NYC accommodation

[BOZZ]

Next September/October I'm looking at staying in New York for about a week (6-8 days) with MrsBOZZ and BOZZ Jnr (he'll be around a year and a 1/2 then). I know that it is still very early to book anything, but just looking at the hotel prices, it seems that there is not much for less than $350 p/n. I'm looking for your advice regarding:

1) what area would you stay in? I'm thinking Soho/Tribeca
2) when should I book accommodation by? I don't really want to wait for the last minute as we will be travelling with a todler
3) does anyone have any experiences with Sky City apartments? Their prices are around $300-$350 p/n in Midtown West

Any advice is greatly apreciated

Thank you

 

[YMAYGuy]

Hi mate

I can't say that I have stayed at those apartments - sorry.

However 18 months ago, I stayed at the Bedford hotel on 40th street east which cost me $210 per night at the time. 2 minutes walk to grand central, 10 to the circus that is times square and about 13-14 walk to the ESB and Macy's on 34th street. Central park was about 15 min walk away. It was quiet but still conveniently located.

I found the Bedford to be very clean and well appointed. It's not a large hotel and no room service. It has Free wifi.
Just be mindful that when comparing hotels, a quoted rate may not allow for the sales tax, city tax, bed tax etc. It can add 10-15% to your costs.

Personally I think if you are looking for something self contained, it's not really worth the extra cash. There are so many dining choices in NYC that you can eat out 3 times a day at different places and never get bored.

Cheers

 

[N860CR]

Unfortunatley that's a very expensive time to be in NYC (funnily enough, I always end up there that time of year too).

The last time I was in NY I used priceline.com. You place a bid on a set area for a set star rating and you don't know the hotel until it confirms. I got The New Yorker hotel for about $200 a night which is amazing for that time of year (the rate from the hotel was about $450 a night). Did the same for DC and got the Crowne Plaza for about $170 a night (rates elsewhere were about $400).

You can specify exact areas and star ratings so you shouldn't be upset with what you get. It's a bit early now, though. Works better as you get a bit closer (I booked about 4 months out)

 

[Robert K]

i stayed at 2 aka hotels while i was in NYC this year (times square and central park). they're more like serviced apartments with hotel amenities. they have a few properties in NYC. very reasonable prices around $350.

the times square 'room' had a separate study (used it as a luggage room), full kitchen, washing machine, bathtub inn bathroom, and free wifi. free tea and coffee in the lobby and 24hr concierge.

stayaka.com

highly recommended.

 

[stomplad]

STAY- Our last 3 stays in NYC I have used and recommend Vacation rentals, private rooms, sublets by the night - Accommodations on Airbnb a site where you can rent apartments ranging from locals that rent their own apartment out to hotel like accommodation.

I have rented in greenwich village, East village and the Bowery areas. I would recommend the East village below 10th st between 1st and broadway as the most family friendly with lots of parks and not as intense and busy as other areas yet a few blocks from all the action.

 

[stomplad]

STAY- Our last 3 stays in NYC I have used and recommend Air BnB Vacation rentals, private rooms, sublets by the night - Accommodations on Airbnb a site where you can rent apartments ranging from locals that rent their own apartment out to hotel like accommodation.

I have rented in greenwich village, East village and the Bowery areas. Definitely stay downtown. I would recommend the East village below 10th st as the most family friendly with lots of parks and not as intense and busy as other areas with everything on your doorstep yet a few blocks from all the action. When choosing I always use google maps street view to get a feel for the area

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

Hi
I will be there in March and currently looking at Hotel Casablanca or Giraffe. Same group

Includes breakfast, all day refreshments and cheese, wine, snacks each evening. Great write ups on trip advisor but deal with hotel direct for better rates

 

[BAM1748]

STAY- Our last 3 stays in NYC I have used and recommend Air BnB Vacation rentals, private rooms, sublets by the night - Accommodations on Airbnb a site where you can rent apartments ranging from locals that rent their own apartment out to hotel like accommodation.

