PowerSearch.NYC, a travel planning platform dedicated exclusively to New York City, officially launched today to tackle the pervasive issue of hidden hotel fees. The platform aims to serve the approximately 62 million annual visitors to the city by providing upfront pricing on hotel rooms and attractions, eliminating the surprise of resort and destination fees that can add $50 to $100 per night.
Unlike traditional online travel agencies, PowerSearch.NYC partners with transparent booking providers to ensure travelers see the full cost before checkout. The platform aggregates hotels across all five boroughs and integrates bookings for Broadway shows, museum admissions, culinary tours, and other attractions through partners like Tiqets, Viator, GetYourGuide, and Big Bus Tours.
Founder Mark Karten stated that the platform was born from personal frustration with hidden fees that violate traveler trust. PowerSearch.NYC prominently features a “No Destination Fee” category and clearly marks pricing structures across its entire selection, allowing users to filter for hotels without mandatory resort or destination fees.
The platform’s hotel database includes properties from Staten Island to the Bronx, categorized by traveler type and specific needs such as family-friendly amenities, business facilities, or romantic packages. A neighborhood-based search feature helps first-time visitors navigate NYC’s geography, with detailed guides on areas like Times Square, Williamsburg, and the West Village.
Beyond hotels, PowerSearch.NYC offers a comprehensive range of experiences, including skip-the-line tickets to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, entry to the Empire State Building observatory, and access to museums like MoMA and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Travelers can also book Broadway shows, culinary tours, and immersive attractions such as the Museum of Ice Cream and Color Factory NYC.
The platform operates on an affiliate marketing model, earning commissions from bookings without charging users any fees. Initial user testing showed that travelers using PowerSearch.NYC reduced planning time by an average of 60% compared to using multiple sources. The company plans to expand with personalized recommendations, itinerary building tools, and more partnerships.
PowerSearch.NYC’s launch comes as NYC tourism rebounds, with projections of over 68 million visitors by 2025. The platform’s commitment to transparency aims to build trust in an industry where hidden fees have become a significant pain point for travelers.
