Fodorites - its time for another round of which hotel should I stay in in NYC. Anyone want to play?

Today's contestants are 3 friends all working moms looking for 1 night getaway from the kids and husbands:
Bennnie - been to NYC 10x mostly on business but also to visit family. 40 something attorney from Boston area.
Cricket - been to NYC twice.40 something Horticultralist.
Sue - Never been to NYC (shocking but sadly true). 40ish graphic designer.

Bennie has stayed at the Palace, Marriott Marquis, Grand Hyatt and the Empire.

Focus of this trip is Central Park and the Met. Plus some touristy stuff like Rockefeller Center, ESB and maybe Ellis Island. Eating good food also. Don't think a show is in the plan unless we score 1/2 price tickets.

Need hotel room around $20O. Bennie is thinking UES or UWS. Intercontinental Barclay available for $179. Beacon for $220. Hotwire has 4.5 star in Times Square (maybe its the Westing according to betterbidding.com) for $179.

So anyone Fodorites want to buzz in with their suggestions? All responses greatly appreciated.

Not UWS or UES but Upper Midtown you could get a suite at Le Parker Meridian. If you get on a high enough floor, you will have a great view of Central Park. The hotel is only a two blocks from Central Park out the 57th Street exit. It is also very close to Rockefeller Center.

Another good choice would be the Stanhope. It is Upper East Side and across the street from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While you are up there, try to make time for the Frick. It is so worth the time.

I've stayed at the Intercontinental Barclay, which is a great hotel, but the rooms aren't large enough to accommodate 3 people. You're going to have to book either 2 rooms or get a suite for the 3 of you. Have you looked at the Embassy Suites? That might be the way to go for 3. Also, the 2.5 star Marriott Courtyard books at about $75 through Priceline. This hotel has received good reviews - and you could get 2 rooms for under your $200/night budget.

Leslie and GoTravel - thanks for the quick "buzz in". The Intercontinental shows 2 double beds for some rooms so its still in the running. The Stanhope sounds like a great location but can we afford it? Parker Meridian is another to look into. I'll have to check them both out. The Embassey Suites in Times Sq is not available according to the Hilton website (may be worth a phone call direct to the hotel).

GoTravel -We'll definately stop in at the Frick - I love that museum. Reminds be of the Gardner in Boston.

Now that I'm on track with hotels I'll be asking about restaurants next. Is Soho the place to go for dinner - looking for something a little trendy, maybe $60-70 per person with a bottle of wine. I remember going somewhere with my brother down in Soho that was fun but it was many moons ago. Most of the dining that I've done in NY has been business dinners near Times Sq.

Thanks again for playing.

the coolest hotels in NYC now are the Ian Schreager hotels. Just tye that in your search engine. They are moderately priced and very cool. Florent is an awesome restaurant not to far away from Baltizr in the meat packing district. A hip little place with the best mussels and homemade french fries!

Happy Travels,
Jill

I vote for The Gorham. Great rooms, great beds, great location (55th betwn. 6th and 7th)

www.gorhamhotel.com

The thing about the Ian Schraeger hotels (Paramount etc right?)is that I can get a great discount through work but they don't sleep 3. Discount is not so great that we can get 2 rooms and still be in our budget. But thanks very much for the suggestion.

The Stanhope while looking absolutely perfect in every aspect turned out to be way out of our budget. Maybe someday....

Again thanks to all for the suggestions.

I have been shopping for NY hotels at around $200 also and Le Parker Meridian was out of my price range. I booked at the Westin NY Times Square and asked for a Jr. Suite - we'll see - I leave next week. Good luck!

bennnie, what is the rate on the one bedroom at The Salisbury Hotel? The Salisbury is right across the street from Le Parker Meridian and Carnegie Hall. More of a European style and very large suites.

Another choice could be one of the Affina Hotels (formerly Manhattan East Suite Hotels). All suite and very large. They are usually quite reasonable. The Surrey is on the UES.

Thanks again for all the really helpful responses. As luck would have it we'll be staying at my brother's apartment on the West Side. Can't be beat for the price, the space and the views.

Will post again for restaurant and itinerary suggestions.