Cheap Sleeps - New York City Free and Dirt Cheap - page 22

Under $150
Hotel 31 Like its southern cousin Hotel 17 (p. 32), there's not much that distinguishes this serviceable hotel be-
sides low prices. Shared bathroom doubles start at $119, and private-bath accommodations begin at $155. You
won't get those prices in the fall (U.N. folks take over pretty much the whole place then), but this is a great central
location if you're in town at a down time.
120 E. 31st St., btw. Lexington Ave. and Park Ave. S. 212/685-3060. Fax [phone]. www.hotel31.com . 100 units. $119-$220 double with
shared bathroom; $155-$220 double with private bathroom. AE, DC, MC, V. Subway: 6 to 33rd St. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi.

The Pod Hotel Big-time design meets small-time prices at this Midtown economy hotel. Supermodern rooms re-
flect a Scandinavian influence, with light wood and brushed metal. The latest electronics—LCD TVs, MP3 dock-
ing stations, and Wi-Fi—are all within easy reach, and you definitely won't feel overwhelmed by excesses of
space. Bunk bed arrangements go for $79 in the low seasons, and a single with a shared bathroom starts at $75.
After January and February's doldrums pass, look for rates to more than double here. Spin-off location
Pod 39 (145 E. 39th St.) offers similarly small rooms, but not much by way of bargains .
230 E. 51st St., btw. Second and Third aves. 800/742-5945 or 212/355-0300. Fax [phone]. www.thepodhotel.com . 345 units, 152 with
shared baths. $99-$299 double. AE, DC, MC, V. Subway: 6 to 51st St.; E/M to Lexington Ave./53rd St. Amenities: Bar; concierge. Inroom: A/C,
TV, MP3 docking station, Wi-Fi.

Ramada Eastside Ramada Inns originated in 1954 on Route 66, but like many folks, they've made an easy
transition to Manhattan. The chain's East Side hotel is clean and functional, with cozy rooms distinguished by
Tempur-Pedic DreamSpa mattresses. There's also free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a tiny gym.
161 Lexington Ave., at 30th St. 800/567-7720 or 212/545-1800. Fax [phone]. www.ramada.com . 101 units. $115-$300 double. AE, DC,
MC, V. Subway: 6 to 28th St. Amenities: Breakfast room; fitness center. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi.

Vanderbilt YMCA The Y has sheltered many a newly minted New Yorker on the hunt for more permanent hous-
ing. For city visitors, low prices and free access to two swimming pools and a massive fitness center make this a
tempting option. Digs are not exactly long on charm. Of the several city Ys, the Vanderbilt is the best managed,
and $105 single room rates (shared bathrooms) are hard to beat in this central location.
224 E. 47th St., btw. Second and Third aves. 212/912-2500. Fax [phone]. www.ymcanyc.org . 370 units. $139 bunk bed double with
shared bath; $160 private bath double. AE, MC, V. Subway: 4/5/6/7/S to 42nd St./Grand Central. Amenities: Gym; 2 pools. Inroom: A/C, TV, Wi-Fi.

Under $100
American Dream Hostel The Barretto family lives out their American dream at this friendly Kips Bay hostel.
The location is central, allowing easy walking access to the Flatiron District, East Village, and Midtown. Breakfast
is included and it's much more than an afterthought (waffles are made fresh daily). A double with a shared bath-
room is $120 on a weeknight and $150 for a weekend. Dorm arrangements are split into boys and girls, at $59 per
night (add $10 on the weekends). There's an age limit: over 30, and you're no longer eligible to sleep in

the dorms.
168 E. 24th St., btw. Third and Lexington aves. 212/260-9779. Fax [phone]. www.americandreamhostel.com . 65 beds. $120-$150 bunk
bed double with shared bath. AE, DISC, MC, V. Subway: 6 to 23rd St. Amenities: Kitchen. In room: A/C, TV, Wi-Fi.

The Gershwin Hotel This hotel's design, arty flair, and central location would seem to put it out of budget
reaches, but a semi-secret cache of dorm spaces makes it quite accessible. The six-person Fabuloso room starts at
$44 a night per person (up to $64 at peak times), with a bathroom inside the room. Real rooms here start at about
$180. Linens are provided, but not lockers.
7 E. 27th St., btw. Madison and Fifth aves. 212/545-8000. Fax [phone]. www.gershwinhotel.com . 150 units, 60 dorm beds. $180-$339
double room. AE, MC, V. Subway: 6 or N/R to 28th St. Amenities: Bar; restaurant; babysitting. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi.

5 Midtown West