Hi guys, I'm looking to spend 7 nights solo in NYC in early-mid October this year - should I wait a bit longer before booking accommodation? I'm looking to book something 3.5-4stars at approx AU$250 per night and in Manhattan. I was thinking of booking last minute to save $$ as well.
Should I also be looking at AirBnB? I've been told that it's illegal in NYC even though I can see some listings there.
Thanks will check it out
Hyatt times square, 4 star and paid approx ~$210AUD/n 7 nights
Multiple booking sites are showing AU$600 per night :( - did you book last minute?
I booked around 3 months ahead. I did go at low season though, Jan.
Booked via Expedia with the HSBC code
I stayed at the double tree on lexington a couple months ago, booked the trip 2 weeks before hand. about $1400 for 7 days. Had a colleague stay at the Holiday Inn with an awesome view for $100 less! These were personally funded not company paid. Could not pass up the opportunity to stay on after work.
I went solo to NYC earlier last year, however I stayed in the next state over (New Jersey) and took a 25min train into the city everyday. Worked out pretty cheap and well for me.
Do you really want to stay in Manhattan?
Preferably yes - I know I can save a moderate amount if I stay off the island, but it's just my personal preference.
http://www.chelseahostel.com/#!rates/chxo
this place isnt pretty to stay in, but only $70 a night, enjoy the savings on other stuff.
I'm a store rep from Hotel.com.au. We have a new Price Guardian service that might take away some pain here. If you make a booking which includes a free-cancellation period, we check the the price for you each morning up until the free cancellation period runs out. If the price drops, we let you know how to re-book the cheaper price and ditch the old booking. http://www.hotel.com.au/new-york/4-star-new-york-hotels.htm. Hope this helps?
In peak time I stayed in Comfort Inn Lower East Side, with a free night due to a price beat guarantee. Hotel was… adequate. Price was only really good due to the free night. Also stayed in Airbnb and it was pretty good. However there are many dodgy areas in Manhattan so that was an experience! At the end of the day it is about risk. Are you willing to risk your holiday on a potentially dodgy accommodation that is cheaper, or a known entity that isn't great and not good value money at all but without the risk? Although Airbnb is technically banned in plenty of places what are the odds that you will be kicked out of your accommodation? Airbnb may help you find an alternative. The risk is up to you.
I went to NYC last year from the 24/10-31/10. Stayed at the Hotel Edison. Fantastic location. We were upgraded from a Queen room to a suite that had a balcony (rare in NYC. Has a view of Time Square and Hudson river), king bed and lounge room. It was great. Must say, check in took forever as it is a massive hotel with lots of people staying there. And it is an old hotel. The standard room is average but the location, I think, makes up for it. I always prioritise location, but I guess it depends what you want.
I payed $1700 for the week. I am an obsessive planner / bargain hunter when it comes to hotels so I felt quite proud of this price haha
get on to Trip advisor and talk to them about renting an apartment (and put on a flame proof suit for the answers!)
The advice is generally to book a refundable hotel as soon as you can and then keep an eye out on sites to see if there are price reductions/new deals etc etc.
From what i recall, October is a pricey time.
Stayed last Oct in the Holiday Inn Express in Manhattan. Great central location, ask for view to Empire State. Cost me close to $300 a night (decent breakfast incl.) but try the tip from Hotel.com.au above and see if you can get better price. Otherwise call hotel like I did and ask for a good deal. Advice: don't book until you have bought your tickets!
Also check out Villas.com owned by the huge booking.com site, we used them 5 times on our last Europe holiday, fantastic apartments at bargain prices and nothing to pay till you get there and no extra for cleaning..