NEW YORK HOTELS
New York City may be the most expensive place to live in the United States. It only follows that hotel rates here will also be more expensive than most any other city in the country. So understanding that from the get-go will help you get over any notions that you might find rates comparable to those back home. That said, there are bargains out there at every price level; but a bargain in New York might be a king's ransom in Raleigh.

If you want to spend less than 100 bucks a night, you're probably going to have to put up with some inconveniences, such as sharing a hall bathroom with your fellow travelers. (Europeans seem to have a much easier time with this than do Americans.) If you want a room with standard amenities -- such as a private bathroom or a real closet (rather than just a bar screwed to the wall) -- plan on spending at least $150 a night or so. If you do better than that, you've landed a deal.