Special Offers on New York Hotels

Claiming a senior or AARP hotel discount is straightforward, but requires following the right steps:

• Step 1 — Book through the right channel. For AARP discounts at major chains, book through the AARP Travel Center at expedia-aarp.com, or enter your AARP number when booking directly on the hotel's website. Some properties require you to book by calling the hotel or chain directly rather than through third-party sites. For Marriott senior rates (62+), book through marriott.com and select the Senior Rate category.
• Step 2 — Have your card or ID ready. All senior and membership discounts require presentation of valid ID at check-in. For AARP discounts: present your AARP membership card. For age-based discounts (Marriott 62+, Best Western 55+): bring a government-issued photo ID showing your birth date. For military discounts (The Wallace Hotel): bring your military ID, veteran's card, or DD-214.
• Step 3 — Confirm the rate at check-in before handing over a credit card. Discounts can occasionally fail to apply correctly in the system. Verify the rate listed matches what was advertised before authorizing the charge.
• Step 4 — Ask about stacking other discounts. Most NYC hotels allow only one discount per reservation — you cannot combine AARP and military discounts, for example. However, loyalty program points may still earn even on discounted rates. Ask specifically at check-in.
• AARP Travel Center hotline: 1-800-675-4318 (for booking assistance and confirming AARP rates).

NYC hotels have several fee categories that can significantly inflate the advertised rate. Know these before booking:

• Hotel occupancy tax (~14-15% total): The most significant add-on. NYC's combined taxes (city occupancy tax ~6% + $2/room/day, city and state sales tax 8.875%, state hotel fee $1.50/room) add approximately 14-15% to the listed room rate. Budget for this from the start — it is unavoidable. Source: comptroller.nyc.gov (official).
• Destination/facility/amenity fees: Many NYC hotels charge a mandatory “destination fee,” “facility fee,” or “amenity fee” of $15-$40/night that is disclosed only at the final checkout page. These fees cover things like in-room Wi-Fi, fitness center access, and local phone calls — whether you use them or not. Watch for this carefully. Some hotels (like The Wallace) explicitly advertise “No Facility Fee” on their AARP/senior rate as a selling point.
• Parking fees: NYC hotel parking — when available — typically costs $50-$80/night additional. Public parking garages in Manhattan can run $40-$70/day. Recommendation: do not drive in Manhattan. Use public transit, taxis, or rideshare.
• Room service/minibar: Items from in-room minibars at full-service hotels carry extreme markups. Bring your own snacks from neighborhood grocery stores to avoid these charges.
• Wi-Fi: Many mid-range and luxury NYC hotels still charge for in-room Wi-Fi ($10-$20/night) even as budget hotels offer it free. Verify Wi-Fi policy before booking if this matters to you. Loyalty program members typically receive free Wi-Fi at most major chains.
• Tip: When comparing hotel rates, always click through to the final checkout page where all mandatory fees are disclosed before entering payment information. The initial rate displayed on OTAs and hotel websites often excludes these fees.