Deviant Ollam

Hey there, internet friends. I feel like I make this request maybe once or twice a year, and I know that I generally come up with zilch... but here I go again: do I know *anybody* in New York City with a guest room who likes me enough to host me for a day or two? 😏🤞

It's not that I can't afford a hotel room when I travel. I generally can. But NYC seems uniquely positioned in the world of travel logistics in the sense that you all do not have your garden variety Courtyard Marriott or Doubletree Hilton for around $250/night...

In NYC, travelers seem to be presented with only three choices:

1. the most posh hotel you've ever heard of, for $1000/night at minimum

2. quirky boutique hotel with a 13 sq ft room, for $300/night (no rooms available)

3. battered and firebombed hostel with bunk beds bought at a Dresden fire sale, for $39/night (bag theft included for free)

... I'm just a guy trying to come into town for a weekend to see a play, hah. (And while I appreciate couch offers, I'm over 40 and no longer really do that, please forgive me for being posh)

Sep 17, 2025 at 6:00pmWeb
Show threadMatt BlazeSep 17, 2025
@deviantollam Sadly no longer have a place in the city (though you'd be welcome if I did), but weekends in NYC can actually be significantly cheaper in financial district hotels.
Show threadDeviant OllamSep 17, 2025
@mattblaze yes, i'm looking down there now, too. 🤞
Show threadEvan ProdromouSep 17, 2025

@deviantollam I feel you on this. I was in NYC for HOPE and needed a place in Manhattan for the night. I was dreading dropping $1K for a room.

But I got a pretty decent deal, room for 1 person at the Hampton Inn Midtown for <$200 before tax, on Hotel Tonight. I was pleasantly surprised at the availability.

Regardless, good luck with finding a place!

Show threadInari Sep 17, 2025
@deviantollam I can find hotels within the Marriott brand for around $260-300 a night downtown no problem - obviously knowing your travel timeframe would help narrow it down, but I think this is pretty good given everything, near Time Square and for a weekend (Fri-Sun).
Show threadDeviant OllamSep 17, 2025

@inari indeed, with taxes and fees added in, we're all seeing that pretty much *any* stay in NYC from Sat the 27th to Mon the 29th will cost $600 at minimum, sometimes a little more with the incidentals, etc.

Do-able, but that's real money. I mean that's a *really* nice dinner or an entire weekend of more modest food budget in the city.

I'm still looking for ways to avoid extra costs when possible.

Show threadInari Sep 17, 2025

@deviantollam totally ... although I wouldn't say this is specifically a NYC problem though ... I've been noticing a significant increase across the board for decent places to say.

Not sure if you're willing to entertain off-island stays? I've seen listings for stuff that's still accessible by transit upto $100 or more less a night than in the downtown.

Show threadDeviant OllamSep 17, 2025
@inari i've checked as far out as Hoboken and Jersey City, since the PATH train is a decent option. still all about the same once you factor in taxes and fees.
Show threademilySep 17, 2025
@deviantollam if you can't find a guest room I've had good experiences getting a hotel (hampton inn) in staten island and taking the free ferry in to manhattan
Show thread𝓐𝓷𝓭𝔂𝓣𝓲𝓮𝓭𝔂𝓮 𓀤Sep 17, 2025

We like the New Yorker near Penn Station.
Check out the Nicola Tesla exhibit downstairs if you stay there. Less than $200/night even on short notice.

https://www.newyorkerhotel.com/

@deviantollam

New Yorker by Lotte Hotels | Midtown Manhattan Hotel in NYC

Experience timeless style at New Yorker by Lotte Hotels - iconic Midtown Manhattan stay just steps from Penn Station, Madison Square Garden & Times Square.

The New Yorker
Show threadJustinSep 18, 2025
@deviantollam hotel rates are especially high in Manhattan this month because of the UN general assembly. it ends sep 29th.