This Historic Hotel Is A Budget-Friendly Place For NYC First-Timers
Let's face it: When we think of budget destinations, New York City is pretty much the last place that comes to mind. A 2023 report (via Time Out) by The Worldwide Cost of Living Index published by the Economic Intelligence unit determined that New York City is the third most expensive city in the entire world, tied with Geneva, Switzerland. Safe to say, if you're holding out for pinching pennies, New York is not the place to visit ... or is it?
You might be surprised to know that even some of the country's most expensive destinations can be done on a budget. There are creative ways to travel to pricey destinations without the potential to file for bankruptcy, even in New York. One of the best tactics for cutting costs is by scoring cheap accommodation. While that might seem impossible, there's a hotel in New York's West Village that can make your dreams of visiting The Big Apple come true, without emptying your wallet. The Jane Hotel, established in 1908, is not only one of the best budget options in the city, but it's a historic hotel in a convenient location.
The price (and the quality)
According to one of the best travel search engine sites out there, Momondo, the average price of a hotel in New York City is $285 a night on a Sunday, which is the cheapest day to book, and $338 on a Friday, the most expensive day to book. The Jane Hotel, however, has rates as low as $99/night, with most nights still costing less than the average at $199/night. If you're wondering what the caveat might be, it's not that there's necessarily a twist to why this hotel is so inexpensive, but in a sense, you do get what you pay for.
If you're looking for a five-star luxury experience with amenities like a pool and a spa, you are not going to get it at The Jane Hotel. But if you're flexible and simply in need of a place to sleep (which is an easy sacrifice, since New York has so much to do that you'll hardly be in your hotel anyway), then The Jane Hotel is indeed a great option. While it's a little bare bones, you will have Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk service, cable TV, multilingual staff, and air conditioning.
Guest reviews state that the while rooms are tiny, they are pristine and clean. The building itself is charming and historic; so much so that even survivors of the Titanic stayed at The Jane Hotel in 1912. It's important to note: At the time of publication, The Jane Hotel is undergoing extensive renovations, causing many online reviews to complain about construction noise, dust, and restricted public areas.
Location, location, location
The West Village is one of the most famous neighborhoods in New York City, so you can rest assured that you're in one of the best locations the city has to offer. The neighborhood been featured in several TV shows and movies; it's infamously where Carrie Bradshaw lived, where the Friends apartment was, and even where Taylor Swift's New York City apartment is (and where the inspiration from her song "Cornelia Street" was drawn from).
Pop culture references aside, the West Village has plenty to see and do. Head to the Whitney Museum of American Art, just a stone's throw away from the hotel's front door, for an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
You're also in for some of the city's best food. The West Village is home to hotspot Italian restaurant Via Carota, which serves some of the best cacio e pepe in New York City. Bangkok Supper Club is a new restaurant in the area that has already made waves through the New York City food scene thanks to its creative Thai food. For something more casual, head to Murray's Cheese for out-of-this-world mac 'n' cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches.
You might not think an LGBTQIA+ bar could be one of the most prominent sights in New York, but The Stonewall Inn proves otherwise. The police raid at The Stonewall Inn in 1969 sparked a massive fight for civil rights in the queer community, and the West Village bar has since been declared a National Historic Landmark. All of this and more will be on your front doorstep when you stay at The Jane Hotel.