Where to stay-Upper West Side or Chelsea?

http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/three-day-stay-in-nyc-upper-west-side-or-chelsea.cfm

The Beacon is a hotel, the Inn on 23rd is a small B&B type place in a mid-block townhouse. They are very different. If you are 3 couples, you will be more likely to find rooms together at the Beacon, which has more rooms. November is high season in New York, so your price point is difficult. I'd book something now that you can cancel without penalty since this is so far in advance. Then you can look around for (and may even find if it's before Thanksgiving) a better deal later.

It's hard to know how you came to these particular two choices, but your price point is rather low for that time of the year. Frankly, I feel you might be more comfortable in a more traditional mid-range chain hotel like a Hilton Garden Inn or a Courtyard by Marriott, but I don't know your criteria other than price. There are many decent chain hotels now in the blocks between Penn Station and Times Square west of 7th Avenue, and some are good values; most are new, and some include breakfast. Look at some of those, which may be in your price range. There are also several good chain hotels along 8th Avenue west of Times Square.

A lot depends on what type of area you want to be in. And the hotels you have picked are apples and oranges.


Most of midtown is business-oriented and the Times Square area is frantic/frenetic.

The Beacon is a traditional, older hotel that has been recently updated. The UWS is a mid to upscale residential area close to Central Park and many major museums (on either side of the Park). There are a ton of inexpensive/moderate neighborhood restaurants of every possible ethicity and the avenues are lined with shops (some chain, some local) as well.

As mentioned the Inn on 23rd is really a sort of B&B - very small and with a personal touch. This area is mixed business and residential, more trendy, also lots of restaurants - but not so close to major museums/sights.

Personally you couldn't pay me to stay near Times Square - but I'm a native and it's one of the few parts of the city I really dislike.

I stayed at the Beacon last June, with four girlfriends. We had the 2 bdrm/2 bath suite, which was perfect. It had a small kitchen, living room, and dining area.

The hotel is very well-kept and well-managed. The neighborhood is great for a low-key semi-residential experience. There is a great market across the street, plus coffee shops, etc. nearby. Also has a subway station about a block away. And a couple of blocks to the Lennon memorial at Central Park.

I highly recommend it. You could save $$$ by sharing a suite with a couple, if that would work for you.

Many thanks for all your replies. I do realise they are very different types of accommodation, I am keeping an open mind and are open to all suggestions.

I mainly picked these two as a jumping off point, Chelsea area from MaiTai Tom's recent report and also peaceout's review of the Beacon. We usually stay in B&B's and apartments in Europe so I guess I was looking for something similar.

We will be there in early November, leaving the week before Thanksgiving. We aren't used to paying so much for accommodation so I am finding that a challenge - but it is New York! I couldn't agree more, I do not want to stay in Times Square.

I will look at all your suggestions so thank you for responding.

One of our party has come up the The Wellington Hotel on 7th Ave, right near Carnegie Hall - any thoughts?

"We usually stay in B&B's and apartments in Europe so I guess I was looking for something similar."

Check out the Chelsea Pines Inn where we stayed, You might even feel like you're in Europe, because it seemed half the guests or more were from Europe. The guys who run the place are terrific. Very friendly and helpful. There is no elevator, but they can help you with luggage if need be. Subway stop is 1/2 block away. It's not the Ritz, but it ain't $500 either. Beds were comfortable, it was quiet and the shower worked great (I don't ask much more than that for a hotel). Mary, Kim, Tracy and I liked it a lot. Charlie Chaplin might give you a tail hug, too.

I like Doug's suggestions for newer mid-priced hotel chains for this trip. 3 separate rooms = 3 separate bathrooms!

Oh yes, most certainly 3 separate bathrooms!

Any suggestions of some sites that I can check for the newer mid-priced chains as mentioned by Doug?

Only criteria is that it is clean, has an elevator and bar fridge in the room if possible.

First try going right to the hilton garden inn site and the courtyard by marriot websites. Once you hone in on an area you'd like to base yourselves check quikbook.com, expedia and travelocity for discounts. Priceline bidding wouldn't be appropriate for this group.

Thank you Bowsprit, that's great. I appreciate your suggestions.

Check the Hampton Inn Times Square North or the Hilton Garden Inn on 8th. Another good option would be the Staybridge Suites Times Square.

