Herald Square Hotel
19 W 31st St, Nr. Fifth Ave
001 212 279 4017 heraldsquarehotel.com

This 19th-century Midtown classic has been run by a family, not a corporate chain, since 1965 and has gilt cherubs carved above the arched entryway, to the Life magazine covers in the lobby (this was where Life was produced). A little bit shabby chic – a lot cheaper than you might think for a hotel so close to Macy’s and major subways.  You can pay as little as around £75 or under $200 a night, depending on when you book. Some traffic and hotel noise does filter up to particular rooms so if you are sensitive to that, pack earplugs in your luggage.

The Bowery House 
220 Bowery, Lower East Side
837 2373  theboweryhouse.com)

The Bowery House is a modernised, converted hotel on the hip edge of Chinatown and the Lower East Side, a few blocks from Nolita and Soho. Yes, the bathrooms are communal – but the vibe is luxurious and stylish. Expect to pay around £60 or under $200 a night depending on the season.