You're going to be tourists in a wonderful city. Ignore anyone who suggests you should spend a lot more just so you don't "scream tourist". Who the hell cares if you look like a tourist? And late in the evening, it will not be like trying to jam in with luggage at rush hour, so there is really no problem.

Have a great time. And the subway will be fine.

My tourist comment was directed at the fact that Carrabella planned to exit the subway on 103rd Street at night and walk crosstown to West End Avenue "with roll along bags."

Anyone who would suggest that 2 60+ individuals from Australia pulling suitcases crosstown in the dark of night are not targets is not thinking and obviously does not live in the city.

Of course they shouldn't care if they look like tourists while visiting NYC -- they are tourists.

But they should take a cab from JFK to their motel on the UWS.

That neighborhood is perfectly fine in the evening. Walking a couple of blocks with rollie bags should not be an issue at 9pm considering how many people are on the streets at that time. (That general area has tons of restaurants and watering spot - both for locals and a lot of kids from Columbia.)

I'm more concerned about the place they're staying - which I think might be a real issue.

Also if I'm not mistaken the hotel NOW in question is at 96th and Broadway. Isn't there a subway exit right there?

Yes - Broadway and 96th is a major (express) stop for all Broadway line trains - 1, 2, 3 - no need to trek to 103rd St.

Thanks again to everyone - I'm sure we'll be fine, and now have no worries about having to walk too far at the end of the train trip, 96th St to the hotel at 95th.
Jenskar thanks for the subway map link - it's great.
Our "travel light" rule is - one small bag over the shoulder, and one roll along, less than 20Kg, which is OK for lugging up stairs here and there. Keeps us fit! And I know we'll enjoy NY.

Carrabella, Carrabella. You're not using us or the tools available to you to best use. I applaud your plan, but then use tripadvisor for reviews and use us for recommendations. The hotel you picked, the DAYS Hotel (NOT a Days Inn) while better than the other flea bag is still not the place you want to be. It's on 94 st & Broadway. Read these reviews. You must become attached to tripadvisor which has reviews for most every hotel anywhere.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._New_York.html

The best budget hotel on the upper west side is the Newton, just a block or so from the place you're currently booked at. If that's not affordable, have a look at the Pod, a newly renovated place in midtown.
http://www.pickwickarms.com/

You have many more options if these are too expensive. Post back to us with an update.

Agree the Days is looking worse then ever. Waslked past the other day and the restaurant is STILL closed (can't get anybody to take the space) and the front door was broken - with only 1/2 working and people tryiong to squueze in and out. Agree to go for the Newton in that area and super budget price range. Right on Broadway near 95th - and at least clean and reliable.

(And the 96th St station has entrances at both 94th and 96th - so you're better off at the front or back of the train to avoid extra walking.)

We're sticking with the Days this time - thanks again for all input . Shall let you know what it is like. The Newton was more expensive. At least it won't be far to walk.