A Beacon for the Thrifty
A few years ago I stayed at the Beacon Hotel (just a couple of blocks down Broadway from the Milburn) right after it reopened following a major renovation. It was then really cheap and I loved it. Especially the kitchenette (in every room)--I'm one of those visitors to New York who likes to shop for and eat the same foods New Yorkers do: fruit, pastries, deli take-outs, bagels, etc. etc. This requires somewhere to store food and preferably some plates and utensils to eat with. So the Beacon was great, but it has become way too expensive for me. I consider myself very lucky to have now found the Milburn. Same great location for groceries--Zabar's is just north on Broadway, Fairway just south! And kitchenettes! OK, so the kitchenettes aren't quite as good as the Beacon's. You do, however, get a fridge, a microwave, a sink and some basic dishes. And you get a clean room, a mostly renovated bathroom (for some reason, probably cost, they chose to put in new sinks and tile but not new toilets or tubs or shower tile). Great central air conditioning. And a very spacious room. For (in my case), less than $200 per night. And free breakfast is included--with real New York bagels, good pastries, better than average coffee, yogurt, fruit, toast, etc. What a deal! Only downside: the mattress was way too soft. If I had stayed longer, I would have asked to change to a room with a firmer bed.