Visit New York City on a Budget!

Ask most travelers and they’ll tell you that visiting New York City is at the top of their bucket list. There’s so much to do and see but it can be overwhelming to plan a trip once you realize how expensive everything is in the City that Never Sleeps. Even as a native New Yorker, I’m constantly trying to figure out ways to stretch my budget so that I can dine at a trendy restaurant, see a new Broadway show, visit a museum and get around the five boroughs to visit my friends. I’ll be honest, it’s not always easy keeping costs low but it is certainly doable! I’m so excited to share Library Hotel Collection’s best tips on how to explore the Big Apple on a budget!

Subways:Jumping in a taxi may be convenient but it can be time consuming, especially during rush hour, and very, very pricey. The NYC subway system can seem quite intimidating with all of its different colors and lines but getting from place to place underground is incredibly easy, fast, and as our transportation post informed us,  inexpensive. A fare is only $2.50! With a map in hand, and maybe even some help from a New Yorker (we’re all very friendly!) you can get from Harlem to Downtown Manhattan in 15 minutes for less than $4 per person. The same trip in a cab would take closer to 40 minutes and probably cost you over $25 after you tip your driver.  MetroCards can be purchased in every subway station and after an initial $1 fee you can refill your new card at any time. Also, if you’re in NYC for a longer stay, you might want to consider buying a 7 Day or 30 Day Unlimited to take advantage of even more savings! http://www.mta.info/

Big Apple Greeters: There are countless tours throughout New York City covering just about every landmark, neighborhood, and interest you might have.  All of the options available to travelers today can be a bit overwhelming, and pricy, so why not have a New Yorker take you around the city?  With Big Apple Greeters, you will be paired with a volunteer guide based on your location, language, and interests to see the city free of charge!  Private tours are available for groups of 2 to 6 people and typically last 2 to 4 hours.  Be sure to send a tour request well in advance, as certain days, especially during their busy season of May through September and holidays, can fill up quickly!

Broadway Shows: There’s nothing that screams New York City more than a Broadway show but ticket prices, especially for the most popular shows, can be exorbitant and unaffordable. If you have your heart set on one particular show then we recommend checking out Broadway.com prior to your trip to easily purchase advanced tickets. If you’re a risk-taker and won’t be too disappointed if you don’t get the chance to see a show, then you should try your chances at the lottery on the day of performance! Many shows will sell a limited amount of discounted tickets via a lottery system up to two hours before curtain call. If lady luck is on your side and your name is selected, you could see a show like Book of Mormon for only $32 per ticket (maximum of 2 tickets)! For more info on the lottery, rush tickets and standing room only tickets check out this helpful tip on PlayBill.

Dining: Per Se? Jean-Georges? Le Bernardin? These are only a few of the fine dining options you can find in New York City. Many people hear these names and immediately think that it’s impossible to afford a meal at these famous establishments. Well, here’s the secret: make a lunch reservation instead of dinner! Although the experience will still be a splurge, lunch tastings typically come from the dinner menu but they cost half the price. For example, the prix-fixe dinner menu at Le Bernardin is $135 for 4 courses whereas the lunch prix-fixe is $76 for 3 courses. Sure, you get one course less but I’m sure your stomach (and wallet) won’t mind. Another great way to cut dining costs is to take advantage of Library Hotel Collection’s signature continental breakfast and wine & cheese reception. The money you’ll save from enjoying these amenities will hopefully allow you to spend a little extra on shopping!

Hotels:
Start off 2015 the best way possible with a getaway at one of the Library Hotel Collection properties! January and February are the most affordable months of the year to book your stay as our rates can be as low as $199 plus tax. We also have some extra special discounts available that are bound to fit any traveler’s budget!

Hotel Giraffe’s “Warm up Your Winter!” – Plan to get cozy with Hotel Giraffe and hot chocolate. Book your winter reservation and receive up to 20% off Hotel Giraffe’s Best Flexible Rate in addition to two mugs with hot coco!

Library Hotel’s “Winter Getaway” – Book your Winter Getaway and take advantage of Library Hotel’s amazing Book Lover’s Deal without having to pre-pay! You’ll receive up to 20% off their Best Flexible rate and two complimentary welcome amenities: Library Hotel mugs and a selection of Novel Teas!

Hotel Elysée’s “MoMa Package” – Book and prepay your reservation for the months of January, February or March for 2 nights or more and receive 2 VIP tickets to MoMA, just around the corner from the Hotel Elysée! Also, if you purchase a Hotel Elysée gift certificate in the value of $100 or more, you will receive 15% off. That’s extra savings for your own trip to NYC!