Best of New York: Budget Hotels

Let’s be clear: It’s hard to find a cheap hotel in New York that doesn’t leave you feeling dirty. But for the industrious visitor to NYC, there are definite gems to be found. These hotels all have rooms for $250/night or less, and during off-peak times like late summer and mid-winter, they can often be had for much less. Check out our five favorite budget hotels in New York:

Larchmont Hotel

With an ideal location a few minutes from Washington Square Park and surrounded by picturesque West Village brownstones, the Larchmont Hotel has a lot going for it before you even set foot inside. Once you do, you’ll enjoy the friendly staff, the old-school charm (they still have old-fashioned keys for every door), and the open kitchenettes on every floor. Bathrooms are shared by floor as well, but the price ($75-125) makes it worth the wait for the loo.
27 W 11th St, Manhattan; larchmonthotel.com

The Gershwin

You can’t miss the Gershwin: With its brightly illuminated and colorful façade, it stands out in this Flatiron block. The walls, festooned with pop art reproductions and murals, make it a hip and artsy hangout; the popular coffee shop in the lobby is frequented by trendy locals. The hotel is a few blocks from the Empire State Building and Madison Square Park, home of the famous Shake Shack. Wi-fi connection is available but is not free; luckily, the room prices ($80-250) will leave some money to burn.

7 E 27th St, Manhattan; gershwinhotel.com

Distrikt Hotel

This brand-new addition to the New York hotel scene (It opened in late 2009) is steps from the heart of Times Square, but just far enough out of the way to miss the major crowds. The building is modern, clean, and with a very chic design (a rarity in budget hotels). Visitors love the bed turn-down service, complete with chocolates, and complimentary apple cider in the lobby for those cold winter days. Some worry about the area at night, but a security team is always on hand to make sure you feel safe. Rooms range from $100-300/night.

342 W. 40th St., Manhattan; distrikthotel.com

The Sofia Inn

Staying at the Sofia Inn is like staying over at a friend’s apartment—a friend who is a really, really good host. Surrounded by Brooklyn brownstones on a quiet tree-lined block, this B&B in Prospect Heights is itself a converted brownstone, so there are communal sitting, kitchen, and garden areas where you can relax and hang out with other guests. A quick subway ride will take you into Manhattan; otherwise, you can enjoy Brooklyn as the locals do. Most rooms share a bath—except for the Parlor Suite, which also has a private kitchen—and range from $115-200/night.

228 Park Place, Brooklyn; brooklynbedandbreakfast.net
The French Quarters

A true NYC gem, this is a bit of Paris in Manhattan. Tucked away on a quiet block of Restaurant Row, but a quick walk to Times Square, this budget hotel has it all: great staff, beautiful rooms, affordable price. Visitors rave about the small touches (including L’Occitane bath products), comfortable beds, and delicious restaurant (Try the omelette). At $200-300, it’s on the upper range of this list, but you’ll feel like you’re getting a lot for the money.
346 W 46th St, Manhattan; frenchquartersny.com

Image: nuchylee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Which Jersey Shore Cast Member Isn't from NYC?

And the answer is ...

c) Jenni "JWoww" Farley

The Situation, Ronnie, and Vinny don't hail from Jersey; they're all New York boys. Both The Situation and Vinny are from Staten Island, while Ronnie is from the Bronx. JWoww calls Long Island home, while Snooki came down to the shore from Marlboro, New York.

Who traveled the farthest for the show? Paul "Pauly D" DelVecchio isn't a shore boy at all; he comes all the way from Rhode Island.

New York Trivia Tuesday

Starting this month, if you're the first person to comment with the correct answer on Trivia Tuesday posts, you'll get 50% off the Amazing New York Race of your choice! Feeling smart? Then answer this week's challenge:

Breaking records for MTV this season, the hit reality series Jersey Shore has become known for its drunken, mindless, yet eminently watchable cast of characters. But although the roommates live in a house on the Jersey Shore, only one of the original cast members is from New Jersey. Instead, many of them are actually from around NYC.

Which Jersey Shore cast member is NOT from one of New York's five boroughs?

a) Michael "The Situation" Sorrentino
b) Ronnie Ortiz-Magro
c) Jenni "JWoww" Farley
d) Vinny Guadagnino

Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia challenge!

