Tulips

We are planning to visit NYC the first week of April next year, with our two children age 11 and 12. We know NY quite well, but haven't visited for a few years.

Thinking about a two bedroom suite, and considering Lyden Gardens (from www.affinia.com), in E64th Street, and the Kimbery Hotel (E50th).
Has anyone stayed in either of these? Any other ideas? We like to be in the upper east side.
Also; is this a busy period? Should I be booking now, or wait till closer to April to get better rates?

nytraveler

April is not the busiest time - but not slow either. And occupancy rates/room rates have been climbing this whole year. If you can get something good grab it now - I doubt prices will go down except for Jan and Feb (outisde of Pres/Valentine Days).

Tulips

Thank you ny traveler.
Anyone familiar with these hotels? Or any other suite hotel/apartment ideas?

TC

I've stayed at the Kimberly several years ago. Its not really what I would consider the Upper East Side in location. I found the accommodations to be o.k. It was nice to have a bit of extra space. It isn't swanky by any means, but was on a par with other moderate hotels.

Have you tried the Hotel Delmonico, 502 Park Ave?

http://www.accessaccommodations.com/newyorkcity/

mclaurie

The Kimberly on 50th would be considered midtown really(34th-59th). I think I read somewhere they have an indoor pool (rare in NYC). Would that appeal to your kids? (Are you sure both of these have a 2 bedroom option? I had also heard the 2 bedrooms from the Affinia hotels were quite pricey.)

The Salisbury is often mentioned by regular poster GoTravel as a place her parents like to stay in a two bedroom suite, saying they could afford to stay anywhere. It's on west 57th so also midtown but a very convenient location near Central Park. The Affinia group also has the Surrey Hotel which is really in the heart of the upper east side but is pricier than the rest I think.

All the places you've mentioned are apt. style hotels with kitchens. Is that what you want? There are plenty of hotels that could arrange a two bedroom situation with adjoining rooms but they wouldn't have the kitchen facilities. Curious about why the ues? There are a few places on the upper west side that might work.

Tulips

We don't really need the kitchen, but it's nice to have the extra space you get in an apt. Last few times in NY we stayed at the St Regis, but that gets a bit expensive for two rooms for 5 nights. They quote from 460 per room on their website.

The Kimberly quotes 469 for a 2 bed apt. Waiting from quote from Affinia.

Anywhere from east 50 to east 70 would be fine.

Also looking at the W hotel Lexington Ave (we have some Starwood points to spend too).
I suppose up to 600 a night would be ok, for either the apt or for two connecting room.

I'll check out the other suggestions. Thank's for the help!

mclaurie

Tulips, rightly or wrongly, I've always thought you and I have similar taste. If you want the UES and the Affinia's Surrey has a 2 bedroom at a decent price, take that. It's got the kitchen and the location on 76 just off Fifth. Cafe Boulud is off the lobby

Do yourself a favor and avoid the W on Lexington Ave. The location is in a very businessy area near Grand Central Station. My English sil refused to stay even one night. The rooms are like closets (cupboards). If you want to use Starwood points, there are 12 other properties, most of which I'd prefer. Ofcourse the Essex House is wonderful but may be no less than the St Regis. The W Union Square is considered very cool and in a fun/hip area. I think the W in Times Square is also not bad or the Westin in Times Square but I can't see you in TS, although the kids would like it. The W also bought 2 older hotels on 39th off Lexington, the Tuscany and the Court. I think those might be okay.

The biggest secret treasure though is the Sheraton Russell. It's on Park Ave around 39th st. While I'd prefer the UES location of the Surrey, or the trendiness of the Union Square, this hotel is old world elegant and may have wonderful suites. If the Murray Hill area would suit you, I'd check out the Sheraton Russell.

Tulips

Thank you Mclaurie; great advice.
I know the Murray Hill area, since I briefly lived near there in 1987 (very long time ago; summer internship). I'll check that out, and otherwise maybe the Surrey.
Does Cafe Boulud do breakfast? And I was thinking about Bistro DB for dinner? Do you know that.
My two favorite activities in NY are shopping and eating!

mclaurie

I was right! But I would say first shopping then eating

No, I doubt Cafe Boulud would be open for breakfast, but within 2-4 blocks of the Surrey are 4 decent coffee shops, Nectar at Madison & 79th, 3 Guys at Madison & 76th, Viand at Madison & 78th St and A Tavola on Lexington at 77th. The last place, the owners are Italian not Greek, so they also have good Italian food. But the treasure of that neighborhood is Via Quadronno on 73rd just off Madison. They have supposedly the best cappuccino (and gelato) outside of Italy and open at 8:30am serving panini, panetone etc.. Have a look

http://viaquadronno.com/media/websiteviaquadronno.html

Yes, I know db Bistro, a newer, less expensive place owned by D Boulud. They have a good pre-theater prix fixe dinner for $39. Otherwise I think it's a bit pricey. I'd rather do Cafe Boulud for those prices. In the neighborhood of the Surrey, I read the French Bistro L'Orsay on Lexington & 75th has hired the former chef from Lutece. MMMmmm. BTW, I assume you realize the Surrey is a block away from the Carlyle.
 

mclaurie

I guess you did say first shopping then eating.

Tulips

Thanks! If you need any info on Antwerp shops and restaurants let me know!
Can't wait to take my girls shopping in NY. Luckily, they like both shopping and restaurants.