The best budget hotels in NYC

The budget conscious funky hotel group Pod, has both a downtown and uptown location. The uptown joint offers visitors a choice of six “pod” types that sleep one to four guests and all rooms feature a trendy and colorful décor. Though cozy, the rooms are surprisingly well-appointed. Featuring flat screen TVs, desks and complimentary Wi-Fi, Pod 51 is a great pick for those that want to spend ample time exploring the city, but still want a comfortable place to rest their feet after a long day of hitting the pavement. The property boasts some stylish facilities such as a café for casual dining and a lively rooftop deck, ideal for sunbathing and imbibing on sunny days. Located just a few blocks from bustling Time’s Square, the location is great for those that want to stay in the middle of the action.

Claiming the title of “oldest hotel in New York,” this Broome Street spot once welcomed the likes of William Waldorf Astor and John L. Sullivan. These days, the guest list runs the gamut from students to backpackers and travelers looking for an affordable place to crash. A recent makeover has left some rooms with skylights, a yellow-and-blue color scheme, flat-screen TVs, exposed brick walls, and hardwood floors, but it still retains some of that old-school charm (hey, ceiling fans and no elevators). Still, the main draw is its location—centrally situated, use this hotel as a springboard to explore the nearby Little Italy, Chinatown, and SoHo.

The Carlton Arms Art Project started in the late 1970s, when a small group of creative types brought fresh paint and new ideas to a run-down shelter. Today, the site is a bohemian backpackers’ paradise and live-in gallery—every room, bathroom and hallway is festooned with outré artwork. Themed quarters include the Money Room and a tribute to a traditional English cottage. Roughly half the quarters have shared bathrooms. The place gets booked up early, so reserve well in advance.