Who says holidays have to drain your wallet? Through clever planning and opting for affordable choices you can enjoy a fantastic getaway for less. We've got the hints and tips to turn your dream holiday into a pocket-friendly reality. So, let the fun begin without the financial worry!
A great way to cut down on spending when you're away from home is to pick a self-catering hotel, where you can cook up a storm without too much expense. With a kitchenette in your room you can easily eat what you fancy, whenever you fancy.
Kickstart your day a delicious meal at no extra cost. Saving money on breakfast will leave you with more to spend on having fun in the Big Apple! So load up on the pastries, and get ready for a day of exploring.
Enjoy a varied buffet breakfast daily at the Theatre Restaurant, included in your stay.
Free daily continental breakfast which includes coffee, juice, cereal, yoghurt, fruit, and breakfast breads.
Free daily hot breakfast that includes hot foods, pastries, cereal station and other items, as well as hot drinks and juice.
Complimentary Element hot buffet breakfast daily to kickstart your day.
Complimentary grab and go breakfast for 2 people per room, per day.
Free 'Express Start™' breakfast - there's even a yummy pancake section!
Complimentary buffet breakfast daily to start your morning.
Resort fees are mandatory charges that hotels may add on in addition to the room rate, and they are paid directly to the hotel in resort. As you may have noticed, these are becoming more common in hotels across New York - so we've made it easy for you by highlighting those hotels that don't charge a resort fee when you book with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, meaning you don't have to fork out extra once you arrive.
Book this hotel with us and your resort fee is waived, saving $35 per night!
Resort fee waived exclusively for Virgin Atlantic Holidays guests, saving $35 plus tax per night.
Virgin Atlantic Holidays guests have their resort fee waived, saving $29 plus tax per night!
Virgin Atlantic Holidays guests receive waived resort fee, saving $26 plus tax per day (and free breakfast too!)
No resort fee, and you get free breakfast too - a double whammy!
Just steps from Times Square, we've found you another hotel that has no resort fees whatsoever!
Stay in a worldwide favourite chain, and forget about having to think about resort fees on top.
No resort fee, and you get complimentary buffet breakfast daily too - saving you plenty!
A central location with the bright lights of Broadway beckoning, and no surprise fees at checkout.
This hotel doesn't impose a resort fee at all, so you can enjoy your holiday without any worries.
Don't worry about resort fees at this hotel, just enjoy those Hudson River views from your room!
There's no resort fee for you to pay here, which is always a bonus!
No need to worry about holding back for an extra payment at the hotel here - there is no resort fee.
On the border of SoHo and TriBeCa, this is another great hotel option without any added resort fees.
Enjoy panoramic views from the rooftop bar, and the knowledge there's no extra resort fees to be paid!
Save some extra money from souvenirs by booking this hotel, with no resort fee added!
It's a luxurious hotel option, but you'll save yourself those extra resort fees so that's a bonus!
You'll save yourself on resort fee and breakfast at this hotel - bonus!
Right in the heart of the city, and no resort fees - sounds too good to be true?! It isn't.
With no resort fee to pay, you can use it on the hotel's daily happy hour! Treat yourself.
A great way to cut down on spending when you're away from home is to pick a self-catering hotel, where you can cook up a storm without too much expense. With a kitchenette in your room you can easily eat what you fancy, whenever you fancy.
All rooms feature a kitchenette with hob, fridge, microwave and dishwasher.
Upgrade to any of the apartments for a kitchenette in your room.
Opt for the Studio or Junior Suites for a fully-equipped kitchenette.
Whichever room you pick, you'll be sure to find a well-equipped kitchen.
All-situe property, all of which come with a fully-equipped kitchen.
There's nothing better than having something extra thrown into your stay, at no additional cost. From food and beverage credit to excursion tickets, the below hotels offer an added sparkle to your New York stay.
Book with Virgin Atlantic Holidays to receive:
Book with Virgin Atlantic Holidays to receive:
Book with Virgin Atlantic Holidays and your resort fee is included in your rates, so there's no fees to pay at the hotel. And this means you'll also receive:
Book with Virgin Atlantic Holidays and your resort fee is included in your rates, so there's no fees to pay at the hotel. And this means you'll also receive:
New York City offers a wealth of free attractions that allow you to experience the vibrant culture and iconic landmarks without spending a dime. Here are some things to do whilst keeping your costs down in the Big Apple:
Explore the expansive Central Park, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of Manhattan. Wander through the scenic landscapes, visit Bethesda Terrace, or enjoy free concerts.
