by Ginger Voight

Created on: April 09, 2009   Last Updated: April 06, 2010

With well known hotels like the Plaza and the Waldorf Astoria, a traveler with New York City on their mind might be intimidated that there are no trendy hotels in the City that would fit their more meager budgets.

And while there are many budget hotels such as popular chains like Howard Johnson's and La Quinta, here is a more eclectic list of three different, unique hotels, from lower Manhattan to Uptown, that prove you can take a bite out of the Big Apple without it taking too much of a bite out of your wallet.

Second Home on Second Avenue in the East Village is a 19th century seven room furnished guest house just three blocks from Union Square. Owner Billy Macagnome is always willing to lend a helping hand, even personally taking luggage up to their themed rooms such as the Tribal or the Caribbean. It's this personal touch, as well as the homey feel of Second Home that makes it such a popular choice among the budget minded, so call well in advance to book your stay.

Second Home on Second Avenue 221 Second Avenue between 13th and 14th Street (212) 677-3161

secondhomesecondavenue.com

The hundred year old Gershwin Hotel in Midtown definitely gives its guests that unique New York art scene feel complete with Andy Worhol dcor. With room rates as low as $45 for a no frills "Fabuloso" room, to the $109 per night "Essential" rooms, this hip hotel even offers wireless Internet, discount parking and even babysitting and laundry services.

The Gershwin Hotel 7 E. 27th

Street between Madison and Fifth Avenue (212) 545-8000
www.gershwinhotel.com

Just about five blocks from Central Park, you can enjoy Uptown luxury starting from $127 a night at the Bentley Hotel. Most of the 197 rooms have views of the Upper East Side of Manhattan, some with amazing views of the River and the Queensboro Bridge from their rooftop bar.

The Bentley Hotel 500 E. 62nd

at York Avenue (212) 644-6000
www.hotelbentleynewyork.com

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