Before you get your tickets, just note that vaccinations and masks will be required for all audience members (read more on Broadway.org).

Once you picked out the shows that you want to catch, we can help you find cheap hotels near Broadway theaters in New York City.

Related:
• 6 Clean and central hotels in New York city for under $100
• 5 Super cheap hotels in Manhattan
• 7 ways to save on Broadway tickets

Our favorite cheap hotels near Broadway theaters

We’ve come up with four hotel options all located just steps from the bright lights and action of Times Square and the Theater District. In fact, our cheapest picks offer a night’s rest for much less than the price of an average Broadway ticket. These rates start under $125 per night for a double room, and during the offseason, you can find rooms for $99 and up.

Now, on with the show!

A sleek and small room at Yotel Times Square.

Yotel Times Square

Rooms start at $226
Tenth Avenue (between W. 41st and 42nd Streets)
Close to: Majestic Theatre, Richard Rodgers Theatre, John Golden Theatre, Broadhurst Theatre

Located along iconic 42nd Street just west of Times Square, this popular hotel offers up modern style at a good price. The rooms are small but modern with slick white furnishings and lots of tech amenities like smart TVs, very fast Wi-Fi, and rain showers. Some rooms also offer vibrant views over the city.

Read the full review.

The lovely lobby of St. James Hotel is just off of Times Square.

Hotel St. James

W. 45th Street (Between 6th and 7th Avenues)
Rooms from $200
Close to: Lyceum Theatre, Palace Theatre, Belasco Theatre

This two-star spot is a rare breed in New York City — a family-run hotel with reasonable rates for this part of town. As one of the best deals near Times Square, guests shouldn’t expect luxury. But the simple rooms and sparkling clean bathrooms are well worth the price. The sitting lounge in the back of the hotel is a nice place to flip through your guidebook before heading out for the day.

Read the full review.

Kasa the Duffy Times Square

W. 46th Street (Between 9th and 10th Avenues)
Rooms from $217
Close to: Walter Kerr Theatre, Music Box Theatre, Shubert Theatre, Gershwin Theatre

Tucked away on a nice-looking street not far from Time’s Square, this boutique hotel offers stylish rooms in a historic townhouse. Without a check-in desk (they send you an entry code), the experience is more like staying in your very own New York apartment. Walk out your door and you can explore the exciting streets of Hell’s Kitchen.

Read the full review.

A renovated room at the Hotel Edison puts you just steps from your Broadway show!

Hotel Edison

W. 47th Street (Between Broadway and 8th Avenues)
Rooms from $240
Close to: Brooks Atkinson Theatre, Barrymore Theatre, Longacre Theatre, Richard Rodgers Theatre

Smack dab in the heart of the Theater District, this three-star hotel has been hosting Broadway fans since 1931. The hotel underwent a complete renovation in recent years that resulted in sleek rooms that kept the Art Deco charm but raised the prices. The C.O. Bigelow bath amenities add a touch of New York history and the on-site bar, The Rum House, is a fun spot with live jazz music.

Read the full review.

Photo credits: Booking.com.

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The post New York City: Cheap hotels near Broadway theaters appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Whether you want to visit one of the world’s top museums, grab a bite to eat, or catch a Broadway show, the city that never sleeps will also never let go of your wallet. It’s easy to blow through your budget here in a “New York minute” if you’re not careful.

More New York tips:
• The best budget hotels in New York City
• 10 easy ways to save on a trip to the Big Apple
• The best cheap eats near Times Square

How to visit New York on a budget

But don’t cancel your vacation plans or scream, “Fuhgeddaboudit!” just yet. Along with all of the high-priced pleasures also come plenty of low-cost fun. In fact, despite the city’s reputation of prices as high as the Chrysler Building, if you plan your trip right, New York can be a very affordable vacation destination.

And that’s where we come in. Although EuroCheapo is primarily focused on ways to save in Europe, we’re based in New York and have plenty to say about ways to save on your trip here. Read on to learn our secrets to keeping your Big Apple budget in check.

How expensive is it?

Quick answer: Very, if you’re not careful. Things are just bigger, bolder and pricier in New York. This is especially the case in tourist-friendly neighborhoods like Times Square and SoHo or upscale areas like Tribeca or the Upper East Side. If you don’t have a strategy to save when you’re exploring the city, then you can easily spend hundreds of dollars a day during your visit.

