THE $79 DEAL

A new hotel rate during New York’s coldest months will do much to warm visitors’ hearts, with prices dropping below $100. You’ll get all the electronic conveniences found in more expensive hotels -- flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, etc. The catch: You share a bathroom.

The deal: At the Pod Hotel, at 230 E. 51st St., the cheapest accommodation is a single pod room. You may have to share a bathroom with strangers, but you get stylish digs with a twin bed, workspace, WiFi, iPod docking station and LCD TV. I found one of these pod rooms in January for just $79 per night (pretax). If your party consists of more than you, a bunk-bed pod room can be had for $89 -- also a shared-bath situation. Double and queen rooms, with private bath, are $119 and $139, respectively.

Info: (800) 742-5945, www.thepodhotel.com.

-- Susan Derby