I have rented in greenwich village, East village and the Bowery areas. Definitely stay downtown. I would recommend the East village below 10th st as the most family friendly with lots of parks and not as intense and busy as other areas with everything on your doorstep yet a few blocks from all the action. When choosing I always use google maps street view to get a feel for the area

I think there has been a crack down on this type of accommodation by the City as it's against some ordinance to sublet for short hotel type stays.

 

[jukebox333]

Next September/October I'm looking at staying in New York for about a week (6-8 days) with MrsBOZZ and BOZZ Jnr (he'll be around a year and a 1/2 then). I know that it is still very early to book anything, but just looking at the hotel prices, it seems that there is not much for less than $350 p/n. I'm looking for your advice regarding:

1) what area would you stay in? I'm thinking Soho/Tribeca
2) when should I book accommodation by? I don't really want to wait for the last minute as we will be travelling with a todler
3) does anyone have any experiences with Sky City apartments? Their prices are around $300-$350 p/n in Midtown West

Any advice is greatly apreciated

Thank you

The majority of "attractions" on Manhattan are centred around midtown (30th-57th St), so unless you fancy subway trips/cab rides with an toddler (not a huge issue, but some can be a consideration for some people), you may be better off in that neighbourhood. The prices will reflect the convenience, however.

Any detail on the sort of things you want to to do while you're there?

 

[tuapekastar]

Next September/October I'm looking at staying in New York for about a week (6-8 days) with MrsBOZZ and BOZZ Jnr (he'll be around a year and a 1/2 then). I know that it is still very early to book anything, but just looking at the hotel prices, it seems that there is not much for less than $350 p/n. I'm looking for your advice regarding:

1) what area would you stay in? I'm thinking Soho/Tribeca
2) when should I book accommodation by? I don't really want to wait for the last minute as we will be travelling with a todler
3) does anyone have any experiences with Sky City apartments? Their prices are around $300-$350 p/n in Midtown West

Any advice is greatly apreciated

Thank you

The only place I've stayed in NYC (so I cannot compare its quality to others) is Hotel Lucerne on West 79th St, and it was fine. But it is pricing through their own website for Sep/Oct 2012 at USD410 p/n 'base' rate, which ends up being ~470 p/n all up - for a Queen room. And that is the main point of my post - there are 2 or 3 taxes that go onto the base rate and the initial rate seen will usually exclude those taxes, so be sure of the actual price you are getting.

 

[BOZZ]

Thank you for your responses.

As far as what we're planning to do, this trip will be taken to celebrate a significant birthday for MrsBOZZ and with that in mind, I'd say that shopping will top the to-do-list. I suppose that we'll just try to do tourist things and take it easy. I'm looking forward trying as many different foods as possible

 

[Alanslegal]

I think being so far out is making the price somewhat unattractive right now. I'd be tempted to book a refundable booking as a back up now and then keep looking as the months gets closer to your travel dates.

I personally don't mind catching the subway everywhere including going to/from the airport and I usually book a hotel that is near an accessible station and also on the A/C/E line. I can walk forever and upstairs without no problem but the accessible station allows my luggage to ride up/down in comfort

In terms of location I think NoHo (say north of Houston through to 14st Street) is as central as you can get.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Hi bozz, sounds like a great trip you have planned. I'm not sure of the cost but I stayed in Doubletree Times Square last year. It is 5 minutes walk from Rockefeller Place, 10 minutes from 5th Ave. Right beside a subway. The rooms would be ideal for a couple with a child as the bedroom is totally separate with a small lounge room and fridge, kettle etc. It is situated above Times Square and fairly well soundproofed.
I'm not sure what promotions Hilton have for NYC at present but I regularly receive "Big Apple Specials" from them. Although I like Soho/Tribeca I find midtown much easier to navigate to everywhere else, also busier and more family friendly after dark.
Happy Travels

 

[drron]

Just be careful of apartment rentals.Most are illegal.Some certainly get away with it but if you are the bunny when the authorities act you have lost your money and out on the street.Read the NYC forum on Trip Advisor.
We stayed in the apartment of our son's in laws.Even though it was a condominium so easier to sublet we had to submit references and photos before we were allowed to stay even though we were not paying rent.
There are some legal apartment hotels.often recccomended are the Radio City Apartments which are mid town.

