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Travel Reporting

61 NYC Hotels Under $125

Even in 1990 when this article appeared, no one would have expected to find 61 New York hotels under $125 (sans tax). Of course, no other publication would have sent a reporter to scour 61 Manhattan hotels. Actually, I inspected a total of 69—a few were too seedy to list.

In compiling this report, I tracked every deal and discount program in captivity. It was the definitive guide to lodgings in the Big Apple.

ARTICLE

Good values in the most expensive city

Even in America's highest-cost city, you aren't forced to choose between paying a fortune for a night's lodging and staying in a flophouse. We found a surprising number of decent values.

We cover only hotels in Manhattan. If you're heading for New York's main visitor attractions, you'll want to be there: The expense and time of commuting erase any modest cost advantage of an outlying hotel.

We started with the guide published by the NY Convention and Visitors Bureau, including all hotels that met our $125 price limit at rack (regular) rate. (An inclusive rate of $125 means a pre-tax rate of $109.) We then added hotels from discount directories, hotels used in tour packages, and a few favorably mentioned in popular guidebooks, if they met our price limit.

CRTL staffers inspected the hotels in Dec 89. We didn't see the Paramount, which refused to show its rooms, and a few that introduced qualifying discounts after our inspection trip. And we rejected eight (the Carlton Arms, Collingwood, Diplomat, Gorham, Henry Hudson, Mansfield, Meredia, and Wolcott) because outward appearance or location was not acceptable.

In most cities, we focus on hotels that offer discounts of at least 25% through half-price, preferred, or group rates (see Finding Hotel Discounts, below, for details). Quite a few New York hotels are available on discount programs. But Manhattan hotels frequently fill the rooms they set aside for discount programs. For that reason, we also looked for hotels offering reasonable value at full rack rate.

CRTL's Hotel Listings

We recommend all hotels we list, with the reservations noted. One judged both high in quality and low in price for its category is a Best Buy. A hotel judged especially attractive—where we'd like to stay on our next trip—is an Editor's Choice. Listed rack rates (RR) and discount rates are per day and include taxes of 13.25% plus $2 per night room-occupancy fee. Rates are subject to change—we give early 1990 prices, based on rate sheets provided in December and on 1990 discount directories. "Studio" means room includes cooking facilities. For a key to discount abbreviations, see Finding Hotel Discounts, below. For key to locations (indicated by colored number in each listing), see Slicing the Big Apple, below. Unless noted, all listed hotels accept AE, MC, and V. Manhattan's area code is 212.

