The Hotel Bedford cannot be called a budget property. In fact, it doesn't want the label.

It offers fine dining at the adjacent upscale Domenico's restaurant. Tour groups who book the Bedford enjoy pleasant breakfasts and lunches at nearby Bloom's Cafe. Room service is available from 12-9 p.m.

Many budget travelers don't want or need such amenities. Some value-conscious consumers seek them out, but at reasonable prices.

The clientele here come mainly from Europe and the nearby United Nations headquarters.

The Bedford is on East 40th Street between Park and Lexington avenues. It is a very short walk from Grand Central Station, the Empire State Building and Times Square.

But at off-peak times, it is possible to book standard queen, deluxe studio and one bedroom suites during the week for less than the cost of an ordinary Manhattan room.

Staff members say the highest demand for rooms comes during the New York Marathon in November, and during the holiday shopping season. At those times, you can expect higher rates.

At a hotel of this type, you find very nicely furnished rooms somewhat larger than the New York norm. There are two or more elevators and a larger lobby staff available to help you. Microwaves, refrigerators and other such amenities are standard offerings rather than exceptions.

The Bedford offers 135 rooms on 17 floors, which means each floor averages only about eight rooms.

A standard queen room here (tax included) is $225/night, still well below the Manhattan average.

Deluxe studio: $270; One-bedroom suite $342; The "Tower Suite" here accommodates up to four people is $422/night. Suites with this much space are easily double that amount elsewhere in Manhattan.

As with all of these examples, the Bedford is but one of many businesses offering good value and location. Make your own "discovery" and become a repeat customer without depending upon the luck of the draw on a search site.

Back to main menu for Cheap Hotels in New York