You could also try staying in parts of the borroughs that are area to Manhattan which would be less costly and take the subway to attractions or a cab later at night. I stayed in Queens right across the river and it was cheaper. You can also get vacation packages where your airfare is combined with your hotel or you can do the hostel thing. You can check tripadvisor.com to see people's personal opinions on the hostel you're interested in. When I was in New York, I felt perfectly safe. As others said, don't go to Central Park at night when it's deserted, stay off the subway late at night and stay out of deserted areas at night, same as anywhere and you should be fine.

"that are area to"

I meant to say that are in an area close to Manhattan. I'll add that when I told my parents that I was going to New York alone, they had the same reaction thinking that there would be robbers, rapists and such around every corner. I found the opposite true, never felt unsafe and had no problems.

Yes I think $150/night for a hotel room in NYC is a more reasonable estimate. Know that even that will be a very basic place, no frills.

If you have time for researching it, there can be some great deals on Priceline...go to www.biddingfortravel.com The New York thread is one of the most active on the whole board and you can learn a LOT just reading it. Another site that also covers Priceline, but is not as active (though the moderators are much nicer) is www.betterbidding.com If was lucky enough to be planning another trip to NYC, it's definitely what I would use. Give yourself lots of time to read up thoroughly as you can save a lot of money, but you have to do your homework.

One year I lucked out with some last minute December opera tickets in New York; however, the better hotels were charging $400-$600 a room (December is really a bad month for hotel rooms in NY). I tried Hostelling International and got one of their last remaining beds in their 12-bed dorm for $35. So, I speak from experience, you CAN get a BED for $35 a night in New York. Here's the HI, New York, website.

http://www.hinewyork.org/

At the moment, their rates start at $29 a bed a night. If you are coming in the summertime, you had best book as soon as possible. These beds go fast.

Safety? Very safe. The entrance to the dormitories is behind a locked door from the lobby area. Each person is given a bedside locker with a private lock. Bathrooms are all shared and I can't remember how many people share one bathroom, but it was a lot. Best time to use the bathroom is after they have cleaned it in the morning. (I was lucky because I had a friend who had a hotel room and I went to her hotel to take showers).

The hostel is one block from the red line (#1) metro stop at 103rd Street. I walked back to the hostel late at night after my three operas and never felt unsafe. The red line (#1) goes all the way to Times Square, making it possible for you to get from midtown Manhattan back to the hostel very quickly.

Of the 12 people staying in my dorm room, I was the only American, so you will get to meet some very interesting people from all over the world. Often hostel mates who were strangers before will go and do things together in New York; you'll make some new friends very rapidly. If you go with a small group of hostellers there is even less chance of having something happen to you. Just follow the good advice above and take the usual precautions.

Some years ago we stayed at the Gershwin Hotel and it had one or 2 hostel floors. Check their website and see if that is still true. Our room was less than $200 so I expect hostel rooms reasonable.

Have a great time-if you love NYC even half as much as DH and I did, you'll still have a wonderful visit!