LET'S HEAR IT FOR NEW YORK

The Big Apple doesn't have to take a big bite out of your budget...

- BY SANDRA MALLON

NEW York City might be known for its glittering skyline and Broadway lights, but it doesn't have to burn a hole in your wallet.

With a little planning, you can soak in the city's iconic sights, diverse neighbourhoods, and vibrant energy without splurging.

I travelled to New York at the end of August for five days with a pal for our annual catch-up.

The hotels will be your biggest expense in the Big Apple, but not all hotels will take a big bite out of your budget.

Budget travellers are now opting to flock to hostels, guesthouses, or short-term rentals and for a quieter (and cheaper) base, look in outer boroughs like Queens or Brooklyn you'll still be just a subway ride away from Manhattan's attractions.

I stayed at two hotels for this trip The Manhattan Hotel, just minutes away from the action in Times Square and The Arthouse Hotel, a stunning boutique hotel in the upper west side, next to Central Park.

If you're looking for comfort and cleanliness, The Manhattan Hotel could be right up your street.

The hotel is undergoing some serious renovation at the moment to modernise the 685-room hotel and the group plan to become The Crowne Plaza by October.

Sales manager Robert Turner, Director of Sales, tells me that by mid-October most of their rooms will have been renovated and modernised just in time for a Halloween trip or a Christmas jolly.

The art deco facade is also getting a facelift after more than 20 years and travellers will also get to enjoy the hotel's new lobby and restaurant.

The Manhattan Hotel is what any weary traveller wants, with prices ranging from approximately €100-€180 (about $110-$195 USD) for standard rooms to over $250 USD for certain periods.

It offers a clean and spacious room with a well-sized bathroom and hot shower. The beds are so comfortable, you can be guaranteed a good night's sleep.