How to Find a Cheap Hotel in New York

How to Find a Cheap Hotel in New York

Jarekt/Wikimedia Commons

Most hotel search engines are geared toward urban vacationers, which isn't much help if you've been looking forward to enjoying New York's great outdoors. To find cheap hotels away from the Big Apple, you must tailor your search to sites that offer accommodations for visitors to Upstate New York, not just New York, New York, and the surrounding area. Then, with a little guidance, you will be able to find cheap and cozy hotels within hiking distance of some of your favorite New York adventures.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Telephone Long distance calling capability Internet access Computer Email account
  • Telephone
  • Long distance calling capability
  • Internet access
  • Computer
  • Email account
Step 1
Search online agents like lodging.uptake.com and www.budgettravel.com, which specialize in cheap hotels in Upstate New York, not just New York City. Or, search larger online agents like Orbitz.com that make it easy to search cities throughout greater New York by name.
Step 2
Call the local state park. While their accommodations might not have the amenities of even a budget hotel, they might offer huts, cabins or yurts that make up for it in scenery and proximity. And if they don't have any accommodations to suit your taste, they might be able to point you in the direction of some local cheap hotels that don't have online listings.
Step 3
Make your selection. It's easiest to make a choice when you're well informed and one of the best ways to get to know a place is by reading online customer reviews. Independent review sites like TripAdvisor.com and Yahoo!Travel feature thousands of reviews on hotels in New York and all over the world. Read several reviews of your hotel before making a decision.
Step 4
Confirm the rate. After you have selected an ideal hotel, be sure to confirm the rate. Some sites might feature older rates that are no longer viable, or rates that are only applicable for the off-season. Call the hotel itself (which might require looking up the hotel's name on the Internet for contact information) and ask what the rates are for the specific dates that you will be traveling. The online agency's rates could indeed be cheaper, but it never hurts to do a little homework.

Tips & Warnings

 
Confirm all reservations and rates, especially if made directly with the hotel. Make sure you have an email address or other documentation of the agreement to avoid any misunderstandings.

Article Written By Meg Butler

Based in Houston, Texas, Meg Butler is a professional farmer, house flipper and landscaper. When not busy learning about homes and appliances she's sharing that knowledge. Butler began blogging, editing and writing in 2000. Her work has appered in the "Houston Press" and several other publications. She has an A.A. in journalism and a B.A. in history from New York University.

Write for Trails.com
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