  • Aberdeen, 17 W 32nd St, 10001; 800-826-4667, 736-1600, fax 695-1813, telex 229071. 175 rooms. [3] Near Herald Sq shopping, Empire State Bldg, Madison Sq Garden/Penn Station. A bit musty. RR: $76-98 S, $87-110 D; HC $98 S or D.
  • Ashley, 157 W 47th St, 10036; 800-826-4667, 768-3700, fax 768-3403, telex 408365. 96 rooms. [4] In theater district, east of Duffy Sq. Nicely renovated; smallish rooms. RR: $87-110 S, $121-132 D; HC $110 S or D; HI $95-106 S; HM $119 S, $122 D.
  • Barbizon, 140 E 63rd St, 10021; 800-223-1020, 838-5700, fax 753-0360, telex 220060. 365 rooms. [8] 3 blocks north of Bloomingdale's. Not inspected. RR: $135-210 S, $180-230 D; HM $95 S, $115 D.
  • Beekman Tower, 3 Mitchell Pl 10017; 800-637-8483, 355-7300, fax 753-9366. 120 rooms. [5] Across from UN. Not inspected. RR (studio): $183-195 S, $206-217 D; IT $92-98 S, $103-109 D.
  • Best Western Milford Plaza, 270 W 45th St at 8th Ave, 10036; 800-221-2690 (800-522-6449 in NY), 869-3600, fax 944-8357, telex 177610. 1300 rooms. [4] Near Times Sq. Fortress atmosphere: Security guards with walkie-talkies monitor entrance; guests must show keys to use elevators. Cookie-cutter rooms vary from small to average, unimaginatively refurbished. RR: $110-155 S, $127-172D; AD $116 S or D; CT $106 S, $112 D; GL $117 S, $129 D; HI $102 S; HM $99 S, $108 D; HP $114 D; IA $102 S, $115 D; NY $93 S, $102 D; PP $123 S, $158 D; RM $98 S or D; SC $113 S, $145 D; TA $55-78 S, $64-86 D (max. 2 nights); Tl $110 S, $130 D; YH $105 S, $133 D.
  • Best Western Skyline, 725 10th Ave, 10019; 800-433-1982, 586-3400, fax 582-4604, telex 262559. 230 rooms. [4] Several unappealing blocks west of Broadway theaters. One of the few motels in Manhattan (three stories); free parking ($2 in-and-out charge). Large, renovated rooms and rooftop pool (glass-enclosed) may compensate for location. RR: $121 S, $132 D; AD $114 S or D; RM $94 S or D; TO $104 S, $110 D.
  • Best Western Woodward, 210 W 55th St, 10019; 800-826-4667, 247-2000, fax 581-2248, telex 408363. 151 rooms. [4] Convenient to Broadway theaters, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center. Renovated, but uninspiring; small rooms. RR: $98-132 S, $121-155 D; GL $120 S, $127 D; HC $110 S or D; HI $95-106 S; HM $119 S, $122 D.
  • Beverly, 125 E 50th St, 10022; 800-223-0945, 753-2700, fax 753-2700 ext. 48, telex 66579. 197 rooms. [5] Across from Waldorf-Astoria on Lexington Ave hotel row. Clean, but lacks sparkle. RR: $148-171 S, $159-182 D; RM $116 S or D.
  • Carlton, 22 E 29th St, 10016; 800-542-1502, 532-4100, fax 889-8683. 215 rooms (plus 185 more under renovation). [2] Off tourist path near wholesale flower market. Striking Beaux Arts fascade and airy lobby; renovated, basic rooms. RR: $110-132 S, $115-138 D; AD $102 S or D; HX $55-66 S, $58-69 D. Best Buy at discount rate.
  • Chatwal Inn on 45th St, 132 W 45th St, 10036; 800-826-4667, 921-7600, fax 719-0171, telex 408364. 60 rooms. [4] Near core of theater district. Tidy. RR: $98-121 S, $121-144 D; HC $110 S or D; HI $95-106 S; HM $88 S, $95 D; IA $79 S, $97 D.
  • Chatwal Inn on Park Ave, 429 Park Ave S. 10016; 800-826-4667, 532-4860, fax 545-9727. telex 408362. 45 rooms. [2] On inelegant stretch of Park Ave. Narrow corridors, small rooms—take a shoehorn. RR: $98 S, $121 D; HC $ 110 S or D; HI $95-106 S.
  • Chelsea, 222 W 23rd St, 10011; 243-3700. 335 rooms. [1] On crosstown artery. Landmark building, once popular with literati; informal management, neglected rooms. RR: $87-172 S, $98-200 D.
  • Chelsea Inn, 46 W 17th St, 10011; 645-8989,fax 884-5154. 13 rooms. [1] In commercial swath of residential Chelsea. Cramped quarters. RR: $90-121 S, $155-161 D.
