I am planning a trip to New York in 2008 with my brother. We are trying to economise but do not want to stay in a hostel. Can you recommend anywhere in Manhattan where we might get a standard double room for under 100 dollars a night? Kevin Partington, by email

Ilaria Perlini, Times Online Travel, responds: The Latham Hotel offers budget accomodation in your range and is very central, just off 5th Avenue and a few minutes walk from the Empire State Building and Chelsea. Stay at The Gershwin Hotel if you want a truly unique experience at an affordable price. Right in the centre of Manhattan, it provides a variety of different accomodation solutions, from comfortable Essential calss rooms (doubles start at $109) to Suites. Plus, each one has a unique decor that makes the hotel look more like a modern art museum.

On the trendy Upper West Side you can find the stylish, Asian-inspired Broadway Hotel and Hostel.The average rate for a double room with a private bath is $139 per night. Union Square Inn, in the arty East Village is a small but comfortable boutique hotel, while the newly refurbished Hotel Newton, a few blocks west of Central Park, is also a good find.Take a look at the New York Travel book for deals and more hotels at less than $100.

Since you are planning your holiday well in advance, check out NYC Open Book that will give you an insight on the best time to visit the city. The dates marked out on the calendar indicate when hotels offer special packages and restaurants good deals for dining. It will be difficult to find good bargains outside these times. On the plus side, hotel discounts coincide with major American festivities, so you'll be able to enjoy some of the best events in town.

However, I do recommend you move away from Manhattan and look for accommodation in the surrounding areas of Brooklyn or New Jersey, as many hotels here are located close to subway stations, which means Manhattan can be reached in 15-20 minutes. Although staying here may not be as convenient, hotels outside Manhattan generally provide larger rooms at lower prices.

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