<p>I noted that the linked article was from last year. Rates likely have gone up for some of those mentioned but I do know that a friend of one of my Ds stayed at the Pod fairly recently for a similar price. He was not too impressed with it, though. </p>
<p>I think people need to determine what their budget is and then do their research accordingly. I’m sure that there are some hotels where a $200 room is a possibility. Some will be fine, some will not be. Maybe a search for the discussions that took place here on CC with last year’s NY Unifieds attendees. I’m not sure how many of them are still around but getting a few opinions on the hotel of choice is a good idea, particularly in NY. TripAdvisor usually has a good array of recent reviews. Finding a hotel as close to the Unifieds site as possible is a good idea. Within walking distance is ideal, in my opinion, if you can find a decent hotel in your price range. Jersey City has some fine options but, depending on your schedule of auditions, being closer is probably a better idea. A couple of other advantages of being within walking distance are - being able to head back to your hotel room to freshen up if you have a long enough break in your auditions, and, the other is, obviously, being in the theatre district. Many who attend Unifieds in NY take advantage of the opportunity to see a show while in the city. </p>
<p>One comment about hotels in the city, there is probably a larger range in levels of acceptability in NY hotels than anywhere else. Having lived there a couple of times, for several years, and having visited three or four times a year in the intervening years, I’ve seen lots of people think they’ve found a bargain and who have then been very disappointed when they actually saw the room that they booked. It’s important to find the best spot possible at the price you can afford. You want a hotel that will make it possible for a good night’s sleep prior to your student’s auditions. </p>
<p>One additional comment. Each year there seem to be a few students who come to CC looking for accomodation information who will be travelling to Unifieds alone. For kids in this situation, one suggestion I’ll make is the Big Apple Hostel. It’s a well-run, well-kept hostel in a great location. I personally know many students who have stayed there and who return regularly. Clean, safe, rodent and bug free(a big issue in NY), and inexpensive. Dorm style is about $40/night and private rooms ~$125. It’s a popular spot so the earlier you reserve the better.</p>
<p>[Big</a> Apple Hostel](<a href=“http://www.bigapplehostel.com/]Big”>http://www.bigapplehostel.com/)</p>
<p>Another hotel very close to Times Square that often will have deals is the Milford Plaza. It’s kind of a tacky place and the rooms are miniscule, even by NY standards. However, if you’re on a really tight budget, it might be worth a look. The Edison, though, in my opinion, is the best inexpensive option, both for the quality of the actual hotel and for the excellent location. Its legendary coffee shop is a good place to eat, too.</p>
<p>One that I know has been discussed in previous years is the Marriott Residence Inn which is on Avenue of the Americas, so a bit further but still easily walkable. It’s nice and occasionally you can get a very good rate. Typically, their usual rate is around $300/nt. but I know a few people who have been able to get good deals. The rooms have a kitchenette which is a nice feature. It’s worth a look.</p>
<p>For those who will be looking for this year, feel free to ask here about hotels you’re considering. I know that there are several of us here, onstage and myself included, who should be able to give you some reliable advice. Audition time is stressful enough without worrying about your hotel being problematic in some way.</p>