Rose1979

Hi All
We will be in New York for our Honeymoon from the 13th of September for 5/6 Nights. As New York is one of our many stops in the US we arent willing to spend 350usd and up but also dont want it to be a dumb. What does everyone think of the hotels I have listed? We are also willing for any suggestions anyone may give us. Whats the best area to stay in? Are we best staying in Time Square Area?

Thank you for all you help everyone!

Rose

nytraveler

Many tourists prefer to stay inTimes Square because it's their image of New York. Most New Yorkers spend as little time there as possible because it frantically busy with mobbed sidewalks, tacky tourist/souvenir shops and lots of poor, overpriced chain restaurants. If you're going to be spending a lot of time at the theater it makes sense to stay in midtown west.

If not - and esp for younger people - I would reco staying someplace busy - but less frantic - and perhaps more trendy.

Honestly, at that time of year though, your best bet is to reserve something cancellable now and then bid on Priceline (4* only since some 3* are not very pleasant) when to try to get a good deal on something. You can try midtown east, central park south ad even downtown.

Or - you can look for someplace in the more trendy downtown area - with lots of shopping, restaurants, and bars/clubs.

You might try looking at travelzoo, quickbook and kayak web sites to see if you can find any bargains.

You might try looking at travelzoo, quickbook and kayak web sites to see if you can find any bargains.

And just so you're aware - the 2 hotels you're looking at will be $300 to $350 plus tax in September (checking random dates).

Rose1979

We are both in our late 20s and from Sydney so we are looking forward to all the excitment of New York. I have found rates at both those hotels that are within our budget.

I have looked on priceline but I have no idea on how to bid? Whats the earliest we can start looking on that website? Thanks Rose

bc

I can't help you at all with Priceline, but we have stayed at the Belvedere and have been perfectly satisfied. it is not a luxury hotel, but it is comfortable and clean and in a very good location. We are some of the "many tourists who prefer to stay in Times Square." We love the crowds and noise. The Belvedere is near Times Square but a little bit away from the hubbub. Just my two cents.

mclaurie

You are coming at a beautiful time of year, but unfortuanately, it's also an expensive time so many hotels that might be well within your budget at other times are not for mid Sept. The Paramount's rooms are miniscule-smaller than you can imagine and I think the hotel is long overdue for a renovation. There was some talk of it becoming a Hard Rock hotel, but as far as I know, that hasn't happened. The Belvedere is an older well respected budget hotel in a convenient location near but not right in Times Square. I would not consider spending +$300 for either of these hotels, but I don't know if that's what you're saying they cost. On quikbook.com (a site I like) the Belvedere is averaging $295/night plus tax so it will be around $329/night. That's steep to me. For a bit more, the San Carlos has a deluxe king room for $309/night. This is a lovely hotel in midtown but on the east side. The Affinia Gardens is a very nice all suite hotel and they have a price on quikbook of $320 plus tax must you'd have to prepay and no cancellation. This hotel is near Bloomingdales. (compare prices for it on the hotel's own site www.affinia.com

The Times Square vs. no Times Square issue is so personal. Locals hate the area, many visitors like it. If you don't mind crowds and like the idea of being in the theater district, yes, it's fun. But I personally would rather stay in a nicer hotel regardless of location than stay in a lesser hotel just to be near Times Square.

Looking on kayak.com (another good website) I see the Washington Square hotel for $235 plus tax (+15%) This hotel is in a charming part of Greenwich Village across from a park and near NYU, so it's young and vibrant. This won't be fancy, but the area has lots of charm and many tourists are thrilled when they find it as it's so different to midtown. Another option in that same area is an apartment at greenwichvillagehome.com which has rented for $185/night.

You can learn about bidding on priceline by going to biddingfortravel.com or betterbidding.com
Even if you decide you want to try this, you should make a cancellable reservation somewhere NOW as a back up should you not have success on Priceline. I would also recommend only bidding 4* hotels in NYC. You won't pay that much less for a 3*, you won't have any free re-bids with a 3* and there are some 3* "duds."

Lots of good luck for your upcoming wedding.