An Alternative to Expensive NYC Hotels on Weekends

New York City hotel prices have gone crazy.

Some 25 years ago, The Plaza in New York broke the $100 for a standard (regular) room barrier for the first time I believe in the U.S. Now, per Hotels.com, these rooms cost $725. One can only imagine what this rate would be if we were not in a recession.

During the last 25 years, few Americans have seen purchasing power increase seven times in conjunction with that New York hotel price. For many, it has decreased.

So, what can you do about NYC hotel rates?

If already using Hotwire.com and Priceline.com, you have a great start. However, there are additional ways to reduce hotel costs.

On this page you find a way that can work on weekends and holidays. I have already posted a technique for weeknight stays.

Above: View of Hudson River from Millenium Hilton hotel in Wall Street area of New York City.

Think Lower Manhattan – Downtown

The severe price crunch comes in Midtown Manhattan. That’s where most people want to stay, especially on weekends. Nevertheless, as I’ve as asked before, how many Broadway shows will you attend each day?

Once Friday comes, 3- and 4-star business-oriented hotels in Lower Manhattan (“downtown,” as New Yorkers say) clear out, in contrast to Midtown hotels, which fill up. That means bargains downtown.

You may already plan to spend time in Lower Manhattan. After all, this area includes Chinatown, Little Italy, Wall Street, ferries to Staten Island, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty, awesome views of New York Harbor from Battery Park, and the trendy shops and restaurants of SoHo and Tribeca.

And, of course, Lower Manhattan has Ground Zero, including the not-to-be-missed Tribute WTC Visitor Center, with its temporary museum. Various walking tours lead you through this area.

Convenient transportation

You will not be isolated in Lower Manhattan.

Numerous subway lines connect downtown to Midtown, with frequent service. And, because a number of these start and end downtown, you can often sit instead of stand, especially on weekends.

Depending on the line and station, it takes around 13 to 20 minutes to reach 42nd Street. Not bad.

New York’s main subway lines run 24/7 and, outside of weekday rush hours, are generally not overcrowded to or from Lower Manhattan, especially if you use trains such as the “E” ones that do not also serve Brooklyn.

Trains and stations are well patrolled and at least in Manhattan are generally considered safe. (However, do get in cars with–and on station stairs walk with–as many other passengers as possible. Avoid situations where you are nearly the only person around, as you should in any urban situation.)

From your hotel downtown, Chinatown and Little Italy are only one to three subway stops away and Greenwich Village just two stops beyond that.

Both the “A” and “E” lines bring you to the JFK Airport AirTrain that connects to all terminals. And for $14, Super Shuttle vans take you from your hotel to LaGuardia. Taxis generally charge $25 – 40.00 depending on traffic.

For your convenience, consider buying an unlimited ride MTA pass (1-Day Fun Pass or MetroCard) valid for both subways and NYC buses. These are sold for 1, 7, 14, or 30 day periods.

Quality hotels

There are fewer hotels in Lower Manhattan than in Midtown, but some very good ones.

As an example, Priceline uses the 4-star Millenium Hilton. (That’s its spelling.)

Depending on its location, your room looks out either toward the East River and Brooklyn Bridge or toward the Hudson. Some rooms look down upon Ground Zero. You are just steps from the “E” line and within easy walking distance of many sights, including the church next door that George Washington attended on his first inauguration day.

Other hotels include the New York Marriott Downtown, Club Quarters, and Embassy Suites.

Bidding tips

Always start by checking current retail prices. Sometimes you’ll stumble upon a great special:

New York City Hotels from $75!

Then, check the average winning bids Priceline posts for New York City:

See Winning Hotel bids in Top Cities from $28 per night!

I always bid under these prices. If rejected, submit a higher bid for the same neighborhood, dates, and star quality 24 hours later.

However, it’s easy to re-bid immediately if start bidding with the highest star level.

That means you can bid rightaway by going down a star. (You can’t re-bid immediately by going up a star. If you bid for 2-star hotels, Priceline counts that bid toward everything 2-stars and above.)

You can also re-bid immediately by adding a neighborhood, such as adding “Times Square” to “Lower Manhattan.” This new bid counts toward both neighborhoods.

Always make sure your Priceline bid is lower than the Hotwire price for the same neighborhood and star quality:

4-star hotels. 2-star prices. Save up to 55% with low Hotwire Hot-Rates!

These techniques increase your chances to save. Enjoy New York!