Tips + Planning

The Top 10 Affordable Hotels in New York City

Want to save some money on your next trip to pricey New York? Here are some cheaper lodging alternatives to consider.

So, you’re searching for things to do in New York. And you probably want to be able to hit as many attractions as you can. To get the most out of your trip, you have to mind your spending.

There are plenty of amazing New York Hotels. Cheap accommodations, on the other hand, may be challenging to come by if you don’t know where to look.

The following list should give you plenty of ideas when it comes to getting more from your budget without compromising your sleep quality.

1. The Local NYC

_{Thelocalny.com. (2016). Available at: https://thelocalny.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/IMG_1753-768×512.jpg}

It’s more than just one of the most affordable hotels in New York. The Local NYC is a 2-star establishment decorated in an industrial-chic style.

It even offers a bar and a rooftop terrace. The rooms are somewhat unique and perhaps not what most guests would expect. But they do capture the essence of The Big Apple down to the last detail.

2. Arlo SoHo

_{Wp.com. (2023). Available at: https://i0.wp.com/wouldistayagain.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Arlo-room-1.jpeg?fit=2200%2C1513&ssl=1}

Although cheap, the Arlo SoHo hotel is surprisingly among the highest-rated hotels in the city.

This micro-hotel features rooms with a footprint of under 150-square feet each. While there are queen and king-size beds available, many guests opt for bunk beds. There is an on-site restaurant, as well as four bars in the common spaces.

It doesn’t matter if the Arlo SoHo is one of the tiniest affordable hotels in New York. The facilities, service, and design contribute to making it a popular choice.

3. Pod 51 Hotel

_{Erikastravelventures.com. (2023). Available at: https://www.erikastravelventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/IMG_4534-1-1024×739.jpg}

Located on 23 E 51^st Street, the Pod 51 Hotel is one of the more okay 3-star spots in the city. It offers terrific modern accommodations at affordable prices.

It also has great city views from the rooms. For an even better way to check out the city skyline, spend some time on the rooftop deck.

Bear in mind that the location puts it minutes away from Times Square, the Empire State Building, and other notable attractions and tourist hotspots.

4. Holiday Inn New York City

_{Ihg.com. (2023). Available at: https://digital.ihg.com/is/image/ihg/holiday-inn-express-brooklyn-7912164584-4×3}

Do you want accommodations near Madison Square Garden? If that’s the case, this is one of the most affordable hotels in New York that puts you close enough for you to smell the Garden.

The Holiday Inn New York City is a high-rise lodging that offers modern rooms with a casual yet inviting vibe. It also has a bar, a restaurant, and a fitness room.

5. Hyatt Place

_{Kayak.com.ph. (2023). Available at: https://www.kayak.com.ph/rimg/himg/f3/bd/99/ice-50140-79769079_3XL-710620.jpg?width=1366&height=768&crop=true}

For a cheap trip to New York, the Hyatt Place near Times Square makes for ideal accommodations. There are over 500 rooms in the hotel, a full-service fitness center, and daily housekeeping.

You get most of the amenities found in high-end lodging venues without having to pay a fortune. Its proximity to Times Square (just a seven-minute walk) and to other attractions position it well for budget travelers.

6. Wingate by Wyndham

_{Wyndhamhotels.com. (2023). Available at: https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/content/dam/property-images/en-us/wg/us/ny/new-york/48822/48822_reception_1.jpg?}

Located at 11 West 37^th Street, this midtown hotel is among the most affordable hotels in NYC. It’s not the most prominent building, but it’s only a minute away from 5^th Avenue.

Every room has air conditioning, daily housekeeping, toiletries, and other amenities. The 68 rooms of the hotel cater to singles, couples, and families. You also get a continental breakfast included in the room’s price, which is always nice to have.

7. The World Center Hotel

_{Worldcenterhotel.com. (2019). Available at: https://www.worldcenterhotel.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/07/2019-06-14_CQ_WTC_VOTW_mark-weinberg_2011_smaller.jpg?}

If you want to save money on your trip, consider spending a few nights at the World Center Hotel. This 4-star establishment offers rooms and suites with casual yet modern décor.

The Freedom Tower views are amazing, especially at night. Most of the rooms also come with kitchenettes, among other amenities and services.

