New York City Hotel Near Met Museum
Sep 28th, 2010, 01:00 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,766
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
New York City Hotel Near Met Museum
I would like to plan a solo trip to New York, with visiting the Metropolitan Museum as my main interest. I've been to New York several times in the past - but not in the last 40+ years! I don't care about the other major tourist attractions, as I've done all that before, and don't want to deal with long lines, etc. I would only stay 3 or 4 days, and probably go in the spring or summer.
Can anyone suggest a decent hotel that would be convenient to the Met, and not cost a fortune? I'd prefer not paying more than $250/night. From what I've been reading, is that possible? If it's not, guess I'll have to continue going to Paris/London instead!
Is Priceline a possibility for NYC hotels? If so, which areas should I bid for. I'm a little nervous about trying that, and getting stuck in an undesirable place. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Can anyone suggest a decent hotel that would be convenient to the Met, and not cost a fortune? I'd prefer not paying more than $250/night. From what I've been reading, is that possible? If it's not, guess I'll have to continue going to Paris/London instead!
Is Priceline a possibility for NYC hotels? If so, which areas should I bid for. I'm a little nervous about trying that, and getting stuck in an undesirable place. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Sep 28th, 2010, 01:37 PM
#2
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,496
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sounds great to plan your trip around the Met but if you haven't been to NYC in over 40 years, I would imagine it has changed some!! For example you can do the Top of the Rock and not stand in line like you do at the Empire State Building.
Priceline is great in NYC. There really aren't too many undesirable areas but for your visit Midtown East would be the best and stick to bidding on 4*. In the summer you can usually get a room for around $150 and a little more in the spring except for around spring break/Easter time. Summer can be hot and humid as it was when we were there last August so maybe go earlier summer.
Check on betterbidding.com for a hotel list. I see there is a Courtyard Marriott on the Upper East Side and I am sure you could get it on Priceline. Looks like, though, it's on 1st Ave which is way too far east for me and a bit of a walk to a subway.
If you don't want to use Priceline, you can look at Hotwire. Also sign up for TravelZoo. They always have deals in New York.
Priceline is great in NYC. There really aren't too many undesirable areas but for your visit Midtown East would be the best and stick to bidding on 4*. In the summer you can usually get a room for around $150 and a little more in the spring except for around spring break/Easter time. Summer can be hot and humid as it was when we were there last August so maybe go earlier summer.
Check on betterbidding.com for a hotel list. I see there is a Courtyard Marriott on the Upper East Side and I am sure you could get it on Priceline. Looks like, though, it's on 1st Ave which is way too far east for me and a bit of a walk to a subway.
If you don't want to use Priceline, you can look at Hotwire. Also sign up for TravelZoo. They always have deals in New York.
Sep 28th, 2010, 02:06 PM
#4
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The city has changed dramatically in the last 40 years. Besides the Met I would suggest you take long walks in the East Village, Soho, Meatpacking Distict and West Village to see some of those changes.
It is not the city you remember.
It is not the city you remember.
Sep 28th, 2010, 02:13 PM
#5
The Met itself has changed dramatically from forty years ago. There are new galleries, others have been thoroughly renovated, and you will find many, many more visitors than was common back in the Seventies.
I wouldn't feel limited to the Upper East Side for a hotel, either -- midtown east might be better as far as restaurants and other diversions when the museum closes for the day. The 4, 5 or 6 trains will get you up to the museum in good time.
I wouldn't feel limited to the Upper East Side for a hotel, either -- midtown east might be better as far as restaurants and other diversions when the museum closes for the day. The 4, 5 or 6 trains will get you up to the museum in good time.
Sep 28th, 2010, 02:19 PM
#6
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,496
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fra-I agree. That's why I suggested midtown east for Priceline bidding. Looks like about the only hotel that comes up on Priceline for the Upper East Side is the Courtyard I mentioned. I would rather be in area with more restaurants, etc as you mentioned.
Sep 28th, 2010, 02:27 PM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,766
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks so much for your replies. This is all very helpful. I'm sure New York has changed drastically since I was last there! And for sure I will want to do more than the Met. I usually get overly ambitious at museums - and exhausted.
I've got a lot of research to do, and definitely should get a couple of guidebooks. I love walking, but as you might have guessed, I'm older than I'd like to admit, and sometimes feel it. I tend to overdo! Anymore suggestions on things I should do and hotels will be much appreciated.
I've got a lot of research to do, and definitely should get a couple of guidebooks. I love walking, but as you might have guessed, I'm older than I'd like to admit, and sometimes feel it. I tend to overdo! Anymore suggestions on things I should do and hotels will be much appreciated.
Sep 28th, 2010, 04:04 PM
#9
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The upper East side doesn;t have a huge umber of hotels and quite a few are distinctly upscale - not in the $250 price range. what might be easy is to stay on the upper est side - directly across the Park from the Met.
This gives you several advantages: several pleasant hotels to choose from that are within our price range.
A pretty 15 minute walk across the Park - or the 79th St crosstown bus if you prefer - to get to the Met.