Best of New York: Sushi

It wasn't so long ago that the idea of eating raw fish could send a chill up many a spine. But in the last two decades, sushi has become as familiar to many New Yorkers as a burger and fries. Where to find your favorite fish? Check out these spots for some of the best sushi in NYC:

Kanoyama

This East Village gem is a favorite of sushi shoppers looking for a good deal. The price is right, the scene is peaceful, and the fish is some of the freshest in town. Insiders say that the toro (tuna) is some of the best in town; it’s flown in from Tokyo, like many of the seafood offerings here. And, unusually for a sushi restaurant, fans praise the rotating selection of desserts, from candied ginger ice cream to a red bean and tofu pudding.

175 Second Ave at 11th St (212-777-5266)
kanoyama.com

Masa

The prices are steep, but the sushi is legendary. If you’ve got money to burn, head directly to Masa. Once you sit down at the bar or one of the tiny restaurant’s other 26 seats, you’re in the hands of the master: Chef Masa Takayama. For $300, the chef will serve you a set menu he’s prepared for the night. Expect lots of high-end ingredients thrown in with Japanese classics, like white truffle tempura, at this ultra-chic spot, one of the few restaurants in NYC to earn three Michelin stars.

10 Columbus Cir, Ste 4F, Manhattan; 212-823-9800
masanyc.com

Sushi Yasuda

Not as expensive as Masa, but with a level of quality that is rare among comparable New York spots, Yasuda is perhaps the most beloved sushi restaurant in town. Known for his minimalism and attention to each individual ingredient, Chef Naomichi Yasuda made simplicity a star here. Although the chef left for Japan at the end of last year, you can still see his protégés practicing their craft at the bar seating, a must for any fish fan.

204 E 43rd St, Manhattan; 212-972-1001
sushiyasuda.com

Ki Sushi

For sushi lovers in Brooklyn, Ki Sushi is a must. With the lights low and the music high, the restaurant has a young, hip atmosphere that is matched by the attitude of its dishes. The rolls include inventive creations like the namesake Ki Roll: tuna, salmon, and yellowtail topped with spicy crab, avocado, caviar, and even some gold leaf. But the style is matched by substance, even in the appetizers, where the warm mushroom salad is a standout.

122 Smith St, Brooklyn; 718-935-0575
ki-sushi.com

Ushiwakamaru

From the outside, this downtown sushi spot looks like any other generic joint you might pass. But step inside and you’ll discover some seafood that you probably weren’t expecting. Unusual items like sayori (needlefish), sazae (Japanese shellfish similar to abalone), and shiroebi (tiny raw shrimp) all make frequent appearances on the menu for the adventurous eater. And the restaurant is surprisingly budget-friendly: You can pick your own price for an omakase menu that’s tailored to your budget.

136 W Houston St, Manhattan; 212-228-4181

Image: Daniel St.Pierre / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What's the Most Expensive Street in NYC?

And the answer is ...

b) Fifth Avenue

When you're walking on Fifth Avenue between 49th and 60th Streets, stop and take a look around, because you're standing on the most expensive stretch commercial real estate in NYC! The average rent for businesses on Fifth Avenue is higher than any other street in the city.

Congratulations to Tobey F. for correctly guessing the trivia answer this week. Email nicole@pogoevents.com to claim your prize!

New York Trivia Tuesday

What's New? Starting this month, if you're the first person to comment with the correct answer on Trivia Tuesday posts, you'll get 50% off the Amazing New York Race of your choice! Feeling smart? Then answer this week's challenge:

What do LA's Rodeo Drive, San Fancisco's Union Square, Boston's Newbury Street, Paris' Champs-Elysees, London's Oxford Street all have in common? They are host to some of the most expensive real estate in the world! Rents for stores and businesses on these streets are the priciest in their respective cities. But what street has the most expensive commercial rent in NYC?

a) Park Avenue
b) Fifth Avenue
c) Broadway
d) Madison Avenue

Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question, and the announcement of this week's winner!

Best of New York: Wine Bars

Whether for an after-work drink with friends, or for a romantic weekend date night, wine bars serve many different occasions. They’re also in vogue right now, with dozens popping up around NYC. When you’re in the mood for a glass of vino, an after-dinner cheese plate, or even some heartier fare, try one of these best wine bars in New York.

Casallula

Just minutes from the Broadway theaters—but far enough away to evade the crowds—Casallula is the perfect stop for a pre-theater drink. It’s also ideal for wine lovers who are looking for a wine bar without the pretention, with a casually-dressed clientele and an indie music vibe. Regulars praise the cheese selection, as well as the homey fare, which includes classic mac and cheese and the evocatively-named “pig ass sandwich.”

