So you wanna come to the Big Apple?? You start your research for hotels and?What?? Are they kidding?? Where do they get the nerve to charge that!!?
Ok, NYC can be an expensive place.? However it?s also a place with only a?myriad of choices.? So take this little romp with me down the avenue less traveled and you?ll have a ball without breaking the bank.
Lodging: Think out of the box and try a NYC style ?B & B? rental instead of a hotel. We don?t have those oh so quaint Victorians here, but you can opt for an apartment rental, hosted or unhosted.? You?ll either get a room in someone?s home or a whole, furnished apartment to yourself.? These offerings run the gamut from the most basic to the most luxurious and are located all over town.? This is especially good if you are traveling with a group.? The prices are lower than most hotels and you?ll have more space plus a kitchen.? One agency that books these is http://www.citylightsbedandbreakfast.com. Prices range from $80 ? $300 per night.
Entertainment: There are countless choices of? things to do in the city, totally free, especially outdoors in the summer.? You can catch everything from movies to concerts to Shakespeare in the Park on a warm summer night por nada.? Go to http://www.nycgo.com/free/ for listings.
If a Broadway show tickles your fancy, there is an alternative to standing on line at the TKTS booth.? Go to http://playbill.com/ and become a member for free.? This will allow you access to their discounted tickets page.? You can pick them up at the theater, so purchase the same day if you like.
Dining: So many deals, so little time!? ?Here?s the skinny: Go to LivingSocial.com or Groupon.com and sign up for the NYC deals. In the weeks & months before your trip keep a close eye for restaurant offerings among so many others.? These deals are the real deal at up to 80% off.? You buy them on the day they are offered but can use them for up to year.? Just make sure it is valid for the dates you?ll be here
Shopping: Who doesn?t want to take advantage of being in the Fashion Capital of the world?? Here?s a tip: It?s also the bargain capital! The Carlisle Collection, the shop at home company, has a little known outlet store tucked away in an unassuming midtown office building.? Go to 423 W55th Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues.? The basement and the 5th floor are where the action is, at up to 80% of regular retail.
Do you love that easy, unconstructed feel that Eileen Fisher does to perfection?? Check out the Boutique at 314 E 9th St, between 1st?and 2nd Avenues in the East Village.? Almost every item they carry is discounted up to 60% off regular retail.
Got a hankering for Hermes?? Check out La Boutique designer resale shop at 1045 Madison Avenue, between 79th and 80th Street.? Ring the bell and ascend the wooden staircase to the 2nd floor.? You find all the top names starting at about 1/3 or regular retail.? Such a deal!
Hmmm.? So what to do with all the money you?ve saved?? How about a $12 cappuccino, with tax & tip, in the lobby of the Plaza Hotel, at 59th Street and 5th Avenue?? Wait!? Where are you going?? Don?t run away!