  • Comfort Inn Murray Hill, 42 W 35th St, 10001; 800-228-5150, 947-0200, fax 594-3047. 122 rooms. [3] Near Empire State Bldg, Herald Sq, garment center. Cozy, refurbished hotel with European charm: high-ceiling lobby with marble staircase. Hallways are narrow, but rooms large and cheerfully refurbished. RR: $110-144 S, $127-161 D; HP $114-137 S, $131-154 D; IA $103 S, $120 D; TA $99-130 S, $115-145 D. Best Buy at discount rate.
  • Consulate, 224 W 49th St, 10019; 800-346-8006, 246-5252, telex 427035. 225 rooms. [4] Next to Eugene O'Neill Theater, opposite Actors' Temple. Old. RR: $81-127 S, $104-155 D; HP $76 S, $98 D; IT (deluxe room) $64 S, $78 D; RM $88 S or D; TA (deluxe) $64 S, $78 D; WU $81-127 S, $104-132 D.
  • Days Inn—NYC, 440 W 57th St, 10019; 800-325-2525, 581-8100, fax 581-8719, telex 960473. 590 rooms. [4] On major crosstown artery west of Carnegie Hall, within walking distance of Lincoln Center. Motel, showing signs of wear. RR: $137-159 S, $154-176 D; AD $118 S or D; CT $106 S or D; GL $123 S, $131 D; Hl $114 S; RM $101 S or D; TA $124-144 S, $139-155 D; TO $108 S or D;WD $110 S or D; YH $121 S, $135 D.
  • Days Inn on 48th St, 234 W 48th St, 10036; 800-826-4667, 246-8800, fax 974-3922, telex 147057. 367 rooms. [4] Refurbished hotel in center of theater district. Rooms small, but waterfall in the spacious lobby and the skylit cafe are pleasant. RR: $98-110 S, $121-144 D; AD $100 S or D; GL $101 S, $107 D; HC $98 S or D; HM $88 S, $95 D; NW $86 S or D; YH $107 S, $ 128 D. Best Buy at discount rate.
  • Doral Inn, 541 Lexington Ave, 10022; 800-223-5823, 755-1200, fax 421-3876, telex 236641. 700 rooms. [5] Across from Waldorf-Astoria. Immaculate, smallish rooms; responsive staff. (Room phones have a hot line for complaints—guests can ask to see the general manager any hour of day if problems not solved in 15 minutes.) RR: $149-183 S, $161-195 D; CT $119 S or D; RM $108 S or D.
  • Doral Park Ave, 70 Park Ave, 10016; 800-847-4135, 687-7050, telex 968872. 196 rooms. [5] ID 4 blocks south of Grand Central Temminal. Not inspected. RR: $200 S, $223 D; HX $100 S, $112 D.
  • Dumont Plaza, 150 E 34th St, 10016; 800-637-8483, 481-7600, fax 889-8856, telex 4976135. 250 rooms. [2] In Murray Hill area, on major crosstown street; handy to Herald Sq shopping. Sleek studios and suites—spotless. RR (studio): $195-217 S, $217-240 D; IT $98-109 S, $109-120 D.
  • Eastgate Tower, 222 E 39th St, 10016; 800-637-8483, 687-8000, fax 490-2634, telex 225666 (c/o Shelburne Murray Hill). 191 rooms. [2] 4½ blocks from UN, beside Midtown Tunnel exit road. Small lobby, large studio rooms/suites; caring staff. RR (studio): $189-212 S, $212-234 D; IT $95-106 S, 106-117 D; RM $105 S.
  • Edison, 228 W 47th St, 10036; 800-637-7070, 840-5000, fax 719-9541, telex 238887. 868 rooms (plus 132 more under renovation). [4] Amidst theaters, west of Duffy Sq. Swarming with tour groups—time-worn. RR: $95-104 S, $108-115 D; AD $108 S or D; BE $88 S, $100 D; GL $104 S, $126 D; RM $91 S or D; SC $104 S,$138 D; VA $123 S, $158 D; YH $97S, $129 D.
  • Empire, 44 W 63rd St, 10023; 800-545-7400, 265-7400, fax 315-0349, telex 428190. 325 rooms (plus 50 more under renovation). [4] Opposite Lincoln Center. A class act: handsome lobby, imaginatively fumished rooms with CD player and VCR. (The front desk has a library of music CDs and videos and enters guest's preferences in its computer.) Hotel has undergone a top-to-bottom renovation. No-cost access to nearby athletic club. RR: $115-138 S, $138-189 D; RM $106 S or D. Best Buy, Editor's Choice.
  • Esplanade, 305 West End Ave, 10023; 800-367-1763 (800-553-0567 in NY State), 874-5000, fax 496-0367. 140 rooms. [7] Upper West Side apartment block, 9 blocks from Lincoln Center. Quasi-residential, quasi-transient—bare, dim rooms and suites. RR: $103 S, $114 D; HI $84 S.
