Hotels
Hotels in the Theatre District are expensive, charging anywhere from $300 to several thousand dollars per night. With dazzling features like express elevators, one-of-a-kind views of Time Square, or a rotating roof restaurant, these four-star hotels certainly earn their fee.
Smaller hotels in and near the Theatre District offer rooms starting at $200 per night. A short walk to the subway or bus stop means you are never far from the action of Broadway.
Large and small hotels offer amenities such as plush bedding, complimentary breakfast, and pay-per-day wireless Internet. Some hotels do allow pets but charge a non-refundable sanitation fee of $250. The hotel concierge can also assist you in getting tickets to shows and reservations at popular restaurants.
Hostels
If you book well in advance, nearby hostels offer cheaper lodging at an average daily rate of $30 per person. Convenient to everything, they are accessible to the Theatre District via cabs, city buses, or subway.
Hostels are designed for students and travelers who need cheaper housing than chain or boutique hotels. Some hostels do not have locks on the doors but have rental lockers available. Each hostel has different amenities, such as a laundry facility or game room, or rules implementing a curfew or guest age limit. Hostels allow stays up to 14 days, but most do not allow pets.
The hostels’ rooms feature bunk beds that sleep four, six, or eight to a room with a shared bathroom, trading hotel perks and privacy for economical dorms. Some hostels do offer private rooms with one or two double or queen beds, averaging $170 per night, which is still cheaper than nearby hotels.
Taxes and Fees
When calculating your budget, be sure to account for the various taxes and fees for New York hotels, hostels, and bed-and-breakfasts. Required fees include Sales Tax at 8.875%, the New York Hotel Occupancy Tax of $1 to $2 plus 5.875% per day, and the daily Unit Rate of $1.50.
Pre-Show Dining
Eating in the Theatre District can be done affordably by avoiding the more expensive dinner hours and famous restaurants. Choose smaller, local eateries over chain restaurants for a taste of the “real” New York at a lower cost. Local delis serve sandwiches at $8 to $10, satisfying your hunger and your wallet.
Hot dog stands are as synonymous with New York as the Yellow Cab, the Empire State Building, and Broadway itself. Whether tucked into a stainless steel pushcart or a full kitchen on wheels, every wiener, bun, and topping configuration imaginable can be found on a nearby corner. Inexpensive and portable, you can dress your classic hot dog low-key or elevate it to luxe street-food.
Fast food chains are situated amongst the sit-down restaurants. Feeding your family from a healthy value menu will save your money for souvenirs at the theatre.
Broadway Travel Packages
Travel agencies and hospitality groups buy tickets to popular shows, packaging them with flights and hotel rooms. Many hotels offer a Broadway show package that includes pre-show dinner. Depending on your budget, working with a travel agent or hotel concierge may help get you organized.
If you plan to stay a week or more, sublet an apartment or timeshare condo. You will need to bring in your own food and linens, but this may be cheaper than a week-long stay at a hotel and can feel just like home.
TIPS:
- Travel to NYC off-season to get the best rates for flights and hotels.
- Attend matinees and weekday evening performances.
- Buy tickets online or at the TKTS booth for discounted prices.
- Stay in a hostel instead of a hotel, booking it well in advance.
