New York City Hotel Guide

New York City hotels feature some of the highest room rates in the country, but perhaps also the best variety of lodgings. The city is home to a few inexpensive options, chain hotels and luxury accommodations. And apartment rentals are becoming increasingly popular and can help save money, especially for long-term visits. Regardless of where you stay, New York City is easy enough to get around, so that top things to do and restaurants tend to be within manageable reach.

• Consider timing: ... If you're flexible on dates, ask the reservationist if there's a cheaper time to stay during your preferred traveling month. ... And be sure to ask about possible weekend packages that could include a third night free. (The Financial District in particular can be a discount gold mine on the weekend.)" -- Fodor's
• New York offers as many hotels as it does restaurants, so consider spending some time finding a cheap hotel in New York and save some money on your trip. If money is indeed a major factor, you'll find more New York hotel options the earlier you book. That way you can spend those savings on living it up in true New York style." -- AOL Travel

Manhattan

Midtown has the most expensive hotels because it is conveniently located next to major attractions. In fact, two luxury hotels in Midtown -- the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park and the Trump International Hotel & Tower -- earned two coveted spots on the the 10 Best Hotels in the USA. Relatively lower rates are available in Manhattan's other neighborhoods, as well as the other boroughs.

• The first thing to consider is location. Many New York City visitors insist on staying in the hectic Midtown area, but other neighborhoods are often just as convenient. Less-touristy areas, such as Gramercy, the Lower East Side, the Upper West Side … offer a far more realistic sense of New York life." -- Fodor's
• In a typical trip to New York City, accommodations almost always make up the biggest expense. Space is notoriously at a premium in Manhattan -- rooms are small, rents are high, and plumbing, cleanliness, and amenities might not match your expectations given what you're paying." -- Let's Go New York City

Brooklyn

For more affordable options, you may want to check out the properties in Brooklyn. This borough is farther from most of the main New York attractions but is easily accessible by subway and cab. Plus, Brooklyn has its own things to do and see. The majority of hotels here are in Williamsburg and Park Slope.

• All guests should appreciate the flat-screen televisions, Sangean soundboxes, and Aveda bath products [at the Nu Hotel]. … Cons: As the rates are comparable to those of Manhattan hotels, tourists might prefer to be closer to midtown." -- New York Magazine
• The historic neighborhood of Park Slope is the heart of brownstone Brooklyn and home to Bed & Breakfast on the Park. ... In an 1895 Victorian town house across the street from Prospect Park. … A sumptuous breakfast is served in the formal dining room. Six more rooms with private bathrooms are available for guests who are willing to splurge." -- Frommer's

Queens

In recent years, Queens has been the sight of an explosion of chain hotels. The properties here are cheaper than those you'll find in Manhattan, but the locations make getting to major attractions more difficult. Be sure to check out the hotel's area before booking, as some parts of the borough can get somewhat seedy.

• The construction boom in Long Island City has led to a number of brand-new chain hotels within viewing distance of the East Side. Should you consider staying at one of them? Consider it if: You are planning on some Queens-based activities, such as Mets games or the U.S. Open; LIC hotels are somewhat closer to those venues, but Manhattan is a short hop away." -- Frommer's