NYC accommodation

[BOZZ]

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.

Thanks for that, initially I wanted to book accommodation as early as possible but I understand that might yield the best deal.
I do have suscription to both Quickbook and Travelzoo, but you are right, I should get myself on mailing lists of few hotels as well.
Cheers

 

[Dougal]

It is not only the price being at a premium in September but availability as well. With any accommodation I book I do via that
particular hotel website or via email direct to the hotel. They usually give me a pretty good price that way and all I need is
a credit card to guarantee the booking which in most cases is canceable up to 24/48 hours prior to checkin. This way I have
what I want in the bag but if something which is a super bargain comes up at a later date, have been able to cancel and book
the bargain. I always keep watching deals even once I am booked, at least I have a price I am happy with and a confirmed booking
Personally I have found the earlier I book, the better the rate at no risk to me. Example:- Rate at an Helsinki hotel, early booking
124 euro for best room and breakfast. Close to checkin, the worst room was 234 euros per night. For me that was a bargain.

 

[Kceips]

Beacon hotel is great for families. I have missed out on this for our trip over New Year. I tried to book 6 months before and they were already sold out. Very close to subway, close to central park, great sized rooms, excellent food store across the road. Can book now and cancel booking up to 24 hrs before free of charge!

 

[bigjobs]

just returned from NYC this morning. we stayed for 8 nights at The W New York located at 541 Lexington Ave (Cnr Lexington Ave & 49th St).

like you it was for a significant b'day. we had booked online with the hotel for 320 per night. we had to pay up front, could not get a refund and had to book online to get the rate. we had read a number of favourable reviews on line about this hotel and took the plunge, even though most reviews said rooms were small

we arrived to check in only to be told that our room had been upgraded to a suite for our 8 nights. this was the beginning of an awesome stay at The W New York. great customer service, complimentary drinks on the Tuesday evening, complimentary late check out (didn't have to ask for it) and a constant effort to ensure we were enjoying our stay from all the staff we encountered except for the baggage check guy.

hotel is located 2 blocks from 51st St subway with is on the 4,5,6 lines & M line. uptown and downtown on the subway was a breeze. we went all over Manhattan and Brooklyn on the subway with no challenges whatsoever. it's easy to work out too if you've not been there. think about using the buses as well. they are as frequent as the subway, clean and reliable. we found the buses good because we got to see the city. on the subway you're just going somewhere and there is not much to look at (unless there is some character on your subway carriage - which is likely).

put the address for the W New York into google maps and you'll see where it's located (east midtown) and how central it is to everything.

 

[Foreigner]

On my last two visits to NY city, I stayed around Korea town, 32nd street in hotels operated by Apple Core Hotels. Here is the link:

Apple Core Hotels provides clean, comfy hotel rooms for travelers staying in and around Manhattan who didn't come to the Big Apple to pay outrageous New York prices.

Rates have been competitive in my experience. Breakfast was included and WiFi as well.

 

[BOZZ]

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

Thank you for pointing me in the direction of this hotel. After exchanging few emails with them, I've booked 7 nights for $262 (inclusive of tax). This rate is fully refundable if cancelled up to 72 hours prior to check in. Pretty decent!
Also, thanks again to everyone else who contributed with their suggestions!

 

[c814875]

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

If shopping is her thing, book a bus out to Woodbury Common in Jersey - 200 odd outlet stores. My wife LOVES this place..... (45 mins on the bus each way - its a full day)

 

[antibody]

+1 to Woodbury Common. This is one of the biggest outlet malls I've ever seen and excellent prices. Mrs antibody and I spent about 8 hours here and ended up having to buy another suitcase for the trip home.