New York, New York – The City That Never Sleeps…And Can Seriously Drain Your Wallet
As one of the most exciting, vibrant and expensive cities in the world, finding affordable accommodations in the Big Apple can seem impossible. But don’t lose hope yet, budget travelers! I’ve scoured the city to bring you some of the coolest, cheap(ish) hotels that let you experience New York’s energy without going broke. Check out these gems for updated rates:
The Pod Hotels Talk about modern, affordable chic! The trendy Pod hotels offer stylishly compact rooms and fantastic common spaces at shockingly reasonable prices. At the Pod 51 Hotel, you can snag a private “hull” room for around $139 per night. Or embrace the hostel-esque “pod” concept with shared bunk accommodations from just $89 per night. The prime midtown location puts you just blocks from Times Square madness and the N/R subway lines.
Wolcott Hotel
This no-frills, old-school gem epitomizes classic NYC hustle. With small, basic rooms sporting million-dollar views of the Empire State Building, the Wolcott screams location, location, location. Snag a room with a shared bath for around $125 per night, or upgrade to one of the tiny private baths for closer to $200. It may be dated, but the Wolcott can’t be beaten for accessing midtown’s top attractions on a budget.
YMCA West Side Who knew the iconic YMCA offered some of the most affordable hotel-style rooms around? At the YMCA West Side, you can score a simple private room just blocks from Central Park for as little as $99 per night. Shared baths are clean, common spaces are ample, and you’re just steps from the 79th St subway station. There’s a hostel-like community vibe, and the prime Upper West Side location can’t be beaten for this price point.
The Rockaway Hotel Looking to escape Manhattan’s frenzy without straying too far? Head to the Rockaway Hotel in Queens, where casual beach vibes meet city cool. Rooms start around $150 per night for this stylish, laid-back surf lodge situated along the scenic Rockaway Beach boardwalk. With bright, airy decor, outdoor lounges and fire pits, and a lively indoor restaurant and bar scene, it’s a quintessential summer escape that won’t leave your wallet hanging ten.
The Jane Hotel
Step back in time at this iconic West Village sailor’s lodge turned boutique hotel. Rooms are miniature but painstakingly crafted to capture the original 1908 maritime details. Cab in-style “captain’s” quarters start around $135, while bunk bed “cabin” rooms can dip as low as $99 per night. With an energetic lobby scene, rooftop views, and unbeatable location near the High Line and Chelsea hotspots, this place oozes old New York charm without sky-high rates.
The Box House Hotel Greenpoint, Brooklyn has quickly emerged as one of NYC’s trendiest ‘hoods, and the Box House Hotel gives you industrial-chic digs in the heart of it. Rooms range from basic bunks for around $85 per night up to private lofts loaded with style for closer to $300. No matter which you choose, you’ll enjoy perks like free WiFi, bike rentals, and a lovely garden courtyard – all at rates undercutting comparable Manhattan hotels.
HI NYC Hostel Don’t let the word “hostel” scare you – this highly-rated spot in Long Island City brings the hostel concept into the modern era with style and amenities galore. You can snag a bed in a six-person mixed dorm for as little as $51 per night. Or splurge on a private double room with skyline views for $149. There’s a rooftop cafe with those iconic Manhattan panoramas, free WiFi and linens, and it’s just one subway stop to midtown Manhattan.
The Bowery House Hidden on a quiet lane in NYC’s oldest neighborhood, the Bowery House offers quintessential NYC residential living at unbeatable prices. Start with a $59 per night hostel-style bunk bed or upgrade to one of their compact private “cab in-style” singles from $99 per night. The real star is the charming second-floor lounge and garden patio – sunny oases ideal for relaxing with a book and reasonably priced snacks and drinks.
Even in New York where prices are notoriously high, you can find cool, unique and comfortable accommodations without shelling out Manhattan-sized bucks. Just book early, scope out these off-the-beaten path areas like Long Island City and Greenpoint, and get ready to embrace a more local, neighborhood side of the city.