This trip is in October.

You won't find "chic" in the Times Square area, which you should avoid anyway unless you're going to the theater.

How about the Tribeca Grand or SoHo Grand?

Hotel QT is supposed to be kind of a scene. I don't know much else about it, but you might want to check it out.

Closest I can think of to chic would be the W in Times Square.

Better hotel in better location would be the one or two bedroom apartment at The Salisbury on West 57th. Massive hotel room even by NYC standards.

Is the Muse chic enough? 46th between 6th and 7th. BUt I don't know about that budget, as Oct. is a very desireable time and rates are high then as is occupancy. Whatever you book, I'd do it soon.

I don't know if it's chic but the Times Square Doubletree Suites is great for a family and would fit in your budget. The rooms are actual suites, with two separate rooms. Our family had two queen beds in the bedroom plus a pullout in the living room. We also liked that the suite had a microwave and a fridge. You're literally steps away from theatres.

If it was a romantic weekend with your husband, I'd say no to a hotel in Times Square but your teens will LOVE all the hustle and bustle. TRL (MTV show) tapes 1/2 block away, which pretty much made the trip for my kids since you can watch them film from the street (or at least, you used to).

As far as good location, there are many. There is no 1 location that is best for shopping and theater. The Soho area wouldd probabky be the best shopping neighborhood for a 16 year old. Theater, assuming Broadway, would be Times Sq. Although Times Sq is far from the best place to stay in general. It's congested, and very touristy. Lots of chain & overpriced restaurant, and very little good shopping. The village/soho area has much better shopping and dining, plus some decent off-Broadway.

Most hotel locations are near public transportaton, which can get you almost anywhere, very quickly.

The W Union Square (nicer than the Times Sq W) would be both trendy and near good shopping and transportation, although I have a feeling the price will be higher than $400.

Are you looking for a suite or 1 room with 2 beds. For suites, check the Affinia hotels (www.affinia.com). They have 1 bedroom suites that are great for families (although not necessarily trendy).

http://hotelqt.com/

They have rooms with a King size bed and twin bunk beds. There is a pool in the lobby that turns into a bar at night. It's an Andre Balazs hotel, so that makes it kind of chic by default.

I just looked at that HotelQT website. The King with bunk has only 1 bunk twin bed, not 2 (which seems to hover above the king bed).

The room they show for 4, has 4 twin beds (2 of those 'bunk').

You are absolutely right MFNYC. I didn't notice that the first time I looked at the site. It does look like a nice place for a reasonable price if you are OK with the bed arrangements.

Ah, good catch on the Hotel QT. I haven't seen a room there, so I should have read the website more carefully. The home page made my head hurt.