Wellington Hotel..

I haven't stayed there yet but I'm travelling to New York from Australia and I will be staying at the Wellington. The hotel is located at 871 Seventh Avenue at 55th Street. Each room is equipped with a microwave and fridge. When we checked the site we learned that AAA and AARP members received a 10% discount during the summer. And, if you book online you get complimentary email access. Their site says, 'Manhattan is known for street fairs and parades, many of which are just steps from the Wellington Hotel'. Website: www.wellingtonhotel.com
Alyssa, Sydney, Australia

The Leo House Hostel...

If you are traveling on a budget The Leo House located in central Manhattan and run by the Catholic sisters of St. Agnes provides clean, safe accommodation for a reasonable price, They do not have a fax or e-mail address but they do have a small cafe which serves wonderful food. Well worth the price that you pay to stay there. The address and phone number are as follows: The Leo House, 332 West 23rd Street. For reservations call: 212-929-1010 -- 3 day minimum stay preferred.
Brenda, Victoria, Canada

The Leo House at 332 West 23rd Street is by far my favorite, as well. Cost, safety and convenience are just some of their positive features. A hostel owned by Catholic nuns, the prices range from $70 per night for a single up to $160 per night for a family room that includes 4/6 beds and full bath. Tasty, home-cooked smorgasbord breakfast prepared by the nuns is also available for a nominal charge (JW hears their breakfast muffins and home-baked breads are a real treat). Thus, you don't need to go out first thing in the morning to look for a restaurant. When you know you are going out for the evening, you have the opportunity to sign out which includes your destination and the estimated time for your return. The front door is kept locked at all times. But when they see you at the door - and you have signed out - you are 'buzzed' in. It's less than two blocks to the subway whether you are heading north or south. Meeting other occupants from all over the world is another highlight of one's stay. Reservations are only taken 2-1/2 months in advance. Payment is due upon arrival.
Marilyn Karr, Rockaway Beach, Oregon

I loved staying at The Leo House which is a safe, quiet guest house with a Christian atmosphere, centrally located within New York City. It is staffed by the Sisters of St. Agnes and lay persons. Open to anyone to book. It is very economical, clean, friendly and has a dining room for daily buffet. All amenities available. This guesthouse is located within easy walking distance to the Empire State building, there are restaurants and subway stations available within feet from the location so you can get anywhere you want. The staff and the people who were staying there were friendly, helpful and sharing. Many people I met were return guests.
Alison, Saskatoon, Canada

The Gershwin Hotel...

I love The Gershwin Hotel in New York City. It's on 5th Avenue and 27th Street and brilliantly located for tourists. For those that like to walk, it doesn't take long to get to Times Square, or in the other direction to the Village. The Hotel itself is amazing - each room is decorated differently, and as you can see from the website there are some amazing themes. I have always stayed in the dorm rooms of six and have met some brilliant people. The staff is friendly and will go out of their way to help you. The best example I can give is when I arrived at 6am, and though I would not have been able to check in until 3pm the desk clerk let me go up and get some sleep before I headed out for the day! Their website address is www.gershwinhotel.com
Rebecca, Leeds, United Kingdom

Hudson Hotel...

Hudson is a boutique hotel located at 356 West 58th Street on the west side of midtown Manhattan, across from Columbus Circle and Central Park West. My 14 year old daughter loves it as much as I do. It is also an amazing night spot, a 'go to' restaurant with the best risotto ever. It is designed by Philip Stark. The rooms aren’t large but the hotel has so many places to hang out that the room isn’t where you would hang about – so it doesn’t matter. It can be had at a good price – it is a bit of a secret. Close to the Park. Near BLISS spa. That says it all. Website: http://www.hudsonhotel.com.
Nora, Toronto, Canada

Portland Hotel...

Portland Hotel is ½ block from Times Square and one to two blocks from the Theatre District. Under $200 Cdn. a night and very secure -- you had to be buzzed into the hotel. Rooms were small, but our bathroom was large. We enjoyed the Bakery café directly across the street for breakfast along with many restaurants on the same block as the hotel. My girlfriend and I were there two years ago to celebrate my recovery from breast cancer. I would definitely stay there again and I have recommended it to others.
Tracey, Calgary, Canada

Bonus! Thai restaurant in Manhattan...

After a very long day of sightseeing my girlfriend and I dragged ourselves back to the hotel. We were very hungry, too tired to change and didn’t want anything pretentious. Bless the concierge for sending us to Topaz, a tiny neighbourhood Thai restaurant filled with after-work locals. Happily there was one table left for us but soon after we were seated there was a line-up waiting to get in. The food was excellent, portions plentiful, service pleasant and prices most reasonable. Perfect if you’re dining solo or with a friend! 127 W. 56th Street between 6th & 7Th Avenue. Tel: 212.957.8020. Please note: Lunch is not served Saturday and Sunday but Topaz is open each night for dinner.
Eve, Toronto, Canada