Budget hotel in NYC???

[kathy884]

Like many others have suggested at the price point you are looking, I would look in Long Island City. Look at what is recommended there on TripAdvisor. On our last trip to see the US Open we stayed there and while it's not a charming brownstone in a NYC residential neighborhood, it's a safe, convenient, very budget friendly for the area option. We stayed at the Verve which I think is right next to the Holiday Inn. By staying there last time even with my limited budget, I was able to add in the Broadway show to the itinerary. // Personally I'd do Long Island City and a broadway show vs. cutting out the show for a more expensive place in Manhattan. // It's a super quick subway ride from Long Island City to Time Square as others have stated too. // There are some great destination experts on the NYC forum on tripadvisor too who are great with dates, party size, and budget at finding good deals and making suggestions. I'd highly recommend posting on that forum.

 

[Disneyaddictz]

Courtyards Marriott herald square was so nice and I paid 189! Walk to Times Square, radio city and subway at the exit. Nyc hotel rooms are soooo small though you might have trouble finding space for matress.

 

[rnorwo1]

Like many others have suggested at the price point you are looking, I would look in Long Island City. Look at what is recommended there on TripAdvisor. On our last trip to see the US Open we stayed there and while it's not a charming brownstone in a NYC residential neighborhood, it's a safe, convenient, very budget friendly for the area option. We stayed at the Verve which I think is right next to the Holiday Inn. By staying there last time even with my limited budget, I was able to add in the Broadway show to the itinerary. // Personally I'd do Long Island City and a broadway show vs. cutting out the show for a more expensive place in Manhattan. // It's a super quick subway ride from Long Island City to Time Square as others have stated too. // There are some great destination experts on the NYC forum on tripadvisor too who are great with dates, party size, and budget at finding good deals and making suggestions. I'd highly recommend posting on that forum.

Courtyards Marriott herald square was so nice and I paid 189! Walk to Times Square, radio city and subway at the exit. Nyc hotel rooms are soooo small though you might have trouble finding space for matress.

I think what I'm going to do is book a couple of hotels, including one in LIC, and then stalk all the travel websites/groupon, etc and see if something cheaper comes up. If I'm able to get something in Manhattan, that's great, but I'm not willing to sacrifice the show for a shorter commute. We have the money to increase the budget, it just may make us tighten up on another trip down the road. I'm looking at all of the free days for attractions and such to cut costs elsewhere, also, and we can eat cheaply. I've been stalking TA also, but haven't posted yet... The budget advice that I've seen there always leans towards LIC, too.

I appreciate all the help... I was just looking for some help in narrowing down the choices so I could focus my stalking efforts, and y'all have certainly helped with that! Thanks!

 

[SirDuff]

Not being able to go back to the room easily is a concern. I guess I just need to reconsider the budget while hoping for a good deal. I'm really nervous with Priceline, I don't want to end up some place scary or nasty with my kiddos. I'll start studying the bidding sites, though, and maybe I can do that.

I'd be really careful with bidding sites given that you've got 5 people. Actually, I wouldn't do it. On the bidding part of Priceline, you just ask for a room, you don't put in number of people and there is no guarantee about the number of beds - you could get a room with one bed, which would not hold all of you. At least that is how it used to be (and when I just checked, I didn't see any options for number of people or bed types).

 

[rnorwo1]

I'd be really careful with bidding sites given that you've got 5 people. Actually, I wouldn't do it. On the bidding part of Priceline, you just ask for a room, you don't put in number of people and there is no guarantee about the number of beds - you could get a room with one bed, which would not hold all of you. At least that is how it used to be (and when I just checked, I didn't see any options for number of people or bed types).

Good point, thanks!

 

[owensamo]

Before we realized we could get 10 nights with free dining at WDW for the same price, we were going to do 5 nights in NYC just before Thanksgiving this year, so this is somewhat fresh in my head! We were looking at the Hampton Inn Times Square North - which would have run ~$250/night for the time we were looking at. It seemed central to everything, and had good reviews.

That said, if we had actually gone to NYC, I would have been stalking these sites to see if I could get a nicer hotel for the same or less:

• http://www.jetsetter.com/ - offers discounts and flash sales on luxury and boutique hotels
• http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/hotels/ - good deals on hotels in the areas you specify

I was also looking at http://airbnb.com and www.vrbo.com for some summer in Paris ideas (we've had good luck with vrbo in the past). If you're willing to go that route, there are often apartment rentals for reasonable amounts in great areas.

Good luck!

