Hotel in Cental Manhatten

Q: I would like to find an affordable hotel, hostel or room in central New York for a two-week visit in August. Could you please point me in the right direction? - Annelie Smit

A: As you have no doubt discovered, hotels in New York are pretty expensive. However, you should check the discount hotel websites like expedia and priceline for any bargains during your stay. There are often discounted rooms during August, although this will probably still work out to be quite expensive for a two-week stay. One of my favourite hotels is the Pod Hotel, which offers a bunk bed room for 99 dollars a night or a double bed room for around 139 US dollars a night (plus 14.75% city and state taxes and 3.50 occupancy tax). The rooms are tiny, but are very tastefully decorated with an iPod docking station, a flat-screen TV, an in-room safe and a private bathroom with rain-head shower (www.thepodhotel.com). However, your best bet may be to sublet an apartment or room. As August is hot and humid in New York , many residents head for coastal resorts and rent out their apartments. Check the listings in www.craigslist.com under the heading "sublets/temporary". You may get a room in an apartment or a studio or apartment of your own. Either way, it will be much cheaper than a hotel or bed and breakfast. You could also post an advert in the housing section of Craigslist, explaining exactly what you are looking for. This service is free. However, you need to be aware that not all sublets are legal and you could be evicted in exceptional cases. Make sure that you get the details of your deal in writing. The other alternative is to book a bed or room in one of the city's main hostels. One of the better one is HI- New York , which is located on the Upper West Side in Manhattan . You should be able to get a bed with a locker for around 30 US dollars a night. If you prefer a room on your own, opt for a single occupancy room at the West Side YMCA. For around 105 US dollars a night you get a small room with airconditioning and cable TV. Book on the www.ymcanyc.org website. (25 Apr 2010)