  • Excelsior, 45 W 81st St, 10024; 800-368-4575, 362-9200, fax 721-2994, telex 205686. 160 rooms. [7] Opposite American Museum of Natural History, near Columbus Ave shops. Old residential/transient hotel—gilded lobby ceiling, garish rooms. RR: $76-87 S, $87-101 D.
  • Grand Union, 34 E 32nd St, 10016; 683-5890, fax 689-7397, telex 423601. 95 rooms. [3] Near Empire State Bldg, Herald Sq, Madison Sq Garden/Penn Station. Not inspected. RR $76 S or D.
  • Halloran House, 525 Lexington Ave, 10017; 800-223-0939, 755-4000, fax 980-7625, telex 668844. 665 rooms. [5] Diagonally across from Waldorf-Astoria, near Rockefeller Center, 5th Ave shopping. Courts the business and tour group markets with newly remodeled, moderately upscale accommodations. RR: $183-234 S, $200-251 D; RM $122 S or D.
  • Herald Square, 19 W31st St, 10001; 800-727-1888 (except NY State), 279-4017, fax 643-9208. 130 rooms. [3] Fommerly Clinton Hotel; near Empire State Bldg, Macy's, Madison Sq Garden/Penn Station. No-frills, recently renovated contemporary rooms—security-conscious family management. RR: $59-70 S, $59-87 D. Best Buy at budget end.
  • Howard Johnson, 851 8th Ave, 10019; 800-654-2000, 581-4100, fax 974-7502, telex 147183. 300 rooms. [4] On edge of theater district, up from scruffier 8th Ave blocks. Better choice than nearby competitors (Best Western, Milford Plaza, Ramada Inn) with large, cheery rooms. RR: $122-163 S, $136-176 D; HI $121 S; RM $112 S or D.
  • Iroquois, 49 W 44th St, 10036; 800-332-7220, 840-3080, fax 827-0464. 90 rooms.[5] In shadow of better-known Algonquin Hotel, near 5th Ave shops, NY Public Library, Broadway theaters. Stale, but clean; one elevator. RR: $76-87 S, $81-98 D.
  • Lexington, 511 Lexington Ave, 10017; 800-448-4471 (212-755-6963 in NY), 7554400, fax 751-4091, telex 426257. 720 rooms. [5] 3 blocks west of Rockefeller Center, 4 blocks north of Grand Central Terminal. Recent renovations to rooms and lobby have gone far to improve hotel. Rooms vary in layout, decor. RR: $166-206 S, $183-240 D; NW $107 S or D; RM $102 S or D; TI $123 S,$140 D.
  • Loews Summit, Lexington Ave at E 51st St, 10022; 800-223-0888 (212-522-5455 in NY), 752-7000, fax 758-6311, telex 147181. 729 rooms.[5] 3 blocks east of Rockefeller Center. Miami-inspired architecture; pleasant rooms have the angular dimensions of the building. RR: $182-227 S, $205-250 D; IT, QI $91-114 S, $103-125 D; RM $123 S or D.
  • Lyden Gardens, 215 E 64th St, 10021; 800-637-8483, 355-1230, fax 758-7858, telex 284061. 133 rooms. [8] Residential area, 4 blocks north of Bloomingdale's. Tastefully converted apartment building—diminutive lobby, huge suites and "jr suites" (L-shaped rooms with full kitchen). RR (jr suite): $195-217 S, $217-240 D; IT $98-109 S, $109-120 D.
  • Lyden House, 320 E 53rd St, 10022; 800-637-8483, 888-6070, fax 888-6070 ext 7106, telex 225666 (c/o Shelburne Murray Hill). 81 rooms. [5] In residential area, off tourist path. Apartment building-turned-suite hotel; lacks public areas. RR (studio): $189-217 S, $212-240 D; IT $96-110 S or D.
  • Madison Towers, 22 E 38th St, 10016; 800-225-4340 (except NYC), 685-3700, fax 689-0290, telex 127692. 270 rooms. [2] 4 blocks south of NY Public Library, near 5th Ave shops. Well-maintained older hotel, a notch below competition. Comfortable. RR: $149-195 S, $172-217 D; AD $106 S or D (Jun 18-Sep 9), $110 S or D (Jan-Jun 17, Sep 10-Dec); CT $106 S or D; HI $121 S; HP $113 D; IA $110 S or D; NY $100 S, $127 D; RM $96 S or D; TI $113 S, $119 D; TO $108 S or D; US $110 S, $127 D; WD $121 S, $138 D.
  • Malibu Studios, 2688 Broadway, 222-2954, fax 678-6842. 130 rooms. [7] At 102nd St, 12 blocks south of Columbia University. Glorified rooming house—mostly shared baths; for backpacker set. RR: $30-47 S, $47-115 D (shared bath), $81 D (private bath).
