Accommodation

The ever-elusive "cheap stay" in New York has become easier to find of late - sadly. This list was compiled in March 2001 (all the links are up-to-date), and is very simply a list of places that I would consider staying in, from the budget to the mid-range. If you have lots of money, New York accommodation is easy to find and you won't really need this list unless you are in search of something less impersonal than the average business-class hotel.

The myriad "NY Hotel Directory" sites out there almost all link to two major availability search engines. These are the first two Directory sites, but it is usually better to pick the hotel first to give you an idea of the rack rate, and any specials.

A few tips:

• "European style" usually means shared bathroom, although some rooms may be en suite. Shared bathrooms can bring the price down dramatically.
• If you are just in NY for sightseeing, and are of a nervous disposition, then stay south of the north edge of Central Park.
• If you are staying for anything more than a few days, try and negotiate a longer rate, irrespective of whether this is a stated offer.
• Tax is high - 13.25% + $2 a night in hotels, 8.25% in B&Bs/apartments (for apt. stays < 1 week). It is always clear whether or not this is included.
• Try Brooklyn!

And where did I end up staying? Well, I was lucky and got an apartment in Chinatown through private connections. If you can tap into any networks to do this then I strongly recommend it. This way you get a flavour of the real New York City. Despite the horiffic events of September, NY truly is one of the world's great cities. I have also stayed in The Roosevelt, when someone else was paying, and would recommend that. Of the list here, my first choice hotel would probably be JC's, followed by one of the CityLife group's (one of which comes with a personal recommendation).

Eating & Drinking

Getting Around

• The Metropolitan Transit Authority is the best starting point for getting to grips with NYC's transport.
• If you are still confused, try Subway Navigator to help you get around.
• The Port Authority's airport site is not very user-friendly, but the info is all here.
• This is the official Staten Island ferry site, with a host of other transport links.

Miscellaneous

• New York is not just Manhattan. Check out this Brooklyn site, run by a 20-year old non-profit organisation.
• I've seen Chinatown in San Francisco and Vancouver, but New York's Chinatown is something else.
• Many websites offer huge lists of links. This one is a bit more selective.
• Bill Bryson always reads the local paper when he travels. You're in luck, in New York, it's the New York Times, and the Old Grey Lady has a NYC section.
• The Big Apple is the site for many TV and film classics. One of the most popular is Seinfeld. Get the inside tour with the real Kramer.

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