We got a deal of a mid-town hotel on the web. A deal for New York City anyway. Taking advantage of their "Fifty Ways to Woo Your Lover" package, we booked a 1-bedroom suite at the Affinia 50 hotel for $239/night. Tucked between a few other upscale hotels on 50th Avenue, the Affinia 50 is a budget hotel masquerading as a stylish boutique guest house. Faux alligator-skin paneling in the elevators, Target-esque furniture and bellhops with Fedoras round out the "look." They can't keep the scam up when it comes to amenities, however. The "club lounge" on the second floor offers free tap water, coffee and tea. But that's where the generosity stops. Internet access is over $9/day, the daily continental breakfast is $15. And the decor is over the top, more gaudy than glamorous.

Nonetheless. We were comfortable and well-taken care of by the hotel staff. The front desk was courteous and the bellhops were welcoming. Upon checking out, the staff invited us to come back and use the club room "next time you're in the city, even if you're not staying here!" I guess that would be for the free water??