New York is a city where the rates that the EconoLodge can easily be over $200, so finding budget places to stay can be a challenge. However, for those who know where to look, better deals than a $200 EconoLodge can be found. The best budget option can be to cross the river and stay in Long Island or Newark, but for those who want to stay in Manhattan, here are some recommendations.
Hotel Edison: 228 West 47th Street, New York, NY 1003, Tel: 212-840-5000, http://www.edisonhotelnyc.com/
Hotel Edison, located south of Central Park in a historic art-deco building, offers clean, comfortable, affordable rooms for travelers. The hotel is centrally located for visits to the theaters, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and other local attractions. A recent special featured on the website offered bed and breakfast for a very affordable price.
The Travel Inn: 515 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10036, Tel: 212.695.7171 or 888.HOTEL58, http://www.thetravelinnhotel.com/
Although The Travel Inn's base rates are slightly higher than the other budget options, it offers free parking along with a stay, making it a budget saver for anyone with a car. It also offers a swimming pool, which are not common in Manhatten, and rooms with two double beds, making it it a good choice for families. Its location near the Lincoln Tunnel also makes it convenient to Times Square and the theater district.
Broadway Hotel: 230 West 101 Street, New York, NY 10025, Tel: 212-865-7710, http://www.broadwayhotelnyc.com/
The Broadway Hotel & Hostel is a combination hostel & hotel, offering everything from a dorm bed with a bathroom down the hall to a private room for two with an ensuite bathroom. It offers budget rates on all its room types and good location on the Upper West Side. Transportation is easy, as buses stop right outside, while the subway is only two blocks away.
Finally, if none of these options are available, Priceline or Hotwire may come through with a bargain for you. Recent bidders on Better Bidding report getting 3.5* hotels for $89 a night or 4* hotels for $110 a night through Priceline. However, before using either one, it's important to read and understand the information about how these sites work.