Value for money week - A sign of the future in New York

Following on from last month's luxury picks here on Travel Lightbulb, I have dedicated this week to a couple of finds that are more affordable! I wanted to feature some cool accomodation that doesn't break the bank. If you're looking for a holiday in New York, then Yotel New York is part of a chain of hotels which may fit the bill.  While I normally find hotel groups can lack character (especially if they are at the cheaper end of the market), today's find is different.

Photo courtesy of Yotel
The people at Yotel have tried to create a first class hotel experience at great value. So how do they do it? They keep things simple. They have automated check in and out (see above photo) which frees up members of the team to help guests elsewhere.

Photo courtesy of Yotel
Instead of rooms, they have cabins, which they describe as "small but perfectly formed" and I have to agree!  The design is very clever - extra space has been created by using convertible beds with storage. You would think a smaller room space would mean missing out on some comfort; but they still have flatscreen TV's; powershowers; air con, and there is free wifi throughout the hotel.
Photo courtesy of Yotel
There are no coffee making facilities in the room, but there is a galley on every floor where you can get free hot drinks. Parts of the Yotel look like something out of a sci-fi film, especially their left luggage service (see photo above). You place your belongings in one of the bins, and watch the cleverly named 'Yobot' store it safely for you - it even gives you a receipt!

Photo courtesy of Yotel
When in New York City; location is key and at Yotel you're only a fifteen minute walk from Times Square, and five minute walk to the nearest subway station. As far as price goes, this is budget New York style - it may not be considered cheap accomodation in other destinations, but for NYC an average rate of $200 in a location like this seems top notch.

Top tip: Ask for a room on a high floor when you check in - there are superb views to be had from the upper floors of this hotel!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The undisputed King of Chicken Piri Piri!

Image
If you like chicken, and haven't yet tried Piri Piri, I have to break it to you.....you're missing out big time! The dish is traditionally made from Piri Piri peppers which originated in South Africa, and were imported to Portugal from Angola and Mozambique. Restaurants across Portugal have their own individual recipes for the dish; but the Algarve town of Guia is said to have the most authentic Piri-Piri houses, and I am quite confident when I say I think I have found the best. O Teodósio (otherwise known as King of Chicken) opens for lunch at 12 noon; and 6pm for evening meals. Trust me, it pays to get there just before it opens. Long queues of people soon build up, and every time I've eaten there it has been mobbed - quite impressive when you consider it seats nearly 700! Although they do serve other dishes, you never see a menu being handed out - you simply order "Frango piri piri, batatas fritas e salada" (chicken piri piri, chips, and salad). It'
Read more

Life is not a dress rehearsal

Image
Ever since I was a little girl, my dad told me "Life is not a dress rehearsal". While it was a phrase that stuck in my mind, it didn't resonate with me until I got a bit older, and realised that he was totally right! We spend so much of our lives at work; in meetings, and sometimes doing things we don't always enjoy. So when we have time off and go on holiday, we have to make the most of it. Take time to look up at that blue sky, breathe in that fresh air to give us new energy for when we have to return to reality! One of my passions is travel - another is research, which combine to make a brilliant partnership! I love finding places off the beaten track; hotels that make you go 'ooooooh'; B&B's that make you feel you could just unpack your suitcase and stay forever, and attractions in different countries that you may not find in your guide book!  This is why I decided to start Travel Lightbulb - I want to share some of the great things I've
Read more

A peaceful oasis in Marrakech

Image
I may have found the perfect spot to stay in Marrakech. Some people say that walking around the city makes your head spin, and the place I'm featuring today is the perfect peaceful antidote to that. Riad Dar-K is an elegant peaceful oasis in the medina of Marrakech. The fantastic location (about two minutes from the souks and the museum) in one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the Medina means you can never get lost. Traditional architecture combined with modern touches ensures this is one stunning guest house. The rooms are not only nicely decorated but are also spacious, and the best thing is there are only two double rooms and two suites. If you have a preference for air conditioning, request a room or suite on the first floor. The room rates include breakfast, which is served in the dining room, courtyard, or on the roof terrace, according to the season. If you wish, traditional Moroccan lunch or dinners are also available on request. There is a plunge pool (which
Read more