<p>Okay, so D has wanted to go and so this year I bit the bullet and left the college tour last Saturday as soon as tickets went on sale, found a computer and tried to get tickets. I did not get our top choices, but did manage to get some tickets to a few events. When I tried to get a hotel I was shocked at how expensive they were. I should have guessed that Columbus Day Weekend would be pricey…but any suggestions? I tried the B&Bs too but even a Holiday Inn is $400. What woud be the closest place outside of the city to stay – and close to a train station. Thanks!</p>
<p>Try going on Trip Advisor for suggestions. Also, there is an Embassy Suites in Secaucus, NJ. I would also advise calling directly to the specific hotels, etc. that you’re interested in booking, along with trying closer to your travel dates, as there are usually last minute cancellations. We have never had a problem at any time of the year in nyc, and we’ve always been able to secure a reservation either ahead of time or closer to the dates - and we don’t spend a fortune!
Good luck!</p>
<p>movinmom, is there a particular area of the city where your events are taking place? I have a few suggestions, but I will preface them with the fact that we always stay at the same two hotels in midtown so I don’t have personal knowledge, meaning I haven’t stayed at these myself. However, I have heard of them from either friends of mine or friends of my Ds. So I’ll offer the information up and you can research and make your decision. I will say, though, that booking a hotel this late for that particular weekend is very risky! Columbus weekend is one of the busiest in the city and it’s only two weeks away. That is also the weekend of Canadian Thanksgiving and thousands of Canadians travel to the city that weekend because of the extended time that kids have off.</p>
<p>I always advise people to actually find a hotel in Manhattan if there is any way they can swing it. Staying outside the city, usually in NJ, means time spent (wasted) travelling and there is also the cost of travel involved. Train, ferry, and bus schedules sometimes (almost always) will not jive with your activities, and depending on where in NJ you are, you may be very limited late at night in transportation back to your hotel.</p>
<p>A couple of (relatively, this is NY!) inexpensive hotels in midtown are the Edison and the Mayfair. Another is the Milford Plaza but it’s pretty awful. Have a look at the Bentley (which is not as centrally located) which has lots of repeat visitors so that’s always a good sign. Another option if you don’t mind staying in NJ is the Sheraton Suites on the Hudson in Weehawkin. It’s a 10 minute ferry ride to lower Manhattan then you’d have to bus, cab, or subway it to wherever you’re going. Last ferry straight to the hotel is, I believe, around 10 p.m. and if you’re later than that, you can take the ferry to Hoboken and get the hotel shuttle til midnight.</p>
<p>A few others you might have a look at are the Hampton Inn at Times Square North, Courtyard by Marriott at Times Square South, and the Best Western Seaport Inn. All are in good locations and all often have very affordable rates available.</p>
<p>I found a room at the Roosevelt that was very reasonable and less than I was bidding on Priceline. Not sure how it is but I think we can walk or take the subway to our events. Thank you for the help. Suggestions for dinner would also be appreciated. I am really looking forward to this time with my senior D and also excited for the events.</p>