For years, finding a budget New York hotel room meant risking bedbugs, muggers or a very long train ride.

Business and leisure travelers want none of the above. They expect clean, safe accommodations in the heart of the city.

Those three requirements still can mean prices of more than $300 USD/night in many establishments. Added onto the room rates is a hefty 14.25% sales tax or the price of parking your car.

Prices get even higher in summer or during the December holiday season.

This is some of the most expensive real estate on earth, and taxes are high by most standards.

That said, New York is also making strides to be more visitor-friendly. Part of that metamorphosis is affordable lodging.

Put another way: there are plenty of value-rich hotel opportunities if you are willing to look for them.

New York on a Tight Budget

Central Park Hostel offers a place to sleep for $24-$45/night (dormitory bed) to private rooms from $75-$135/night, inclusive of tax.

Still too much? Scan Ny.com's excellent list of budget offerings. There are many listings in the $20-$50 USD/night range, and they include safe low-cost options like the YMCA.

More Expensive, but Below the Going Rate

Murray Hill Inn promises European-style accommodation in the heart of Manhattan. Rates in the off-season are as low as $89 USD/night for a single. You'll pay a bit more if you want a private bathroom.

The Gershwin Hotel in the Flatiron (formerly Tin Pan Alley)district offers economy single rates of $39/night for a no-frills bunk on up to $260/night for a family suite.

Weekend rates add to the bill.

Apple Core Hotels offers five Manhattan properties beginning at $119 USD/night. Children under 13 stay free with their parents. Apple Core is worth a long look because of the central locations offered.

For example, Comfort Inn Midtown is near Times Square, the theater district and Rockefeller Center. Having a headquarters in the center of what you want to see is a better bargain than a room an hour away that's 30% cheaper. You'll save time, and time is money on vacation, too.

An excellent database for screening rates can be found at New York State's economic development site, ILoveNY.com. You can search Manhattan and Greater New York by neighborhood.

If you're looking for a good rate on an upscale hotel, consider On the Ave. They offer rooms starting at about $200/night, and sometimes specials that cut the prices.

How about a home-stay or home swap? Plenty of New Yorkers are in search of accommodations elsewhere, and might be willing to host you. Check the search engine at HomeAway.com. Click on "Travel Deals." A recent search here turned up 30 New York properties. Many won't fit your location requirements, so shop carefully. Some homeowners had specific destinations in mind for exchanges, but many were open to offers. Another resource for Top Cheap Hotels in NYC can be found on About.com's New York Travel site. Here you'll find links to hotels, room rates and even subway directions for each property.

More information: Find sightseeing and entertainment deals in New York.

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