  • Milburn, 242 W 76th St, 10023; 800-833-9622 (except NY metropolitan area), 362-1006, fax 721-5476. 130 rooms (70 transient). [7] 11 blocks north of Lincoln Center. The best of several Upper West Side apartment buildings in transition from permanent to transient quarters. Large, lackluster rooms/suites, most with kitchen. RR: $104-114 S, $149-161 D.
  • NY Penta, 401 7th Ave, 10001; 800-223-8585, 736-5000, fax 502-8798, telex 220932. 1705 rooms. [3] Across from Madison Sq Garden/Penn Station, 1 block from Macy's. A descendant of the rail era, the one-time Pennsylvania and Statler Hilton is now crowded with tour groups (but lobby and rooms are nicely revitalized). RR: $144-200 S, $172-229 D; AD $118 S or D (Jun 18-Sep 9), $130 S or D (Apr-Jun 17, Sep 10-Dec); NY $110 S, $121 D; RM $118 S or D.
  • Olcott, 27 W 72nd St, 10023; 877-4200. 240 rooms (110 transient). [7] 7½ blocks north of Lincoln Center, near Central Park. Semi-residential hotel—shiny brass elevator doors, dull rooms. RR: $87 S, $98 D. No charge cards.
  • Omni Park Central, 870 7th Ave, 10019; 800-843-6664, 484-3300, fax 757-3374, telex 424434. 1450 rooms. [5] 1 block from Carnegie Hall. Prime location north of theater district. Fomerly the Park Sheraton, it's trying to regain lost position with a plethora of individual and tour-group discounts—be wary of budget rooms with Murphy beds. RR: $155-200 S, $178-223 D; CC, HX, IT, TA $112 D; RM $119 S or D.
  • Paramount, 235 W 46th St, 10036; 800-225-7474,764-5500, fax 354-5237, telex 425918. 600 rooms. [4] In center of theater district, near 8th Ave. Not inspected. RR: $110 S, $110-130 D; AD $110 S or D; GL $117 S, $124 D; HI $110 S; HP $104 S, $127 D; RM $82 S or D; TH $110-132 S, $132-155 D; TI $113 S, $119 D; US $110 S, $132 D.
  • Pickwick Arms, 230 E 5lst St, 10022; 355-0300, fax 755-5029. 370 rooms. [5] 5 blocks east of Rockefeller Center. Shoebox—narrow corridors, tiny rooms. RR: $43-87 S, $87-98 D.
  • Plaza Fifty, 155 E 50th St, 10022; 800-637-8483, 751-5710, fax 753-1468, telex 254734. 206 rooms.[5] 2 blocks east of Rockefeller Center, near 5th Ave shops. Converted white-brick apartment building—oversized rooms, suites. RR (studio): $166-217 S, $189-240 D; IT $83-106 S, $95-120 D.
  • Portland Square, 132 W 47th St, 10036; 382-0600, fax 382-0684. 100 rooms. [4] In theater district, l½ blocks from Rockefeller Center. Earnest budget hotel—a model for small-scale rebirth of once-squalid properties. Renovated, pint-sized rooms. RR: $59 S, $76-87 D.
  • Ramada Inn, 8th Ave at 48th St,10019; 800-272-6232, 581-7000, fax 974-0291, telex 147182. 366 rooms. [4] In theater district, bordering tawdry 8th Ave blocks. Spacious, refurbished rooms; cold atmosphere. RR: $113-158 S, $127-172 D; IA $121 S, $144 D; TA $121 S, $144 D; TO $125 S, $133 D.
  • Remington, 129 W 46th St, 10036; 221-2600. 89 rooms. [4] In theater district, east of Duffy Sq, 2½ blocks from Rockefeller Center. Strictly utilitarian—lacks charm. RR: $76 S, $81 D.
  • Roosevelt, 45 E 45th St, 10017; 800-223-1870 (800-442-8420 in NY State), 661-9600, fax 661-7745, telex 238944. 800 rooms (plus 270 more under renovation). [5] Near 5th Ave shops, connected to Grand Central Terminal. Has seen bettter days. RR: $137-189 S, $155-212 D; AB $114 S, $125 D; HI $114 S; IA $114 S, $125 D; PC $96-133 S, $109-149 D; RM $113 S or D.
  • St Moritz, 50 Central Park S, 10019; 800-221-4774, 755-5800, fax 751-2952, telex 668840. 772 rooms. [5] Overlooks Central Park; near 5th Ave shopping. Not inspected. RR: $178 S or D; NY $121 S or D.
  • Salisbury, 123 W 57th St, 10019; 800-223-0680, 246-1300, fax 977-7752, telex 668366. 320 rooms. [5] Mid-block opposite Carnegie Hall, near Broadway theaters, Central Park, 5th Ave shopping. Handsome lobby, pleasant rooms, courteous staff. Low-key ambience reflects ownership by Calvary Baptist Church—no alcohol in cafe. RR: $124-136 S, $136-147 D. Editor's Choice.
