The Best Cheap Hotels in Times Square, New York

If you know you’ll never use a spa, bell boy or room service, this hotel on West 50th Street is the ideal money-saving solution. It has stripped away the pricy extras and concentrated on the basics instead. Every room is the same and all have free movies, a power shower, blackout blinds and oversized king beds for dreamy nights. There’s an app that you can use to check in and out, a great 24/7 canteen to grab meals on the go and a lively reception popular with local creative types.

Beyond the glossy reception and chandeliers, Sanctuary Hotel offers luxe amenities at distinctly reasonable prices. All guests receive free access to a local fitness center with a heated swimming pool, while rooms come with Bluetooth-enabled iHome stereo systems, on-demand movies, spa-style bathrooms and premium mini-bars. Breakfast is thrown in for free, while guests can dine for an extra cost in four restaurants – including a top steakhouse and the acclaimed sushi bar, Sushi Lab.

No one wants to languish in their hotel room when the world’s most exciting city is just outside the door. Smart budget chain YOTEL know most guests just want a place to snooze at the end of the day, so offer basic pods that have proved a hit in airports around the world. All have a futuristic feel with open-plan bathrooms, space-saving wardrobes and adjustable smart beds; while suites have more space, city views and extra bunk beds. There’s a knockout rooftop bar and a popular restaurant, too.

Think there’s no way a family can afford to stay in the heart of New York? Consider the roomy family suite at the Hotel @ Times Square, which comes with a king bedroom connected to a queen bedroom, plus a shared bathroom that won’t cost the earth. The hotel is on 46th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue, so kids will love the easy access to shops and restaurants, while parents will appreciate free unlimited nationwide calls, an in-room safe and high-speed wifi for up to six devices.

New York already has it all, but the Gallivant on 48th and Broadway still manages to go one further by offering fitness-themed bedrooms for dedicated gym-goers. There’s no excuse for neglecting your workout when staying as these rooms come with their own treadmill, weights and workout clothes to keep you in shape. If you’d rather work up a sweat pounding the city streets, there are also ordinary, decently priced rooms available, plus several with balconies and family suites with bunk beds.

Affordable hotels don’t have to mean tiny bland rooms and wall-to-wall beige. Row NYC is a super-swish crash pad where rooms have graphic wall coverings, iPod docking stations, ergonomic workstations and an all-important full-length mirror. Elsewhere, you’ll be wowed by the top-of-the-range fitness center, 24-7 shop, cycle studio, express beauty bar, cool cafe and cocktail bar with live music and gourmet food market. Your key card will even allow you to access special discounts at vendors including Ripley’s Believe It or Not and the Hard Rock Cafe.

This budget hotel on West 47th Street is a great option if you’re visiting the Big Apple on business. All guests are greeted with a welcome snack and drink and treated to free breakfast and wifi, while a useful business center will make it easy to stay on top of work demands. Rooms have comfortable work desks, safes and ironing sets to keep you looking smart, while you can take your pick of local restaurants after the end of a long day.

Pay for a space to sleep, shower and sling your luggage at these ingenious pod rooms in Hell’s Kitchen. All have ensuite bathrooms with rain showers, air conditioning and soundproof windows, so you’ll be recharged and ready to hit the city streets in the morning. Local calls can also be made for free from reception. If you’re staying a while, there’s also a selection of apartments that can be rented by the month, with full kitchens to really slash spending.

You won’t need to splash out to enjoy the use of a swimming pool if you choose this cool boutique hotel close to Times Square and between Sixth Avenue and Seventh Avenue. Guests can cool off in the pool after busy days in the city or even let off some steam in the gym or sauna. Stylish rooms are decorated by designer Lorenzo Castillo with bold wallpaper and coordinating soft-furnishings, minibars and touch lighting. There are also rooms sleeping three or four if you’re traveling as a group.

This hotel, two blocks from Madison Square Garden and Penn Station, has all the big-name facilities you’ll need for a thrilling city break, but without the need to dread the final bill. Rooms are contemporary and comfortable with coffee makers and mini-fridges; while some have spectacular views of the Empire State and others have two double beds so you can split costs with a friend. There’s a 24-hour fitness center, complimentary tea and coffee, late check-out, an all-day restaurant and a rooftop bar with million-dollar views.