Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - NYC - How cheap without sharing a bathroom?

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NYC - How cheap without sharing a bathroom?

It is feasible that I can get a room for two, with a private bath for about $50/night in May in a decent neighborhood? Any suggestions? or am i stuck going the hostel route?

If you're willing to be flexible, check out Priceline.com, they often have great deals, especially at the last minute. Some people will make a regular, cancellable reservation and then see if Priceline can do better as the date approaches. To learn how Priceline works and to see what people have paid for hotels lately, go to www.biddingfortravel.com.

No. Spend an extra $30 or so per night and you'll be much happier.

I wouldn't stay in a hotel room in Manhattan that was $50 per night. I don't even think the Hotel Penn is that cheap. Agree with Anonymous and Olivia, spend $30 more and bid it out on Priceline. Also agree with checking out biddgingfortravel.com.

Thanks - I checked out biddingfortravel.com and see that there are some decent hotels for $65/night. I will reserve at the youth hostel and then cancel if i get a place through priceline. how far ahead should I bid?

try the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Clean, private bathroom, small. Starbucks adjacent to hotel, subway on corner. It worked fine for my girlfriend and I - I would definitely stay there again with a friend. Not for a romantic trip with my husband, however.

Before bidding on Priceline, also checkout the new website betterbidding.com to see what hotels others have one and for bidding tips. It is very helpful! (No, I am not affiliated with the site)

thanks for the tip kelly, but it's a bit out of my budget. and thanks margie for betterbidding.com - i'll take any assistance with this that i can get.

I've stayed at 4-star hotels in New York City thru Priceline for $90 per night. I'm sure you can get a 3-star for $65 or so.

I found that rooms without baths in the United States are not very common. I am in favor of cheap hotels but in Manhattan (NYC), I think $100 is the minimum unless Priceline has a low rate. Hostels exists in the US but are not that common.

To answer your original inquiry, NO, it it probably not possible to get a room for two with a private bath of about $50/night in May in a decent neighborhood. I would recommend you plan to pay more or stay fewer nights.

Thank you for your thougtful and well-researched comment, Hiroshi.

so what's the difference between star ratings? Priceline doesn't say anything about rooms without baths - so if i bid on a 2-star room, can i expect a private bathroom?

To the best of my knowledge PL does nto have rooms with shared baths but that's a guess. Others have alreadfy pointed out that you must resign yourself to $80 per night or so (Maybe a $65 - $70 per night deal on PL or Hotwire and then add in extra $10 or so for taxes). Spend the money and go knowing that once you're there, you can eat, travel and have fun on the cheap in NYC - possibly cheaper than in any other city in the US if you do it carefully and search out the cheapies and freebies and the deals.

PL's definition of 2-star hotels says: "Priceline's 2 star hotels are national name brand and quality independent hotels known for their consistent quality. These hotels provide basic amenities and services and clean and comfortable accommodations. Moderate hotels are generally located near major attractions, intersections and casual dining restaurants. Some may offer limited hotel restaurant service. 2 Star hotel examples: The hotel brands shown below are for example only and may not be partnered with priceline.com. You may get another name-brand or independent hotel of equivalent quality. • Comfort Inn • Days Inn • Best Western • Ramada • Holiday Inn " Even their one-star hotels sound like they'd have private baths: "Priceline's 1 star hotels are national name-brand and quality independent hotels that focus on the budget conscious traveler. These are generally low-rise hotels located near major attractions, convenient intersections or major interstates. Furnishings are basic, clean and in good condition. Restaurants are either on site or close-by. 1 Star hotel examples: The hotel brands shown below are for example only and may not be partnered with priceline.com. You may get another name-brand or independent hotel of equivalent quality. • Howard Johnson • EconoLodge • Super 8 • Travel Lodge • Red Roof Inn  " So, especially given the dearth of rooms with no private bath, there's virtually no chance that you'd get that sort of room by bidding for a 2-star or even 1-star on PL.

Nationally, there are few hotels with shared bath, but in N.Y., it is a lot more common (in lower-priced hotels). Having said that, the lowest ratings for N.Y.City on Priceline is 2.5, and I don't think any of them they are shared baths (you can check hotel descriptions to be sure).

Priceline does offer 1- and 2-star hotels in NYC. Perhaps not in the neighborhoods you were looking for?

What may be true for much of the rest of the US, Hiroshi, is not true for New York. There are hostels, and there are hotels with shared baths -- found several when I was searching in "angeleno's" price range. Many, however, have some non-shared baths as well as shared baths, depending on what you're willing to pay (e.g., Pickwick Arms).