  • Shelburne Murray Hill, 303 Lexington Ave, 10016; 800-637-8483, 689-5200, fax 779-7068, telex 225666. 249 rooms. [2] In residential Murray Hill area, 3 blocks from 5th Ave. Classy, spacious studios and suites. RR (studio): $189-212 S, $212-234 D; IT $95-106 S, 106-117 D. Editor's Choice.
  • Southgate Tower, 371 7th Ave, 10001; 800-637-8483, 563-1800, fax 643-8028, telex 220939. 484 rooms. [3] Opposite Madison Sq Garden/Penn Station, 3 blocks south of Macy's. Largest—and least attractive—of Manhattan East Suite Hotels, but still comfortable. RR (studio): $166-200 S, $189-223 D; IT $83-100 S, $95-112 D; NY $115 S, $127 D; RM $123 S or D.
  • Stanford, 43 W 32nd St, 10001; 800-365-1114, 563-1480, fax 629-0043. 125 rooms. [3] Near Empire State Bldg, Herald Sq, Madison Sq Garden/Penn Station. Small budget hotel; attracts many foreign tour groups. Recently renovated rooms are small, but subtly decorated. RR: $93-115 S, 104-138 D.
  • Surrey, 20 E 76th St,10021; 800-637-8483, 288-3700, fax 628-1549, telex 4976057. 117 rooms (107 transient). [8] Another Manhattan East Suite hotel, this converted prewar apartment building sits among posh residences, within walking distance from several major museums and galleries. Super-sized studios and suites. RR (studio): $200-223 S, $223-246 D; IT $100-112 S, $112-123 D. Editor's Choice.
  • Travel Inn, 515 W 42nd St, 10036; 800-223-1900, 695-7171, fax 967-5025, telex 205633. 159 rooms. [4] 3½ blocks west of Times Sq, beside Lincoln Tunnel. Motel (free parking; no in-and-out charge) nestled among small off-Broadway theaters. Behind the tacky exterior are large, tasteful rooms—best of the 3 motels on West Side. RR: $98 S, $121 D.
  • Wales, 1295 Madison Ave, 10128; 800-223-0888, 876-6000, fax 860-7000. 92 rooms. [8] At 92nd St, 9 blocks north of Metropolitan Museum of Art and a bit uptown for most tourist activities. Like its neighborhood, hotel has undergone a major facelift, (oak and mahogany decor); uncomfonably small. RR: $110 S, $144 D.
  • Warwick, 65 W 54th St, 10019; 800-223-4099 (800-522-5634 in NY State), 247-2700, fax 957-8915, telex 147179. 424 rooms.[5] Near Rockefeller Center, 5th Ave shops. Popular with theater crowd—but a tired act. RR: $183-217 S, $212-246 D; IT, TA $92-109 S, $106-123 D; RM $118 S or D.
  • Washington Square, 103 Waverly Pl, 10011, 800-222-0418, 777-9515, fax 979-8373, telex 126909. 180 rooms. [2] The one-time Earle Hotel, now in the midst of stem-to-stern restoration, gives Greenwich Village a bona fide tourist hotel. Ask for renovated room. Charming lobby, smallish rooms. RR: $59-64 S, $84-98 D.
  • Wellington, 7th Ave at 55th St, 10019; 800-652-1212, 247-3900, fax 581-1719, telex 66297. 700 rooms. [5] 2½ blocks from Carnegie Hall, near theater district. Unexciting. RR: $99-114 S, $111-125 D; AD $107 S, $112 D; BE $93 S, $100 D; GL $110 S,126 D; RM $92 S or D; TI $100 S, $115 D.
  • Wentworth, 59 W 46th St, 10036; 800-223-1900, 719-2300, fax 768-3477. 250 rooms. [4] 2 blocks from Rockefeller Center, near theater district, 5th Ave shops. Strictly functional. RR: $81-93 S, $93-121 D.
  • Westpark, 308 W 58th St, 10019; 246-6440, fax 246-3131, telex 421531. 85 rooms. [4] Near Columbus Circle, above Cafe Comedy (a comedy club). Good location between theater district and Lincoln Center. Bare lobby, spartan rooms. RR: $76-104 S, $87-121 D; HM $88 S, $89 D; RM $84 S or D.
  • Wyndham, 42 W 58th St, 10019; 753-3500, fax 754-5638. 200 rooms. [5] Great location near Central Park and 5th Ave shops, short walk to Carnegie Hall. Family-run hotel with homey lobby, airy hallways, individually-decorated rooms (redone every 2 years by owner); attentive staff. RR: $121-132 S, $138-149 D. Editor's Choice.
Arrival, Activities

