Top five secret hotel bargains in New York City


The Westin Jersey City Newport offers stunning skyline views and spacious rooms.

By Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com
USA Today

In August, we reported on five hidden hotel values in Las Vegas. With the holidays rapidly approaching, many travelers have New York on their minds, be it for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, gift shopping, seeing the tree at Rockefeller Center, or taking in the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. If you want to go, you're already aware that bargains are relative. Notorious for having some of the most expensive (and smallest) hotels in the world, New York hotel deals traditionally are hard to find. But good values do exist, especially if you're willing to try independent properties and off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods. (Being open to shared bathrooms doesn't hurt, either.)

I've compiled five stellar properties that will help you make the most of your Big Apple trip. In addition to reasonable pricing, these hotels also offer a little something more to make them stand out from the crowd, whether it's a great location, distinctive room features, or value-added extras included in the room rate. To appeal to a broad spectrum of travelers, I've featured hotels both in Manhattan proper and a little ways removed. All have great access to the best New York has to offer, though. Take a look at these five picks, and be sure to suggest your own New York hotel favorites in the comments section below.

The Westin Jersey City Newport

Want a stunning skyline view, while staying just a short ride from the city itself? Want a spacious hotel room that would save you hundreds over a comparable room in the city proper? If so, consider a stay at the Westin Jersey City Newport, a waterfront hotel just across the river. The hotel has more than 400 guest rooms, each with flat-screen television sets, as well as luxury bedding and bathrooms. The property also has a fitness center, a pool and whirlpool, a 24-hour business center, a restaurant, and a lounge. The PATH train station is located one block away, offering easy access to Manhattan. Some rooms have skyline views. I found rates from $195 per night, double occupancy, for stays in December. At press time, the hotel was also running promotions for discounted rooms, free-night stays, and park-and-stay packages.

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