I'm flying my parents up to NYC for a weekend in October for some plays, dinner and so forth. I have a reservation @ the Marriott Marquis. My concern is not with the hotel itself, instead it is with 2 60 year olds navigating Times Square following some theatre. Any thoughts?

Yeah, you got a real patronizing attitude toward 60-year-olds. What do you think Times Square is, Afghanistan?

If your concern is for their safety, they should be fine! The streets are well lit and busy with theater-goers after the shows get out. Just as long as they use common sense as far as not flashing around money etc. and keep an eye their belongings.

Hi Jim - what a great gift for your parents! I see someone has addressed safety and I agree, with a little commmon sense they should be fine. Also, if they should get turned around and need directions, have them duck into a restaurant and ask the host/hostess or they can inquire before they leave the theater. New Yorkers are friendly and most are willing to help you. You are a nice son to be concerned for them! Hope they have a geat time!

Jim - I am 45 and closer to 60 as each day goes by... your post shocked me into thinking how I might be wandering aimlessly around Times Square in less than 15 years... I would worry more if you were sending two 6-year olds...

I hope my kids are as nice to me as you have been to your parents... but to make it a really valuable weekend...go with them...

I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt here, because I'm a little confused.

Why would two 60 year olds have trouble "navigating" Times Square? Are they handicapped? Do they not speak English?

As I said, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you're just being overprotective, but otherwise, it really is almost funny. Unless they've never been off the farm, it's hard to see why you'd be concerned, and I think you run the risk of offending not only 60 year olds, but NYC residents.

Hi Jim,
Many thousands of 60 year olds (and 70 and 80 year olds) navigate Times Square every day with complete success. You parents will be fine!

They will be fine! Times Square at night is very active, and they should have no trouble at all. It's nice that you are so thoughtful.

Sorry if I offended anyone. It was probably just a case of being a little overprotective. I used to live down in Battery Park City before moving to DC, but rarely ventured into Times Square. Thanks for all the help.

Gary - good idea, I think I will head up and make a visit.

One thing that you should consider is that the Times Square area gets very crowded (in part because of all the street vendors taking up sidewalk space). Just make sure your parents know that they may be walking (or not walking as is sometimes the case) in a crowd of people. That area is not for people who don't like crowds.