One thing that puzzles me is the New York hospitality industry’s fascination with numbers. You’ll find any number of hotels, lodging and even buildings which have numbers rather than names. Consider the Swiss 1291 Bed & Breakfast. It was named after the founding date of Switzerland by the Swiss born Roland Solenthaler.

But more important, and far more relevant, numbers associated with 1291 are the numbers 39, 50 or 140. These are the rates, in dollars, which you would have to pay for a stay at the 1291 B&B for a dorm, private room or a suite/studio/apartment, respectively.

Factor in the location - 337 West 55th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10019; (212) 397-9686. What you essentially get is a place to stay in New York, within walking distance of both Times Square and Central Park for anywhere between $39 to $140.

That’s not only cheap, it’s dirt cheap. Course, it’s not exactly five star accomodation, but that’s not what you need to say to friends back home. What you get to say is that you stayed in a Times Square hotel for $50, and watch their jaws drop.

The dorms have single bunk beds, lockers, shared bathrooms, kitchens and all day breakfast. The private rooms each have a double bed, fridge, radio and some have a television. Bathrooms are still shared. There’s also a big screen television in the liunge.

The New Yorker suites at the 1291 B&B each have a queen size bed and bunk beds with a capability of being able to cofortably house a large group of 4 to 8 people. Comes with fully equipped kitchen, private bathroom, television, radio and phone. Upper floor suites also have a balcony.

So if you’re in a group of 4, you can essentially pay about $35 per head for a spacious suite with your own bath and kitchen. As good as your own apartment. Between Times Square and Central Park. And one more tiny freebie. As long as you stay at the 1291, you get to use a free cellphone which you can use to make calls nationwide, and recieve free international calls. The room charges include a free American breakfast with tea, coffee, milk and cereal. You know of any New York Bed & Breakfasts which offer so much for so little?

Info: 337 West 55th Street New York, NY 10019; (212) 397-9686. Checkin between 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. everyday. email 1291@1291.com Rates may vary depending on season. Additional charges (tax, surcharge, extras) applicable depending on duration of stay, choice of room/dorm/suite and number of guests. Web: www.1291.com