Here’s what you can expect to pay in 2018 for a few sample items:

• Average hotel per night: $275 (EuroCheapo recommended hotels: $150)
• Taxi ride from Times Square to Greenwich Village: $16 + tip
• Typical attractions: $25 and up
• “Nice” meal for two (with tip and drinks): $100 and up
• Beer: $6-8
• Coffee: $3-5
• Bottle of water: $2-3

The Mayfair Hotel offers affordable rooms in the heart of the city. Photo: Courtesy of Mayfair

Saving on hotels

When it comes to searching for affordable hotels in New York, things can sometimes seem impossible for budget-conscious travelers. Unless you’re searching for a Sunday night in February, you’ll probably immediately see several rates for $400 and up on most popular booking sites. And yes, that’s per night!

Then, when you drill down into the cheaper sleeps, you will most likely find some much less expensive options, but most will be far away from Manhattan in the far reaches of the outer boroughs or across the water in New Jersey.

However, there are still several affordable and central accommodation options that offer a good value, and that’s where EuroCheapo can help. Almost all of our New York City hotels clock in at $150 per night or less and many of our favorite picks come in at under $100 during low season. Even if some of the rates seem expensive for a one- or two-star hotel, remember, we only recommend hotels that have central locations, so you won’t have to spend half of your vacation on the subway.

And with so many well-located hotels to choose from, your hardest decision might be picking which NYC neighborhood is right for your visit.

Some of our favorite budget hotels in central New York include:

• The Mayfair in Times Square (Doubles from $120)

• The Jane Hotel in Greenwich Village (Singles from $88)

• The Carlton Arms Hotel in Gramercy Park (Doubles from $90)

• SoHotel in SoHo (Doubles from $129)

• Hotel 31 in Murray Hill (Doubles from $96)

• Seafarers & International House in Union Square (Doubles from $115)

• The Pod Hotel in Midtown (Doubles from $94)

Other options

Renting an apartment: Searching on apartment rental sites like Airbnb, Homeaway, and others, can turn up some great deals, and these rentals have the extra benefit of including a kitchen or small kitchenette. Just be sure to pay attention to location, as many of the most affordable rentals are not located in central Manhattan, but in farther reaches of the outlying boroughs. Also pay attention to check-in / check-out policies, as you don’t want to be locked out on a city sidewalk without access to your rental.

Youth hostels: Cheapest of all the options is staying in a dorm or private room of a youth hostel. New York offers several, although our favorite in the city is the Hosteling International New York City Hostel, located in a gorgeous turn-of-the-century brick building on the Upper West Side near Central Park. Doubles from $46.

Connecting from the AirTrain to the subway at JFK is easy. And a lot cheaper than a taxi. Photo: Matthew R.

Affordable ways to get in from the airport

New York City has an excellent (well, most of the time) public transportation network that runs 24 hours a day. All three of New York’s main airports are connected to Manhattan by rail or bus, although some of these trips are easier than others.

To/From JFK Airport you can take the AirTrain and subway ($7.75 total trip, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to/from Midtown).

To/From Newark International Airport you can take the AirTrain to NJ Transit trains, which go directly to Penn Station ($13 total trip, approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour)

To/From LaGuardia (LGA) you can take the new Q70 express bus that makes limited stops and connects to the subway ($2.75, approximately 45 minutes from Midtown).

Taxis

All of the options above are much cheaper than a taxi, which, granted can be quicker (if you don’t hit rush hour traffic), but will easily top out at over $50 with tip and tolls. Estimated taxi costs to/from Midtown Manhattan to:

LaGuardia: Metered ride $30-40 (depending on traffic) + tolls & tip

JFK: $52 flat fee + tolls & tip

Newark: Metered ride $50-75 + tolls & tip

Airport buses

A more budget-friendly solution is to take an airport shuttle bus directly to Midtown. There are several companies such as NYC Airporter, Super Shuttle, Go Airlink and Newark Airport Express that offer service from $15 to $24.

Tickets are generally not required in advance; just head outside the terminal and follow signs for “buses to Manhattan.” However, you could save a few dollars by booking tickets in advance through the websites above.

