Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The Pan American Hotel in Elmhurst is less than five miles from midtown Manhattan and six miles from Times Square. The "N" train is a 15-minute ride from the hotel to Times Square. The Pan American is a clean, comfortable hotel that is close to many attractions, yet it offers an affordable rate if you reserve early: less than $130 a night as of September, 2010. All rooms are equipped with cable TV, business services, refrigerators and high-speed Internet access. The Pan American Hotel offers its guests complimentary passes to a nearby fitness center. Besides the festivities and parties in the Times Square area, local attractions to visit during your New York stay include The New York Hall of Science, the USTA National Tennis Center and Yankee Stadium.
Pan American Hotel
79-00 Queens Blvd.
Elmhurst
New York City, NY 11373
800-937-7374
panamhotel.com
The Portland Square Hotel bills itself as an "economical hotel in Times Square," and you can walk from this hotel to the ball-drop ceremony. However, you pay more for this proximity since, in 2010, guest rates for a single queen-size run $375, which is still much cheaper than comparably appointed hotels in the area that charge a minimum of $700 nightly. The Portland Square Hotel is housed in a renovated historic building that features a Beaux-Arts entrance. Travelers will find this hotel not only inexpensive but comfortable as well, with 140 renovated guest rooms that feature complimentary high-speed Internet, cable TV and toiletry supplies. Additional attractions near the Portland Square Hotel, only a block from the hotel, include the Broadway theatre scene.
The Portland Hotel at Times Square
132 West 47th St.
New York, NY 10036
212-382-0600
800-388-8988
portlandsquarehotel.com
For travelers trying to save money, American Dream Hostel is an ideal alternative to the traditional hotel. In 2010 to 2011, no rooms run more than $60, an unheard-of price for New York City, In addition, the hostel is located in the heart of New York City, only two miles from Times Square. At the hostel, you will hear people from all over the world of all ages and from all backgrounds tell their travel stories. Travelers will find a fully equipped kitchen with a stovetop, oven and refrigerator. Additionally, the hostel serves a delicious breakfast each morning. You can opt to stay in the dorm where four people share two sets of bunk beds or the private room, with four single beds sharing a bathroom with another private room. The hostel recommends checking their availability in advance before any major holiday such as New Year's Eve.
American Dream Hostel
168 East 24th St.
New York, NY 10010 (between Lexington and 3rd Avenue)
212-260 9779
americandreamhostel.com
Less than 1 1/5 miles from Times Square, New Year's Eve visitors on a budget will find the Vanderbilt YMCA a comfortable accommodation with all the amenities. Choose from a selection of 370 single and twin rooms, each with free Wi-Fi, cable TV, air conditioning, housekeeping, safe deposit boxes, laundry, luggage storage and 24-hour security. And, since it's the YMCA, you have complimentary access to one of New York's best fitness centers, where you can work off the extra party food from your New Year's Eve parties. Nearby cultural attractions to enjoy during your New York stay include the Museum of Modern Art, the New York Public Library, Rockefeller Center and, for the best shopping in the country, Fifth Avenue. In 2010, visitors to the Vanderbilt YMCA pay no more than $77 for a room.
Vanderbilt YMCA
224 East 47th St.
New York, NY 10017
212-912-2500
ymcanyc.org