One of the things you can do is try to avoid the downtown area, which is where some of the more costly hotels are located. If you can, try to find one in one of the outside boroughs, and around the airports. Remember though, that you are not the only one trying to find a bargain, so the selections may be more limited and you should book your accommodations as early as possible.

If you are driving to New York then you should remember what a nightmare parking and driving around the city can be, but having your own vehicle does allow you do rent a cheap hotel outside of New York City proper. You may want to consider a bargain hotel in New Jersey instead, and these are somewhat more available there.

Maybe you should consider some kind of alternative to a regular hotel. If you are a student or younger person for example, you may want to consider the American Youth Hostel Association as a cheap alternative. While you don't need to be a student, or a young person to stay there, you have to belong to Hostelling International. It only costs around $30 a night, but you do have to share a room with up to six other people, and you have a secured private locker to store your belongings. The hostel is located near Broadway and 97th street, and has a coffee shop, internet access, and even a laundromat on premises. During the summer, they even offer an outdoor cook out every night.

Another cheap hotel alternative to consider may be one of the shared bathroom hotels, which you can find in limited amounts around New York City, with these usually costing under $100 per night.

Okay so maybe you can't or don't want to try these alternatives to cheap hotels in New York City. It could be that you are on a family vacation, or traveling with a group. It could be that you are there on business, and have to stay close to where you are having a meeting. That is all right, there are tips for these kinds of situations as well.

If any of these are the case, try to save money in other ways then. One of them could be that instead of booking just a room, try a room with a mini kitchen in it. This way you will be saving money having to eat at restaurants all the time. If you have kids, try to find one that caters to children with free meals or free accommodations with their parents.