401 W 52nd St, Manhattan; 212-247-8137; casellula.com

8th Street Wine Cellar

Planning a hot date? Make 8th Street Wine Cellar your destination. Tucked away from the NYU crowds of the Village, just below street level, the warm and cozy atmosphere in this NYC wine bar feels like you’ve stumbled into an old cellar in France. The friendly staff will help select some top-notch wines while you enjoy the candle-lit romantic ambiance.
28 W 8th St, Manhattan; 212-260-9463; 8thstwinecellar.com

Bar Jamon

Owned by superstar chef Mario Batali, Bar Jamon is right next door to his Spanish joint, Casa Mono, and is the casual counterpart to the famed restaurant’s fancier fare. As you might expect, Bar Jamon showcases the best in Spanish wines, while serving some of Batali’s celebrated tapas. The wine bar is small, seating only 15-20 people, so come earlier on in the evening to snag a prime table.

125 E 17th St, Manhattan; 212-253-2773; casamononyc.com

D.O.C Wine Bar

This Sardinian wine bar is a Brooklyn wine lover’s dream. Exposed brick, dozens of candles, and long wooden communal tables make it a cozy spot, with a large selection of southern Italian wines. The tapas-style food is great for sharing with friends, and many of the ingredients are flown in all the way from the Mediterranean. Try the tiramisu – You’ll thank us later!

87 N 7th St, Brooklyn; 718-963-1925; docwinebar.com

Epistrophy

One of New York’s little-known gems, Epistrophy is one of Little Italy’s biggest secrets. While many of the neighborhood’s eateries are tourist traps with lackluster food, Epistrophy offers top-notch small plates with an amazing wine selection. And with most glasses here running $8-9, or carafes for a few dollars more, you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck.

200 Mott St, Manhattan; 212-966-0904; epistrophycafe.com

In Which of Film Does the Chrysler Building Escape Unharmed?

And the answer is ...

a) Spider-Man

In both Deep Impact and A.I., the Chrysler Building is seen after it has been flooded, surrounded by water; in Godzilla, predictably, it was crushed by the monster. But although the Chrysler Building was featured in Spider-Man, it remained intact. Spider-Man perches on one of its gargoyles, mourning his Uncle Ben's death.

New York Trivia Tuesday

One of the most distinctive structures in New York, the Chrysler Building is also one of the city's favorites; a whopping 90% of prominent New Yorkers picked it as their preferred building in NYC. But the Chrysler Building is also a favorite in Hollywood, since many films have featured the art deco-inspired building. But in many of these movies, the iconic building is destroyed.

In which of these films does the Chrysler Building escape unharmed?

a) Spider-Man
b) Deep Impact
c) Godzilla
d) A.I.: Artificial Intelligence

Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia challenge!

Best of New York: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Is there anything more satisfying than the perfect chocolate chip cookie? Crispy, chewy, buttery and chocolatey all at once, it is the Platonic ideal of a cookie. But where can you find the best NYC has to offer? Check out our list of old-time favorites and young up-and-comers to see whose cookie reigns supreme.

City Bakery

The cookies at City Bakery have become so famous, The New York Times investigated its kitchen to learn one of its secrets: let the dough sit overnight, so that the dry ingredients like flour fully absorb the wet ones, like eggs. The other secret? Probably a heaping pile of butter. Chewy on the inside, crispy on the outside, this is the texture that cookie connoisseurs crave. But just one can be tooth-achingly decadent, so contemplate splitting one with a friend, or nibbling it over the course of a day.

3 W 18th St, Manhattan; 212-366-1414; thecitybakery.com

Jacques Torres

Jacques’ cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream. The chocolate master uses couverture chocolate, rather than chocolate chips or chunks, because of its ability to melt quickly. This means that the chocolate oozes into every bite, forming delicious ribbons throughout the dough. But this means that it is not for the faint of heart: one taster mentioned, “I’d like my chocolate with a bigger side of cookie.”

66 Water St, Brooklyn; 718-875-9772; mrchocolate.com

Roasting Plant

The cookies at Roasting Plant won Serious Eats’ contest for the best chocolate chip cookie in New York, in a huge upset. More coffee shop than bake shop, Roasting Plant brings in their dough from local wholesaler Tom Cat Bakery, but bake the cookies on site so you get them fresh from the oven. The chocolate chip cookies here impress with their perfect balance: not too sweet, not too buttery, not too soft, not too crispy. And they’re not too large, which means you don’t have to feel guilty after downing one.

