Despite the rising costs and pesky bed-bug apocalypse, New York City hotels still hold some appeal. So much so that developers have embarked on a hotel-building binge-fest. By the year 2010, nearly 13,000 new or improved hotel rooms will be added to the existing 72,420. In a recent report, New York City & Company lists the myriad hotels that are under development around the city and credit record leisure and business travelers to the city as well as a robust economy for the building blitz. Public transportation is also reaping the benefits of our currently strong real estate market. Last Wednesday, New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority proposed skipping subway and bus fare hikes planned for 2007 and 2009 as a result of its high revenues. MTA Chairman Peter Kalikow told reporters that there will not be a 5 percent hike in 2007, but he didn’t seem as confident regarding 2009. Traditionally, the MTA considers a fare hike every two years, and Kalikow has recently noted that the MTA will have to close huge budget gaps if it skips the increases. In December, the MTA board will vote on the new budget plan.