Least expensive month in NYC?
 

I was in NYC in June. Had a great time and thought that nothing was that much overpriced -- except the hotel. <BR> <BR>Had a bad experience at Washington Square Hotel. I had called for a reservation. I had read in Fodor's New York City Guide that Washington Square was "family run," and was a good economy hotel. When calling for reservations, although I could have obtained a room for $110 for two, the reservationist had a newly redecorated room that would be $160 per night. The room had ONE double bed, not even a bedspread, no curtains on the window -- and the window looked out on a brick wall! Although I complained to front desk, all I was given was a bedspread -- at about 11:00 p.m. <BR> <BR>It was June -- heavy tourist month -- but for an "economy" hotel, I thought this was terrible! <BR> <BR>As I am a retired teacher who need not rely on June, July, August to travel -- does anyone have a suggestion on the best month, pricewise, to book a hotel in New York? <BR>Show prices were reasonable, restaurant prices were not that bad, and I can ride the subway with the best of them -- but when can I get a decent hotel at a reasonable price. <BR> <BR>I loved New York City and am ready to go back, but at a time when hotel prices are more reasonable. <BR> <BR>Thanks for the usual great advice Foderites give! <BR> <BR>Geo

Common sense tells me that it would be the winter months (January, February and perhaps March, before the Easter season). I know that convention rates at hotels are usually lower in those months, and it is easier to get theater tickets. Those are two indications of less demand.

I have started to believe that NYC hotel pricing has become as complex as airline pricing. No matter what the season, I have found hotel rates at the same hotel fluxuating from $149-$279 (New York Hilton and Towers). My theory is that as the hotel begins to fill up, the rate goes up, and if it is getting close to the date of occupancy and the hotel is not full, the rate will go down. <BR> <BR>My advice would be to do internet searches for the lowest rate a few weeks before you want to travel. You'll need to be flexible as to your travel dates to avoid those dates when the city is "full". Hopefully, you can get a cheap airline ticket within that time frame. <BR> <BR>Try: <BR>www.hilton.com <BR>www.sheraton.com <BR>www.180096hotel.com

I lived in NY for 6+ years. There is no such thing as a decent hotel at a reasonable price.

I agree with Phil, there is no such thing as a reasonable hotel in NY and no such thing as a cheap month in NYC.

I travel to NYC regularly for business and my idea of a "decent" hotel may differ from that of other people. I expect a safe location, a clean room, a decent bed (with bedspread!) and courteous treatment. Some of the rooms I get have no view but I rarely pay more than $140 per night and usually far less. I can personally vouch for Radio City Apartments (yes it is a hotel & is near 6th Ave & 49th), the Hotel Deauville (around E. 28th and Park Ave. S.) and the Hotel New Yorker (by W. 34th & 8th near Penn Station). None of these places are fancy but I found all to be convenient and reasonable. I've stayed at the HoJo Inns on both W. 34th and Park Ave South and found them to be so-so in quality and they jack their prices up whenever NYC gets busy. The RC Apartments and the Deauville keep the same price all year. The New Yorker varies in price and is a bit more expensive but has been beautifully renovated. It was one of the premier hotels in NYC in an earlier era- the rooms are large, comfortable and quiet- worth the extra bucks. I've finally settled on a small "European style" hotel when I'm visitng there alone. I have to share a bath with several other rooms (the room has washstand only) but have never had to wait for a bath and everything is spotless (and it's quiet). At $85 per night all year round it's an option worth considering - there are a number of hotels like this in NY - many in good neighborhoods but they don't advertise and you have to look around to find them. The price generally ranges from $65 - $90 per night.

