I have suggested a 'girls' getaway in NYC for next spring, and have volunteered to find a couple of hotels to choose from. There is plenty of time to plan, and we are deciding on April, late May, or early June. There will be four or five of us, all women in our late 50s, with lots of energy.

My question is this: is there a time during those months that might have the best hotel rates? I assume we should avoid any holiday weekends. In general, weekend rates are lower?

I will be investigating the suite hotels, like the Affinia group. Don't want Times Square, or Wall Street areas.

Thank you!

Peace

What I suggest is using Expedia or one of the other on-line sights and pick random dates and compare. Last year NYC had 46 million visitors.

The lighest visiting times are January and February. The heaviest include Christmas and Thanksgiving. There is always something going on the city, such as the Marathon in November or the Tribeca Film Festival which is usually in April. And it is hard to know if there is an usually large convention.

I have found it is so random Peaceout - I have been to NYC as a tourist many times and found the rates are all over the place.

I will say that I did like the Hilton Garden Inn (and was surprised) I do not care for TimeSquare but it was just outside of it enough to make it so great for going to the theater but not IN the madness.

I found the rooms to be among the largest we have stayed in in NYC - the smallest rooms were without a doubt at the Waldorf (but that was a lovely hotel of course).

What fun you will have!

Thank you, both. And good to know about the Hilton Garden Inn, because ordinarily I would avoid Times Square.

Peaceout - I would have NEVER booked it but had Hilton points and was assured here on the forum that it would be okay. As you know, NYC hotels are very $$$ so I was happy to book with points - and ended up being very happy with the location. I was surprised.

It could hold 4 women - you will obviously share a bed -but if budget is an issue - it was okay. Free internet in the lobby and get a breakfast rate if you are not booking with points - there is a place to eat that is attached (it looks like it is owned by someone else) and most people had a breakfast rate I noticed.

Was right by the subway which was helpful.

Usually the earlier in the year the better the rates - unless yo choose a holiday weekend or one when there is a special event. Start looking later this year for internet specials at the hotels you're interested in - some have great deals if you're willing to prepay directly through the site. Also check out discount sites like travelzoo - but they won;t have info until about 3/4 months in advance.

One thing I double checked and was correct - the Hilton Garden Inn has two Queen beds - not two doubles - so that does help And the free Starbucks in the lobby was nice each morning!

The Hampton Inn on 8th (near the Hilton Garden Inn) has similar room sizes and bed configurations and offers a free breakfast. Friends from home use it often for a big group Thanksgiving trip (4 adults to a room).

That is helpful to know Starrs. It is tough (imo) to find a fairly good sized room in NYC. We were going to stay at the W once on points but I read all the reviews about how small the rooms are - TS location.

We are thinking we can coordinate our schedules to make our trip to NYC in April, before Easter. So I have been looking for prices, but is it so early that prices are not competitive yet, perhaps?

I doubt if I will take the chance on pre-paying, since five of us are involved and changes happen.

Am interested in the Beacon Hotel, because it has two bdrm/ two bath suites with a living area and kitchenette. I think we would like that set-up, so we can gather in our own private area and enjoy wine and snacks on our own.

Anyone stayed at the Beacon lately? It gets very good reviews, has been "recently renovated" and seems to be in a nice residential-type neighborhood with trees and small shops. ???

The Beacon is in a great area and is pleasant - but modest - nothing like 5*. The avenues are all shops and restaurants - with mostly high irse residential above -and quite busy - but the side streets are residential, tree-lined and quieter. Many smaller buildings and even some individually owned townhouses. The hotel is on Broadway - so not tree-lined and residential. But you are right near Central Park, several large museums and a host of inexpensive/moderate restaurants of every possible ethnicity.

If you do want this suite I would reserve as soon as possible so you aren't shut out. there are few like it in NY - esp at this price point.

Thanks, nytraveler! I will also call the Affinia group for 2 bdrm suites.