The White House...

What used to be a scary Bowery flophouse is now a hip resting place for international travelers of all ages. The rooms are safe and clean and there is access to anything one might need right outside the doors - ethnic and innovative cheap food, free and inexpensive music, shopping for one of a kind beauty and fashion items. Within easy walking distance are a variety of 24 hour services: drugstores, restaurants, internet cafes, fruit and vegetable stands, etc., as well as late-night galleries - perfect for travelers on a different clock. The area is a mixture of residential and commercial buildings, including The Cooper Union and New York University. As a New Yorker and 40 year resident of the neighborhood (East Village), this is the place to be to really experience New York City. Website: www.whitehousehotelofny.com
Sheila, New York City, USA

The Melrose Hotel...

The Upper East Side hotel that I stayed in many years ago when I was in New York was called the Barbizon Hotel at 140 E. 63rd St at Lexington Avenue. It's now called The Melrose. Built in 1926 it has a lot of the original architecture – a real mix of Italian renaissance, Gothic, and Islamic style. I thought it was in a safe location with a secure feeling. It was a ‘women’s only’ hotel until it admitted men in 1981. Some of their famous guests included: Joan Crawford, Grace Kelly, and Candice Bergen. Although I had a single which included a double bed it was a small sized room and would have felt a bit claustrophobic if I had a roommate with me. The room was certainly well kept, with enough light, and all the basic amenities. I don’t know what I paid for it because it was part of my Qantas recommended hotel ticketing package. It remember it being walking distance to most of the major sites.
Barbra, Sydney Australia

The Pod Hotel...

I am a freelance writer and review food in NYC. The Pod Hotel formally 'Pickwick Arms Hotel' is trendy, clean, funky and affordable. I am on my own dime, so this is perfect. Check out the funky web site too! This is how they describe their pods (rooms). 'There’s a Pod for every person, and an endless range of possibilities. You can set your music and your mood with our iPod docking stations and our dimmer control lighting system, plug into the Internet with free WiFi access, and catch your favorite shows on LCD TVs. Each Pod is climate controlled and equipped with efficient, stylish furniture that’s designed to maximize your comfort and your living space'. Website: http://www.thepodhotel.com
Lisa, North Carolina, USA

My first trip to NYC from Norway was just recently, and it’s definitely not going to be the last. I have no experience with different accommodations in NYC, but I would like to recommend the one my daughter and I stayed five nights in. Its name is POD Hotel. It was very clean; new towels every day. We shared bathroom and toilet with others, and we didn't ever have to wait to use the facilities. Very central, and easy to go around from there. Best regards to other JourneyWomen.
Solveig, Tromsø, Norway

The Library Hotel...

I feel that the Library Hotel (60 rooms) located in midtown Manhattan (299 Madison Avenue at 41st Street) is perfect for the woman traveller. It feels very safe, convenient and has single accommodation rooms which they call petite rooms. The library theme really gives it an edge - every room has a name based on the Dewey system. Staff is welcoming - it has all amenities including the 2nd floor Reading Room which has complimentary wine, cheese, coffee and cappucino's through-out the day. Website: www.libraryhotel.com
Jan, Adelaide, Australia

Marriott Financial Center...

We stayed at the Marriott (85 West Street) on a friend's recommendation and we really liked it. I guess I am a sucker for elegant staircases with red carpet. the staff was friendly and rooms were very clean. It was close to everything and we walked heaps. You wouldn't believe it but out of our window was the Statue of Liberty! We enjoyed a swim in the pool (as Aussies we are keen swimmers) and went up to the restaurant on the top floors for a meal. It also had great views. I happily recommend this for a weekend 'getaway.'
Catherine, New South Wales, Australia

Union Square Inn...

I love this boutique hotel in NY’s Union Square because it’s in a terrific location (209 East 14th Street), a few blocks from Union Square, which is a major subway hub, so you can easily hop a train to another part of the city. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants and shops in the area around the hotel, so you can easily have a leisurely evening in that neighborhood. The rooms may be small but they are clean and comfortable and besides, who stays in their room when they are in NYC? Website: http://www.unionsquareinn.com Tel: (212) 614-0500
Erika, Burbank, USA

Bonus! French bistro in New York City...

Jubilee is a neighborhood restaurant located on the 1st floor of a brownstone at 347 E. 54th between 1st and 2nd Avenues. It offers delicious French bistro fare, including mussels (the house specialty), steak frites (the French fries are by far the best I have ever tasted), fresh fish dishes, pate, tuna tartare, salads, etc. Many locals frequent Jubilee every week and are always warmly greeted by the staff. I have eaten here at least 4 dozen times (both with others and by myself) and have never had a poor experience or meal. Reservations are strongly encouraged since this welcoming spot fills up each night. Casual dress (including jeans) is acceptable. Live jazz is a bonus on Thursday evenings. Tel: 212-888-3569
Julie, New York City, USA