Just a few years ago, Airbnb rentals were confined in private homes, and few senior travelers knew or cared about them. We preferred the usual hotel stays, even as prices continued to rise.

For example, in just a decade or two, a hotel room in mid-Manhattan went from $50 a night to $500 in 2019. And with oil companies, airlines and other money-grabbers feeding national inflation, expensive hotel costs are likely to continue climbing higher.

In recent online ads, Airbnb offers centrally located Manhattan accommodations, including Rockefeller Center, for as little as $50 a night. For your next trip to the Big Apple to see the latest shows, shop on Fifth Avenue and dine at the best restaurants, consider an Airbnb within walking distance of it all. For prices, availability, location and other info, go to airbnb.com