.
However, if you think about it, the off-season is a great time for some. Lets take a look. You can also look at our things to do posts for and .
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The French Quarters Moderate
New Orleans-inspired accommodation offering a continental breakfast , restaurant, and room service. All rooms have kitchens and desks, suites have two bedrooms and balconies. Within a 10-minute walk of numerous restaurants and theaters, the property is situated a 5-minute walk from Times Square and a 6-minute walk from the Port Authority bus terminal.
Even Hotel Brooklyn Moderate
This wellness-oriented hotel features a restaurant, bar, modern fitness center, and on-site parking . In-room amenities include yoga mats, standing desks, and eucalyptus-infused linens. The hotel is located a 6-minute walk to Atlantic Terminal and the Atlantic Terminal Mall, a 9-minute walk to the Barclays Center, and a 10-minute walk to Fort Greene Park.
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Travel Inn Midtown Manhattan Budget
Economy hotel located an 8-minute walk to the Javits Center, a 7-minute walk to the Hudson River waterfront, and a 14-minute walk to Times Square. The hotel features an outdoor pool and 24-hour room service from a nearby restaurant, and all guest rooms have private bathrooms, desks, refrigerators, and microwaves.
The Standard East Village Moderate
Sleek boutique hotel located an 8-minute walk to Washington Square Park and within walking distance of the restaurants, bars, and shops in SoHo and Greenwich Village . Hotel amenities include several dining options, access to a gym across the street, and free bicycles for guest use. Rooms come with sweeping city views, deep-soaking bathtubs, bathrobes, bluetooth speakers, and minibars.
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What Are The Best Activities In New York City
You could spend decades in New York and never run out of activities. Some of the most popular and iconic activities include visiting Times Square, seeing a Broadway show, strolling through Central Park, taking in amazing views from the Empire State Building, One World, or the recently opened Edge, and visiting world-class museums from The Met to MoMA.
When the weather is nice, the High Line and the Brooklyn Bridge also make for nice walks with city views. Taking a ferry out to the Statue of Liberty is another must-do activity, and if you book well in advance, you can even get tickets to go up into the crown.
Foodies have no shortage of incredible restaurant options, from Michelin-starred fine dining establishments to next-level hidden taco bars. And, there’s no shortage of nightlife, whether you’re seeking classic clubs where you might spot a celebrity or hidden speakeasies.
Fifth Avenue and SoHo offer legendary shopping and there’s plenty of vintage shops and boutiques to explore too.
Bars Pubs And Nightclubs
Theres a reason why New York is dubbed The City That Never Sleeps, you can choose from regular boozers to private cocktail bars, transported by the 24-hour subway lines. Many New York hotels have their own lounge bars but if youre after a view of the NYC skyline, head to The Brass Monkey, set on the banks of the Hudson River. Then when its time to dance, move on to The Mean Fiddler, two floors of DJs, dancing and drinking.
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Where To Stay On A Budget In New York
Manhattan hotels are some of the most expensive in the world but The Pod offers stylish accommodation that wont break the bank.
Choose from two midtown locations on 39th and 51st Streets and a choice of bunk-, single-, double- or queen-bedded rooms with colourful duvets and headboards, free wi-fi and flatscreen TVs. While the funky space is tight, every inch of the room is utilised for maximum convenience.
But who says you have to stay in Manhattan to have it all? The outer boroughs boast less expensive lodging options and one of the chicest hotels around lies just across the Queensboro Bridge from Manhattan.
The Ravel opened in hip Long Island City to much fanfare. The boutique hotel boasts 63 rooms with Egyptian cotton sheets, rainforest shower heads and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. The rooftop lounge, Penthouse 808, is the place to be on lazy summer nights.
I Love Ny I Have Been Coming Once A Year Since Graduation
I love NY, I have been coming once a year since graduation from college. There is always something new to do and every time I go I stay longer and spend less. Learn from the locals and get a Metro cards, if I did nothing else I wore good walking shoes and I loaded up my Metro Card. Enjoy your time here, the city that never sleeps and neither will you since you want to do everything and most things are open LATE. You have to try the Dessert Bar-Spot. They have many locations. I never ate out of a planters pot before, but I liked it! I love the Village, Harlem and Broadway. I love to walk and see the sites and you have to go to the museum. There is so much rich architecture and history here, there is never a dull day in NYC. A great activity for a solo travel was participating in the hostel tours for $10 and good walking shoes I saw the city with a local tour guide and on another day a world renowned tour guide. I would have paid $50-100 easy for each tours and been okay with it for what I got for $10 each! NYC Hostel is the best place to stay, get a nice breakfast, clean bunk, fresh sheets and towels. You are NEVER in your room, so go with the basics and you are SO close to the Metro and the Post Office. Be practical and travel like you would live at home! Best money spent this trip! I was also well withing my budget. Which never happens when I come to NY.
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