Most major US and international airlines serve New York. If you can, use close-in LaGuardia Airport. A cab can get to most Manhattan hotels for under $20, in 20-30 minutes; public transit (bus/subway) costs $2.15.

The two international airports—JFK and Newark—are both much farther out. Cabs cost $30 and up; airport buses about $7. The special "Train to the Plane" subway service at JFK is scheduled to end mid-April—check with transit counter in arrivals area to see what substitute service is available.

For getting around Manhattan, cabs are plentiful (except at rush hours or when it rains) and relatively inexpensive—most trips will cost under $10. Buses and subways cost $1.15 per trip; there's no transit pass.

The NY Convention and Visitors Bureau (2 Columbus Circle, NY 10019; 212-397-8200) is one of the nation's most efficient. Write ahead, or drop in after you arrive.

Numerous guidebooks have been written for New York: Browse in your local travel bookstore, or head for one as soon as you arrive.

For ideas on what to do, pick up a copy of the Sunday New York Times or weekly Village Voice before you leave home, or the current edition of New York or New Yorker magazines.

Finding Hotel Discounts

You can save 25-50% on hotel rooms by following our strategies. Otherwise, you'll pay the "rack rate" listed in hotel brochures, quoted by reservations offices, and displayed in travel agency computer systems.

Half-Price Rates

Half-price rates—50% off rack rate—are the best hotel discounts generally available. To get a half-price rate, join a travel club with a half-price program or buy a half-price coupon book. Several programs offer half-price rates in Manhattan. With HX, IT, PC, QI, and TA (see below for key to abbreviations), you reserve directly with each hotel, showing club identification or discount coupon at check-in. You pay at checkout as usual. With CC and WU, you reserve through the club's reservations office.

What's the catch? You get the half-pace rate only when the hotel doesn't expect to be full ("space available"). There's usually a limit on the number of days you can stay. And some hotels on these programs are losers—poor location, heavy tour group traffic, no charm.

Preferred Rates

Preferred rates can cut 10-40% off rack rates. You can get a preferred rate through a travel agency that belongs to a large chain, buying consortium, or booking service; or through an independent discount hotel agency. We list a number of programs with preferred rates in Manhattan. You can usually get a discount as long as the hotel has a vacancy ("unrestricted" availability). Those rates are available only on bookings made through an agency belonging to one of the consortiums or chains; pay at checkout as usual. Contact a discount agency directly; call the home office of a chain or consortium, listed below, for the address of the nearest affiliate.