Saving on getting around town

Once you arrive, plan on taking the subway and walking a lot if you really want to see the city and save on transportation costs. Walking is a budget traveler’s best friend, and New York is no exception. Especially if you plan on spending most of your time in Manhattan, it’s not that difficult to get nearly everywhere on foot, mixing in an occasional subway trip to cover longer distances. (This is especially the case if staying in a centrally located hotel.)

Just be sure to pack a comfy pair of walking shoes — but don’t wait to break them in until you arrive! (Seriously, if you’re packing a new pair of shoes, start breaking them in a few days before arriving.)

Along with 24-hour service, the MTA subway and bus system is still very affordable.

Subway prices: One ride: $2.75; 7-day unlimited pass: $33

Should you buy an unlimited pass? That depends. If you plan to walk everywhere, it may not be worth the investment, but if you plan to take at least 12 rides over the course of the week, it pays for itself. The more you ride, the more you save!

Taxis vs subways

Public transit is almost always cheaper for a single traveler than taking a taxi, Uber, or other private cars. One ride in a taxi or Uber might cost you the same amount as a seven-day MTA pass ($32), good for unlimited rides on all subway and bus lines.

Check out which MetroCard might be right for your trip. That said, if you’re traveling in a group, add it up. Sometimes a short ride in a taxi might actually be cheaper than paying for multiple Metro fares (at $2.75 each).

Citibike bike share program

Intrepid travelers might want to hop on a bike during their New York adventure. There are a surprising amount of bike lanes in the city, and you can’t beat a cruise along the Hudson or through Central Park.

New York’s bike share program, Citibike, is a good alternative to bike rentals with docking stations all over Manhattan below 59th Street. Note that short-term members (one week and one day passes) may take unlimited 30-minute rides, while annual memberships allow unlimited 45-minute rides. The new-ish electric bikes cost a little more, but you can cover much more ground on a ride around Central Park or along the Hudson River.

Citibike prices (for unlimited 30-minute rides): Single ride: $3.50; One-day pass: $15; One year pass: $179 (more pricing info)

Attractions and sightseeing

There’s simply no way around the fact that tickets to many of the city’s most popular sights are expensive. For example, you’ll have to shell out some serious cash to ride up to the top of the Empire State Building (starting at $42), One World Observatory (starting at $43) and Top of the Rock ($36).

But there are some attractions that will never cost a dime. These include:

• Staten Island Ferry: Enjoy a free skyline view from the Staten Island Ferry, which runs between Battery Park and Staten Island 24-hours a day and is always free. It’s also a lovely (and free) way to float past the Statue of Liberty, instead of paying for a pricey harbor cruise.

• Free admission to the museums. Keep an eye out for free nights at the museums. MoMA is usually free on Friday nights but that is suspended due to COVID-19. The Guggenheim is free on Saturday evenings from 4 to 6 pm. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is pay-what-you-wish for New York State residents only.

• Brooklyn Bridge: Strolling over the historic wooden walkway of this famous bridge is a rite of passage for many tourists — and for good reason with incredible views of New York. Go in the evening when the crowds are a little smaller and the city lights start to glow.

• Times Square: The self-proclaimed “Crossroads of the World” can be a bit dizzying and dazzling. You can feel the energy of the city all around you as the gigantic signs light up the streets and all sorts of characters (and plenty of tourists) roam around. This is free entertainment at its zaniest. (Just don’t expect to pose for a photo with Elmo without paying.)

• Central Park: Perhaps New York’s most visited attraction, Central Park is free to roam, meander, picnic, jog, cycle and doze. The park is also home to free events throughout the year, including its popular Summerstage and Shakespeare in the Park performances (see under “Entertainment” below).

• Walking Tours: Do you love history? To see a side of the city you might miss on your own, we suggest taking a tour with Bowery Boys Walks. Explore the history of Broadway, Central Park, Greenwich Village, 19th-century NoHo, and the World’s Fair site in Queens. They also offer virtual tours, so you can visit NYC without leaving your couch.

Should you get a tourist pass?

If you prefer to be bused about with other tourists from one iconic sight to the next, buying a tourist sightseeing pass could be a good deal. However, if you prefer a more relaxed schedule, with time to stroll around town with a few attractions thrown in here or there, it will probably be better to pay-as-you-go.

