My husband and I are travelling to New york in February. It is our first trip to the States and we are looking for advice on where would be the best area to stay in NYC as well as any must-do's while there.

I'm sure you can get a lot of help here, but first are you only staying in NYC or visiting other areas as well? And how long will you have -- particularly in the city? What are your interests -- nightlife? theatre? shopping? visiting historic sites?
Are you big walkers or will you want to take transportation most places?

Try the Roosevelt HOtel. It's older and very charming. Location is also great - near theatre district and close to subway stop.

I know you'll love NY. So much to see and do there!

I would advise staying on the upper Westside, I would highly recommend the Hotel Beacon. It is right on the Subway. We found it nice to stay in a more residential area away from the hectic midtown area that is fun to tour, but it always felt relaxing to come out of the Subway stop at 72st and be in a more subdued setting.

I stay in Times Square. It is where the theaters are, not far from 5th Avenue and close to the subway.
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and then bid on Priceline. You can get a great deal on the hotel

How long will you be staying? If only for 2/3 days you may want to stay midtwon east or west to minimize travel. If you are staying longer than that I vote for the upper west side. Staying in this residential neighborhood gives you a much better idea of what New York is really about while still being within easy transport range of all tourist attractions and within a short walk of several major museums (Met and Natural History among others). Also, you're in prime territory for exploring the incredible range of (usually) inexpensive ethnic dining opportunities - which are much harder to find midtown.

As far as must do - it depends on what your interests are. The Met is one of the world's three great museums. Ellis Island is an incredible history of immigration which can help you to understand the US better. Everyone thinks of going to a Broadway show - and I won't disagree - but there is also a huge range of off-broadway shows, opera, ballet, art galleries and performances of every type. Once you arrive get a New York maazine and a time out and search for your special interests.
Unfortunately February limits your outdoors options - although you should at least have a look at Central Park - perhaps the zoo and skaing rink) and unless you're going to join the Polar Bear club the beach is out. If you get a relatively warm, sunny day you may want to try the Circle line cruise around Manhattan - shows the high points and gives a little hstory besides.

Have a geat trip.

I reccommend the Gorham Hotel. Near Times Square, but not too near. Great beds, service and prices. www.gorhamhotel.com

I think for a first-timer, I'd agree with emt that you should stay at the Roosevelt. At that location you can walk around and really enjoy the part of the city that feels very alive and NY-ish to out-of-towners. You're close to Central Park, to Rockefeller Center.

But be sure to visit the upper west side. In fact, if you're staying for awhile, change hotels to the Lucerne. The upperwest side is more residential and you can feel what it's like to be a NY-er.

But then I really love the tribeca area. YOu could stay at the Tribeca Grand. Gosh, I don't know. Wherever you stay you'll have a wonderful time.