How to Select a New York City Hotel

New York City is a destination full of excitement, culture and history. Though Manhattan is merely 13 miles long, it is packed full of people, places to see and things to do. Planning a trip can be a little overwhelming, but with these few easy steps, you can select the best hotel to meet your needs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Think about what kind of hotel you're seeking. If you're trying to save money, you may want to look for a budget hotel. If it's a romantic getaway, perhaps one of New York's opulent luxury hotels.
2. Decide what you would like to do while in New York City. You may want to get a hotel near the sights you plan to visit. If you plan on going to many different parts of the city, consider choosing someplace that is central, like Midtown Manhattan. Perusing a travel book about the city, such as a Frommer's, can help you learn what the city has to offer.
3. Research hotels online. There are several popular hotel and travel websites that offer discounts. Check things like a hotel's amenities and check-in times to see if it's really a hotel that would meet your needs. Finding a bargain is great, but sometimes you need to spend a few extra bucks to get what you want.
4. Check the official company websites of a few of the hotels that you're considering. See if you find a better deal there. If not, call the hotel directly and see if they will beat the discount website's price.
5. Book your hotel. Now that you've figured out what hotel is for you, make the necessary reservations. Whether it's online or over the phone, pay attention to any details you may need to know for your stay, such as if a printed email receipt is needed for check-in or what time you'll need to check out of your hotel.

Tips & Warnings

• Know that New York City is divided into 5 boroughs, including Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island. Generally, when people refer to "the city," they mean Manhattan.
• If you plan on staying for several days, consider renting an apartment. Many agencies offer furnished apartments. They can be a great bargain, as well as giving you the feeling of living like a true New Yorker.
• Book early. You can usually find the best deals if you make your reservations well in advance. By doing this, you can also help ensure that the hotel that you want will have plenty of room options for you.
• Prepare to spend some dough. New York City Hotels are typically more expensive than most U.S. cities, so be prepared to pay more than you would in say, Boise, Idaho.