The New York Pass is not cheap, but you can easily get your money’s worth if you plan on visiting several popular sites like Top of the Rock, MoMA or a Circle Line Cruise in one day. It gives you admission to 80 New York attractions and allows you to jump to the front of the line for some of them. However, with a price tag of $117 (1 day), $180 (3 days), $234 (5 days) $270 (7 days) for adults, you really need to stay busy in order to get your money’s worth. (For a bit more, the New York Pass also offers a hop on/hop off bus service.)

Saving on meals

Eating out in New York on a budget is getting trickier with each passing year. Even a classic New York diner can set you back a quite a bit if you’re not careful. Once you throw in drinks and the expected 15-20% tip, the bill can be quite a shock.

As a general rule, try to avoid dining in the touristy neighborhoods, especially Times Square. This part of town is filled with overpriced chain eateries, many of which you can find in Anytown, USA. Escape Midtown and head instead to more residential neighborhoods to find budget-friendly eats. Some suggestions:

• Chinatown is packed with budget eateries. Follow your nose, heading south of Canal Street on Mott and Elizabeth Streets.

• Hit up one of the city’s famous pizzerias. A “pie”, salad and carafe of wine won’t set you back that much, and you’ll get a taste of real New York. (See John’s of Bleecker, below.)

• Bagel shops make for incredibly cheap and delicious breakfasts or lunches that you won’t find anywhere else. (See Ess-a-Bagel, below.)

• And don’t overlook the street carts. While many sell mediocre pretzels and hot dogs, others offer tasty meat over rice dishes that are filling meals for around $7. Don’t know which one to buy from? Hint: If you see a long line of office workers, that’s always a good sign!

Favorite budget-friendly restaurants

Some of our favorite authentic New York dining experiences that won’t break the bank include:

John’s of 12th Street
East Village (202 E 12th St)
Old-school Italian dining at its best with atmosphere, good prices, and great food.

Veselka
East Village (144 2nd Ave)
Classic 24-hour diner serving authentic (and delicious) Ukrainian food since 1954.

John’s of Bleecker
Greenwich Village (278 Bleecker St)
Making tasty coal oven pizza since 1929 in a no-frills space. No slices!

Ess-a-Bagel
Midtown (831 3rd Ave)
The bagels are the real deal at this Midtown shop with long lines and low prices.

Margon
Times Square (136 W 46th St)
Heaping plates of homemade Cuban food for under $10.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Chinatown (13 Doyers St)
Oldest dim sum restaurant in New York with fantastic dumplings and a vintage feel.

Papaya King
East Village / Upper East Side (3 St. Mark’s Place/ 179 E 86th St)
New York staple dishing out grilled hot dogs with onion relish and sauerkraut.

Sylvia’s
Harlem (328 Malcolm X Blvd)
Famous soul food spot with affordable bills and a gospel Sunday brunch.

Taim
NoLita / West Village (45 Spring St / 222 Waverly Pl)
Fancy falafel shop with unique and tasty flavors plus wallet-friendly prices.

Entertainment

Want to see the hottest hit Broadway show or a world-class artist in concert? Well, you’re coming to the right city! Here’s how to save:

• Broadway: There’s no need to pay full price for those seats. The TKTS discount ticket booths (at Times Square, South Street Seaport and Downtown Brooklyn) offer same-day discounts of up to 50% for Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. If you’re a bit more flexible, you can also try your luck with a show’s lottery or standing room ticket, or book in advance through a site like Broadway Box with discount codes. (Read more about these, and several other tips for saving on Broadway tickets.)

• Off-Broadway: Also, why not stray a bit from the big theaters in Midtown? Opt for an off-Broadway performance instead for a more affordable and sometimes more interesting experience.

• Opera: The Metropolitan Opera releases rush tickets online for $25 and cheap standing room tickets at the box office on the day of the performance.

• Music clubs / Jazz: There are also lots of music clubs hosting shows with no cover. Pick up a copy of Time Out New York (free every Wednesday) for full listings.

• Summer events: There are plenty of free shows and concerts to enjoy around the city during the balmy summer nights. From Shakespeare in the Park performances to Central Park’s Summerstage concerts and outdoor movie screenings at Bryant Park, there’s something free going on almost every night.

