almostthere

My husband and I will be visting NYC for our first time, for our 30th annv. We're considering mid Sept,. hoping for nice outdoor temps so we can get out and see the city. I would like to stay near Central Park and have been considering Le Meridien or Ritz-Carlton. A roomy, comfortable room with a view is important to us, also a good causal restuarant and room service. The Ritz is so expensive in Sept, is it worth it? What about Le Meridien, nice rooms, good location? Any other suggestions in that area?

qwovadis

betterbidding.com

Usually Bid Priceline.com for mid town 3 stars

from $110/nt or so Hyatt Hilton usually

I belong to all the Preferred Guest Programs

(costs nothing to sign up) get free club floor upgrades/views

Best way to go almost always for me.

Ritz is one of the Best if money is no object

I have stayed in a suite at the Waldorf Astoria

Was the very best for me but the company I was lecturing

at Einstien University put me up.

Personally would never pay that much money when great

options/value exist closeby.

SPG.com also good options get their Amex Card great

cash points specials upgrades.. have done this saved a

tonne.

Happy Planning,

doug_stallings

Only Le Meridien has a "casual" restaurant, whether nice or not (the Burger Joint). But you'll find casual restaurants within a few blocks of any hotel in Midtown, so focus on the room in the hotel rather than the dining opportunities within. If you're smart, you'll never eat a meal in your hotel. Room service will be scandalously expensive in either of these hotels, but that's true almost anywhere in NYC.

September is the beginning of the high season in NYC, so hotel rates are much higher than in August. These high prices continue (and get higher) through Christmas, and then they drop like a stone.

It's hard for me to say if either of these hotels is "worth" the high prices they charge. For me, no. I'd never pay that much for a hotel, and I'd never stay in a luxury hotel either. But if the view is important to you, you'll have a few choices. It's probably at a much higher price point, but the Mandarin Oriental is a truly luxurious, wonderful hotel with great views from many rooms. Even the Marriott Marquis has some good views. But if you want views of Central Park, then you have fewer choices. The Jumeirah Essex House is also right on Central Park South, and some rooms have great views of Central Park. Just realize that in any of these hotels, the rooms with views will come at a much higher price point than those without.

almostthere

Thank you so much for your helpful responses. Considering your advise, I've decided to put the view lower on the list and try to find a good value in the area. A clean comfortable room in a good location, however is still important, and nearby dining/cafe outside of the hotel . We are Marriott and SPG members, maybe I can find a deal there? I have used Priceline in the past, but only in locations I'm familiar with. I'm a bit nervous about not knowing which hotel I would get. Any real concern there? Oh, and we plan on about 6 days in NYC.

mixingbluegreen

The Ritz is a very great hotel. However when I went to New York City, I was at the Roosevelt. It was a while ago so I don't remember much except I really enjoyed it. Here is a link if you think you are interested in the Roosevelt, otherwise the Ritz is worth the cost.

http://www.theroosevelthotel.com/

Ryan

Mid-September is a really busy time for business conferences in NY. Just keep that in mind when considering your rate expectation.

If you're looking for something outside of midtown, that might fit your budget and room size criteria, I suggest the Hotel Wales on Madison and 92nd. It has a rooftop garden and a restaurant. Numerous neighborhood places are a block or two away including a diner on Madison Avenue.

Through Priceline I stayed recently at the Helmsley on 42nd. For the price, I thought it was a great value.

If looking for a luxury hotel, I really like The Peninsula. The indoor pool is a real plus. Not cheap, but the rooms are really nice.

NewbE

We recently stayed at the Royalton, on 44th between 5th and 6th, and we absolutely loved it! The room was spacious, modern, had large windows with a good city view, and was pristinely clean; all the basics, like great linens, excellent room service, attentive service, were covered. And it has a sexy lobby/lounge area perfect for cocktails. I would certainly stay here again if we were to stay in Midtown.
http://www.royaltonhotel.com/en-us/#/home/

NewbE

I should add, I got a great rate by prepaying at jetsetter.com--you might check out the offers there, they're usually quite good. (I called the hotel to see if they could match the rate I found, and they could not.)

nytraveler

Looking for a hotel room with a view in NY is always a VERY expensive proposition - since even hotels with good locations have many rooms facing the wrong way. So unless it's a truly special event - or money is no object at all - I wold drop the view idea - and focus on getting a comfortble room that's not too small.

The Roosevelt is always offering special deals. The location is OK but it's a traditional hotel that is somewhat worn and while some rooms are a decent size some are quite small.

the hotels listed here are all over the map pricewise - except super budget - and the cost will vary by several hundreds of dollars per night - depending on which you pick. If it were me I would go for a good location and a decent sized room - and then see what deals are available within those parameters. (And do realize that many hotels have some tiny rooms you may get if your don;t ask up front about options and costs.)

deedeedee

Try booking your room through Virtuoso. Upgrades & breakfast are usually included. I used them for my trip to Europe and was not disappointed.

mclaurie

Mid Sept. is soooo expensive (it's my anniversary then too and there are sooooo many hotels. The RC Central Park will be a fortune for a park view room and it doesn't have a casual restaurant (few of the top places do). I think the Parker Meridien is not a bad option if you can get a deal but it's in a totally different league from the RC. I notice the NY Palace is on sale on oyster.com but still quite pricey. But perhaps the photos on oyster will be helpful.

Bowsprit

almosthere's second posting here reflects a change of heart. He's looking for a good value hotel and it sounds like he's moved away from the luxury hotel focus and needs ideas for Marriott properties.

Bowsprit

@ almostthere: This is a bit of a hidden gem and nowhere near Central Park (but within easy access to a few subway lines that can take you there); Check out the Wall St. Inn.

The Wall St. Inn is on Williams Street near Wall St. (doh) and is backed by Stone Street; a cobblestoned alley that is filled with restaurants with outdoor seating. It's a quiet hotel, if you ask for a room facing Williams you won't be bothered by the Stone St. noise, but when we stayed there we didn't notice the noise at all; good insulation.

The Inn is charming, rooms are not miniscule (the bathrooms are small, but well appointed except for the absence of hair conditioner, for some reason). Front desk people are brusque and dismissive and not in a good New York City way; just ignore them, you'll be happier. They'll attend to your wishes, but they are not convinced that the customer is always right. The Wall St. Inn serves a lousy continental breakfast but the coffee will get you jump started.

I found a rate of $149.00 on Oyster.com last September; their rates are often up around $300.00. The iconic, and quite good Delmonico's Steak House is across the street. I am a big fan of this little hotel. It is the antithesis of the big, impersonal corporate hotels.

mclaurie

The historic Algonquin hotel is now a Marriott. If you like historic with charm, good location and very good service (although rooms not very large) that's an option. The Marriott Marquis & the Renaissance, both in Times Square have nice views and central location.

lek523

Mid September will be extremely crowded anywhere in the mid-town east or west due to the UN General Assembly. It usually begins 2nd-3rd week of September and the hotels will be booked with everyone they bring with them. I'd ask the hotel if they will have a lot of these guests (there'sa ton of security, street closures etc). Then I'd suggest staying a bit further downtown and if you can find a Kimpton hotel look there. I've been having great luck with this chain and so have many of my friends - many cities, all positive!

Bowsprit

I like the idea of the Algonquin! Nice call, mclaurie!