9 Insanely Affordable Hotels in America’s Most Expensive Cities

They’ve got personality. They’ve got good locations. What these properties don’t have are high rates for a stay in the most expensive cities in the country. Here are affordable hotels in nine popular U.S. cities where you can find top-rated accommodations at below-market rates, including charming beach cottages, glitzy hotels in downtown locations and one with large suites overlooking the water.

Winthrop Beach Inn and Suites: Boston, MA

Winthrop Beach Inn and Suites

Get a beach location with views of the Boston skyline when you stay at this 30-room, all-suite inn that’s just a five-minute walk from Winthrop Beach or a short drive from Revere Beach—the first public beach in the country. Every room has a kitchenette and 55” inch flat screen TV and guests enjoy a free continental breakfast. If seeing Boston attractions is on your agenda, take a 40-minute subway and bus ride to downtown Boston.

Mediterranean Inn: Seattle, WA

Mediterranean Inn

Walk to the Space Needle, Seattle Center and other Seattle attractions when you stay at this 180-room hotel. And yes, you’re close to a Starbucks in the city where it was founded: It’s just an elevator ride away on the first floor. Amenities include a kitchenette with refrigerators, microwaves and coffeemakers. Select a view of the courtyard, the city skyline or the Puget Sound. In nicer weather, be sure to visit the flower-filled rooftop terrace for spectacular views.

Not Your Average Hotel: Key West, FL

Not Your Average Hotel

With its moderate temperatures, active festival schedule and quirky style, the Conch Republic is one of Florida’s most visited destinations. But with its compact size—less than eight square miles—and no high-rise hotels, accommodations can really put a dent in your party/sightseeing budget. Adults-only Not Your Average Hotel, NYAH for short, charges by the room, not the person. With 36 customizable rooms that sleep up to six people, you can stretch that budget while enjoying several pools, free breakfast and a location within walking distance of Duval Street and other Key West attractions.

Hotel Renew: Honolulu, HI

Hotel Renew

Waikiki Beach is just a short stroll away from this Asian-inspired Honolulu hotel with 72 rooms. While it doesn’t have a pool, who needs it when you can take a dip or catch a wave in the nearby Pacific Ocean or just lounge on the beach with complimentary towels and chairs. Guests are offered refreshing pineapple juice upon check in and enjoy free continental breakfast and a daily newspaper. Choose either a city or beach view and don’t miss the gorgeous Hawaiian sunsets.

The River Inn: Washington DC

River Inn

The nation’s capital can be a pricey place to stay. This gem is located in the tree-filled area of Foggy Bottom near Georgetown and the Kennedy Center, overlooking the Potomac River. Plus, you’re a five-minute walk from the Metro and a mile from the National Mall. The River Inn features 125 spacious suites with living areas, sofas, desks and full kitchens. (Tip: Stock up on groceries at the Trader Joe’s just a few minutes away.) Pedal around the neighborhood or along the C&O Canal Trail with the inn’s complimentary Priority Bicycles.

Circa 39: Miami, FL

Circa 39

You’ll feel that relaxed Miami vibe the second you walk in the brightly colored lobby and spot the refreshing pool. This 97-room boutique hotel in the heart of Miami Beach has a secret garden and the popular rum-focused Wunder Bar. It’s a three-minute walk from the beach (chairs and towels included in the daily fee) although if you prefer a dip in the pool, you can lay that towel down in one of the complimentary poolside cabanas to soak up the Florida sun.

Radio City Apartments: New York, NY

Radio City Apartments

Prices for hotel rooms in the Big Apple can be, well, big. Stay just five minutes away from Radio City Music Hall and close to Times Square and Broadway at this 115-room hotel where every room has a microwave, refrigerator and coffeemaker. With the apartment-like space of this 1901 building, you can live out your fantasy of living in the City That Never Sleeps. Maybe this is the year you finally audition for The Rockettes.

The Beach Cottages: San Diego, CA

Beach Cottages

With San Diego’s perpetually sunny weather, just about every day is a beach day. Watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean from this little 78-room family-owned charmer in Pacific Beach that opened in 1948. Guests have their choice of studio, suite or one- and two-bedroom apartments that all have fully equipped kitchens, or opt for a motel room. Bars, restaurants and shops are all within walking distance. For prime people watching, the Beach Cottages are conveniently located on the 1.5-mile boardwalk.

Hotel Abri: San Francisco, California

Hotel Abri

The location of this 91-room hotel couldn’t be better for walking to Union Square, the Ferry Building, the theater district and other attractions. Guests receive an amenity bag at check-in with water, granola bar and bottle of wine. Opt for a suite that includes a sofa and small table with chairs. Tip: Watch the cable car turnaround or catch BART to the airport just around the corner at the Powell Street Station.