Riu Plaza New York Times Square
Enjoy a varied budget breakfast daily at the Theatre Restaurant, included in your stay.
New York holidays: on a budget
A trip to the Big Apple doesn't need to cost the earth...
Who says holidays have to drain your wallet? Through clever planning and opting for affordable choices you can enjoy a fantastic getaway for less. We've got the hints and tips to turn your dream holiday into a pocket-friendly reality. So, let the fun begin without the financial worry!
Picking the right hotel for you
It's not always about picking the cheapest hotel when it comes to sticking to a budget. Added value options such as free breakfast, waived resort fee or extra food and beverage credit can all go a long way to saving a few pennies (or should we say dollars).
Breakfast included
No resort fee
Self-catering
Added value
Kickstart your day a delicious meal at no extra cost. Saving money on breakfast will leave you with more to spend on having fun in the Big Apple! So load up on the pastries, and get ready for a day of exploring.
Hampton Inn Manhattan/Times Square Central
Fuel up with a hearty free breakfast, perfect for powering through New York adventures.
Element New York Times Square West
Complimentary Element hot buffet breakfast included to kickstart your day!
Hotel Edison NYC
Complimentary grab and go breakfast for 2 people per room, per day.
Holiday Inn Express Manhattan Times Square South
Free 'Express Start' breakfast - there's even a yummy pancakes section!
Hyatt House New York Chelsea
Complimentary buffet breakfast daily to start your morning off right.
Resort fees are mandatory charges that hotels may add on in addition to the room rate, and they are paid directly to the hotel in resort. As you may have noticed, these are becoming more common in hotels across New York - so we've made it easy for you by highlighting those hotels that don't charge a resort fee when you book with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, meaning you don't have to fork out extra once you arrive.
Courtyard Manhattan Midtown East
No resort fees at this hotel, so you can relax knowing there's no extras to pay when you check-out!
Sheraton Brooklyn New York
We keep things simple when you choose this hotel, and include the resort fee in your rates, so there's no stress when you're in New York.
DoubleTree by Hilton New York Times Square West
Enjoy your stay without the worry of hidden resort fees, meaning more savings to spend in the city!
Courtyard by Marriott Central Park
Your stay here is simple: no resort fees to pay in resort, they're all taken care of in the ocerall payment. Hassle-free!
Hilton Garden Inn New York/Manhattan-Chelsea
With no resort fee to pay at this hotel, you can stay with a peace of mind (and a few extra pennies in your pocket)!
The Lexington New York City
There’s nothing extra to worry about here, your resort fee’s already included in the price you pay as you book.
Holiday Inn New York City Times Square
Check in and chill out as there's no resort fee to pay at this property - which is rare when you're so close to Times Square!
New York Marriott Downtown
No hidden extras at this hotel - your resort fee is included in the rates when you book this property with us!
The New Yorker Hotel by Lotte Hotels
Virgin Atlantic Holidays guests have their resort fee waived, saving $40 plus tax per night!
Hampton Inn Times Square Central
No resort fee, and you get free breakfast too - a double whammy!
Civilian Hotel
Just steps from Times Square, we've found you another hotel that has no resort fees whatsoever!
Element New York Times Square West
No resort fee, and you get complimentary buffet breakfast daily too - saving you plenty!
A great way to cut down on spending when you're away from home is to pick a self-catering hotel, where you can cook up a storm without too much expense. With a kitchenette in your room you can easily eat what you fancy, whenever you fancy.
Element New York Times Square West
All rooms feature a kitchenette with hob, fridge, microwave and dishwasher.
The Shelburne Sonesta New York
Upgrade to any of the apartments for a kitchenette in your room.
The Fifty Sonesta Hotel New York
Opt for the Studio of Junior Suites for a fully-equipped kitchenette.
Hotel Beacon
Whichever room you pick, you'll be sure to find a well-equipped kitchen.
The Gardens Sonesta ES Suites
All-suite property, all of which come with a fully-equipped kitchen.
There's nothing better than having something extra thrown into your stay, at no additional cost. From food and beverage credit to excursion tickets, the below hotels offer an added sparkle to your New York stay.