I travel to NYC regularly for business and my idea of a "decent" hotel may differ from that of other people. I expect a safe location, a clean room, a decent bed (with bedspread!) and courteous treatment. Some of the rooms I get have no view but I rarely pay more than $140 per night and usually far less. I can personally vouch for Radio City Apartments (yes it is a hotel & is near 6th Ave & 49th), the Hotel Deauville (around E. 28th and Park Ave. S.) and the Hotel New Yorker (by W. 34th & 8th near Penn Station). None of these places are fancy but I found all to be convenient and reasonable. I've stayed at the HoJo Inns on both W. 34th and Park Ave South and found them to be so-so in quality and they jack their prices up whenever NYC gets busy. The RC Apartments and the Deauville keep the same price all year. The New Yorker varies in price and is a bit more expensive but has been beautifully renovated. It was one of the premier hotels in NYC in an earlier era- the rooms are large, comfortable and quiet- worth the extra bucks. I've finally settled on a small "European style" hotel when I'm visitng there alone. I have to share a bath with several other rooms (the room has washstand only) but have never had to wait for a bath and everything is spotless (and it's quiet). At $85 per night all year round it's an option worth considering - there are a number of hotels like this in NY - many in good neighborhoods but they don't advertise and you have to look around to find them. The price generally ranges from $65 - $90 per night.

I forgot to mention... for those hotels that DO change prices depending upon occupancy rates and time of year use this guideline: <BR> <BR>Best rates are in early Sept - mid Nov <BR>and from early January - early May. Hotels that cater to business travelers, (especially those located in the Wall Street area) sometimes offer very good weekend "specials". The exception to the above lower price periods is any week during which there is a school break. Many tour groups and families with kids visit the city during these times. For example... I stayed at Ho-Jo Inn on Park Ave South in late April and paid $89 per night including breakfast and got valet parking for $19 per day (including tax!). Ten days later i called to make another reservation and was quoted $259 per night! Upon complaining about the discrepancy I was informed that "it's a busy week" and then immediately offered a rate of $159! (which I promptly declined).

You may want to try calling Petra at NY Habitat at 212.352.0267, extension 143. This is a realtor that provides short term apartment rentals to tourists. You specify the neighborhood, amenities and price range. There are pictures of apartments on nyhabitat.com for you to peruse. You will be required to pay the owner in cash when you 'check in' and a cash deposit is returned to you upon 'check out'. There are many benefits of using this apartment finding service, including price!

<BR>Hey, Leo, no advertising, please. <BR>To answer you, Brian, and others. Yes, you are right about when prices go up. It's a simple case of supply and demand. Airlines do the same thing, as to other industries that deal with the public. <BR>As for some of the other posters, hey, if New York prices bother you, don't come!

I agree with Brian that hotel pricing is more like the airlines every day. At a hotel we used to frequent in Boston, it takes quite a while for the computer to come up with a rate. It's best to really shop. I call around as soon as I'm thinking of going and book if I think I've found a good rate, making careful note of the cancellation policy. Then, I shop around again monthly until the day before my trip. This is an interesting endeavor - the rates, at the same places, fluctuate tremendously - for the same dates! I'm sure Brian is correct - that the rates are based upon the hotel bookings on the dates you plan to be there. What's really interesting is that the rates at the (same) places when I call the day before I leave are often much higher or much lower than the week before or several months before. I guess some places with rooms to spare hope for desparate folks who will pay anything, and others let them go at bargain prices to fill the rooms. Go figure. Lately, I rely a lot on www.expedia.com. The rates seem very accurate (I've compared with other booking websites and called hotels directly). You can shop without having to speak to impatient reservations clerks. I've stopped using www.180096hotel.com (but plan to check them out again in the winter) because their rates are not competitive any more (used to be a steal), you have to pay in advance, and there's a fee for changing. In answer to your question, though, for three years now, we've had great luck booking hotels in NYC at the end of May (not Memorial Day weekend) - and very nice weather.

The least expensive months in NYC are January and July. Right now until Labor day, you can get a great deal.The most expensive time is Mid September - Mid December. The first two weeks in December the pope couldn't bget a room for less than $300

The least expensive months in NYC are January and July. Right now until Labor day, you can get a great deal.The most expensive time is Mid September - Mid December. The first two weeks in December the pope couldn't bget a room for less than $300 <BR> <BR>Almost forgot to mention. the best deals are the 5 days before thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. deluxe business oriented hotels are empty and are delighted to have you no matter the price. Call your favorite hotel and try to negotiate.