75 Greenwich Ave and 81 Orchard St, Manhattan; 212-775-7755

Baked

Even out on the docks of Red Hook, Baked is a bakery that is making a name for itself. It’s already been featured on the Food Network, Martha Stewart, and Oprah. And when pastry chef made Baked’s signature chocolate chip cookie while on Top Chef: Just Desserts, it was the winning dish in a tough competition. With huge hunks of chocolate and lots of brown sugar flavor, it’s like mom used to make, if mom happened to be a pastry chef.

359 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn; 718-222-0345; bakednyc.com

Levain

Chocolate chip cookies from Levain are controversial. They’re as big as a scone. They are so soft on the inside that one questions whether they have been baked at all. They’re some of the densest cookies out there. But put that together, and you have a huge, decadent scoop of barely-baked chocolate chip cookie dough. And isn’t that as nearly perfect as a chocolate chip cookie can get? Many New Yorkers think so, since Levain’s goods are frequently heralded as the best chocolate chip cookies in NYC.

167 W 74th St, Manhattan; 212-874-6080; levainbakery.com


Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Which NYC Location Did Not Appear in Black Swan?

And the answer is ...

d) Mount Sinai Hospital

Natalie was on Broadway, Bowling Green, and the Brooklyn Museum, but she never went to Mount Sinai. Although she made several trips to the hospital, the one you see in the film is Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center, in Brooklyn.

New York Trivia Tuesday

One of the biggest movies of 2010, Black Swan, starring Natalie Portman as a disturbed ballet dancer, owes a lot to New York City. Director Darren Aronofsky got his first inspiration from watching his sister dance at New York's High School of Performing Arts. Later, he would talk to dancers in the Bolshoi Ballet about their experiences when he visited Lincoln Center.

As the theater for Natalie Portman's ballet company in the film, Lincoln Center makes many appearances. But other NYC locations also pop up in the film. Which New York locale did not appear in Black Swan?

a) Broadway
b) Bowling Green
c) the Brooklyn Museum
d) Mount Sinai Hospital

Check back on Thursday for the answer to this week's trivia question!

Best Spas in New York

They say New York is the city that never sleeps, but what if you really need a rest? Get an appointment at one of the city's best spas. New York is full of these pockets of serenity, so you can relax and take a quick break from the fast-paced happenings outside. And what's more, unlike a vacation to the South Pacific, these spas come in all price ranges. Enjoy!

Great Jones Spa

Consistently ranked one of the best spas south of 14th street, Great Jones Spa is a welcome oasis in the constant energy that surrounds SoHo and the Village. With a full menu of messages, facials, and manicures, the spa also offers full-body treatments including soothing Lemon Verbena and Fiji Coconut Sugar Glow. Best of all? You can get unlimited access to the sauna, steam room, pool and hot tub for $50.

29 Great Jones St, Manhattan. greatjonesspa.com

d’mai Urban Spa

An urban spa might sound a little oxymoronic, but this Brooklyn spa staple seems a world away from the city. The small but serene space gets high marks from regulars, who particularly rave about the cedar sauna. Drink fresh (and free) cucumber water as you get a facial (their specialty). Followers of skin care pro Sonya Dakar are in luck: d’mai uses them almost exclusively, they’re great for any skin type, and they make the spa smell like a little piece of heaven.

157 5th Ave, Brooklyn. dmaiurbanspa.com


Townhouse Spa

Need to take a break from a stressful work day? Townhouse is one of the best spas in New York for professionals looking for an oasis away from the office. Located in the heart of midtown, the three-story spa is a lesson in luxury: one room serves light dinner and refreshments, another offers entertainment and leather loungers. The coup de grace is the Oceana Hydro Capsules, a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy tub with 30 jets that massage with water, steam, and rejuvenating oils.

9 W 56th St, Manhattan. townhousespa.com


ease NY

The word “spa” can often be synonymous with “expensive,” especially for some of the best spas in New York. Luckily, at ease NY, getting a first-class massage doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Although they also offer body scrubs and aromatherapy, ease NY is known for its massage, from Swedish to stone to facial message. New Yorkers come in droves on Valentine’s Day, since couples massage is a specialty here, with private rooms and a reasonable price tag: only $110 for two for an entire hour.

16 E 41st St, Manhattan. easeny.com


The Green Spa

Those willing to brave the trek out to Bay Ridge will find the Holy Grail of Spas. Called simply “The Spa” or “The Green Spa,” it offers every service under the sun: massage, body treatments, manicures, nutrition, pre-natal care, acupuncture, and more. You can even take classes in their “movement studio,” which offers pilates and yoga as well as tai chi, hip-hop, bellydancing, and boxing. And compared to its Manhattan counterparts, The Spa is a steal.

8806 3rd Ave, Brooklyn. greenspany.com