Its location in the financial district makes it an interesting choice in lodging. This hotel is a bang-for-your-buck accommodation because most alternatives in the area don’t offer such relatively affordable prices.

8. Jazz Hotel on Columbus Circle

_{Ymcanyc.org. (2023). Available at: https://ymcanyc.org/sites/default/files/styles/prgf_gallery/public/2018-09/ColumbiaDoctors-Columbus%20Circle.png}

This is where you can find one of the best price-to-quality ratios in the city. One of the top affordable hotels in New York, it has tiny rooms with an included breakfast.

The overall bright and jazzy décor gives the hotel a unique vibe. The building is in Midtown West, making it a perfect spot to park for the night if you want to be close to Broadway or Times Square. In fact, the latter is within 10 minutes walking distance.

9. DoubleTree by Hilton

_{Twic.pics. (2023). Available at: https://dayuse.twic.pics/hotels/13374/324f5a575733cfce1e6241d634160c23-doubletree-by-hilton-new-york-times-square-south.jpg}

When you want to combine luxury and cheap prices, you get the DoubleTree by Hilton. It’s an accessible lodging alternative with an upscale terrace dining area and amazing rooftop views of the city.

Although the rooms are rather small, the staff, location, and amenities help balance out the experience.

10. East Village Hotel

_{Bstatic.com. (2023). Available at: https://cf.bstatic.com/xdata/images/hotel/max1024x768/9335930.jpg?k=15995dd9a7d6e97d295f86fb4847623d396c513d3d98a194a84aa6b32bf0124e&o=&hp=1}

Do you want to sleep in the heart of East Village? Then, this one of the cheap hotels in Manhattan, New York, that won’t disappoint.

Every room comes with queen-size beds, a kitchenette, flat-screen TV, fridge, stove – pretty much everything you need to feel at home.

It’s particularly inviting to couples and families, although the hotel also caters to traveling businesspeople looking for more than just a place to sleep at night.

Not the Priciest City to Sleep In

The Big Apple certainly has a reputation for being all over the place when it comes to prices. True, some neighborhoods are vastly more expensive than others.

But for almost every district, there’s always a solution.

You can find affordable hotels in New York if you make some compromises. Most hotels, even the cheap ones, still offer a good range of services and enough amenities to satisfy all guests.

Why not choose cheaper accommodations and spend your money on other exciting things during your stay?

Up Next

Seven Phuket Attractions That You Should Visit

Don't Miss

Visiting New York City? Don’t Miss Seeing These Unique Sights

Tips + Planning

New York on a Budget: Tips for Affordable Fun

Dreaming of NYC but worried about the price tag? You’re not alone. While the Big Apple consistently ranks among the world’s most expensive cities, experiencing its magic doesn’t require a trust fund. With insider knowledge and smart planning, you can savor iconic sights, world-class culture, and delicious eats without breaking the bank. Here’s your roadmap to an unforgettable, affordable New York adventure.

Conquer the Classics for Free (or Almost Free)

New York is overflowing with iconic experiences that cost nothing but your time.

Explore Central Park — Bstatic.com. (2025). Available at: https://cf.bstatic.com [Accessed 4 Jul. 2025]

Walk Famous Landmarks: Stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge for breathtaking skyline views and photo ops. Explore Central Park – visit Sheep Meadow, Bethesda Fountain, and hidden waterfalls. Wander through Times Square at night to soak in the neon energy, marvel at Grand Central Terminal’s architecture, and admire the Rose Reading Room at the New York Public Library.
Seek Out Spectacular Free Views: Skip the expensive observation decks. Ride the Staten Island Ferry (FREE, 24/7) for stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Lower Manhattan skyline. Walk the High Line, an elevated park with unique city vistas and art. Head to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade for that classic postcard view of Manhattan.
Discover World-Class Museums for Less: Many major museums offer “pay-what-you-wish” admission or free hours:
- The Met: Pay what you wish for NY, NJ, CT residents; suggested admission others
- American Museum of Natural History: Pay what you wish for NY, NJ, CT residents
- MoMA: Free for all every Friday evening (5:30 PM – 9:00 PM)
- Museum of the City of New York: Pay what you wish for NY residents; free for all Wednesdays
- National Museum of the American Indian: Always free
- Bronx Museum: Always free
- Others: Guggenheim (pay-what-you-wish Sat evenings), Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (free Fri evenings), and Brooklyn Museum (free first Saturday of the month)
Embrace Parks & Green Spaces: Beyond Central Park, explore Prospect Park (Brooklyn), Brooklyn Bridge Park (free kayaking in summer!), Bryant Park (free events year-round), Washington Square Park, and the unique Little Island.

