The credit crunch is having an effect on the cost of shopping trips to New York. But with prices plummeting for flights, hotels and goods in the shops, the slump of sterling against the US dollar is not having as much of a negative affect as you may imagine.
This time last year you could get a healthy $2 to the pound but despite sterling slumping to its lowest level against the dollar for seven years you can still get a bargain if you know where to look !
As occupancy rates in New York hotels decline the price of hotel rooms are about 3% less than this time last year, but if you are prepared to haggle then asking the hotel for a discount will usually reap the reward of big savings. Our advice is to ask for a discount even if they are not advertising discounts. You will be surprised how responsive the hotels will be.
Where to Stay
Hotels are still being built in New York despite the credit crunch. The Meatpacking District is the latest trendy area to be attracting new hotel developments. The Standard, an 18 storey, 337 room hotel has just opened and there are special rates available at the moment until the hotel is fully open in the Spring.In addition, the Smyth Tribeca hotel has just opened with rates starting at less than $150 a room per night. If you are really budget conscious the newly renovated Jane Hotel is hard to beat at $99 per room per night. The rooms are said to be small but cosy.
Where to eat
There are several ways you can eat in New York without it being hard on the pocket. Madison Avenue is renowned for its street vendors, so you you can do as the locals do and take a stroll with a big hot dog or pizza slice from one of the hundreds of street vendors. The Burger Joint is a tucked away restaurant in the Parker Meridien Hotel. For $6 you get a quality burger. If you want an Italian meal in New York try Becco on Restaurant Row, near Times Square. They have a $22 fixed price menu with unlimited servings of the daily pasta dishes.
Where to visit
A visit to Central Park is a must. You can hire a bike or take one of the 10 free walking tours available. The zoo in Central Park is good value at $8 for adults and $3 for children.Here is a tip on how to get a view of the Statue of Liberty free of charge without having to queue for the boat trip. Take the Staten Island Ferry, as it provides fantastic views of the New York skyline.
On Friday evenings the Guggenheim Museum only requires a donation to enter and the Museum of Modern Arts offers free entry between 4pm and 8pm ! Finally if you don’t want to queue for the Empire State Building the top floor of the Rockerfeller Centre affords spectacular views across the city for only $12.
If you have any hot tips for how to have a budget holiday in New York then let us know. Use the comments box for your recommendations.
If you want a price on a holiday, hotel or flight to New York call Global Holidays FREE on 0800 433 2300.
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