Why I’m Not Ashamed to Love Cheap Hotels (and How to Pick a Good One)

I’m not ashamed to say it: I like cheap hotels.

The way I look at it, a hotel is just a launchpad. When I’m on vacation, I’d much rather save money on a place to sleep so I have more cash to explore, eat well, and experience my destination.

That doesn't mean I stay in sketchy, rundown places—there’s a major difference between a budget hotel and a shady one. Over years of traveling, I’ve developed a strict set of criteria to help me land a high value stay every time. Even if I can't hit every point on the list, I aim for as many as possible.

My Value Hotel Criteria

When I’m looking for a great budget stay, I lock in on these essentials:

• Location & Safety: A safe neighborhood within easy walking distance of local markets, convenience stores, bars, and budget-friendly restaurants.
• Easy Logistics: A free airport shuttle or quick access to public transit.
• Included Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, free parking, and free breakfast to kickstart the day.
• The Basics: A clean, private bathroom (a total non-negotiable) and a straightforward bill with zero surprise add-on fees.

Things I Don't Need (and Actively Avoid)

Part of finding a great cheap hotel is knowing what not to pay for. Premium properties love to bundle useless perks into inflated room rates or sneaky fees. Here’s what I happily skip:

• Unnecessary Service: Bellmen opening doors or carrying bags I can easily roll myself, and overpriced room service.
• Hidden Traps: Resort fees, extra charges for Wi-Fi, and sneaky costs for in-room coffee (looking at you, Sheraton).
• Pricey Convenience: Minibars, in-room snacks, and pay-per-view movies. If it has the word "luxury" attached to it, I'm usually heading the other direction.

Where to Look (and What to Avoid)

It really comes down to location first, with reliable free Wi-Fi as a close second, and free breakfast as a major bonus.

Trusted "tourist class" chains—like Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, Days Inn, or Red Roof Inn—are usually solid bets for clean, dependable rooms without the fluff. On the flip side, full-service brands like Renaissance, Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, and Wyndham often tack on fees for every little extra.

Do a Little Recon First

Before booking, spend five minutes doing research on review sites or Google Maps. A quick neighborhood check can pay huge dividends—finding a local grocery store or cheap diner right down the block will save you a bundle on daily meals.

Want to see the epitome of a great value hotel in action? Check out my review of the Hampton Inn Tropicana in Las Vegas to see how to land a prime location without paying luxury prices:

3 Cheap Manhattan Hotels: The Frugal Guide to Staying in Midtown NYC

While New York City is undoubtedly pricey, the notion that it's an unaffordable city to visit is completely wrong.

I laugh every time tourists tell me they save money by staying at hotels in New Jersey or Connecticut and taking the train into Manhattan. Staying in Manhattan is by far the best way to get the complete New York City experience.

Nothing against the other boroughs, but for a first-time tourist, Manhattan is where it's at.

The majority of major attractions are right here. It's the easiest borough to navigate as a newbie, and you can walk or take the subway just about anywhere else. Why spend hours commuting when you could be pounding the pavement and exploring?

Don't let the high-priced New York reputation fool you—there are hotel bargains to be found in Manhattan.

Plenty of economy-class chain hotels have sprung up over the past five years. Although they charge more than their suburban or airport counterparts, the central convenience they offer makes them a sensible investment. Not to mention the valuable time and aggravation you'll save!

Plus, there are lots of great independent hotels that are cheaper and packed with far more character than your run-of-the-mill Marriott, Hilton, or Westin.

Websites like Hotels.com and Travelocity.com will give you a good idea of what's out there. Be sure to narrow your search to Midtown and set a price cap of $200 per night.

See what pops up, keeping in mind that rates and availability fluctuate based on the season. As you search, keep an eye out for these three budget-friendly options. They are centrally located, uniquely New York, and won't break the bank.

1. The Hotel Pennsylvania

The Hotel Pennsylvania offers 1920s-style charm, affordability, and an incredible location.

Situated at 7th Avenue and 32nd Street, the hotel sits directly across from Madison Square Garden and Penn Station. For travelers unfamiliar with the city, you couldn't ask for a better spot—you are right in the middle of it all.

The immediate area gets a bit chaotic during the day, especially when swarms of commuters file into Penn Station for their evening ride home.

However, guests can easily walk to Times Square and Rockefeller Center, while Central Park, Chelsea, Union Square, and Greenwich Village are just a short subway or taxi ride away.

The neighborhood around Midtown South can feel a little seedy at night, but that's all part of the authentic NYC charm! Learn more about the Hotel Pennsylvania at www.hotelpenn.com.

2. The New Yorker Hotel

Located in the same neighborhood, the New Yorker Hotel is another solid choice that has earned a great reputation among frugal travelers.

Sitting at 8th Avenue and 34th Street, the New Yorker is the closest hotel to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, making it especially popular with business travelers attending trade shows.

The hotel's Art Deco architecture and grand lobby provide an enthusiastic welcome. Marble floors, gold-leaf doors, and soaring ceilings with chandeliers give the entrance a truly palatial feel.

While that grand atmosphere is mostly restricted to the lobby, the rooms are more than decent, and many offer incredible views.

The west side features unobstructed views of the Hudson River, while select rooms along 8th Avenue display breathtaking views of the Empire State Building. For details, visit www.newyorkerhotel.com.

3. The Carter Hotel

The Carter Hotel may not be pretty, but any property charging $99 a night in the heart of Times Square deserves a look. Intrigued yet? Read on!

The legendary Carter Hotel sits just west of Times Square at 250 West 43rd Street. Guests are greeted by a peculiar gold sign at the main entrance reading: "You wanted in Time Square & Less."

While you shouldn't judge a hotel purely by its quirky signage, it's certainly been a long time since the Carter's glory days.

Think of the Carter as the motor-inn equivalent of Midtown's hotel scene. That said, recent updates have made it tourist-worthy again, and the property has come a long way since the 1980s when the city paid the hotel to house the homeless.

You might have second thoughts after reading horrified customer reviews across various travel sites, but those rants should be taken in stride.

Bottom line: If you're high-maintenance, you probably won't enjoy the Carter. But if affordability, clean sheets, and a private bathroom are your primary requirements, it could be the perfect budget basecamp.

After all, you're coming to explore the city, not lounge around in your room all day! Check out www.carterhotel.com for current availability.

Whatever you do, don't buy into the myth that a visit to New York City requires five-star hotels and white-glove prices. With a little research, an affordable Manhattan getaway is well within reach!

Art Deco NYC Manhattan Architecture Skyscraper