bethxyz

Hi -

I'm visiting NYC 3 days Nov 11th to 13th travelling w/ my three sisters and mother (71 y.o.). Plan to explore, shop, and see shows.

We've narrowed our search to two Courtyard hotels. Looking for a convenient, accessible hotel. I like the Times Sq location, but prefer the Midtown East hotel. Which do you think is best?

Are there many restaurants in the midtown area? We have visited NYC a few times in the past, any suggestions on new unexplored places or exhibits to see?

Thank you!

mclaurie

You've narrowed your search??? Unless you have reservations already at both, you may be in for a shock. $350-450/night for a room.

There are several wonderful art exhibits around. The Americans in Paris at the Met and also Cezanne to Picasso.
metmuseum.org

The Picasso at the Whitney
http://www.whitney.org/

The Forbes gallery on lower Fifth ave. has a display of deco French jewelry. Gallery is free Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat 10am-4pm.

There are hundreds if not thousands of restaurants in midtown. Menupages.com is a good place to start.

Anonymous

That's such a busy time, and you're planning so late. Have you checked availability (at any price) for your dates? That might help settle your question.

nytraveler

Both hotels both still show rooms available for that weekend - about (including tax) per room for Times Square and about $425 for Eastside - for 2 - don;t know what they would charge for a room for 3. Since it looks like there are 5 of you, I'm assuming you'll have 1 room for 2 and one for 3.

I would prefer the east side - since I would do anything to avoid Times Square - too mobbed with workers, shoppers, theater-goers, tourists, teen tour groups, tacky tee shirt shops and chain restaurants with expensive micronuked food. (Not that the East side is quiet but at least somewhat less frantic this time of year.)

EmilyC

I wonder just how high the hotel rates can go before folks just stop going to the city?? I think the prices are ridiculous.
At any rate, I've stayed in every Marriott in the city many times for business. The best budget property is the Times Square location (40th street). Since the hotel doesn't sit on Broadway itself, it's fairly quiet. This is a small, relatively newer property (maybe 5-6 years?). The rooms are small(and quite quiet) but it's a hotel with a nice personality. Everyone is friendly, the concierge is always there and is very helpful, and it's any easy walk to the theaters. For some reason, the NYC police like to have breakfast here and they are nice guys and girls. There are also tons of restaurants to choose from.
The Midtown Courtyard was just acquired lasy year - I tried it last winter and it was terrible - nothing had been done yet. However, I see that they have completed the rooms so that's good. If the price were the same, I would choose Times Square...good luck!

nytraveler

Well NYC hotel rates are still a bargain versus those in europe (given the state of the dollar) and we're getting not only a ton of european visitors but a lot of americans trying to save money vs going to europe. Also Nov/Dec is the highest season.

It's really not fair to compare rates to those 3/4 years ago - since they were artificially depressed then due to 9/11. Just like everything else in life - rates will continue to rise - given increasing demand and the number of hotels being turned into condos instead (which are much more profitable).

And granted hotel rates in other places are lower - but then you're not in NYC. We're really the capitol of the world - so lower hotel rates would be nice - but not a realistic expectation.

bethxyz

Thanks for your helpful suggestions and input. I've already made 2 room reservations at both hotels. My Chase credit card offers a travel reward program, every $1 charged equals 1 point, and I've accumulated enough points for the rooms. I would not otherwise have the opportunity to go to NY and stay at the Courtyard. It's a great program.
Thanks again!

Margo_Chester

Nytraveler, good point about how many hotels have gone condo, but to say that NYC is a bargain compared to Europe is a little off, unless you were thinking of London? My recent hotel stay in Paris for a week cost me about what we usually spend in NYC for 4 non-holiday season nights . . . and no, my Paris hotel was not a "dump"

I love NYC, and it is especially magical at the holidays, but to say "We're really the capitol of the world" is a bit much

erdockac

HI:

I stayed at the Courtyard at 40th and 5th last weekend. The room was small, and had a king bed, not 2 doubles like we wanted, but it was fine. It was a nice location and i would stay there again. Quiet. computers with internet access upstairs from the lobby. The only prblem was the heat. It automatically turns on at a particular outdoor temperature and you can't turn this feature off, so the room got really warm about 4 Am each night.Have agreat trip!
Kristen

sandypaws3

bethxyz,
The Comfort Inn we stayed in was near Times Square and was called the Comfort Inn Midtown, on 46th Street. It was just what we wanted -- very small, but clean and comfortable. We liked being near Times Square, as it was convenient to public transportation.

Sandy

sandypaws3

Try Becco, just a short walk from Times Square They have unlimited pasta dishes, served at the table and a wine list with some reasonably priced wines. Very nice experience!

http://becconyc.com/

John's Pizzeria near Times Square -- very good pizza!

http://www.johnspizzerianyc.com/index2.htm

One restaurant we didn't eat at, but wished we had, is Carmine's, on 44th St. We stopped for a drink there, and the smells were incredible!

http://www.carminesnyc.com/

Also, not too far from Times Square, but you'd have to take the bus, as it's closer to Central Park, is Carnegie Deli -- fantastic sandwiches and good cheesecake! It was my husband's favorite place to eat.

http://www.carnegiedeli.com/

Sandy