Thank you starrs, I like the look of the Hilton Garden Inn and the Hampton Inn. I am slowly narrowing it down.

kayak.com will have all the chains and scans a bunch of different websites for best prices. Booking.com often has very good rates. But Nov. is a pricey time and while I'd normally encourage the 3 separate rooms, you may wind up paying $300/night per room or $900/night which is crazy. I would contact the Beacon if you haven't already and get a quote for the 2 bedroom 2 bathroom plus another studio suite.

PS I think it's more about where you can find the bestm most comfortable set up/deal for your group and less about the location. Maybe use location as a way to narrow options once you've got your choices.

I had a trip to New York planned last April and had reservations at the Beacon, but had to cancel trip. I did quite a bit of research before booking the hotel. The Beacon seemed fairly reasonably priced (compared to New York hotels!), and I liked the idea of a kitchenette, as I was staying a week. Most of the reviews I read were favorable. My main focus for the trip was to be museum visiting, so the location seemed great for me, and I did NOT want to be near Times Square. I've been to New York many times, but MANY years ago, and I liked to idea of a somewhat residential area.
Anyway, I hope to reschedule the trip in the coming months, and plan to stay at the Beacon. I can't remember exactly, but I think the prices were less when I booked last year. Of course, that's the way it always is!

Hello, thanks for your replies. I will check out kayak.com and booking.com today. Yes, mclaurie you have hit the nail on the head, its finding the best set up etc that suits us all, very good point.

I really love the idea of the Beacon and keep coming back to it but one couple has been to New York before and doesn't want to stay in the UWS as he says it's too far away from the main sites we want to see. We would be using the subway all the time, I don't see this as a problem. I guess it's hard trying to please everyone. I have a feeling we may be staying at the Beacon with one couple and the third couple might stay somewhere that suits them.

But I shall still check a few more places. Thanks again.

Without knowing what main sights you want to see it's hard to comment on a specific location. But - in general - sights are spread out all over the city - and what's really important is a hotel with good subway access.

Thanks for your reply, nytraveler. We are not into art, but do enjoy museums. Love walking so the Highline is a must. Food walking tour Chelsea Markets/Greenwich. Walking back towards Manhattan on the Brooklyn Bridge. Staten Island ferry, wandering Battery Park, visiting World Trade Memorial site. Walking in Central Park. Rockettes Christmas show at Radio City, a show on Broadway. Top of the Rock.

So your point about good subway access is very valid, I shall keep that in mind.

Not all, but much of what you're planning to do can be found downtown. Take a look at the Courtyard Marriott on Varick St.

Check out Gild Hall and the Wall St. Inn too. Oyster.com always has discounted rooms at the Wall St. Inn and quikbook.com often has discounts advertised for Gild Hall. Both hotels have good access to the subway.

Thanks, Bowsprit, will do.

Have you checked the Courtyard right off 5th Avenue near the library? I've stayed there, and it was a great location.

Thanks, ksbeem. Yes, it's a great location but unfortunately the price for November is way more than we were budgeting for. We didn't know it will peak season then!

I like MaiTai Toms suggestion of the Chelsea Pines, http://www.chelseapinesinn.com/

Any thoughts on this area which is 10 blocks below the Inn on 23rd? I am torn between Chelsea Pines and the Beacon, both seem to have good access with the subway.

"I really love the idea of the Beacon and keep coming back to it but one couple has been to New York before and doesn't want to stay in the UWS as he says it's too far away from the main sites we want to see. We would be using the subway all the time, I don't see this as a problem."

Based on that, my choice would be the Hampton Inn Times Square North.

I tend to agree with the one couple. I've stayed in many different sections of the city - and they all have their pluses - but for limited time in the city I prefer Midtown. It is so nice to be able to WALK to things rather than taking the subway everywhere. If you are in the UWS and want to go to some place on the south part of the island, it's going to take twice the amount of time than if you are in Midtown. If you are living there, no big deal. If you are trying to fit a lot in a short period of time, it makes a difference to SOME of us. I especially like to be able to WALK back after a Broadway show - rather than trying to find a cab (almost futile) or taking a bus or subway "home". Many people hate Times Square. The great thing about the location of many hotels in the Times Square AREA is that the theaters, etc. are just a block or so away BUT they aren't in the middle of the craziness that many people think of when they think of the lights and crowds of TS.

It truly is a personal preference. I have a friend who could live ANYWERE - in the city or anywhere else in the US - and chooses to live right in the middle of it all.. When people say there's nowhere good to eat in the area, we are talking about restaurants he considers his local restaurants. I've been to dinner at his house and then we walked 20 blocks to go to a movie. After the movie it was still 20 more blocks for me to get "home" to the apartment in the UWS. My friend who grew up in the UWS rarely goes to lower Manhattan. The reason? It's "too far"?

