Micro hotels have made their way from Japan to New York City. These tiny hotels are a popular form of budget accommodation for travelers who don't mind sacrificing space, but still value location, style and amenities.
Although larger than the capsule-size hotels in Japan, micro hotels feature rooms often no bigger than a train cabin. As of October 2010, there are only two micro hotels in Manhattan: the Pod and the Jane. However, given their high-occupancy rates in this period of financial austerity, other developers should expand on this trend. In the meantime, hostels offer New York visitors other low-cost options.
Located right in the center of Midtown, the Pod was New York's first micro hotel. The pod offers four room types: queen, double, single and bunk beds. Each room is equipped with MP3 player decks and a flat-screen TV. The sleekly designed boutique hotel also boasts free Wi-Fi, a cafe, veranda and a knowledgeable concierge.
The Pod has one townhouse studio, suitable for a family of four, with a queen-size bed and day bed as well as a pull-out trundle. Rooms start at $89 a night as of October 2010.
Staying at the Jane, located in Greenwich Village, is a little like stepping back in time. The hotel was built by William A. Boring in 1908 and in its first life was known as American Seaman's Friend Society Sailors' Home and Institute, a hotel with cabin-like rooms where sailors could bunk for 25 cents a night.
The hotel's new owner has drawn inspiration for the current decor from Wes Anderson films, making The Jane full of old-world charm. Most rooms are 50 square feet and guests use a communal bathroom. If you require more space and privacy, ask for the Captain's chambers. At 250 square feet, it has an en suite bathroom. Rooms begin at $75 a night as of October 2010.
Amenities include cable television, free bicycle rentals and free Wi-Fi.
Although there are only two micro hotels in New York per se, many hostels also offer small private rooms. While certainly not as fancy as the more posh micro hotels listed above, many hostels provide a clean affordable place to stay at half of the price of a micro hotel. Hostels can be found all over the five boroughs. The Jazz hostels can be found in five locations throughout New York and are especially popular.
