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Traveling on a budget to New York City? Browse these suggestions for hotels under $150/N and see how far your money can stretch in one of the world's most expensive cities.

Here are FTF's recommendations for accommodations in New York, New York with rates under $150/N for a family of four; all small, but clean hotels and hostels that won't take too big a bite out of your family's budget. Consider one of these and you can save money for shows, sightseeing, and the cupcakes (a New York specialty) that will fuel your New York City family vacation!  Because while most inexpensive hotels and hostels have a reputation for bare basic amenities, sub-par beds, and a crowded environment, the following ones are breaking the mold in travel trends. Keep in mind that prices may rise during busy times, such as summer and the Christmas shopping season.

Uptown Hotels

L-Hostel
159 West 118th Street
New York, NY 11026
212/222-3103
$
Focusing on affordable luxury by offering group and private rooms, free breakfast, outdoor space, TV rooms, free WiFi, and convenient location to the subway and Central Park, L-Hostel is great for families.  Consider the 4-bed mixed-sex dorm with ensuite bathroom, with beds for $34 each.  And although you're paying this great price, the amenities are not lacking: plasma TV's, plush Jacuzzi tubs, upscale lounges and a spacious rooftop terrace.  L-Hostel is equipped with a full communal kitchen, cooking utensils, plates, glasses, microwaves, full-range stoves, and a BBQ area for a festive evening in warmer weather. You might even discover new friends and neighbors to share a meal and cut down on costs even further. Recreation is also plentiful at L-Hostel because there's pool tables, foosball and ping-pong, board games, and plenty of activity suggestions and free maps to attractions in the city.  Remember that kids are usually excited about new adventures and meeting other travelers, especially overseas tourists looking to meet new people and soak up local flavor.  Your family can have a cultural experience without leaving the hostel.  Location is also key.  Situated near Harlem on 118^th Street, L Hostel is close enough to the subway to get to Manhattan's many museums, monuments, parks, and tourist attractions. But it's proximity to the park and more residential lifestyle makes it a quieter option than a hotel in bustling midtown.


Hostelling International
891 Amsterdam Avenue
New York NY 10025
212/932-2300
$
Housed in a fully-restored landmark Victorian building, this location is Hostelling International's largest facility in the United States, with 624 beds in various dormitory style rooms (4, 6-8, and 10-12 bed rooms, with communal bathrooms), along with six family rooms containing a queen bed, bunk beds, refrigerator, television, and a private bathroom. Linens, blankets, and pillows are provided free of charge. Clean, convenient, and very friendly, this American Youth Hostel welcomes travelers from around the world and offers a program of walking tours and an information desk staffed by neighborhood volunteers. A cafe is available, as is a guest laundry, gameroom and a communal kitchen, as well as a large, landscaped outdoor courtyard garden for relaxing or running around. Guest must live 75 miles or more from Manhattan in order to book a bed; rates are $29-$35/N per bed for members and $3/N additional for non-members. The family room rate is $120-$135/N for up to four people.

Coincidentally, the courtyard is adjacent to Family Travel Forum's offices, which are fortunate to be located in this great building. Be sure to stop in and say hello when you are staying here!

Plus, FTF recently teamed up with HI-New York and Ripley's Believe It or Not! to offer a unique essay contest during 2009.  Hostel guests all over the world can submit their hostel vacation tales to www.travelbigo.com in order to win two free nights at HI-NY and two tickets to Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museums or Ripley Aquariums.  For a complete listing of eligibility and requirements, click here or e-mail ftfscholarship@familytravelforum.com with questions.

Jazz on the Park Hostel
36 West 106th Street
New York NY 10025
212/932-1600
$
This renovated five-story walk-up offers 200 beds in dormitory and private rooms in a clean, comfortable and affordable facility. Located within walking distance of Columbia University and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, this neighborhood has come up, as can be seen by the beautifully restored luxury apartment building next door. Rates including linens and breakfast range from $15-27/N per bed in rooms with 10-12 beds; private rooms cost $65-95/N and $125-200/N with private bath. This hostel welcomes anyone residing outside of New York State.

Amsterdam Inn
340 Amsterdam Avenue at 76th Street
New York NY 10024
212/579-7500
$
The New York Inns Hotel Group's Upper West Side location is close to Central Park, Lincoln Center, and the Museum of Natural History. Rooms, though small, have maid service, cable TV, and a concierge available around the clock.