cdngirl

Myself and 3 other girls are planning to go to NY in June for the first time and were wondering about 2 specific hotels. The Pennsylvania and the Belvedere. Has anyone stayed in them and if so are they in a good location and are they clean and decent? Is midtown a nice place to stay for touristy things? (eg: Bloomingdales, Rockefeller centre etc)
We don't need to stay in anything too expensive since we don't plan to spend much time in our rooms. As long as it is clean and in a good location that works for us. Also we would like to try out Rocco's restaurant. We saw the reality show The Restaurant and are curious about it. Is the food any good and is it close to either of those hotels I mentioned.
Thanks for any help.

missjanna

Forget about the Hotel Pennsylvania and Roccos.

If you do a search on here and check the reviews on Tripadvisor.com, you will see that the Pennsylvania, while in a great location, is a dump. It supposedly has been recently renovated, how much, I'm not sure. But I would still recommend staying elsewhere.

As for Rocco's, it's a few blocks from my office, and last I heard was declaring bankruptcy. Also have heard fair to bad reviews for the restaurant.
There was a thread about this not too long ago, you could probably find it with a search on Rocco's on this board. A better restaurant in the same area would be either Gramercy Tavern, Blue Water Grill or Union Square Cafe.

If you want to find a cheap hotel in a good location, essentially there are no real bad locations as long as you're in midtown, downtown, upper east side or upper west side. Check into the Red Roof Inn, Hampton Inn or Comfort Inn if you want a decent hotel for a cheap rates in a good location.

missjanna

Found the links for you from the threads about Rocco's and the Hotel Pennsylvania which hopefully will convine you...LOL

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...t=0&dirtyBit=1

and

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...t=0&dirtyBit=1

Rob

The Belvedere would be a better choice. Location is fine - one block west of
Times Square. Ten minute walk from 5th Avenue and Central Park. Most reviews of this hotel are positive.

Sabrina

Have stayed at The Belvedere and it is very convenient. They have a website and you can check there to get some vry good rates.You can also call the hotel and book that way. I have done that in the past. The rooms are basic, rather like Holiday Inn. They have arefrigerator and microwave in the rooms. My only complaint is that the bathroom is quite small. They offered a plan that included a full breakfast with the rate. You might check out the Marriot at Times Square and also The Doubletree has suites. All of these are very convenient for the theater. Becco's and The Hourglass Tavern might be nice for dinner. Patrick and Howard always offer good suggestions for restaurants.

Anonymous

The Pennsylvania draws universally negative reviews. Writer Dave Barry has said it best:

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald...ry/3375167.htm

togowest

I'd like to suggest the Best Western President. Check the Best Western site for rates. Very good location, clean, not fancy but our room was spacious for the 3 of us (a king and pull-out). I thought it was a deal and we were very comfortable.

weenie57

I agree with "anonymous." The David Berry article is hilarious - and totally true.
Let's see if we can get this link to actually link:
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald...ry/3375167.htm

WhyNot

New York In JUNE........be prepared to S W E A T!!!!!!!!! You may hit restaurant week though.