New York definitely has lure, temptation and glamour - an inexplicable alluring nature - something most other cities in the United States simply cannot offer. And one of the most enticing areas New York offer is the magical Manhattan area. Actually Manhattan is what New York is all about.
A visit to New York is incomplete without a stroll through Manhattan. Explore the museums and the great art scene, experience the unique and vibrant Broadway theatre, shop till you drop, or just go see what really happens on the 'Great White Way' - Manhattan is sure to keep you entertained and busy during your visit to New York, no matter how long or short the stay is.
Compared to the rest of the Unites States, the hotels in New York are somewhat expensive. But it's the same with most of the bigger glamorous cities - guess its part of the glam deal. And even though there are many lodging options available, for most travelers finding a proper place to stay in New York can be a difficult task, especially as the options are overwhelming.
Depending on your preferred attractions and forms of entertainment, you are sure to find accommodation close by. Most of the areas in and around the major attractions, such as Broadway and the Lincoln Centre, are dotted with hotels and other establishments offering lodging. If you plan to lodge at a high-end address, do keep in mind that these hotels also boast rates to match. On the other hand, if you wish to find more affordable lodging in Manhattan, try some of the smaller lodging providers. Most of the smaller establishments are located just outside the big attractions, yet within the city it self.
The key to a successful trip is finding the correct place to stay. Plan early and list out the things you want to do and see, especially as New York offers plenty, and find the best areas to stay. Sort hotels according to location, mix and match and do plenty of research online to get the best locality. Once you have selected the areas lookout for the smaller, privately run establishments. This is where planning early comes handy, most of the good budget hotels get booked well in advance. Also by planning early you can pick some of the great deals offered by online lodging option providers.
The temptress New York has lodging for all its visitors, but sometimes it might be a tad difficult to find your ideal accommodation. If you have specific travels plans and a limited budget, opt for one of the smaller, well established hotels in Manhattan itself.
For easy access to the best of Manhattan try the European-style boutique hotel, Fitspatrick Manhattan Hotel New York. With a typical Irish atmosphere, comfort and luxury, the hotel's location in the trendy east side offers easy access to best shopping experience, especially the designer boutiques of Madison Avenue, and some of the much sought after New York sights such as the Rockefeller Center, the United Nations and the Central Park.
Larry Austin is a freelance journalist who writes on travel related topics such as hotel and destination reviews etc. He is currently working for roomsnet.com which offers visitors the option of world wide hotel bookings. roomsnet.com offers many last minute hotel deals for holidaymakers.
Hotels in Bangkok
Bangkok is a city in Thailand most well known for it's peaceful towering temples and serene royal palaces. But what most people don't know is that Bangkok is also a shopper's dream come true. Especially when you're a budget traveler. There are plenty of outdoor markets that sell great quality clothes, affordable teak furniture to ship home and stuff that you never knew you would buy. Choosing a place to stay for exploring Bangkok's best shopping destinations doesn't require you to spend a lot and you'll find some names of excellent budget hotels here.
Budget hotels in Bangkok are many and the qualities do vary. Normally you'd have to stay at the outskirts of a city elsewhere to find cheap accommodations. Not in Bangkok. If you're planning to do a lot of shopping you should book a hotel inside the city's center, ideally near a BTS train station. Thai taxis are plenty and cheap but traffic during most hours is horrible, so use them sparingly. BTS trains can take you to the majority of the best shopping malls in Bangkok quickly and efficiently. And of course it's cheap too.
One of the best affordable hotels in Bangkok is Samran Place Hotel. It's located in the city's center and the reason why it's such a good hotel is because it's strategically placed near the best shopping malls in Bangkok. To the south, just a 15 minute walk is where you'll find MBK and Siam Square. You'll find mostly local Thai people, not only tourist shopping there too so you know that's where you'll find a lot of bargains on clothing, handbags and shoes. Right across from Siam Square is the super luxury Siam Paragon Mall, where well to do Thais do their shopping and eat. Merchandise inside those high end stores' price tags may not fit your budget but it's still a great place for window shopping and wishful thinking.
Another great affordable hotel in Bangkok is called Citin Pratunam. It's a nice place to stay because nearby are two huge wholesalers' markets called Pratunam Market and Pratunam Center. You don't have to buy in bulk to take advantage of the great prices on clothing and accessories such as sunglasses. You can still get a great deal if you for example buy one pair of jeans. However, you'll find you get an even better price if you purchase at least 3. And there's still room to haggle for a better price. If you find brand name labels here then there's a 95.5% chance you're looking at a fake, so buyer beware.
Budget hotels near major shopping destinations are also strategically placed to explore historic sights and cultural attractions to ensure you have a well rounded vacation. And saving money at these hotels will ensure you have enough left over for that famous Thai foot massage after a long day of exhaustive shopping.
Visit Bangkok's Best Budget Hotels for reviews of over a dozen popular budget hotels in Bangkok.
Edwin M. Clark is a business consultant who travels to Southeast Asia. His experience and knowledge in the region has provided valuable information and resources for business ventures and mid range to major corporations in the travel industry. He currently contributes to http://www.squidoo.com/budget-hotels-in-bangkok as well as travel blogs.