Or you can join a travel club or association with a preferred-rate program. One (IA) offers preferred rates in Manhattan. Those discounts are "space available." Reserve directly with a hotel or its toll-free reservations number; show IA identification at check-in. Pay at checkout as usual.

The catch? Preferred rates are available mainly at business-oriented (often chain) hotels. Only a minority of the preferred-rate discounts are as high as 25%. Some agencies offer preferred rates only to corporate clients.

Group/Tour Rates

Group/tour rates up to 40% off are often available, even for single bookings. You arrange a room through a wholesale agency, tour operator, or a club offering group rates. In Manhattan, a number of wholesale agencies and tour operators offer group/tour rates. Reserve through the agency or club, never directly with a hotel. You pay the club or agency for your entire stay in advance, generally through a charge card; you receive a voucher or confirmation number to present at the hotel desk when you check in. Availability depends on how many rooms the wholesaler has to sell, not the hotel's vacancies. Some hotels offer their own discount packages, indicated by HP in the hotel listings.

Drawbacks? Tour-group hotels are often charmless, bustling, and ordinary. You may have to book at least two nights or accept some other travel service (sightseeing, meals). And group/tour rates are often higher than the lowest rack rates at some hotels.

Small Discounts

If you can't get a big discount, at least try for a small one. Many hotels offer discounts to seniors, though only a few offer more than 10%; ask about a senior rate if you're over 60 or belong to a senior organization. Many hotels and motels also offer 10% discounts to members of AAA-affiliated clubs and readers of the Mobil travel guides.

Arrangements

Details vary, but two rules usually apply: No matter what the discount source, you have to arrange your discount in advance—when you make reservations. Never wait until checkout. And you have to make all changes and cancellations the same way as you did the original booking.

You can't combine discounts—get a 10% senior discount on a half-price rate, for example, or apply a half-price coupon to a weekend or group rate.

Discount Sources

The following sources of hotel discounts are listed by the abbreviations used in CRTL's hotel listings. (H) indicates half-price, (P) indicates preferred rates, (G) indicates group/tour rates.

Slicing The Big Apple

While Manhattan boundaries and neighborhood names are somewhat fluid, we've dissected the core areas and marked where hotels are located—use our map as a key to locating addresses in our listings. The blueprint for getting around is simple: Avenues run north and south (uptown and downtown); streets run east and west (crosstown); "East" and "West" addresses start at 5th Ave.

Here's a quick review of Manhattan neighborhoods:

  1. Greenwich Village. Venue for artists, writers, residents with a mix of lifestyles, and a large gay community.
    Chelsea. Flower market, mix of small businesses and refurbished townhouses.
  2. Gramercy. Mixture of businesses and residences, including elegant Gramercy Sq.
    Murray Hill. Office buildings plus many low-rise residences.
  3. Garment District. Hub of fashion design and manufacture. Includes Madison Sq Garden/Penn Station.
  4. West Side. Includes several Broadway and off-Broadway theaters, West 50s restaurant gulch, the Jacob Javits Convention Center, and a tawdry stretch on 8th Ave north of W 42d St.
    Theater District.     Includes bright lights of Broadway and sleazy elements of Times Sq.
  5. Midtown. Includes Carnegie Hall, Grand Central Terminal, Museum of Modern Art, NY Public Library, Rockefeller Center, United Nations, posh 5th Ave shops, glass canyons on Park and 6th Aves.
  6. Lincoln Center. Home of the Metropolitan Opera, Avery Fisher Hall, NY State Theater, Vivian Beaumont Theater, Alice Tully Hall.
  7. Upper West Side. Residential area with grand old apartment houses and refurbished brownstones, bustling Broadway commercial strip, trendy Columbus Ave scene.
  8. Upper East Side. Silk-stocking residential area, Madison Ave boutiques/galleries, mercantile Lexington Ave (Bloomingdale's), museums (Guggenheim, Metropolitan, Whitney, and others).