I'm considering a first trip w/my 15 and 9 yr old kids either Labor Day 8/31-9/3 or Thanksgiving 11/21-11/25. Labor Day is a cheaper season, but one less day to spend. Is that enough time to really see some sights and how hot is it then? Thanksgiving seems very appealing, but the thought of a first trip in such a busy season intimidates me. Essex House appears to be a good place to stay based on messages posted. Thanks!

NYC weather is very variable. It is very possible to get hot, humid weather on Labor Day. You could also luck out and get pleasantly warm temps with little humidity. Thanksgiving crowds are really not all that bad, except of course for the Thanksgiving Parade, itself. It's actually a pretty nice time to be in NYC.
Essex House is in a very nice location, you should like it there.

Do NOT go at Thanksgiving! The day after Thanksgiving crowds are horrendous. Everybody is shopping and it is not a pleasurable way to spend your time!

I'd pick a weekend in the fall or spring that isn't a holiday! If you have to go over labor day, that's probably better than Thanksgiving!

You'll have enough time to see lots of htings. Do your research and get yourself organized before you go. Start uptown and work your way down, or vice versa.

The subway system is increidbly easy to use and will get you anywhere you want to go.

The previous poster is correct about the weather on Labor Day Weekend. It could be great, it could be hot.
Either way, it's a good weekend to visit, crowd-wise. There are not that many tourists around that weekend. And, if you're interested in the theater, it's a great weekend for getting half-priced tickets at the TKTS booths.

I think labor day is better--it can be very cold thanksgiving day. On the other hand, you can go to the parade or watch the balloons get inflated the night before if your kids can stay up till midnight. Do a search on this forum for tons of nice advice on things to do with kids. you will have a ball either time.

I think I'll take your advice and go for Labor Day. We're from Texas, so we're used to the heat. I checked hotel rates on Quikbook (never heard of it til discovering these posts)and Essex House is $214. Seems reasonable to me; is it? A place called the Gorham ($199 1 br suite) sounded interesting and roomy, but we'd like the "New York experience" and a good location.

Thanks for the help.

Essex House is on Central Park West, across the street from Central Park. At the rate you quote it is not too likely you will get a room facing the park. The Gorham is a smalller hotel located on W.55th, four short blocks south of Central Park WEst. Location of both is okay but the Gorham is a little closer to Times Square and to most midtown sites you might be visiting. It is also closer to the subway system but not by that much so this need not be a major consideration.

You might also want to try Priceline for a NYC hotel. You can pick your "quality" rating and area, but not the hotel itself.

A great site for learning how to bid and what an appropriate $$ amount should be is at: www.biddingfortravel.com

Search this site for posts about the Mayflower On the Park. The hotel is a stone's throw from Essex House, also on Central Park, and a great location. A guaranteed park view suite will cost you about $225 -- and the rooms are HUGE. Essex House is nice, but small rooms and you'll probably have an airshaft view. Go for the Mayflower for location and "the New York Experience."

Seasoned, on-line users-is it unusual for a hotel to tell you no availability directly and on their web site, but quikbook to show rooms available at their prices? I made reservations directly with Essex and was told a deluxe king with sofa bed (inner view)was all they had for $249. Quikbook shows a standard triple (?) available at $214. Is this possible? Same for Warwick Hotel that has no availability at their site, but quikbook shows rooms. Had read the Warwick postings on this board and it sounded good also.
New York Hilton posts $169-189 rates on their rooms, but posts have been negative.

Would hate to make on-line reservations and show up and no room.

Thanks for the help. I enjoy reading these boards and the tone is very nice.

I have used Quickbook several times and never had a problem Some of the online services get a block of rooms at certain hotels and have availability when the hotel's own site may not.

There's nothing wrong with the New York Hilton; it's not distinguished, atmosphere-wise, from other large Hiltons and so isn't especially "New York," but the rooms are fine and of decent size, and the location handy. I have relatives who stay there often.