What is the cheapest way to stay in Manhattan New York for 4-5 days?

under a park bench in Central Park

Go to NJ and take the PATH train into the city.

Two options, look on craigslist.org to see if someone has a short term sublet available. Otherwise, you could try the youth hostel. There is one in the Chelsea neighborhood between 7th & 8th Avenues somewhere between 18th -20th streets. It's a great location, easy access to transportation, safe and clean.

if u have any family, stay with them, it's free

one of the cheapest hotels in new york is the Seton hotel (www.thesetonhotel.com). it has rooms with shared bathroom that cost about $62 per night. The hotel is located on 40th street between 1st and 2nd ave. if you insist of having a private bathroom you can try the park savoy hotel (www.parksavoyhotel.com). the rate is less than $100 a night. it has great location - only one block from central park

The cheapest way is to stay in New Jersey. There are several discount new-ish motels new the Newark airport. Then, take the hotel shuttle to the airport and catch the Gray Line Bus (buses run all day)- costs $10 one way (buy round trip), you can buy bus tickets inside the airport at ground transport/ baggage claim. Make sure you pick up the map at the bus desk so you'll know where to catch the bus to leave the city. If you're brave and don't mind the hopping on and off, you can go cheaply. I go to the Penn Station stop- that dumps you off at Madison Square Garden and a block form Macy's. It's a brisk walk to Times Square.

Stay in Brooklyn. Have fun!

Try the International Hostel on 20th street in Chelsea. It about $30-35 a night.

find a nice bridge