from May/June 2005
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Insider's New York
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Sweet Stays From Low to High
Lonely Planet's Jay Cooke was a suburban kid with a passion for the City. "I was one of those guys who'd take the train in to hang out in Washington Square Park," he says. Today, as commissioning editor for one of the world's foremost guidebook series, he knows New York even better—especially hotels. Though the lower prices of the post 9/11 period are gone, he points out, downtown still offers some deals. "But let's be honest," he says. "These days 'New York budget hotel' is anything under $150 a night." Cooke urges budget minded visitors to think about European-style alternatives (i.e., shared baths), and he advises traveling midweek and reserving online two months in advance to secure the best deals.
The Chelsea Lodge [318 W. 20th St., +1 212 243 4499; from $105] is a good bargain," he says. "What's cool about the Lodge is that it's only 22 rooms in an old brick building on a great block in Chelsea, a happening neighborhood." Cooke notes that some business hotels discount on the weekends to attract families. "The Wall Street Inn [9 S. Wiliam St., +1 212 747 1500; from $179] has a fitness center, marble tiles and other amenities.
Midrange or business hotels are also going boutique. Cooke shares two favorites:
"The Maritime [363 W 16th St., +1 212 242 4300; from $285] in West Chelsea is relatively new. It's the old National Maritime Union headquarters. It looks like a cruise ship with round porthole windows. The owners transformed it into a luxury inn with flat screens, full concierge service, high-end linens, and wireless."
"Another place I really like is the Libaray [299 Madison Ave.; +1 212 983 4500; rates from $179] — a 1912 brick mansion with mahogany ceilings. They've dedicated the hotel to the Dewey decimal system. Each floor is themed. The eigth floor is literature; another is social sciences. They've spread 6,000 books throughout the hotel. They've really pulled off the theme and it's also a great location."
And for a deluxe stay? "I'd go for Soho House," Cooke says. "The TV show Sex in the City did a lot for New York's high-end hotel scene, and Soho House [2935 Ninth Ave.; +1 212 627 9800; from $395] starred in one of the more memorable episodes." The hotel also operates a private club that costs a lordly $1,150 to join, but nonmembers who are feeling flush can stay in the Playground rooms — they're 950 square feet and go for up to $1,130 a night. There's a 43-seat screening room that rents for $200 an hour (members only), an on-site spa, and a game room with pool table. The rooftop pool was where the noted Sex in the City episode was filmed.
Tips
1. Save money with passes to famous attractions. See six, like the U.S.S. Intrepid aircraft carrier, with a $53 Citypass (the savings for adults is $52; 888 330 5008 [U.S. and Canada]). A New York Pass costs $49 and features more attractions but expires in 24 hours; three-day passes are $109.
2. Don't pay for a subway map; free ones are available at all stations.
3. Metrocards are electronic swipe cards for subways and buses. Best deal: the unlimited seven-day pass for $21.
4. For maps, coupons, and advice, visit the city's welcome center NYC & Company (810 Seventh Ave.; 800 NYC VISIT [U.S. and Canada]; between 53rd and 52nd Streets.
5. The newly expanded Museum of Modern Art now charges a $20 admission per adult, but it's free Fridays after 4 p.m.
6. TKTS on Broadway's Duffy Square (at 47th St.; +1 212 221 0130) is the place for discounted theater seats. Shorter lines are often found at their second location downtown at 199 Water St. Cash or travelers checks only.
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