There are, literally, hundreds of hotels to choose from in New York City. No matter where you turn it seems as though you’re greeted by a luxury establishment, middle-of-the road hotel, or budget accommodations. So what’s the problem?

Image credit: David

In NYC you’ll find that there are a handful of hotels that offer what is called a SRO (Single Room Occupancy). In these rooms live tenants with stabilized rent agreements, many of whom live there on a long-term basis. In the same hotel you’ll find the owners renting rooms by the night, weekend, or week.

In short, the law in NYC states that mixing SRO and short-term rentals is illegal. Staying in an atmosphere where long-term residents are allowed to watch the habits of tourists is not a safe environment for anyone involved. Sadly, it’s often difficult to establish which hotels operate as part of the scam and which are not.

NYC Residents are Unwelcome at Some Hotels

Image credit: Broadway Hotel

The Broadway Hotel, on the Upper West Side, has a few strange business practices. They describe themselves as a “boutique hostel,” and they don’t allow visitors with New York Identification cards to spend the night. When reporters asked the staff why they were told they didn’t know why, but that it was hotel policy. The Marrakesh and The Royal Park have the same strange rules.

Image credit: Royal Park Hotel

So why are New York City residents unwelcome at these hotels? Despite having spectacular websites that claim they are hotels for tourists, none of these hotels are actually legal hotels. They’re registered with the city as rent-stabilized apartment buildings. This means that renting you a hotel room for a day or a week (any sort of short-term rental) is completely illegal.

Long-Term versus Short-Term Rentals

New York residents aren’t allowed to stay at these establishments because the hotel owners don’t want them to notice that there are actually long-term apartments and residents in these buildings. They’re afraid that if people catch on they’ll demand a long-term lease, which isn’t really what they want to issue even though it’s the only legal option they have. They’d much prefer to continue leasing their rooms on a short-term basis, even though they’re clearly breaking the law.

Image credit: joiseyshowaa

These hotels may look legitimate, but if you ask the mayor’s office they’ll tell you that these buildings are illegal because they’re not being used for the reason cited on the Certificate of Occupancy. The buildings are listed as single room occupancy establishments because they were originally intended to house those who could not otherwise afford housing. One resident of the Marrakesh admitted to a Fox reporter a while back that he only pays $252 per month in rent. When long-term residents move out the owner jumps on the opportunity to start renting the room nightly and usually charges fees in excess of $250 per night.

Image credit: Broadway Hotel

To make matters worse, the owners don’t care how many people they cram into a room. If you’re willing to pay for the space, they’re willing to shove eight bunk beds into your living area – making your room seem more like a hostel than an actual hotel suite.

Suitable Lodging Alternatives in NYC

Some travelers prefer to stay in short-term apartments as opposed to hotels. This is often a better option for people traveling in large groups or for families. The trick is finding a hotel that offers the accommodations you are looking for while at the same time maintaining the proper certificates and licenses. In some cases, visitors are better off searching for two-room hotel suites or extended-stay hotels.

Image credit: James P. Wells

There is certainly no shortage of legitimate hotels within New York City. They’re all expensive and most hotels in the city have a minimum fixed price, so it isn’t likely you’re going to find a deal suited for an economy-style budget. Even still, you’re better off in one of these establishments than in one that is, at best, seedy.

The Sheraton Long Island Hotel charges rates starting at around $150 per night – incredibly reasonable for the area. Unfortunately, the reason the prices are so low is because you’re about 45 minutes away from Manhattan. That’s simply the price you’ll have to pay for a reasonable hotel room price.

In the Meatpacking District of Manhattan you’ll find the Gansevoort Hotel New York City. You’ll find yourself tucked in a spacious room right in the center of all of the activity, but location comes with a price. The average room here runs at approximately $300 per night and up!

Believe it or not, despite its location near the famous Rockefeller Plaza, the Club Quarters Rockefeller Center New York offers a great value for your dollar. Rooms here start at $158 per night for a comfortable room with plenty of modern amenities.

Visiting New York City is an experience you’ll never forget. Don’t let those memories be marred by scams and dishonest businesses. Do your research in advance and you’re guaranteed to have a pleasant experience!