Super Bowl surcharge: 6 New York-area lodging "deals" for absolute suckers
It really shouldn't come as a surprise that, along with million-dollar ads and outrageously priced tickets, the upcoming cash cow known as the Super Bowl has inspired tri-state residents to get in on the game -- by renting out their crappy hotel rooms and apartments to ticket holders for thousands more than they're worth. Here are six of the most egregious shakedowns.
Private room in 2BR Apartment -- Murray Hill, New York City
Nightly rate for game weekend: $6000
Normal nightly rate: Not available, but a similar one-night rate for an Airbnb room in Murray Hill is around $110
Markup: 5354%
The lowdown: For a cool six grand, you'd figure the place was all yours, right? Think again; your money allows you the chance to watch Don Jon on a wall-mounted flat screen, "free use of living room and kitchen", and a "friendly apartment mate (!) who will be sleeping in the other room". Oh, goodie.
Getting to the game: 6.8mi away, an anticipated 90min on public transportation
King Room at Days Inn -- Ridgefield, NJ
Nightly rate for game weekend: $850
Normal nightly rate: $170
Markup: 400%
TripAdvisor says: Rating: 21%. "Warning... don't stay at this hotel! There was graffiti carved in the wall, and when I went to check the bathroom I found my shoes sticking to the floor and feces on the seat of the toilet!"
Getting to the game: 5.3mi away, an anticipated 1hr and 45min on public transportation
2BR Apartment -- Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn
Nightly rate for game weekend: $3000
Normal nightly rate: Not available, but a similar one-night rate for an Airbnb two-bedder in Sheepshead Bay is around $80
Markup: 3650%
The lowdown: For triple your monthly rent in Kansas City, you'll have the privilege of staying in a crappier room with an inconvenient location. But wait, the apartment comes with WiFi and two desktop computers?
Getting to the game: 32.9mi away, an anticipated 1hr and 45min on public transportation
Ramada Inn -- Rochelle Park, NJ
Nightly rate for game weekend: $699
Normal nightly rate: $84
Markup: 732%
TripAdvisor says: Rating: 34%. "Roach motel. Nasty. Dirty. Smelly. That's how I'd describe the place".
Getting to the game: 11.9mi away, an anticipated 45min on public transportation
4BR Penthouse -- Hoboken, NJ
Nightly rate for game weekend: $6,000
Normal nightly rate: Not available, but a similar one-night rate for an Airbnb four-bedder in Hoboken is around $430
Markup: 1395%
The lowdown: For this sort of cash you'd expect your "penthouse" to be in a luxury condo with views of the city skyline, right? Instead... welcome to your fifth-floor walkup, with an Xbox One, window A/C unit, and stunning views of a RadioShack.
Getting to the game: 7.7mi away, an anticipated 45min on public transportation
King Room at Rodeway Inn Meadowlands -- East Secaucus, NJ
Nightly rate for game weekend: $554
Normal nightly rate: $94
Markup: 489%
TripAdvisor says: Rating: 48%. "BEDBUGS BEDBUGS BEDUGS!!! Plain and simple. Everything was good until we woke up with bites everywhere”.
Getting to the game: 2.8mi away, an anticipated 1hr and 8min on public transportation