Eat Like a Local (Without the Tourist Markup)

NYC’s culinary scene is legendary, and you don’t need a fancy reservation to enjoy it.

New York slice — Islands.com. (2025). Available at: https://www.islands.com [Accessed 4 Jul. 2025]

The Almighty Slice: Grab a classic $1-$3 New York slice from spots like Joe’s Pizza, 2 Bros Pizza, or countless neighborhood pizzerias.
Street Food & Food Trucks: Fuel up with affordable breakfast tacos, bagels with cream cheese, hot dogs, pretzels, and legendary halal cart plates.
Global Delights in Ethnic Enclaves:
- Chinatown: Inexpensive dumplings, dim sum, noodle soups
- Queens (Flushing, Jackson Heights): Authentic and affordable eats from around the world
- Arthur Avenue, Bronx: Authentic Italian far superior (and cheaper) than Little Italy
Happy Hour Deals: Milk happy hour for discounted drinks and sometimes food at popular bars.
Groceries & Markets: Grab picnic supplies for park lunches. Explore food halls like Chelsea Market (sample affordably) or Essex Market.

Smart Savings on Accommodation & Transportation

These two areas often eat the biggest chunks of your budget. Fight back!

Catholicleader.com.au. (2025). Available at: https://catholicleader.com.au [Accessed 4 Jul. 2025]

Stay Beyond Manhattan: Consider Brooklyn, Queens, or even New Jersey for significantly better hotel rates and more space.
Book Early & Compare: Use comparison sites. Winter offers the lowest prices, while spring/fall provide good balance of cost and comfort.
Master Public Transit: Ditch the expensive cabs!
- Subway & Bus: The $2.90 single ride is your lifeline. A 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard ($34) pays for itself after about 12 rides
- Walking: NYC is incredibly walkable
- Citi Bike: Great for short hops
- Ferries: Besides the FREE Staten Island Ferry, the NYC Ferry offers scenic routes

Score Deals on Entertainment & Experiences

Culture and fun in NYC don’t have to come with a sky-high price.

Shakespeare in the Park — Feverup.com. (2025). Available at: https://offloadmedia.feverup.com [Accessed 4 Jul. 2025]

Broadway & Theater:
- TKTS Booths: Get same-day tickets for up to 50% off
- Lotteries & Rush Tickets: Many shows offer deeply discounted tickets via digital lotteries or in-person rush sales
Free Festivals & Events: NYC’s calendar is packed!
- Shakespeare in the Park: Summer performances in Central Park
- SummerStage & BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!: Free concerts in parks
- Holiday Magic: Rockefeller Tree, Macy’s Parade, Dyker Heights lights
Comedy & TV Tapings: Find free or low-cost comedy shows and apply for free audience tickets to TV shows.

Pro Tips for Maximum Savings

Travel Off-Peak: Visit in winter or early December for lowest prices
Embrace Free Walking Tours: Cover neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, SoHo, and Chinatown
Hydrate Smart: Carry a reusable water bottle – NYC tap water is excellent
Seek Out Local Alternatives: Skip tourist traps for authentic neighborhood experiences

The Takeaway:

New York City on a budget isn’t just possible; it can lead to a richer, more authentic experience. By focusing on free attractions, eating locally, staying strategically, mastering the subway, and seeking deals, you unlock the true vibrancy of the city without draining your savings. Remember, the best things in New York – the energy, the people-watching, the iconic skyline views – are often free. So pack your walking shoes, grab a MetroCard and a dollar slice, and get ready to fall in love with the Big Apple on your own terms! What’s your first budget-friendly NYC adventure going to be? Share your tips in the comments!

Oceanside

Oceanside’s Farm-to-Table Dining: A Foodie’s Guide

If you’ve ever dreamed of devouring a just-plucked salad while staring at the Pacific, then buckle up, buttercup—Oceanside farm-to-table dining is calling your name.

