cuteoldgal1

We are 3 women in early 60's who want to go to New York for five nights. Our hubbies have no interest so we are going to do it up big doing all the stuff girls like to do. We would like to do at least two muisicals, and would also like to do a hop on/hop off type of tour of the city. We also would like to know good location to stay due to proximity to theatres, shopping and restaurants. Can anyone advise on a good tour company, restaurants and hotel that isn't exorbitant in price (looking for $250 to $300 per night (100 each per night) thank you

vjpblovesitaly

Most people here think HOHO is a bad deal. Others think it is a good way to see the city. Will two beds suffice? I guess they will have to.

Do you have your dates set?

Elizabeth_S

See my trip report from this week - we were happy with the Travel Inn - a bit of a walk to Times Square but a good location overall and well within your budget.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...c-short-tr.cfm

Or we also stay at the Comfort Inn which is a bit closer to Times Square

http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-new_york-new_york-NY464

I think for first time (?) or visits that want to take in theatre it's best to stay near Times Square or south as far as 35th or so (depending upon mobility for walking). That way you can shop downtown (Century 21, etc) via a quick cab ride, longer walk or subway and the theatre is convenient.

For tickets be sure to check the discount sites for coupons - when we were there last weekend I got tickets for Lady Day for 36% off.

http://www.broadwaybox.com/

http://www.playbill.com/club/offers/

Be sure to check both sites as the offers can be different. (and there might be other discount sites as well)

For first time visitors I think the Half Circle boat cruise is terrific - great views of the city and a comfortable boat ride. It's part of the CityPass if you think you'll get value of out it

http://www.citypass.com/new-york

Have fun!

cuteoldgal1

Thanks for responses. It seems as though another one of my crazy friends want to join us so the least we will be looking for is two queen beds, preferably with a separate living area so someone can go to bed if they want to. We would like to be close to theatres etc so at night we wouldn't have too far to go. I think we will be looking more at $400 to $500 and so I would like ideas in that range. I checked Double Tree suites but the biggest they have is two doubles and a living room and doubles are just too small. We are excited to go on a girls trip to New York!

Elizabeth_S

Here's a legal site of legal apartments -- there is a one bedroom with two queens and a lounge

Price is date dependent

http://www.radiocityapts.com/

kenav

As far as restaurant proximity goes - the worst are probably in Times Square. But get to 9th Avenue (in 40s and 50s) and you'll find a world of restaurants to choose from that aren't chains or only catering to tourists.

Otherwise - Restaurants are all over NYC. There's not just one area for that!

nytraveler

Exactly when are you coming? Prices will vary a lot depending on which weeks you will be there. I think that your budget may be too small for a suite with 2 queen beds - which is a very upscale room.

But you might find some deals if you are coming soon. If you're talking Oct or Nov you may have trouble finding someplace in your price. You might be better off just looking for 2 separate rooms to keep your budget low.

doug_stallings

Radio City Apartments is a hotel, so yes it's legal. And it's in a great location. But you will find few other options in the theater district with suites. And two queens is even harder to find, just so you know. But the time is crucial. Rates start going up after early September. I'd recommend the Beacon on the upper West Side.

goddesstogo

Personally, I prefer to stay within walking distance but not quite in the theatre district. I'll be in NY this weekend, staying at the Hilton Midtown -- not my first choice but it worked out for other reasons and it will be fine.

We recently had a great stay at the Omni Berkshire. If you join their free honours program before you go, you get some really nice benefits. Here's my trip report from that NY trip:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ay-weekend.cfm

mclaurie

Hotel prices fluctuate by date so what's $300/night now could be $500/night in Oct.
Most hotel rooms in NYc with 2 beds are doubles ratherthan queens. There are some double queens at Hampton Inn Times Square North, Hilton Times Square, Hilton Garden Inn Times Square and the new Hyatt Times Square all convenient to theater. You will pay much more for a suite with separate living room. The San Carlos, the Best Western Hospitality and several of the Affinia hotels has 1 bedroom suites with 2 queens. Remember hotel tax adds ~15% to listed prices.

There,s shopping in several areas of the city and if budget is a key issue, you may be betterstaying a subway ride away from Manhattan. If you fly into JFK or LGA, there are hotels in Long Island City that will be much less expensive...Home2 Suites is new and has 2 queen suites. The Verve has 2 queen rooms but doesn't like to take 4 adults in them.

cuteoldgal1

Thanks for your comments. We are planning on late September/early October so probably have to adjust our Budget somewhat. We definitely want to be in walking distance so will obviously have to pay more. One show we really want to see is Book of Mormon so would a person need to reserve ASAP or wait until you get there? Thanks again!

mclaurie

Book of Mormon is likely sold out already for that time unless you buy scalper tickets (broker who charges over face value). Look on
Broadwaybox.com and applause-tickets.com

Elizabeth_S

This September/October? Boy - that's likely tight. We're going early October and I've had reservations for quite some time.

Do you live in/near Toronto? If so might want to see Book of Mormon there this Fall/Winter - tickets are available. That way you can see something else in NYC.

doug_stallings

Book of Mormon just added new Sunday shows starting August 31. If you're interested in booking these, do it now ... the announcement was today, so I'm guessing they will be sold out within a few days.