The chance to see a couple of other great museums on the west side: New York Hsitorical Society, Natural History, Planetarium.
A much greater selection of good neighborhood restaurants of every possible ethnicity within the immediate area.
the hotels in the west 79th st area (Lucerne, On the Ave,, Beacon) are actually closer to the Met than many of the hotels on the east side - esp the Affinia hotels and the Marriott - which is a very inconvenient location
Oh - and if you're thinking of the Central Park of 40 years ago - it;s nothing like that. the only risk is being run down by a mom jogging with her tripod stroller..
This gives you several advantages: several pleasant hotels to choose from that are within our price range.
A pretty 15 minute walk across the Park - or the 79th St crosstown bus if you prefer - to get to the Met.
The chance to see a couple of other great museums on the west side: New York Hsitorical Society, Natural History, Planetarium.
A much greater selection of good neighborhood restaurants of every possible ethnicity within the immediate area.
the hotels in the west 79th st area (Lucerne, On the Ave,, Beacon) are actually closer to the Met than many of the hotels on the east side - esp the Affinia hotels and the Marriott - which is a very inconvenient location
Oh - and if you're thinking of the Central Park of 40 years ago - it;s nothing like that. the only risk is being run down by a mom jogging with her tripod stroller..
Sep 28th, 2010, 05:55 PM
#11
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,715
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hotel prices fluctuate dramatically depending on dates. When you visit is probably the most important issue. $250/night in Jan-March will buy a lot more than it will in Oct-Dec. As others have said, there aren't very many hotels, especially affordable ones near the Met and the area is very upscale with not a lot of restaurants or nightlife close by. The Wales could be an option but rooms for 1 there are very small. The Franklin is another hotel in the area. I think the upper west side is a better idea with more options. I also think something like the Affinia Gardens on the edge of midtown and the upper east side, near Bloomingdales could be a good option.
Sep 28th, 2010, 07:55 PM
#12
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you like art the West 20's betwenn 10th and 11 are littered with galleries.
The East Village which used to be extremely dangerous is now filled with interesting and unqiue shops and families play in Thompkins Square Park.
SOHO has gone through three metamorphoses in 40 years. The current one includes many expensive stores.
There are scads of new glass office and residential buildings throughout the city.
The food has become more sophisticated and diversified, so if you state your preference, maybe some can help.
NYC is now the safest large city in the US, especially Manhattan in the usual tourist and residential neighborhoods.
I would stay in a neighborhood away from the Met, so you are forced to see other areas.
Etc., etc.
The East Village which used to be extremely dangerous is now filled with interesting and unqiue shops and families play in Thompkins Square Park.
SOHO has gone through three metamorphoses in 40 years. The current one includes many expensive stores.
There are scads of new glass office and residential buildings throughout the city.
The food has become more sophisticated and diversified, so if you state your preference, maybe some can help.
NYC is now the safest large city in the US, especially Manhattan in the usual tourist and residential neighborhoods.
I would stay in a neighborhood away from the Met, so you are forced to see other areas.
Etc., etc.
Sep 29th, 2010, 05:24 AM
#14
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 736
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'll second the Affinia Gardens, on 64th between Second and Third Avenues. Depending on the time of year, it could come very close to your budget. So could the Franklin Hotel. I also think the Upper West Side would be a good option, although I personally think it's quite reasonable to want to stay close to the Metropolitan Museum, particularly if multiple visits are planned. It's a huge museum, and a real fan couldn't finish enjoying all of it in one day. I wouldn't be inclined to stay as far uptown as the Wales.
Nobody could argue that New York has changed much in the past 40 years. To the list of neighborhoods that have changed dramatically, I'd add Times Square. I wasn't in NY 40 years ago, but 30 years ago at least, it wasn't really a place for a comfortable visit. Now it's safe to walk there even at night, and it's still a spectacular sight after dark. The only neighborhood I can think of that's _less_ interesting to me than in the past is probably Soho.
Nobody could argue that New York has changed much in the past 40 years. To the list of neighborhoods that have changed dramatically, I'd add Times Square. I wasn't in NY 40 years ago, but 30 years ago at least, it wasn't really a place for a comfortable visit. Now it's safe to walk there even at night, and it's still a spectacular sight after dark. The only neighborhood I can think of that's _less_ interesting to me than in the past is probably Soho.
Sep 29th, 2010, 12:29 PM
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,766
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This forum is great! I really appreciate these ideas. I'm definitely going to consider the Upper West Side. For my purposes and interests, that might really fit the bill. I'm in the process of looking up the suggested hotels on Trip Advisor, which is great, as people comment on the areas, restaurants, etc. as well as the hotel. So far, I've only done the Lucerne, which has very favorable comments. Being close to bus and subway stop would be important to me, even though walking is my thing. But one does a lot of walking in museums like the Met!
I think planning for this trip will be lots of fun. I remember when I was there those many years ago, shopping was my primary interest (I was young!). Thank goodness, that will no longer take up my time, and I can enjoy the sights and walking around the different areas - and of course the museums.