Your tips for saving in New York

Have a tip to share for saving on your trip to New York City? Tell us how you save in the comments section below!

The post Cheapo Guide: Visiting New York on a budget appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The hotel was exactly what my sister wanted, but my daily visits there left me suffering from a bit of road rage and some serious chain-hotel ennui. Still, I am well aware many travelers to New York want to be in the center of the action.

With that in mind, I’ve picked out my favorite non-chain hotels near Times Square—all affordable and all with distinctive personality. For comparison’s sake, I also did a rate search, for a few weeks from now. On the weekend of September 13-15, the least expensive double room at the Marquis will set you back $337 per night. My hotel picks? Well…

The Milford

Double room rate 9/13-9/15: $230/night
Type: Essential New York

Most folks choose to stay in Times Square because it feels quintessential New York. Well, you don’t get much more “New York” than The Milford, which sings a love song to the city on every floor and and in every room. From its opening in 1925  to its ’80s ads featuring twirling bellhops serenading America with the “Lullaby of Broadway,” this mammoth building has long been a New York figure.

A recent renovation gave the hotel a new name (from “Milford Plaza Hotel” to “The Milford”) and a fresh look featuring lifelike photos of New York City neighborhoods in the hallways and “bedtime billboards” in the guest rooms. It has some of the trappings of a big hotel (read: expensive Wi-Fi), but also the benefits (fitness center, bar) and much more character than your average chain hotel. Read review

The Ameritania’s lobby looks like Judy Jetson’s party scene.

Ameritania Hotel

Double room rate 9/13-9/15: $325/night
Type: Stylish sleep

Situated just on the northern end of Times Square, this three-star beauty offers the fashionable Cheapo stylish digs and the benefit of being a five-minute walk from hubbub without being constantly in it. For even further quiet, Central Park is just a few blocks north.

Rooms sport a funky-fresh style, and the far-out lounge is a great place to unwind with a drink. Wi-Fi is again an extra charge, but guests can borrow a hotel iPad to log on for free in the lobby. Read review

Novotel New York Times Square

Double room rate 9/13-9/15: $230/night
Type: Room with a view

Full disclosure: The Novotel is technically a chain (but the only U.S. outpost branch of the French hotel), and it’s not, for this weekend anyhow, much cheaper than the Marquis.

Why include it? I’m glad you asked. The Novotel may be business class, but it has boutique style and oh, those views. Most rooms offer stupendous views overlooking Times Square, but the hotel has the benefit of being just outside the heart of the chaos (meaning your blood pressure won’t boil every time you try to return).

Other pluses in the Novotel’s column include a free business center (Wi-Fi, unfortunately, costs extra) and a fitness center worth raving about. Seriously, I tend to find hotel fitness center’s depressing, but this one is not only airy and well stocked with state-of-the-art equipment, it also offers—you guessed it—views. Read review

Mayfair New York

Double room rate 9/13-9/15: $240/night
Type: Old New York

A glamorous mecca for performers, the Mayfair has been feeling rather worn since Madison Square Garden (formerly located across the street) moved away. Still, it’s one of the cheapest rooms in town, especially in this area. The cozy-classic feel, from the polished wood walls of the lobby to the toile de Jouy that bursts from the walls of the 78 tiny guest rooms, also comes with a side of classic hospitality (and free Wi-Fi). Read review

We love original building details like this mail shoot at the Hotel @ Times Square.

The Hotel @ Times Square

Double room rate 9/13-9/15: $270/night
Type: The (Cheapo) Hotel with the Mostest

Situated just off of the Times Square madness, the Hotel @ Times Square is a reliable hotel with reasonable rates and an array of perks that are generally absent (or expensive) at most New York hotels.

Example: It’s an affordable hotel with a fitness center, but also doesn’t charge for Internet like the pricier spots. Plus, breakfast is included, a rare perk in New York, and the 19th-century building has got some character (I’m looking at you vintage mail shoot). Read review

 Want more suggestions? Check out all of our favorite budget-friendly hotels in our guide to New York.

The post New York Unchained: Budget-friendly, non-chain hotels near Times Square appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.