Tucked between sun-soaked beaches and rolling inland hills, this Southern California gem has quietly grown into a haven for food lovers who like their meals local, their chefs bold, and their plates—well, Instagram-ready.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just someone who really really likes brunch, Oceanside farm-to-table dining offers more than sea views. We’re talking heirloom tomatoes kissed by morning fog, craft cocktails that double as magic tricks, and chefs who are basically artists with aprons. Here’s your ultimate guide to getting fed, farm-fresh style.

What Is Oceanside Farm-to-Table Dining, Really?

Let’s clear the table for a sec. Farm-to-table isn’t just some trendy buzzword chefs slap on menus to sound eco-chic. At its core, it means sourcing ingredients locally—often directly from farms—and serving them up with minimal processing and maximum flavor. In Oceanside, this goes beyond just taste. It’s a philosophy. A lifestyle. Dare we say… a movement?

And the best part? You’re supporting local growers, reducing your carbon footprint, and probably tasting the juiciest strawberry of your life. Win-win-win.

Best Oceanside Farm-to-Table Restaurants You Need to Try

1. The Plot

Facade of The Plot restaurant in Oceanside, CA. — Visitoceanside.org. (2025). Available at: https://visitoceanside.org/ [Accessed 27 Jun. 2025].

This zero-waste, plant-based spot is straight-up revolutionary. Their ingredients come from their own nearby farm, and the dishes? Think beet poke, jackfruit tacos, and other delicious curveballs that even die-hard carnivores can’t resist. Oh, and they compost everything. If guilt-free indulgence had a home address, this would be it.

2. Dija Mara

A group of people eating at Dija Mara restaurant in Oceanside CA. — Visitoceanside.org. (2025). Available at: https://visitoceanside.org/ [Accessed 27 Jun. 2025].

Farm-to-table meets Southeast Asian street food in a vibe-heavy spot that’s as edgy as it is flavorful. The grilled octopus is legendary, and if you skip the charred broccolini, you’re doing it wrong. The chef draws heavily from local produce, giving traditional Balinese flavors a SoCal twist. It’s bold, it’s funky, and it absolutely slaps.

3. Piper at The Seabird Resort

Menu at Piper restaurant in Oceanside, CA. — Theseabirdresort.com. (2025). Available at: https://theseabirdresort.com/ [Accessed 27 Jun. 2025].

Piper doesn’t mess around. Set inside a dreamy oceanside resort, this airy spot serves up locally-sourced everything—from the eggs in your shakshuka to the basil in your spritz. It’s coastal chic meets farmers market brunch, with a pastry chef who deserves a standing ovation. Try the house-made granola, and prepare to get hooked.

4. Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub

Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub. Oceanside farm-to-table dining. — Squarespace-cdn.com. (2022). Available at: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/ [Accessed 27 Jun. 2025].

Don’t let the name throw you. This place is an Oceanside staple, known for its punk-rock approach to sushi and unwavering dedication to sustainability. Chef Davin Waite works with local fishermen and farms to craft rolls that are inventive, wild, and weirdly poetic. Like a sea urchin haiku with a wasabi kick.

Markets & Makers: Take the Experience Home

Oceanside’s Downtown Farmers Market. Oceanside farm-to-table dining.

Don’t just eat it—live it. Oceanside’s Downtown Farmers Market is held every Thursday and is your golden ticket to the freshest produce, local honey, and homemade everything. Chat up the farmers. Sample the stone fruit. Grab some sourdough that might change your life. It’s laid-back, lively, and just the right amount of chaotic.

While you’re at it, check out Cyclops Farms, a certified organic urban farm that supplies many of Oceanside’s restaurants. They host events, dinners, and even let you pick your own produce. Warning: you might leave with a crate of kale and a deep desire to start gardening.

Final Bites: Why Oceanside’s Food Scene Hits Different

Let’s be honest—farm-to-table is often tossed around in cities that feel more like curated museum exhibits than real, lived-in communities. But Oceanside? It’s gritty, it’s growing, and it’s got soul. The chefs here aren’t following trends; they’re setting them. The food isn’t pretentious; it’s passionate. And every bite tells a story that started just down the road.

So, next time you find yourself in this coastal corner of California, come hungry—and maybe wear pants with an elastic waistband. You’re gonna need it.