I think planning for this trip will be lots of fun. I remember when I was there those many years ago, shopping was my primary interest (I was young!). Thank goodness, that will no longer take up my time, and I can enjoy the sights and walking around the different areas - and of course the museums.
Sep 29th, 2010, 02:54 PM
#16
I think you would really enjoy staying in the UWS. The 86 crosstown bus drops you right off at the corner of the Met. I love the ride through Central Park.
Get off the bus at Columbus to eat here -
http://www.kefirestaurant.com/
A family member recommended it and I loved it. Here's a review -
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/kefi/
I stopped there after a visit at the Met and they have a great, inexpensive prix fixe menu for those seated before 5:45. WONDERFUL meal!
I think the Lucerne or the Excelsior would be a wonderful place to stay
http://www.excelsiorhotelny.com/
I agree that there is so much to see and do and things are much different than 40 years ago. Go see parts of the city you may not have seen then. Some of my favorites -
Take the Foods of NY walking and tasting tour of Greenwich Village -
http://www.foodsofny.com/greenwichvillage.php
Go to the Chelsea Market and then take a walk on the High Line afterwards -
http://chelseamarket.com/
http://www.thehighline.org/
Go down to Union Square on one of the market days -
http://www.grownyc.org/unionsquaregreenmarket
My favorite place to shop - the quirky Fishs Eddy
http://www.fishseddy.com/
A "must do" - IMO - one of the tours at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum
http://www.tenement.org/
Go to the Top of the Rock for a panaromic view of the city
http://www.topoftherocknyc.com/
Better than the Empire State Building because you don't have to wait in a long line (you buy a ticket for a given timeframe) and you also get to SEE the Empire State Building
While you are at Rockefeller Center, I think you would really enjoy the tour of the Radio City Music Hall
http://www.radiocity.com/tours/stage-door-tour.html
Definitely go see a Broadway show. Check out what's showing at www.playbill.com
Find discounts at http://www.broadwaybox.com/
You can definitely get good rates on Priceline or Hotwire. I prefer Hotwire - less hassle even though you may pay a bit more.
Check out what hotels are in each area on www.betterbidding.com
Have a great trip!
Get off the bus at Columbus to eat here -
http://www.kefirestaurant.com/
A family member recommended it and I loved it. Here's a review -
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/kefi/
I stopped there after a visit at the Met and they have a great, inexpensive prix fixe menu for those seated before 5:45. WONDERFUL meal!
I think the Lucerne or the Excelsior would be a wonderful place to stay
http://www.excelsiorhotelny.com/
I agree that there is so much to see and do and things are much different than 40 years ago. Go see parts of the city you may not have seen then. Some of my favorites -
Take the Foods of NY walking and tasting tour of Greenwich Village -
http://www.foodsofny.com/greenwichvillage.php
Go to the Chelsea Market and then take a walk on the High Line afterwards -
http://chelseamarket.com/
http://www.thehighline.org/
Go down to Union Square on one of the market days -
http://www.grownyc.org/unionsquaregreenmarket
My favorite place to shop - the quirky Fishs Eddy
http://www.fishseddy.com/
A "must do" - IMO - one of the tours at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum
http://www.tenement.org/
Go to the Top of the Rock for a panaromic view of the city
http://www.topoftherocknyc.com/
Better than the Empire State Building because you don't have to wait in a long line (you buy a ticket for a given timeframe) and you also get to SEE the Empire State Building
While you are at Rockefeller Center, I think you would really enjoy the tour of the Radio City Music Hall
http://www.radiocity.com/tours/stage-door-tour.html
Definitely go see a Broadway show. Check out what's showing at www.playbill.com
Find discounts at http://www.broadwaybox.com/
You can definitely get good rates on Priceline or Hotwire. I prefer Hotwire - less hassle even though you may pay a bit more.
Check out what hotels are in each area on www.betterbidding.com
Have a great trip!
Sep 29th, 2010, 03:11 PM
#17
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 667
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I totally agree with starrs's recommendation of Kefi. It is my favorite place to eat in NYC.
Another museum you might be interested in is the new-ish Museum of Art and Design. http://madmuseum.org/ It's right on Columbus Circle and has interesting exhibitions, a wonderful store, and a restaurant/bar on top, Robert, which has a great view of Central Park.
I'm a big fan of Joyce Gold. Her walking tours are fascinating, and very convenient, since you just show up and don't have to pay in advance--plus she gives a discount for seniors. http://www.nyctours.com/
Another museum you might be interested in is the new-ish Museum of Art and Design. http://madmuseum.org/ It's right on Columbus Circle and has interesting exhibitions, a wonderful store, and a restaurant/bar on top, Robert, which has a great view of Central Park.
I'm a big fan of Joyce Gold. Her walking tours are fascinating, and very convenient, since you just show up and don't have to pay in advance--plus she gives a discount for seniors. http://www.nyctours.com/
Sep 29th, 2010, 03:56 PM
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,766
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Starr and maryanntex, thanks so much for the website links and ideas. I think I'll have to stay in NYC for a week instead of 3 or 4 days as I thought. That's fine with me - I'm free! At least I've got the time, but I better start saving up some money.
