[Tengocity]

We are planning a weeks holiday to NY in September, with just flights booked, and now looking at accommodation. Hotels in NY are expensive!!!

Especially when you look at current exchange rates.

So I thought would have a look at AirBnB, but it's not something I've ever used before, and seems a bit of a gamble compared to a hotel.

So, really interested to hear from those who've used it and how they've found it, and what tips folk have to get the most from it, or to avoid typical pitfalls.

Thanks in advance.

[GEP77]

I've used AirBnB a few times now in the US and it's worked out brilliantly every time. The thing I look out for is to look out for consistent reviews of owner AND property. I have heard of horror stories though.

Also look at Homeaway.com I've used them a few times. They seem to offer better protection for travellers. Again I've never had any issue - and stayed in some really fantastic places.

For Hotels don't just look at central Manhattan. These will always be expensive. Don't overlook southern Manhattan, you're only a few stops on the subway from the 'centre' and you can quite easily save quite a lot. If travelling around late at night use Uber, it's fairly cheap and quick - there isn't much traffic late on.

[JD6]

We have used it four times - three of those to find an apartment in Paris. We always go for well-reviewed places and it has always worked perfectly, far better than renting through an agency.

The one problem this year is that they have amended their forex policy. Previously if you were renting an apartment you could pay on your card in the local currency, but now they force you to pay in sterling and they take 3-4% margin for the conversion, which annoys me. Even if the price is displayed in USD, you will be made to pay in sterling.

[Daftasabrush]

Last time I had to pay to go to the US, I found booking hotels directly with Marriott was by far the cheapest way to find somewhere decent. For example, this one: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...ph-collection/ is available from 10th-16th Sept for $167 a night which really isn't that bad IMO.

[MSCD]

Make sure you find out the total cost per night... there are often 2 taxes added on top... depending on where you want to go don't rule out Jersey City. Just across from the World Trade Center and great views. Train right there into NYC. There is a Hyatt on the river.