Where to Stay
Well, as you may have noticed, New York ain't cheap. Your average flea bag hotel will run you at least $200-$250 night and anything with running water and a toilet about double that (I'm not kidding -- they call it "European Style" and the shared bath is down the hall). The first step is to cultivate a friend in New York. Failing that, my favorite affordable place to stay is at the YMCA. There are two of them in Manhattan. One (Vanderbilt) is within walking distance of all the "good" stuff (the other is a subway ride away on 92). Believe it or not, you need to make reservations ahead of time. A double at the "Y" will run you about $250 US/night. A triple about $250 - $400 US. Bonus: if you stay at the Y, you can use their fitness equipment for free (not that you'll have the time or anything....)
There are a number of websites that will help you locate cheap digs as well. One that I like is New York Budget Hotels. The discounter Hotels.com seems to consistently come up with good deals as well. And don't forget good old Expedia.ca I personally do NOT like staying in Times Square. The noise and the crowd will drive you bonkers after two nights. If I can't get a walking distance hotel, I like to stay on the upper west side. The trains (both the 1 (7th Street/Broadway) and A,C (10th/Amsterdam) lines will get you to midtown (where the shows are) in about 7 minutes flat. I've also stayed in the low 30's. Try to get a hotel that has "W" (west) in the address (it just means less walking). All Broadway theatres are on the west side (of 5th Avenue - that is the dividing line) I once stayed at a very nice illegal hotel (catch me in person for the story). But really, all you need is a bed and a secure place to stash all the junk you will buy. CHECK FOR the latest tax grab. I call it the tourist fee, (there's a real name but I forget what its called). It's an extra $10-$25 PER NIGHT that they add to the price of your hotel. It varies greatly and is NOT part of the Expedia fee (although that is slowly) changing. There is not one set fee so it pays to comparison shop before you book. What seems like a decent deal may turn into a very expensive stay if you're not on the look out for this tax. My latest favourite places are either the Galavant Hotel on 8th and 48th or Hilton Park Inn on 54th and 8th. Both are within a 1/2 block away from hopping a subway. Another place I like is Marriott Courtyard (the one off 5th and 40th -- there are three in Manhattan). This is just by the library/Bryant park and the cheap shuttles are only a block away (and several subway lines are RIGHT THERE). In addition, the further you are from mid-town, the more neighborhood places there are to eat. You do NOT want to eat in midtown -- even the cart food (which is delicious and recommended) is double the price. NOTE: Not all hotels offer free wi-fi. If this is important to you -- double check it. With some hotels, if you download their app, or join their facebook page, it will get you free wi-fi. Otherwise it will cost you between $15 and $20 per day. That adds up quickly by the end of your trip (you could've paid for another broadway show!) Note: ask nicely for a front desk for a "quiet" room. No place is actually quiet in New York, but a room facing away from the main street makes for better sleep. (I'm sure there's a law that require drivers to use their horn when they are safely through the intersection as I see no other reason for the ceaseless honking) |
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