How To Score An Affordable Hotel Night In New York City
Think it's impossible to find an affordable hotel in New York City? Given the fact the New York tops the lsit of most expensive cites for a hotel night, this might not be far from the truth. But if you're looking for a way to visit New York on a budget, it migh be worth rethinking the traditional travel times. January is perhaps not the most popular time to take a vacation, but the first month of the year also comes with its perks. This year, the third annual Hotel Week NYC will be held Jan. 3 to 12, 2014, during which 30 hotels in the city — some of which usually charge upward of $500 per night — will offer fixed rates of $100, $200, or $300 a night for budget-concious travelers.
"With nearly 900 room nights sold last year, Hotel Week NYC has been a boon for visitors seeking savings after the holidays and the hotels that have unsold inventory," said Nancy J. Friedman, founder of Hotel Week NYC. "2013 has even more choices, from the trendy Ace Hotel to the brand-new Jade Hotel in Greenwich Village."
Several of the hotels participating in Hotel Week are also home to popular New York restaurants. So if you're looking to combine a budget hotel deal with good food, here are a few (of the many on offer) hotels worth checking out:
Pod 39 Hotel: Salvation Taco
The taqueria and cantina is run by Michelin-starred chef April Bloomfield and successful restaurateur Ken Friedman. The menu is influenced by international cuisines that are represented in taco form. Ingredients such as pork belly, chicken feet, lamb tongue, pig ears, and sweetbreads make this menu unique and delicious. The stylish hotel Pod 39 ($100 per night during Hotel Week), aimed to attract the "young-minded" traveler, is located in the Murray Hill neighborhood, just a short walk to Grand Central Station, the Empire State Building, major shopping areas, bars and restaurants, and public transportation.
The Jade Hotel: Grape & Vine
Tucked away in The Jade Hotel in the West Village, this cozy American bistro run by restauranteur Frederick Lesort offers market-driven American cuisine and an escape from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Seasonally-inspired dishes reflect Chef Kevin Heston's Midwestern upbringing with a global twist, garnered during years in the kitchens of Wylie Dufresne's wd-50 and Seamus Mullen's Boqueria. The boutique 113-room Jade Hotel ($200 per night during Hotel Week) is located in the historic Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan.
Refinery Hotel: Parker & Quinn
An American bistro with global appeal located in Refinery Hotel, Parker & Quinn, provides a classic bistro dining experience in the center of Manhattan's Fashion District. The restaurant consists of a casual front tavern, a more formal dining room, and an open kitchen with a chef's counter. Executive chef Jeffrey Forrest prepares classic, simple, and rustic European-influenced dishes using locally sourced ingredients and produce. The restaurant offers wine and beer pairings, in addition to an eclectic and classic cocktail list designed by Alex Ott, the mixologist behind the cocktail programs at Buddha Bar and Sushi Samba. Refinery Hotel ($200 per night during Hotel Week) opened in May 2013 and is the newest hotel in New York's Fashion District.
To book a night during Hotel Week, guests just have to mention "Hotel Week" when calling the hotels, or make a booking online. The whole list of participating hotels can be found on the Hotel Week webpage.