Planning Your Visit?
Make sure to check restaurant hours, reserve ahead if you can, and leave room in your suitcase for jam jars and handmade pasta. This isn’t just a dining experience—it’s a full-on flavor adventure.

Dig in.

New Orleans

New Orleans’ Haunted History: A Ghost Tour

New Orleans, the Crescent City, is renowned for its vibrant music, delectable cuisine, and unique cultural blend. But beneath the surface of jazz-filled streets and colorful balconies lies a darker, more mysterious side: a history steeped in tragedy, Voodoo, and countless restless spirits. If you’re looking for an adventure that will send shivers down your spine and ignite your imagination, a ghost tour in New Orleans is an absolute must-do!

Imagine walking through the dimly lit cobblestone streets of the French Quarter, the gas lamps casting long, dancing shadows, as a seasoned storyteller regales you with tales of centuries-old hauntings. This isn’t just about jump scares; it’s an immersive journey into the city’s past, where every building seems to hold a chilling secret.

What Makes New Orleans So Haunted?

New Orleans Street — Visittheusa.com. (2025). Available at: https://www.visittheusa.com [Accessed 23 Jun. 2025]

The city’s tumultuous history has created fertile ground for paranormal activity. From devastating fires and rampant epidemics like yellow fever to the brutal realities of slavery and violent crimes, New Orleans has witnessed its share of profound suffering. This rich, often tragic, past has left an indelible mark, and many believe the spirits of those who lived and died here still linger.

Iconic Haunted Locations You Might Encounter:

A good ghost tour will take you to some of New Orleans’ most infamous spectral hotspots. Here are a few you’re likely to hear about:

The LaLaurie Mansion — Al.com. (2025). Available at: https://www.al.com [Accessed 23 Jun. 2025]

The LaLaurie Mansion (1140 Royal Street): Perhaps the most notorious haunted house in America, this grand mansion was once home to Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a wealthy socialite infamous for her horrific cruelty towards her enslaved people in the early 19th century. The tales of torture and suffering within its walls are truly unsettling, and many claim the tormented spirits of her victims still haunt the property.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 — Cemeterytourneworleans.com. (2025). Available at: https://cemeterytourneworleans.com [Accessed 23 Jun. 2025]

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1: As the oldest cemetery in New Orleans, established in 1789, it’s a labyrinth of above-ground tombs and crumbling mausoleums. It’s the final resting place of many notable figures, including the legendary Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Visitors often report seeing ghostly figures, hearing whispers, and feeling an eerie presence among the ornate tombs.

The Ursuline Convent — Tripadvisor.com. (2025). Available at: https://dynamic-media-cdn.tripadvisor.com [Accessed 23 Jun. 2025]

The Ursuline Convent: This imposing building, dating back to the 1750s, holds tales of mysterious deaths and sightings of ghostly nuns. It’s also famously associated with the “Casket Girls” legend – young French women who arrived with small chests, rumored to be vampires by some, though history tells a less sensational story of their belongings.

Hotel Monteleone — Phgcdn.com. (2025). Available at: https://phgcdn.com [Accessed 23 Jun. 2025]

Hotel Monteleone: This luxurious hotel has a long history and a reputation for being exceptionally haunted. Guests and staff have reported encounters with spectral children, including a young boy named Maurice who is said to roam the 14th floor, still searching for his parents.

Muriel's Jackson Square — Thevendry.com. (2025). Available at: https://thevendry.com [Accessed 23 Jun. 2025]

Muriel’s Jackson Square: This restaurant is reportedly haunted by its former owner, Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who committed suicide upstairs after losing the property in a poker game. Diners have reported moving objects, disembodied voices, and a general feeling of being watched.

Beyond the Ghosts: A Historical Perspective

New Orleans ghost tours are more than just spooky stories; they offer a unique way to delve into the city’s complex history. You’ll learn about the origins of Voodoo in New Orleans, the impact of significant historical events, and the lives of the colorful, and often tragic, characters who shaped this remarkable city. The guides are often captivating storytellers, blending historical facts with local legends to create an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, a New Orleans ghost tour promises an evening of intrigue, history, and a touch of the supernatural. It’s a chance to see the city in a different light, to feel the echoes of its past, and perhaps, to even encounter a friendly (or not-so-friendly) spirit.