I'm rambling a bit - just to say that I understand what your friend is saying. I LOVE the neighborhood feel around my friend's apartment. It really IS a neighborhood and a great place to live. But to get anywhere I usually want to see as a tourist, it's twice as far to get anywhere than if I'd stayed in Midtown. It's just simple logistics.

I like staying at the LaQuinta on W 32nd and especially because a subway station is just on the corner. I agree with everyone who says you can get pretty much anywhere you want to go via the subway. But I also agree with your friend that you can be there in 1/2 the time if you are staying in Midtown - and you can WALK to so much of what you want to see as well.

The location of the Hampton Inn is great. Free breakfast is included. Rooms are big enough for 4 people to stay in a room if needed. I used to stay next to it at a friend's apartment in the World Wide Plaza for years - and NeoPatrick has stayed at WWP for month long vacations. A LOT of people DO choose to live in the area for a lot of reasons. It's all personal choice, of course. Staying there would be my personal choice for a short visit, especially in the winter, as well.

Hi starrs, thanks so much for your honest answer and no you weren't rambling!

I do "get" what you are saying, I think it was our friends choice of hotel that was putting me off the Midtown area and many people saying "don't stay in TS". But to be a few blocks away would be an ideal choice and breakfast included at the Hampton Inn is a bonus. I really like to be able to have breakfast then freshen up in our room then head off for the day rather than going out to eat and back to the hotel and out again.

I guess I was looking more for the neighborhood/village feel of New York. I really appreciate you taking to time to give me your thoughts. I think I will sleep on all of this tonight and talk again in the morning with our friends in Brisbane (we are from Perth, Australia) and see where we stand.

Thank you again starrs.

I'm looking forward to reading this blog!


Maudie: Midtown doesn't have to be IN Times Square, that's for sure. I like a midtown location too for limited stays depending upon my plans for that weekend.

The Algonquin is undergoing renovations and is closed now (I think) but check their site to make sure of the dates. There are often re-opening specials when a hotel first starts accepting reservations for their 'new' hotel. After that I would expect rates to jump.

And as you've already learned, November is expensive.

Hampton Inn breakfasts are good in terms of saving money, but they don't compare to a real breakfast place with a good cup of coffee.

"I guess I was looking more for the neighborhood/village feel of New York." You will get this with The Beacon.

Wow, thanks everyone for your suggestions, I'm overwhelmed and getting more confused!

Love the look of the Gem but those rooms are so tiny, I know rooms in NY are but there isn't anywhere to put luggage!

Algonquin looks amazing but way out of our price bracket, unfortunately.

Yes, coffee is important, I would have to agree with that.

So why is November so expensive, I know its the lead up to Thanksgiving but I would have thought prices would go up from then onwards? Just curious.

I am having the same issues with December and Christmas! Thanks for all of the advice.

Actually the high (I.e. expensive) season starts in October!

However, the week before Christmas offers very good discounts. We stayed at the Omni for under $200.00 the week before Christmas. It was wonderful.

What exactly is the budget per couple?

Hi willowjane, good luck with your search, at least this thread is unearthing some interesting choices.

Budget is around $300 plus taxes per couple. I know I am being a pain, maybe I am just being too nit picky!

I think we have written the Beacon off for the reasons of transport etc, now have Hampton Inn Times Square North or the Chelsea Pines to weigh up. I have been re-reading MaiTai Tom's trip report, they stayed at the Pines and did so much from their base there. I like the idea of having somewhere to sit and have a drink with our friends, ie not in our rooms. But do understand the Midtown area will be easy to do most of our site seeing hit list from.

To confuse you further,I am with Mai Tai Tom on this one. I stayed at the Chelsea Pines and loved it.The guys who run it are super friendly and helpful and it is in an interesting area with good restaurants and transport nearby. However it may not be central enough for your friends . Looks to me the choice is whether you stay where you want or where your friends do. Your call Maudie.

greynomad, Hi! Well as you were writing your post we actually just booked the Pines!!!!

Two couples in the Pines and one couple at the Wellington, we are all happy with our choices. Wellington couple will only overlap us by 3 days and since they have been to NY before they will be seeing different things to us first timers. I just get a really good vibe about the Pines and the area in general.

