Decent accommodation in NY in November

[N860CR]

A lot of you venture to the States a bit so I was hoping someone could help me find somewhere to stay in NY this November.

I've gathered its a pretty pricey time of the year, so I'm looking for something in Midtown/Times Square that won't require me to mortgage the house. Basically, we need a room for 2 people with a bathroom that is clean. Is there anyway at all I can do that for less than $200AUD a night? At this stage I'm down to hostels, and even that seems to be in the $150 region with shared facilities.

Suggestions? Thanks

 

[dajop]

In October I stayed at a place called Hotel 31, on E 31st street for around $150. Was certainly not the biggest or most luxorious place I've ever stayed in (a v small room with sink and bed, and not much room for anything else) and it did have shared bathrooms. However it was very clean and I never had to wait to use the bathroom, and whilst not Times Square, it was an OK location. At the end of the day in NY you're not going to spend much time in a hotel room!

I have also stayed at Hilton Penn Station Newark for about $130 AUD a night, which is located directly opposite the station and 20mins from midtown NY by train. Depending on the length of stay in NY, could average $200 AUD /night by spending some time there and some time at more expensive lodging in the heart of the action. (one proviso, I think people are catching on to this, last time I looked Hilton Newark was a lot more expensive than the $130AUD).

 

[JohnK]

Have you tried Best Western?

Best Western City View Inn is located in Long Island only 2 miles from midtown Manhattan and in November is priced at US$170/night, ~A$189, including double bed, continental breakfast and taxes.

The AAA rate gives a 10% discount on room rate but I am not sure how Australians can get AAA membership.

 

[drron]

Yes November is an expensive time and basically you will find very little for $A200.Suggest you look up something like Expedia.see if any hotels are at your price.Then Google the hotel and you will probably get as good a price direct and often better.also go for a cancellable rate in the unlikely event a cheaper rate comes along.Just keep looking,it does happen sometimes.
Also check out hotels in Flushing or Queens as long as they are near a subway station.At $2 a ride it doesnt cost much to get around.not ideal but much more chance of getting your price.

 

[alien]

I stayed at the Holiday Inn Midtown on w57th. short walk to Times SQ and on the edge of Central Park. I think I paid about 250 per night. not sure on Nov though.

 

[JohnK]

I stayed at the Holiday Inn Midtown on w57th. short walk to Times SQ and on the edge of Central Park. I think I paid about 250 per night. not sure on Nov though.

Just out of interest I tried a few random dates in November.

It is US$380/night for a non smoking queen room!

 

[BlacKnox]

Hi Daniel.

If you're flexible with area and are prepared to risk a last-minute booking, then priceline and travelzoo can often generate decent rates. I'll be in NY in May and again in June and won't be booking anything before late April given I'm comfortable with the above. For a taste of last-minute rates available soon (not for November), see e.g. New York City Hotels and New York Hotel Specials | Travelzoo .

 

[alien]

definitely didn't pay that much.

 

[Pollywaffle]

There's a place called Chelsea Lodge (see Chelsea Lodge - Official Home Page - Budget Hotel in New York City, cheap lodging/rooms and budget accommodations for budget minded travellers.) that will fit your budget.

You get a shower and sink in the room but have to share the toilets. Strange as it seems it gets rave reviews on Trip Advisor.

Also, check out Second Home on Second Avenue. Some room are out of your price range but they are well worth the price - and they are huge. I stayed here on my last trip and recommend it.

You won't get the conceirge service of a hotel, and neither is located mid-town but they are close to th subway and in great neighbourhoods.

I am also going to NYC in Nov/Dec and understand your pain of finding something decent without paying too mcuh for it.

Hope this helps, PW

 

[littl_flier]

Hi Daniel, we stayed at the Big Apple Hostel in November and I was really pleased. I initially had major hesitations but it's about 50 to 75m from the heart of Times Square on W45th. It's almost directly opposite the Millenium hotel. Location was fantastic and I would definitely stay here again in the future.

We shared a dorm room and at $37 a night including taxes, it was pretty hard to beat. We were never in our room anyway (we were wandering Times Square at 2am in the morning amongst the swarms of people) and met some really cool people. The private rooms were pretty nice and prices for November this year are $125. There are shared bathrooms but these were really clean. And the beds were pretty comfy too with sheets included. The kitchen was soso but there's a really good cafe next door and about 50m away on the corner of 45th and 6th is a roadside stall that has huge boxes or stir fried chicken/beef with vegetables that would serve a small army. (and it's cooked in front of you)

 

[BlacKnox]

NYCguy - comments? Know any hidden gem locally that your staffers rave about and not too costly???

 

[N860CR]

Thanks for the input guys, given me a few thing to look at. Littleflyer thanks, glad it was ok because at this rate thats still looking to be my best bet (can't beat the location). Like you i don't see myself spending too much time in the room

 

[Keith009]

Personally I'd avoid Times Square and midtown as I hate walking amongst the crazy SWARMS of tourists at a snail's pace. But I can understand why the area can be magical to others. I'm just more of a downtownish person.

I suppose the W Hotels would be beyond the budget you listed...

A buddy of mine stayed at The Herald Square Hotel at 31st between 5th and Broadway on his recent visit for $120/night (but expect to pay more for Nov, still below $200 though) and advised that it's good value - comes with a comfy bed, ensuite bathroom, but the rooms are smallish. It is around the corner from the subway and not more than 2 stops uptown to Times Square.

 

[aybee]

Try Hotwire.com - a lot like Priceline bidding, but they've done the work for you, sort of thing. The advantage over Priceline bidding is it's available for residents outside of U.S./Canada.
In the past I've picked up really good quality hotels for little money.
The Westin in Chicago on the Mag Mile for USD70, Hilton Toronto Airport for USD45 etc.
They don't tell you what the hotel is until you buy, but you can cross-reference their hotel details (amenities/location etc) they supply with lists on a site called betterbidding.com.
At the least, you should be able to narrow down the "guess" on what hotel it is to two or three probables.
I just pumped in a random date of 9 November for New York City and a 4 star in Midtown East with amenities of Fitness Centre, Restaurant, Business Centre, Internet and Tennis with a rate of $119 came up. Cross referencing on betterbidding sees only 2 hotels with the exact same Star rating, location & amenities come up, so I'd be reasonably confident if I booked it I would be at the Grand Hyatt @ Central Station or the Intercontinental Barclay.
The "wins" forum on the same betterbidding site shows someone recently "won" a similar rate at the Intercon (for different dates), further giving me confidence.
Cheers & Happy Hunting!

 

[BlacKnox]

Try Hotwire.com - a lot like Priceline bidding, but they've done the work for you, sort of thing. The advantage over Priceline bidding is it's available for residents outside of U.S./Canada.
In the past I've picked up really good quality hotels for little money.
The Westin in Chicago on the Mag Mile for USD70, Hilton Toronto Airport for USD45 etc.
They don't tell you what the hotel is until you buy, but you can cross-reference their hotel details (amenities/location etc) they supply with lists on a site called betterbidding.com.

Yes I've used Hotwire and BetterBidding too - great resources. As aybee has mentioned it's possible to get some great deals. However note that points are not earned, and status privileges may or may not be granted e.g. automatic upgrade at check-in etc.