 

[rnorwo1]

Before we realized we could get 10 nights with free dining at WDW for the same price, we were going to do 5 nights in NYC just before Thanksgiving this year, so this is somewhat fresh in my head! We were looking at the Hampton Inn Times Square North - which would have run ~$250/night for the time we were looking at. It seemed central to everything, and had good reviews.

That said, if we had actually gone to NYC, I would have been stalking these sites to see if I could get a nicer hotel for the same or less:

• http://www.jetsetter.com/ - offers discounts and flash sales on luxury and boutique hotels
• http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/hotels/ - good deals on hotels in the areas you specify

I was also looking at http://airbnb.com and www.vrbo.com for some summer in Paris ideas (we've had good luck with vrbo in the past). If you're willing to go that route, there are often apartment rentals for reasonable amounts in great areas.

Good luck!

Thanks for these websites, I'll add those. I'll check out hampton also, I'll pay $250 to be that close, but that will have to be the max. I think we wil be ok with the commute from LIC if we would have to go over $250. I usually use vrbo and get excellent, spacious houses and condos, but my understanding (from trip advisor) is that the majority of short term rentals in NYC are illegal, so I haven't explored that option. Better safe than sorry.
10 nights, wow! I've always wanted to go to WDW for a long trip, I bet y'all had a blast!

 

[NJlauren]

Have you thought about airbnb? You could rent an apartment with a kitchen to save some money on meals. There is also Times Square Patio Flat, I have never stayed there, but the location is great and the price is right.

I would also say being near a subway and knowing how to use it is just as important as a good location.

LIC isn't a bad option but I would do that before Newark, Newark has a train but i think the subway from LIC is usually quicker. Have an amazing trip!

 

[sk!mom]

I would maybe skip the Lion King and put that $$ toward your hotel budget. You could get tickets to another show at the 1/2 price booth in TS. We just stayed at the Doubletree Suites Times Square and it was great. Two double or queen beds and a sleeper sofa in the separate living room. Fridge and I think a microwave. You could do breakfast in the room and save some $$ there. Kids loved being in Times square. We walked almost everywhere. Subway fares and cabs can really add up, about $15 one way for a family of 5 so add that into your budget as well. We walked to Central Park, Top of the Rock, Good Morning America, Bryant Park, Union Station, etc.

This is also why I recommend MidTown. We walked everywhere.

 

[sk!mom]

I didn't update our people, so it must have been only showing me rooms for 1... When I put 4 in, it came up with a "double double" with the two beds, thanks. I'll keep looking at them to see if their rates drop, but I'm afraid that, like a pp said, with it being spring break this may be the best I get. Not being able to go back to the room easily is a concern. I guess I just need to reconsider the budget while hoping for a good deal. I'm really nervous with Priceline, I don't want to end up some place scary or nasty with my kiddos. I'll start studying the bidding sites, though, and maybe I can do that. I don't know what to do about not having space for an air mattress. I really don't want to increase the budget much... We have the SW companion pass and want to do many trips while we have that... Which means keeping each one low cost. Decisions, decisions... Thanks for all of the suggestions!!

As long as you only bid on 4 star in a nice area, there's nothing scary about Priceline. We bid on two rooms when it's a trip for the family. We've often been able to get two rooms cheaper than one when conventionally booking.

 

[ski_mom]

Keep an eye on travelzoo.com for your timeframe. Once I got a 1 bedroom suite with two beds, sofabed, and two full baths at Affinia Manhattan in April for $135. Right now I have the Hampton Inn Seaport District reserved for $145 a night for 4 people in February which includes free breakfast and free wifi which I reserved with AAA directly on the website.

Another time we stayed at Chelsea Savoy hotel in a room with two beds and an alcove that they book a free cot in for $135 a night (got price by calling - ask about L shaped room). Sometimes hotels.com has good prices especially if you book non refundable but I have never done that.

We also stayed at the Affinia Manhattan when we visited NYC. It was in a very convenient location and we could walk to a lot of places.

We are also a family of 5, so I understand your pain of trying to find something for a decent price. We ended up joining AAA because they had a pretty good rate for our dates (which were over Veteran's Day Weekend).

 

[rnorwo1]

As long as you only bid on 4 star in a nice area, there's nothing scary about Priceline. We bid on two rooms when it's a trip for the family. We've often been able to get two rooms cheaper than one when conventionally booking.

