Sleep Cheap in New York: High-Quality Lodgings at Rock-Bottom Rates

by Lisa Mullenneaux

Release Date: 25 January, 2002

Edition: Paperback

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sleep cheap in new york

A great resource for anyone who is planning to visit NYC - or any New Yorker who wants to know more about the affordable hotels in his or her city. Very informative and cleverly written.

Actually, SIX Stars Is More Like It

By Bill Marsano. As a native New Yorker and a long-time resident of midtown Manhattan, I'm often asked to recommend a "nice, good, inexpensive" hotel. Bad idea! I live here, and although I do keep a short list in my head, I've never actually stayed at the hotels and know very little about them. After all, nice, good and inexpensive are flexible terms whose definitions vary widely. And since your definition is the only one that counts, don't call me--get a guide. This guide. It's well-organized and thorough, covering not only Manhattan but the 'outer boroughs' (The Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and even Staten Island) as well, and it's easy to use. The outer boroughs are especially important. Although most people want to visit Manhattan, it's worth remembering that those 'outer' boroughs are but a few minutes away, in most cases, by bus or subway. OK, from Staten Island you have to take a ferry--but it's a terrific scenic ride, and it's free besides.

Lisa Mullenneaux rates hotels (one to five stars) in categories running from Bare Essentials to Full Services, then proceeds to a helpfully large number of sub-categories: First come value for money, cleanliness, guest services and security. Then she gives you all the dope required for an informed choice: rates; number of rooms (and whether the hotel has private baths or shared baths or both), in-room amenities (TV. hair dryers and such), whether there's an on-premises bar and/or restaurant; hotel parking and the kind of clientele you're likely to run into (tourists, businessmen, etc.). Phone and fax numbers, e-dresses and websites, and cancellation policies are included, as well as any special group discounts (e.g., for AAA and AARP) and wheelchair-accessibility. And after each checklist, Mullenneaux provides a thumbnail description that gives an idea of the 'flavor' of the guest experience.

This is the best coverage of New York's low-cost hotels that I've ever seen--miles better than you'll get by calling the city tourist bureau, for example. A half-hour's perusal of this book will save you money, avoid disappointment and quite possibly be the making of your New York vacation.