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Hey, just because I like sleeping on the subway doesn't mean I expect you to. When I say hotel alternatives, I mean things like short-term sublets or hostels, not park benches. Most of the services listed below are geared toward the long-term visitor, but check them out even if you're just coming for a little while. Who knows? Maybe your vacation will match up perfectly with some nice New Yorker's, and you can do her a favor by staying at her place, while you get a bargain on a bed for your visit.
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Services Provided: Dorm-style Rooms
1395 Lexington Ave.
212-415-5500
Description: You can stay in a dorm-style room, but only if - get ready, the list is long - you plan to stay at least 30 days, but not more than a year, you are over 18 years of age, space is available, you have $995/month for rent, you don't mind living under slightly strict rules, especially concerning overnight guests, and you meet their requirements for being a good person. Okay, we made up the last one, but there is an application process, so there's no guarantee you'll get in. The Y facilities offer a gym (available for a monthly fee), library, and other amenities like in a college dorm. They also offer cultural programs, concerts, readings and "singles events."
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Services Provided: Sublet, Apartment Share, Apartment Swap
1-800-664-0633
Description: Now this is what the Internet is all about. Classified ads that are free to read and free to post. If you're heading to town for more than a few days, check out their sublet/temporary listings. Chances are you'll find something that matches the time you'll be there. Since most of the listings are from renters or owners, there's generally no fee involved, although you may be expected to come up with some kind of security deposit. Be forewarned, though. There is some risk involved in using a service like this. It's possible some con-artists out there might swindle you out of your money, so be careful. We've had nothing but positive experience using Craig's List, but it never hurts to cover your butt.
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Services Provided: Sublet, Apartment Share, Apartment Swap
Description: Free classifieds that list a few vacation rentals. This site appears to be pretty new and not very heavily-trafficked, which is a key element to these kinds of services. Try it out, though, if the other boards don't have anything you like.
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Services Provided: Sublet, Apartment Share, Apartment Swap
307 7th Ave. Ste. 306
212-255-8018
Description: The good thing is that unlike the web-based bulletin boards, you don't have to do the searching yourself, plus they have pictures on the site, so you get a better idea of where you'll be staying than on Craig's or April's lists. You let an agent know when you plan to be in town, and he or she tries to match you up with somebody with an available apartment. The bad thing is that they don't do this strictly out of the goodness of their hearts. They charge a pretty hefty commission. Be aware that using this service is not necessarily safer than the bulletin boards, because NY Habitat washes its hands of all responsibility once they hook up a renter and a rentee.
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