How to Find Cheap Hotels in Stamford, Connecticut

Stamford has seen major changes over the years, from factory hub to research center and corporate headquarters community. Situated on Long Island Sound in southwestern Fairfield County, Stamford is only 50 minutes from Manhattan.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access
• Valid credit card

Instructions

Locate Cheap Accommodations

1. Book your lodgings through the Coastal Fairfield County Convention and Visitor Bureau Web site (see Resources below), or call [phone] to book. Expect moderate prices.

2. Look for accommodations near the Stamford railway station for better rates on rooms.

3. Choose hotels or motels on the outskirts of Stamford for cheap rooms and easy access to both the town and the city of New York.

4. Search for small, locally owned inns or bed and breakfasts that offer great deals during the quiet season of November through April.

5. Stay in the heart of Stamford and within walking distance of the University of Connecticut. Budget-conscious chain hotels, many of which are conveniently located downtown, offer cheap rates and clean rooms.

Get To and Around Stamford

1. Take the Metro North New Haven rail line from New York City's Grand Central Station to the Stamford station. The trip takes about an hour and is inexpensive.

2. Walk 10 minutes from the train station to downtown, and negotiate the downtown area easily on foot.

3. Fly into Stamford via one of several airport options. Chartered flights can land at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, about 17 miles from Stamford. Commercial airlines land at either La Guardia, about 30 miles away, or John F. Kennedy International Airport, about 45 miles away.

4. Soak in the college town ambiance. Stamford is home to the University of Connecticut, the University of Bridgeport's Stamford campus, the J.M Wright Regional Vocational Technical School, the Stamford Hospital's School of Radiologic Technology and the Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology.

Plan Your Free Time

1. Take in a show. Stamford is the hometown of Gene Wilder and a training ground for young actors hoping to make it to Broadway.

2. Go antiquing in one of Stamford's many shops, including the largest antique dealer in the United States, United House Wrecking.

3. Kick off the holiday season in Stamford with a November visit to its annual Giant Balloon Parade Spectacular, the largest of its kind in the United States, featuring 30 giant helium-filled balloons.

Tips & Warnings

• Book online for Internet-exclusive deals, specials and packages.

• Look outside the expensive North End for cheaper accommodations.

• Avoid Stamford's West End, known for crowding and crime.