NewbE

Hi, all! Just booked a whirlwind trip to NYC, two nights, 2 ½ days, seeing two shows: The Crucible and Shuffle Along. I think we would really prefer to stay within easy walking distance of the Walter Kerr and the Music Box and travel to day time activities away from that neighborhood. I'm open to other ideas, but that system has worked well for us in the past.

We liked The Royalton in the past, can get it for $237/night, but recent reviews suggest that the rooms are getting worn. Maybe the Sofitel would be good, as it's on the same quiet street, but a bit more expensive at around $300/night. I am strongly considering The Muse this time, rate around $250, and some nicer amenities, such as free wifi.

Budget is $250-300 per night before taxes. Priorities are good design, quiet rooms. Nice lobby bar a plus. Dates are 5/26-28.

Or would we be better off staying in a fun neighborhood like the Village and cabbing to theater?? Decisions, decisions. Your help is appreciated.

DebitNM

The Eventi is within walking distance [for us, anyway] and is the nicest of my suggestions; CAMBRIA HOTEL & SUITES NEW YORK - CHELSEA and The Paul are also walking distance. We have stayed at Eventi and Cambria Suites.

Kimpton has a few others, The Muse which is probably the closest but haven't stayed. Ink48 and 70 Park Avenue [name, as well as address].

happytrailstoyou

Please give a report on the shows you see.

HTtY

NeoPatrick

I know some locals would disagree, but with both nights at the theatre, I think your instincts are right to stay THERE. It's easier to travel to neighborhoods during the day than before and after theatre.

I like the Muse. Sofitel is nice. I've never stayed at The Royalton, but the last time we popped in for drinks, the whole place seemed "tired", so I get the concern. If there's a great rate at Hyatt Times Square, I'd consider it, especially for their rooftop lounge, now the highest in NYC.

NewbE

Thanks, Debit, I will check out your suggestions!

Neo, thanks for your opinion of The Royalton, and I will check out the Hyatt TS.

This is the current list of options, gleaned from various online sources:
The Archer--any thoughts?
The Gotham--any thoughts?
The Muse
The Sofitel

NewbE

Oh, and htty, will do!

Kathie

What about the Marriott Marquis?

Dukey1

WE just stayed in the Marriott..got home this afternoon. We have also stayed in the Hyatt TS and all in all when we return to NYC I suspect we'll go back to the Hyatt.

We had a two-room "suite" at the Marriott this time and I will say that the place has always been quiet but I'm tired of the tub/shower combo and Marriott will only give you free Wi-Fi, the basic one, if you book with them directly or are a Rewards member.

Anywhere in that area is certainly convenient for the theatres, the subway, and we even walk back and forth to the Met.

TS really IS a mob scene at nights now and last night you could hardly move because the shows were ending (as had ours). A trade-off I guess.

Have a great trip.

NewbE

The Marriott is much more expensive for my dates than the other hotels on my list, so it's off the table. Ditto the Eventi. The Hyatt TS is in play, although it's more than the Sofitel. Thanks to everyone who took the time to make suggestions!

I confess, I prefer smaller hotels, on the whole. And while I don't have an existential objection to TS the way so many posters here do, I don't really want a hotel ON Times Square and have to elbow through crowds to get to the door.

SO thinks the Paul, Ink48 and 70 Park are, well, not too far away, but farther than comparably styled and priced hotels we're looking at. Does that make sense??

SusieQQ

I prefer The Muse, but if I can't get a good rate, then I stay at the Hilton Garden Inn at 48th and 8th. The good thing about the Hilton is that for most shows you don't need to cross through Times Square.

kureiff

We stayed at The Muse in January, and we liked it a lot. It was close to Times Square, but it didn't feel busy. It was an easy walk to the theatre, too.

Dukey1

You will not have to "elbow your way" through the lobby at the Hyatt...you'll even be able to make it down TO Times Square itself and THEN is when you need your elbows!

I understand your concerns; I just booked the Hyatt for a trip north next January.

NewbE

Thank you all again for the helpful replies!

Any word on the Archer or the Gotham? I had never heard of either of them until doing research and so am hesitant...

NewbE

Adding a postscript to laud Kimpton's service.

I settled on the Muse, joined the Karma Rewards program, and used my one-time new member 20% discount.

Today, I received an email that NYC Kimptons are 30% off for weekend stays this summer. So I shot Kimpton an email asking that my rate be lowered. ONE MINUTE later, I received an updated confirmation with the new rate.

I know any hotel would have matched the rate, but the convenience and speed of this exchange impressed me.

(And the 30% off is a good deal, fellow travelers...)

DebitNM

Good job!

I also got the email. 30% off is deal +
You do need to be a Karma member, but that takes 2 minutes to join.