Now that DD is a grownup, we seldom have time off together. Amazingly, we both have some time during the week after Christmas. We’d like to take a couple days doing something we’ve always wanted to do - seeing every show we can in 2 days! In the past we’ve always stayed outside the city and took the train in. This time we’d like to stay in walking distance for the blitz. It’s the worst time price-wise, but I figure smart CCers would have some hints - help please!
We stayed at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square and it was in perfect walking distance or subway entrance to most things we wanted to see. If you want to go cheaper, I had a friend who recently stayed at the Pod51 hotel and said it was perfect for what they needed i.e. just a place to sleep. It is pretty bare bones with just a bed and a bathroom but I mean…who stays in their hotel while in NYC? I think it is a few blocks off of Times Square. Have FUN!!! We saw Les Mis and it was breathtakingly and stunningly amazing! I don’t think you could go wrong with any of the shows though.
I just looked at the Pod51 website: 1 mile from Central Park, etc. Very doable if you are both able to walk. Price is less than $200 which is a steal for NYC at that time of the year. While I loved the MM and it was perfectly located right in Times Square…I felt some regret. It was around $300-400 per night and we were never there except to sleep!
Any airbnb options?
I love the Marriott Marquis but it is pricy. check out the many IHG hotels (Holiday Inn) properties in the area. The Intercontinental is also expensive, but others are less so.
I have family in NYC and visit often. They say that Hotel Tonight is good but it has to be last minute, which may be too stressful. Also, I have heard that Priceline can offer some deals closer to your stay date, but not as last minute as the other. There is a Priceline forum called Bidding for Travel that you might want to check out. Otherwise, I would compare prices on Expedia and use that for deciding. Hard to get around high NYC hotel prices but it is fun to be right there!
There’s a Courtyard by Marriott with a good location and decent prices.
Ok, so I just checked for you on hotels.com. The dates I used were 12/26-12/28 and I put in hells kitchen. Several under 300 per night including Ink 48, the one I want to try. I have stayed at Morgans ( very convenient) The Warwick ( a little overpriced. Some of the others in Times square, which I found to be loud and crowded.
Try Fairfield Inn by Marriott - it’s next to the Port Authority on 40th Street. Small (as expected in NY) but very clean and quiet rooms if all you need is a place to sleep. Duane Reede on the corner, Shake Shack 2 blocks away as well as virtually unlimited budget meal options - so you might save some $ that way. I don’t live in NY but have been told that the week after Christmas is as expensive, crowded , and congested as NY gets. Show tickets will be very $$ and very hard to come by. As you know, seeing “every show you can in 2 days” is going to be limited by the days of the week you’re there.
Two years ago, we stayed at the Manhattan at Times Square for a few nights the week before Christmas. It’s about five blocks north of Times Square itself, so not as noisy. I got a great deal on Travelzoo. I just checked the hotel, and found that rooms with just a king-size bed are $245, but skyrocket to $550 with two beds. Try Travelzoo for other hotels. We also got a very good seats at a nice discount for the Rockettes through Goldstar.
Our family of five has had good luck staying in vacation rentals from various companies. We definitely need two bathrooms and a kitchen. My youngest also prefers a central location. I just booked an AirBnb in Times Square for a graduation trip for middle son. We’re steps away from the Broadway musical that he wants to see. The building also seems to have found a work-around for NY’s restrictive short-term rental policy. In short, the rental offers the best of both worlds (rental vs hotel), with a concierge, gym, and other amenities. The only minus is lack of reviews, but I was able to find the same listing elsewhere with great reviews, and the cancellation policy is flexible:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/9664762
(I also have a reso at the Residence Inn for the same dates in case this one doesn’t work out.)
Shoreham Hotel 33 W 55th Street
We’ve stayed here several times and enjoyed our stay each time.
Depending on your budget, the Crowne Plaza is a great place to stay. Conveniently located with a nice restaurant for breakfast or lunch, and the lobby lounge is great - large and always able to get a seat! Great service and the rooms are nice. I know people say you only sleep there, but if you’re anything like me, you want a decent room with a comfortable bed. There was no problem with noise when I was there last month. You’re going during the busiest week of the year, so prices are likely to reflect that.
As for shows, for two days, if they’re Saturday and Sunday, you will be able to see four shows. Check to see what the holiday schedule is for shows if it’s out, as it will differ from a regular week’s schedule. Tickets for good seats will be hard to come by that week.
We’ve stayed at the Fairfield Suites near the Port Authority. Not the best neighborhood - the Parole Division is next door, which features lots of sketchy people waiting on the sidewalk to get in. But the rooms are clean and the building is secure. It’s about 10 minute walk to Times Square.
“Near,” being a relative term, and NYC being entirely walkable, consider the east side of the city. Found a great rate, if you and your daughter don’t mind sleeping in a queen together.
Be careful and read the details of the room you are selecting, as the one I have in mind [Premium Room, One Double; $213.33 night] has a private bathroom. Some rooms at the Seton share a bathroom off a central hallway.
The rooms here are simple, easy on the eye and extremely clean.
The details:
The Seton Hotel, E. 40 street.
Travel Dates: jan 2 - jan 5, 2016
(click on the Reservations field at the center of the page, beneath the ‘Contact’ link)
The URL link below is pretty funky. Just go to Setonhotelny.com
The Affinia group of hotels are nice with larger than usual rooms.
the Affinia near Madison Square Garden has very large rooms and the rates are generally reasonable
I recommend avoiding the Duane Reade on 34th & 8th as it is haven for shoplifters, many coming/going from various methodone clinics that are in the area. Do not go to the McDonalds on 8th & 34th as many of the Duane Reade shoplifters can be found there peddling shoplifted merchandise for quick fixes. There have been several incidents and the police are trying to get the McDonalds franchise owner to take responsibility or be shut down.
By the way the Affinia is a good choice. There is also a Hampton Inn on 31st St and all around the side streets betwen 34th and 42nd St various hotels such as Courtyard Marriott and Hilton Garden Inn. Someone mentioned Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza… great location and many years ago I had a lunch meeting there and was seated at a table right next to JFK, JR.
My former boss stays at the Mayfair when he’s in NYC:
Wow! Those rates are delicious!