I've used priceline in other cities before and had good results, but I'm worried that so many rooms only have one bed. I may try the two rooms, though closer to the date. Right now I have a room booked in LIC, less than 1 min walk from the Queensboro station, and supposedly, it's a 5 min ride into Manhattan. For $140 a night, we can justify the ride, although not ideal, that's a huge savings.

We also stayed at the Affinia Manhattan when we visited NYC. It was in a very convenient location and we could walk to a lot of places.

We are also a family of 5, so I understand your pain of trying to find something for a decent price. We ended up joining AAA because they had a pretty good rate for our dates (which were over Veteran's Day Weekend).

When you stayed at Affinia, did you get two rooms, or was there enough room for all of you?

 

[WVMomof3]

We have stayed at Affinia also. (I think it is the same one, across from Madison Square Garden) The rooms were huge. More like little apartments. We went with friends, had 3 rooms total and 1 of the rooms even had 2 bathrooms. Each room had different bed counts and layouts. I think ours was the biggest, but I think it only had 1 bed in a separate bedroom then it a had huge living and separate kitchen area. In the living area it had a pull out sofa bed.

 

[ski_mom]

I've used priceline in other cities before and had good results, but I'm worried that so many rooms only have one bed. I may try the two rooms, though closer to the date. Right now I have a room booked in LIC, less than 1 min walk from the Queensboro station, and supposedly, it's a 5 min ride into Manhattan. For $140 a night, we can justify the ride, although not ideal, that's a huge savings.



When you stayed at Affinia, did you get two rooms, or was there enough room for all of you?

We were all in one room. It was considered a one bedroom suite I think. It had a bedroom with 2 double beds and a living room with a pull out sofa. We also had 2 full baths which is so helpful. It also had a small kitchen area. It wasn't huge like some hotels with 1 or 2 bedroom suites, but for a New York City hotel, it had a lot of room for a family of 5!

 

[rnorwo1]

We were all in one room. It was considered a one bedroom suite I think. It had a bedroom with 2 double beds and a living room with a pull out sofa. We also had 2 full baths which is so helpful. It also had a small kitchen area. It wasn't huge like some hotels with 1 or 2 bedroom suites, but for a New York City hotel, it had a lot of room for a family of 5!

Sounds wonderful! It's about $500 more (for the 4 nights) than what we've booked in LIC. I'm going to keep checking their site and looking for deals, if we can get a little bit closer, then we will jump on it.

 

[DVCcurious]

Jersey City.

There is a courtyard marriott in Jersey City that is cheap (relative to hotels in NYC) and it's a 10 minute train ride into Manhattan. The train station is literally right next to the hotel. It's a 1 minute walk from hotel to train.

 

[mjkacmom]

Jersey City.

There is a courtyard marriott in Jersey City that is cheap (relative to hotels in NYC) and it's a 10 minute train ride into Manhattan. The train station is literally right next to the hotel. It's a 1 minute walk from hotel to train.

Nice hotel, nice area, but rooms for the OP's dates average around $300 a night. Plus, car service to and from NY to NJ for 5.

 

[NOLA_Tink]

A fellow DISser, Sheldy Jones, works for IHG & offers her friends & family voucher link in her signature: http://www.ihg.com/hotels/us/en/glo...i9%2FQg4WB95knPu8qxN856uRePSDzX5vd%2B5Uk70%3D. We used it for our NYC hotel and had a great experience. We stayed at one of the Holiday Inn Express hotels in Manhattan, which also had an awesome hot breakfast. For your dates the Wall Street Holiday Inn Express is about $208/night, and it was really close to a subway line. Have a great trip!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Nice hotel, nice area, but rooms for the OP's dates average around $300 a night. Plus, car service to and from NY to NJ for 5.

Why would you use a car service when you can hop on the subway?

Staying in Jersey City can save you a lot of money.

 

[Judique]

A fellow DISser, Sheldy Jones, works for IHG & offers her friends & family voucher link in her signature: http://www.ihg.com/hotels/us/en/glo...i9%2FQg4WB95knPu8qxN856uRePSDzX5vd%2B5Uk70%3D. We used it for our NYC hotel and had a great experience. We stayed at one of the Holiday Inn Express hotels in Manhattan, which also had an awesome hot breakfast. For your dates the Wall Street Holiday Inn Express is about $208/night, and it was really close to a subway line. Have a great trip!

This link gave some good HI rates. But beware - the link takes you directly to smoking rooms as a choice, so you should do advanced search to change to a nonsmoking room and also change best available back to friends and family rate. The friends and family rate is nonrefundable, but that's the tradeoff for a savings.

Thanks so much for posting!