 

[Dougal]

Hi, another couple and ourselves will be in New York during September next year. Apparently it is United Nations Week and hotel prices are at a premium.
Having done hours of research via firstly Trip Advisor and then hotel websites finally contacted Best Western Plus Hospitality Hotel. According to TA, fabulous location and the rooms are more like apartments and we got a great rate. Admittedly we received Seniors Discount (over 55's) but Robert (Manager) was very accommodating and willing to negotiate. Ended up paying for 2 bedroom Penthouse Apartment $582 per night which for 2 couples with a 1,000sq ft apartment and terrace we thought was pretty good compared to the prices I was orginally coming up with for dummy bookings everywhere else. This hotel also includes breakfast so happy with that. Just a note, during my negotations with Robert, a period of 24hours via email our penthouse was booked for the last 3 days of our stay so we have now moved to 1 bedroom penthouse apartments for last 3 days, once again very willing to negotiate but just shows how far people are booking ahead for that period.

 

[fjc]

Recently a number of us stayed for 6 nights at the Salisbury Hotel, West 57th Midtown Manhattan Hotels - Salisbury Hotel - Hotels in New York City, NY and can recommend it. Most rooms have a small kitchenette (make sure you book one) and quite a decent breakfast is available at US$6 per person (yes $6). It's just around the corner from Central Park, so your toddler can run around. Area is safe at night and close to a number of the subways. Also, a pharmac_ a short walk away. An excellent reasonably priced Italian restaurant 2 doors away, but you can order take away from a few nearby restaurants that will be delivered to your room.

Current prices around the $300 mark, but as noted, be aware of any additional charges.

BTW, it is almost opposite Carnegie Hall.

Edit: BTW, no matter where you go, I suggest that you consider taking an immersion heater to heat up junior's drinks, or make yourself a cup of tea. Whilst most rooms do have a microwave, it often doesn't produce the same taste. And as for water for tea being heated via the coffee percolator - don't start me.......

 

[Gold Member]

+1 for Priceline 4* stays. I consistently attract 50-70% discount off the Hotel's Advanced Purchase rate, but of course you don't get to pick your specific property in that zone. In the past I've won and stayed at IC Barclay, Renaissance 57, Crowne Plaza, Sheraton Towers, and Grand Hyatt. The properties are all typical of Manhattan acommodation (small rooms) and old buildings, but the huge saving in price makes up for it. given the amount of time you intend to stay, this will no doubt be a big factor.

Another consideration might be the new IC in Times Square using the Family and Friends rate (~30% discount from memory). Brand new property in good location, and you know what you're getting.

 

[Alanslegal]

+1 for Priceline 4* stays.

And if you do use Priceline, or Hotwire; have a look at Betterbidding.com to help identify the property before you bid.

I've used PL and HW a number of times, and BB has always been spot in my case.

 

[BOZZ]

Thanks again to everyone! I didn't realise that there would be UN week next September, I think I might look at getting something soon (that I can refund if something better comes along). I understand that to get best prices at Priceline you need to book 3-4 months in advance, I'd prefer to have something booked by the end of January the latest. Looks like serious research needs to start right now!

 

[Pollywaffle]

Thanks again to everyone! I didn't realise that there would be UN week next September, I think I might look at getting something soon (that I can refund if something better comes along). I understand that to get best prices at Priceline you need to book 3-4 months in advance, I'd prefer to have something booked by the end of January the latest. Looks like serious research needs to start right now!

Priceline only guarantees a room for two people with one bed. This is clearly not going to work for you.

While I understand you want to get accommodation settled, finalising your choice in January may not give you the best offer possible.

The UN coming back to Sept every year signals the start of the incremental rise of hotel rates for the rest of the calendar year.

In your shoes, I would research hotels to come up with a short list. I would then sign up to each hotel's website for newsletters and offers. In addition, I would sign up for Travelzoo updates as well as looking periodically on Quikbook.

If you choose to book in January, make sure it's a cancellable rate so you can take advantage of future offers.

I know The Beacon Hotel on the UWS is popular with families.