Travellers planning trips to New York this month stand to profit from a perfect pricing storm, as plummeting room rates collide with the rapidly strengthening pound.
New York has been harder hit than most by the recession - the twin effects of turmoil on Wall Street and the decline in both domestic and international visitors have sent occupation rates through the floor - and worried hoteliers have slashed rates to a six-year low to tempt tourists back.
Six months ago, when the pound was worth just $1.43, a double room at the iconic Waldorf Astoria would have cost £188. Now, with the pound at $1.59 and the Waldorf frantically discounting, that room is just £123, while the mini-suites on the concierge floor are going for