Virgin Hotels New York City
Book with Virgin Atlantic Holidays to receive:
- $25 food and beverage credit per room, per day
Westin New York Times Square
Book with Virgin Atlantic Holidays to receive:
- Complimentary daily breakfast for 2 people
- No resort fee to pay in resort
- Late check-out until 1pm
- Free Westin Kids Pack
- $20 food and beverage credit per room, per day
- Two complimentary attraction tickets
Marriott Marquis New York
Book with Virgin Atlantic Holidays and your resort fee is included in your rates, so there's no fees to pay at the hotel. And this means you'll also receive:
- Daily $40 food and beverage credit
- NYC attraction/tour ticket (1 per day) with a range of options to choose from
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Book with Virgin Atlantic Holidays and your resort fee is included in your rates, so there's no fees to pay at the hotel. And this means you'll also receive:
- $35 Food and Beverage Credit per room, per day to spend within the hotel
- Choice of museum entry or 2hour bike rental
- Small souvenir
Affordable things to do
Free Attractions
Low-cost food and drink
Money-saving travel
New York City offers a wealth of free attractions that allow you to experience the vibrant culture and iconic landmarks without spending a dime. Here are some top free attractions in the city:
Central Park
Explore the expansive Central Park, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of Manhattan. Wander through the scenic landscapes, visit Bethesda Terrace, or enjoy free concerts.
Times Square
Experience the dazzling lights and energy of Times Square. While Broadway shows and shopping can be pricey, simply being in the heart of this iconic location is a free.
Brooklyn Bridge
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. The bridge itself is a marvel of engineering and a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Grand Central Terminal
Admire the architectural beauty of Grand Central Terminal, one of the world's most famous train stations. The main concourse, with its celestial ceiling, is a must-see.
The Bronx Zoo
While the Bronx Zoo typically charges admission, it offers free entry on Wednesdays. Check the zoo's website for any updates or changes to this policy.
The High Line
This elevated park built on a former railway track offers stunning views of the city and the Hudson River. Here you can enjoy a stroll along beautifully landscaped gardens.
Eating on a budget in New York City is possible with the abundance of affordable dining options. Additionally, the city hosts restaurant weeks twice a year (in January and July), during which they offer affordable fixed-price deals. Here are some tips for enjoying inexpensive meals in the city:
Street Food
New York City is famous for its street food. Grab a hot dog, pretzel, or falafel from one of the many street vendors scattered throughout the city.
Dollar Slices
Make the most of the city's many pizza joints offering dollar slices. It's a quick and wallet-friendly way to satisfy your hunger.
Food Trucks
Explore the diverse food truck scene in NYC. From tacos to dumplings, food trucks often provide tasty and affordable options.
Happy Hour Specials
Take advantage of happy hour specials at various bars and restaurants, which often include discounted drinks and appetisers.
Chinatown
Visit Chinatown for delicious and affordable Asian cuisine. You'll find a wide range of options, from dumpling shops to noodle houses.
Grocery Stores
Purchase ready-made meals or snacks from local grocery stores or supermarkets. This is a great option for picnics in parks or enjoying a meal on a budget.
Hole-in-the-Wall Eateries
Discover hidden gems in neighbourhoods like the East Village or Brooklyn, where humble eateries serve tasty meals at affordable prices.
Navigating New York City can be both exciting and challenging due to its vast size and complex transportation system. Here are some tips on getting around in the city:
Subway
The New York City subway system is one of the most efficient ways to travel within the five boroughs. The subway is a quick and cost-effective option.
Walking
Many of NYC's attractions are concentrated in certain neighborhoods, making walking a fantastic way to explore the city. Wear comfortable shoes and take in the sights on foot.
Biking
Citi Bike, the city's bike-sharing program, provides an eco-friendly option for exploring various neighbourhoods. Many streets have designated bike lanes.
Buses
The MTA bus system complements the subway, reaching areas not covered by train lines. Buses are a slower but scenic way to explore the city.
Taxis
Yellow taxis are iconic in NYC, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available. Taxis can be hailed on the street, and ride-sharing can be ordered through their apps.
Ferries
With its waterfront location, NYC has several ferry services connecting Manhattan to other boroughs and nearby destinations like Staten Island, Brooklyn, and New Jersey.
Hints and tips
Holidays you can trust
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