holland3

This site was invaluable to me in planning my Italian honeymoon 2+ years ago. Then I had the time to surf all day long to plan our trip. Now I'm lucky to read a few posts on here b/w writing briefs and changing diapers. Anyway...Hubby and I will be in NY from 10/22-10/26 for my 30th bday and have only booked flight and tickets for Wicked so far. Looking for a hotel now, and can't seem to find much for $300 or less for that time. So far, looks like an Applecore hotel is about it in that price range. Can I do better? A good friend of mine got quotes for much nicer looking hotels for end of June in that price range, but when I check those same hotels for October, it's more like $600. I understand the fall is more expensive in NY, but double?

ellenem

Yes, double. October is a really popular time in NYC, especially for conventions. Have you also tried the Affinia group?

Anonymous

Don't be too disappointed if you end up at an Apple Core. We stayed at the newly-remodeled Red Roof Inn, had a nice view of the Empire State Building, and actually did think it was charming.

SusieQ78

I went to NY last year and stayed in Tribeca at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. We had the best room - it was a loft room with the bed and tv upstairs, bathroom, lounge and tv downstairs. It was small but so quiet and cute! I just had a look and you can get a room just under $300 night.

Perfect location next to a subway, lots of restaurants and fast food on the same street. Nice area.

travelbuff

I would suggest trying Priceline to see what is available. Also the Millenium Hotels often have great rates for the downtown location so you might try there.

wliwl

Wow. New York is out of control these days.

I just checked my two favorite (if modest) hotels - Casablanca and Blakely - for those dates and they were well over $400.

They really aren't worth that.

mclaurie

If you want something charming, maybe you should try a b & b. They don't seem to raise their rates seasonally quite as much. A few "charming" ones are

west-eleventh.com
wymanhouse.com
1871house.com

The Excelsior hotel is $274 plus tax on hotels.com but it requires prepayment (standard queen room).

dmlove

My husband will be in NY the week before you for his high school reunion, so we have been checking regularly (including Hotwire). There is simply NOTHING for a decent price (i.e. $300 - holy cow!). A 4* on Hotwire for your dates in midtown east is $329 - undoubtedly the Grand Hyatt. 4 stars range from $329-$399, 3.5 stars $359, 3 stars just slightly less. and that's Hotwire, where you don't even know what hotel you're getting until you hit "buy".

nytraveler

October is high season - and yes, the prices can easily double - esp if there is a convention in town. Also, there are many more european travelers than usual since the value of the dollar is so low - filling up hotels and raising rates.

Certainly look around at all your options - but at that time of year $300 is usually basic - not charming. (The Affinia group - moderate hotels generally well regarded - pleasant but not special - have nothing less than about $500 for those nights.)

You can check out travelzoo and kayak to see if they have anything - but do research the hotels carefully on tripadvisor - they sometimes have places you would NOT want to stay)

You can also check Priceline if you're willing to let them select the hotel - but I would be surprised if they have any good deals then.

You might do better for charming at B&Bs - if you don;t want full hotel services.

nytraveler

Oh - and I wouldn;t wait to make reservations. Some of the hotels I looked at are already fully booked and prices will only go up - not down.

holland3

Thanks for all of the advice. We really don't mind staying at one of the Applecore chain hotels, just wanted to see if we could get anything better for the same price. Honestly, we're really just lucky to get away for a few days. And Anonymous, glad to hear that you can get a room w/ a view at RRI. Have any of you stayed at any of the other hotels in this chain? They seem to be clustered in the same general area, which seems to be a good centralized location for tourists, right?

starrs

I stayed at the LaQuinta last month and was very pleased. I'd book something that could be cancelled and then Priceline closer to your travel time.

GoTravel

holland, check out The Park South Hotel.

It is a lovely boutique hotel in Murray Hill and I love staying there.

Because the rooms are on the small side, the price rarely goes above $300 per night. It is a great value in a fantastic location just steps away from the Lex line.

NWWanderer

Have you tried the Park South? I stayed there last October and quite liked it--good value for the price (well, for NYC). The rooms are small of course but they have some charm. I'm looking at some dates for October of this year and it seems to be just over $300. The rates include continental breakfast and it's very convenient to the 6 train and close to tons of good restaurants.

NWWanderer

LOL, great minds think alike, GoTravel!

travelbuff

If you'd like to consider some B&Bs there are a couple in my area that are very charming, close to subway/bus. So try www.sugarhillinn.com and the Harlem Landmark Inn on W. 147th St. The prices are much less than you are looking at for most of the hotels, and the trip on the A train takes about 15 minutes to 59th St.

wj1

Have you checked Quikbook.com? I just put in your dates and there were a few hotels with prices under $300 a night.

rbnwdln

travelbuff - re: sugarhillinn.com I'm confused. It takes 15 minutes on the A train into midtown from New Hampshire???

dmlove

Thanks to those who posted about the Park South. That looks like it will work for my husband, too.

Anonymous

I think it takes 15 minutes to ride the A train to 59th Street from the Sugar Hill Inn or Harlem Landmark Inn at 147th street.