New York

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New York City on a Budget

A March 2003 trip to New York by Davinagr

Visiting NYC on a budget is completely do-able with an open mind and access to the web. With a budget of $100 a day for a four star hotel in mind, I scored on www.priceline.com, landing a room for $93/night for a heavenly room at the Westin Times Square.

  • 6 reviews

Westin New YorkBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Westin Hotel - Times Square"

The Westin is known for their heavenly beds which consists of the finest linens, feather comforters in duvets, and plenty of soft, fluffy pillows. The room size was quite large with slate tiled entry way, frosted glass sliding pocket doors on the spacious bathroom, and all the soft heavenly towels that you can use. I have to mention the oversized shower with two shower heads. Even though I paid $93 for this room on priceline.com, I still landed on the 36th floor with a gorgeous view of the Hudson River and the NYC skyline. I definitely was in heaven!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Davinagr on March 16, 2003

Westin New York
270 West 43rd Street New York, New York 10036
(212) 201-2700

Famous Original Ray's PizzaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Famous Original Rays Pizza"

Everyone loves to offer their opinion on who has the best slice in NYC. Well, I can tell you that for the last 15 years everytime I come to New York, I stop at my favorite Ray's Pizza on 7th Avenue for a slice of the best pizza around. Rays offers a variety of specialty pizza's, but I prefer plain cheese with the famous NY drip. Spend a few bucks on a slice, believe me you will not be disappointed. Ray's Pizza has a number of locations all over Manhattan.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Davinagr on March 16, 2003

Famous Original Ray's Pizza
831 7th Avenue New York, New York 10019
(212) 974-9381

Local Swap-Meet Style MarketplaceBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Hunting up and down Broadway and 7th Avenue in Times Square for souvenirs for family and friends has never been more frustrating. Having come to NYC for years I couldn't get over how sky high prices are for cheapy fun novelty items. When I picked up a plastic snow globe that was marked $7.99, I knew there had to be a better place to pick up a few chachkas for family and friends. Low and behold on 42nd street just above 7th there was a little marketplace reminiscent of swap meet style booths you see all over Los Angeles and other larger cities. Inside I found a great little booth with nice Hanes Beefy T, t-shirts marked 5/$10 with great silkscreened designs, fun little snowglobes for $1.99, and lots of fun enamel pins, patches, and magnets for less than $2. Have fun!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Davinagr on March 16, 2003

Local Swap-Meet Style Marketplace
42nd between 6th and 7th New York, New York

Bryant ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Bryant Park is a great 'lil meeting spot to stop and catch your breath at while sipping on a cup of coffee or your favorite Starbucks icy frap (Starbucks is located right across the street from the park). With a beautiful fountain to sit by and people watch, this wonderful out of the way spot also sets up tables and chairs to sit at to enjoy a well deserved lunch after power shopping off 5th Avenue.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Davinagr on March 16, 2003

Bryant Park
500 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10110
(212) 768-4242

ChinatownBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Chinatown Excursion"

After a $13 cab ride from midtown to Chinatown on a Saturday, I would not recommend this mode of transportation to hunt bargains in this eclectic neighborhood. A bus or subway ride runs about $1.50 each way. Looking for bargains on beaded bags, fake designer purses, and more. I was so disappointed at what I found. A simple 'lil change purse was $6, and for those who were willing to bargain, they only came down a few dollars after starting the price on a lovely new season Kate Spade at $35. If you're not into crowds, avoid this tourist trap. Also make sure you have strong ankles to handle the broken up sidewalks that run for blocks on wicked angles.
  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by Davinagr on March 16, 2003

Chinatown
Canal Street to Bayard Street New York, New York 10002
(212) 260-6000

Nederlander TheaterBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Show up at this theater two hours prior to showtime and submit your name for a ticket lottery. If your name is chosen you can purchase up to two tickets for "Rent" at $20/each. Oh, did I mention that it's also for the first two rows in the orchestra section? Fabulous rock musical. Don't miss out on this deal.

If you're unable to score, don't forget the TKTS booth in the middle of Times Square where you can purchase same day tickets to a variety of Broadway and off Broadway productions for 50% off. Lines are long on the weekend, but don't let that intimidate you, they move very quickly!

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Davinagr on March 16, 2003

Nederlander Theater
208 W 41st St New York, New York 10036
(212) 921-8000

About the Writer

Davinagr
Davinagr
Los Angeles, California

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