Experience the dazzling lights and energy of Times Square. While Broadway shows and shopping can be pricey, simply being in the heart of this iconic location is a free.
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. The bridge itself is a marvel of engineering and a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Admire the architectural beauty of Grand Central Terminal, one of the world's most famous train stations. The main concourse, with its celestial ceiling, is a must-see.
While the Bronx Zoo typically charges admission, it offers free entry on Wednesdays. Check the zoo's website for any updates or changes to this policy.
This elevated park built on a former railway track offers stunning views of the city and the Hudson River. Here you can enjoy a stroll along beautifully landscaped gardens.
The AirTrain links JFK terminals to Jamaica Station, with a convenient way to access the subway. Board the train heading towards Times Square. This affordable option takes around 45 minutes for the entire journey.
Travelling during off-peak months provides a more relaxed and cost-effective experience, with fewer crowds and potential savings on accommodations and attractions.
When you check into your hotel, keep an eye out for voucher booklets in the lobby, these handy booklets often contain a variety of discounts that you can utilise at nearby shops, restaurants, and bars.
If you're happy to be flexible with which shows you see, it's worth waiting until the day to visit the kiosks and see what bargains can be had for last minute tickets.
When it comes to souvenir shopping in New York City, consider bypassing the pricey options found in heavily touristed areas. Instead, venture into local markets where you can uncover unique and budget-friendly finds.
Check local event calendars for free or low-cost events, concerts, and festivals taking place throughout your stay.
Eating on a budget in New York City is possible with the abundance of affordable dining options. Additionally, the city hosts restaurant weeks twice a year (in January and July), during which they offer affordable fixed-price deals. Here are some tips for enjoying inexpensive meals in the city:
New York City is famous for its street food. Grab a hot dog, pretzel, or falafel from one of the many street vendors scattered throughout the city.
Make the most of the city's many pizza joints offering dollar slices. It's a quick and wallet-friendly way to satisfy your hunger.
Explore the diverse food truck scene in NYC. From tacos to dumplings, food trucks often provide tasty and affordable options.
Take advantage of happy hour specials at various bars and restaurants, which often include discounted drinks and appetisers.
Visit Chinatown for delicious and affordable Asian cuisine. You'll find a wide range of options, from dumpling shops to noodle houses.
Purchase ready-made meals or snacks from local grocery stores or supermarkets. This is a great option for picnics in parks or enjoying a meal on a budget.
Discover hidden gems in neighbourhoods like the East Village or Brooklyn, where humble eateries serve tasty meals at affordable prices.
Navigating New York City can be both exciting and challenging due to its vast size and complex transportation system. Here are some tips on getting around in the city:
The New York City subway system is one of the most efficient ways to travel within the five boroughs. It's a quick and cost-effective option to get to wherever you need to go. If this is your first time visiting NYC, we suggest getting a 7-day unlimited MetroCard - which means you can get on and off as much as possible!
Many of NYC's attractions are concentrated in certain neighborhoods, making walking a fantastic way to explore the city. Wear comfortable shoes and take in the sights on foot - with no expense at all!
Citi Bike, the city's bike-sharing program, provides an eco-friendly option for exploring various neighbourhoods. Many streets have designated bike lanes, and you can buy an unlimited day pass if you think you'll be packing the miles in.
The MTA bus system complements the subway, reaching areas not covered by train lines. Buses are a slower but scenic way to explore the city, and you can tap on and off with your contactless card, making it extremely easy.
Yellow taxis are iconic in NYC, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available. Taxis can be hailed on the street, and ride-sharing can be ordered through their apps to save a few dollars.
With its waterfront location, NYC has several ferry services connecting Manhattan to other boroughs and nearby destinations like Staten Island, Brooklyn, and New Jersey. And some of them are even free!
Book your dream holiday with confidence. We provide financial protection for our holidays with ATOL and ABTA protection, giving you peace of mind that if anything doesn’t go to plan, we’ll make sure you’re looked after.
As part of Virgin Atlantic, you can expect a seamless journey to your destination, as well fabulously faultless service at every step.
We've been arranging holidays since 1985 and are the largest, most successful transatlantic tour operator, and market leader for travel to the USA and the Caribbean.
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