Thank you to everyone for chiming in, I really appreciate your guidance and suggestions. I am sure I will be back with plenty more questions.

You made a great choice! Have a wonderful trip

Hi starrs, we think so too! It's a good feeling to finally have made a decision, it was weighing heavily on my shoulders as organiser.

Thank you, I am sure we will.

Maudie, we are leaning that way as well. MaiTai Tom should earn reward points from them

That hotel (the Pines) has a fantastic location. Looks like a great choice. Have fun!

Just see if you can stay away from the Fat Witch brownies at Chelsea Market!

http://www.fatwitch.com/

Maudie: You will enjoy Chelsea Pines! The Wellington? meh, not so much.

Hii guys, thanks so much for all your positive posts!! I really appreciate it.

willowjane, go for it! I really like the idea of a more intimate place to stay with personal service, love sitting around at breakfast chatting with people from all over the world. I think it's one of the bonuses of travelling. We booked a deluxe rooms and still came in under budget. I hope you have read Maitai Toms trip report and look for the link to his blog with photo's - it's a great read.

eks, the location seems to be a winner for many of the things we want to do. Oh boy those brownies could be very dangerous, it's only around the corner too!! Yikes, I can see a few good walks on the Highline to work them off - love the website too! Any more interesting suggestions for the area would be appreciated.

Bowsprit, thanks for your help. Yes, the Wellington just didn't do it for me, all they have is a small double room, no fridge, no breakfast no nothing. We paid $300 more overall and are very happy. They had to pay their's in full, we have only paid one nights deposit too.

There is just so much within an easy walk of the hotel.

I will add more as I think of ideas, but for now, this restaurant is a short walk away and they offer a good lunch deal as well as an "early bird" dinner deal. It is on the ground floor of an iconic contemporary condo building and the walk there from the hotel takes you through some of the most handsome areas of the West Village.

http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/perry-street/

This is another reliable restaurant for dinner; also an easy walk from the hotel:

http://www.isodinyc.com/

But really, there are just so many options. I can offer more food advice if you give me an idea of your tastes, price range, etc.

Will you please come back and tell us how you liked your hotel, and your trip in general?

There's a 'Manager's Special' available at the Chelsea Pines Inn through Trip Advisor. It's only valid through March (I know you're going to be in NYC in November) but check back there periodically to see if there's another discount or call them and see if they'll extend this offer. Check on the Chelsea Pines Inn hotel review page on TA.

So glad you chose that Maudie. I am sure you will not be disappointed. Let us know how it turns out. Give Charlie Chaplin a pat for me!

Hi again eks, we like all sorts of food. Indian, Italian, Thai, Turkish you name it. As for price I am really not sure what the prices are like in the US but we certainly won't be doing high end fine dining, we do enjoy mum & dad cafe/local places.

PeaceOut & greynomad, yes I will most definitely do a trip report and report back. Though it's going to be a strange one and which forum to post it on will be the next question. We fly from Perth to Venice for 5 nights then we are on a 19 day transatlantic cruise, Naples, Rome, Florence, Cannes, Barcelona, Casablanca, Azores to Ft. Lauderdale. Then staying on the ship for a week in the Caribbean, back to Ft.Lauderdale, fly to Washington DC for 4 nights, train to NY for 5 nights - very long flight to Singapore so we are having an overnight to sleep and chill out before flying the 5 hours back home.

I have a little black and white kitty too, I will be missing her like crazy by then so I am sure Charlie Chaplin will get plenty of love from me.

Thanks for the heads up Bowsprit, I will check that out right now.

I'm so happy - found Cafe Grumpy a few blocks away for our coffee and a couple of patchwork quilting shops nearby as well. YAY!

I think the couple at the Wellington will be disapoointed. It's HUGE, old, gets lots of tour groups and lots of kids. Location is great but that's about it imo.

Maudie, go to this store if you like fun, funky stuff -
http://www.fishseddy.com/browse.cfm/2,153.html

My favorite store in NYC. I go (and buy something) every time I'm in the city

My umbrella is their skyline umbrella. I'm still checking out those polka dot glasses...

starrs...are you the one who has recommended Fishs Eddy before? If so, thank you! It looks like such a fun store and we have it on our "list" for our trip in May. I just hope I don't find too much to buy and have a problem getting it home!

Probably

They will ship. In fact, it may be better to ship. I think (double check) that you'll save on the taxes on your purchase if you ship to an out of state location. NYC sales tax = pretty high.

Thanks for that tip! Will definitely keep it in mind!