Budget Hotel Launches Biz Amenities, Holds Down Rates

Fifteen blocks and about $400 per night south of the new Trump International Hotel, the 1,300-room Ramada Milford Plaza keeps packing in visitors.

And while packed rooms are not news in the cramped New York hotel market (See story, Page 28), hotels that offer cheaper alternatives to the pricier properties should raise some eyebrows.

"We're running occupancies near 90 percent," said Anthony Bergamo, managing director, CEO and general manager, "and offering rates as low as $99 per night is definitely part of the reason."

Totally renovated with new furniture, carpets, air conditioners and televisions, the 75-year-old, block-long property at Eighth Avenue between 44th and 45th streets draws 75 percent of its lift from foreign visitors. But, Bergamo insisted, "We have a solid corps of regular business clients who know a very good deal when they see it. We're among the closest quality hotels to the Javits Center, there are 14 theaters within a block of our entrance, we're walking distance from dozens of fine restaurants and a short walk or cab ride from mostly anywhere a businessperson might have a midtown appointment."

In addition, the Milford recently launched a new business, transportation and entertainment services center. Services include fax transmissions, photocopying, word processing, secretarial services, typing, printing and cellular phone rental.

But the Milford is not the only good mid-Manhattan lodging deal. Business travelers on less-than-luxury budgets also can partake of perfectly acceptable digs at other hotels in the area.

For instance, the Best Western President at 48th and Broadway offers a king-size bed for $159; its property at West 32nd St. and Broadway features a suite with king-size bed for $159; and its Woodward hotel at 55th and Broadway offers a queen-size bed at $160. Guests with common group memberships-such as the American Association of Retired Persons or the American Automobile Association-usually can drop those rates by at least 20 percent.

Similar good deals are available at the Quality Hotel, 511 Lexington Ave., where a double goes for $125 for walk-up guests, $112.50 for those with AAA membership.

At the Quality Hotel Fifth Avenue, 3 East 40th St. across from the New York Public Library, rooms cost $129 and AAA discounted tabs are $116. And at the Clarion Hotel Hampshire, 224 West 49th St., the rack rate is $99 with AAA members paying $79.

For more space, Manhattan East Suite Hotels are ideal for extended stays, and particularly well located for those with business on the East Side.

Particularly good deals are available at Southgate Tower (Seventh Avenue near the Javits Center, Macy's and Madison Square Garden) where, through March 31, studio suites can be booked for $75. Studio suites at the group's other properties range from $139 to $149 per night.