It's notoriously expensive to stay in New York City but there are a few hotels and B&Bs to suit shallower pockets, as these Guardian readers' tips show
Find more places to stay in our New York City guide
Winning tip: The Jane Hotel, West Village
The Jane is probably the best hotel experience I have ever had. In the heart of the most wonderful NYC neighbourhood – Greenwich Village – it has rooms inspired by vintage train cabins and a history of sheltering Titanic survivors. Its prices are affordable and it definitely offers far more than you would expect from a three-star hotel. If you like retro and are up for an adventure, this is the place for you.
•113 Jane Street, +1 212 924 6700, thejanenyc.com. Doubles from $89 a night
bluebluelectricblue
East Village
St Mark's Hotel
This basic yet comfortable hotel is in the middle of all the action; near tattoo parlours, quirky eats and alternative stores such as Trash & Vaudeville. Greenwich Village, Noho, Soho and Union Square are in walking distance. It has charm, and a seedy glamour.
2 St Mark's Place, +1 212 674 0100, stmarkshotel.net. Doubles from $93.
IanMichaelTurner
East Village Bed and Coffee
This is a friendly guesthouse with 10 uniquely decorated rooms, run by Anne and her team. In a great spot with plenty of restaurants nearby, it's less than 10 minutes' walk to the nearest subway station. Great, homely accommodation at a great price..
110 Avenue C, +1 917 816 0071, bedandcoffee.com. Doubles from $125
Jonny Roberts
Midtown
Carlton Arms Hotel
In 1983, owner Ed Ryan brought in masses of art, with each bedroom designed by a different artist. You can stay even more cheaply by opting for a shared bathroom; Wi-Fi is free and the hotel prides itself on its "hand-woven Costa Rican toilet tissue".
160 East 25th Street, +1 212 679 0680, carltonarms.com. Doubles from $100
MigraineJones
The Pod Hotel
The Pod's perfectly practical and tech-tastic rooms are small but the hotel more than makes up for this in other ways: free Wi-Fi, concierge service, cocktail cart in the lobby and a roof terrace to enjoy them on, iPod docks and movies on demand. It's a savvy, sassy, stylish choice that won't leave you wondering what you've paid for.
230 East 51st Street +1 212 865 5700, thepodhotel.com. Doubles from$140
Krakenella
Edison Hotel
At the beautiful and central Edison, even the cheapest rooms are warm, well-proportioned and comfy. The location makes most things a breeze. The diner downstairs serves uncomplicated and hearty breakfasts and is the setting for Neil Simon's play Forty-Five Seconds from Broadway.
228 West 47th Street, +1 212 840 5000, edisonhotelnyc.com. Doubles from $140
Mandu21
The Gershwin
The location is perfect: we could easily walk anywhere and there were subway stations very close by. The Gershwin is part hotel, part hostel so there is the option of cheap or very cheap but, obviously, this is still in the context of Manhattan. The beds were very comfortable and clean and we saw inside a suite – it was huge!
7 East 27th Street, +1 212 545 8000, gershwinhotel.com. Doubles from $120
aniaania
The Chambers hotel
This place provides all you need in a small but perfectly formed package, close to 5th Avenue Subway and convenient for the train to Boston and the north. The cosmopolitan ambience is exactly what you want in a visit to the Big Apple, and the service is genuinely friendly and faultless. Ultimate accolade: I met a native New Yorker in Sri Lanka and mentioned that I'd used a great hotel. The immediate response was: "That must be the Chambers."
15 West 56th Street, +1 212 974 5656, chambershotel.com. Doubles from $250
SmallCoot
Harlem
San Fermín apartments
Cosy and clean rooms at an affordable price. Don't be put off by staying in Harlem: it's a fascinating neighbourhood. We arrived to the sound of jazz being played in the street, everyone we met was really helpful and you can be in Times Square in about 15 minutes. Bernardo, the owner, is great for recommendations, and helpful if you're looking to see a less touristy side to the Big Apple.
195 Edgecomb Avenue, +1 917 940 2682, sanferminapartmentsny.com. Doubles from $195
slothbaby
Brooklyn
Nu Hotel
The hotel is clean, chic and environment-savvy – with recycled wood furnishings and free bike hire for guests. Works by local artists adorn the minimalist surroundings, the minibar has local beers and bands play in the hotel bar. There are numerous subway stations within a five-minute walk.
85 Smith Street, +1 718 852 8585, nuhotelbrooklyn.com. Doubles from $190
Emma Russell