Im4Wine

Last Fall was our first trip to NY and we're coming back again in October for 5-6 days. Last year we stayed in Midtown and it was a good location for what we wanted to do--had little time to explore anything other than Central Park, Rockefeller Center and Tiffany since it was a short trip.

This year we plan on exploring Soho, Tribeca, Chelsea, East/West/Greenwich Villages. Not sure what area to stay in--maybe Soho? We would like a hotel under $500 per night. We may dine in other areas for dinner and will take a cab for those. Other than that, we plan on doing a lot of walking!

Also, any suggestions of must-sees for those areas are appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Aduchamp1

For under $500 a night there should be a world of hotels available to you.

As far as the East Village is concerned, there are two that might be of interest.

http://www.bluemoon-nyc.com/

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl...ed=0CDkQqgUwAQ

Bowery Hotel

http://www.theboweryhotel.com/

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl...31283890457483

The East Village and Lower East Side are probably the best eating areas in the city as far as value and choice is concerned.

MFNYC

Union Square W is a possibility. The location is very good, walkable to all those areas you mention, but also near a subway hub for both east (4/5/6), west side (N/R/Q) and cross town (L) trains. You also have the Union Square greenmarket right outside your door, and many great restaurants, and good shopping nearby.

MFNYC

Just want to add, no need to cab to other neighborhoods for dinner, the best restaurants are within short walking distance. I live in the area and rarely venture north of 14th st for dining out.

Aduchamp1

Like MFNYC we live near 14th Street and friends make fun of us, because we rarely venture north of 14th Street to eat.

We have had friends and relatives stay at the W Union Square and thought the rooms were tiny but it is an excellent location for subways and walking.

MFNYC

Our friends who've move uptown, still prefer to come downtown when we meet for dinner. There really is a wealth of restaurants, for all kinds of food at all kinds of prices down here.

When the W first opened, we had family stay there at a great intro rate ($199). Their room was a decent size with 2 double beds.

Im4Wine

Thanks for the suggestions. My husband really wants to stay at Trump Soho, but maybe just for the name--don't tell him I said that I was trying to find other areas and all of the suggestions look good! If we do end up in Soho, how is the neighborhood and restaurant situation?

mclaurie

Hotel prices fluctuate dramatically based on supply and demand. It depends on when your visit as to what will be within your budget. Oct. in general is pricey, but the very end of the month prices skyrocket because of Halloween (the parade brings in thousands of people)and the NYC Marathon which is the first Sun. in November.

There are not many hotels in the village, east or west. In addition to the W Union Square there's the Cooper Square in the east village and the very basic wshotel.com There are quite a few nice b & b's in the village that have the equivalent of an apt. like west-eleventh.com or gvhabitue.com

There are lots of Soho options like the new Mondrian Soho, 60 Thompson, Crosby St., Soho Grand, the Mercer, the James, the Trump Soho and lots more in Tribeca. Many of the Chelsea hotels are not really in the heart of Chelsea. Oyster.com lists most of the hotels by area.

MFNYC

Location of trump soho is fine, especially for browsing around Soho and Tribeca (lots of good dining there too). IMHO though it's a bit close to Holland Tunnel traffic (Varick St), but that doesn't seem to be an issue with those who have reviewed it on tripadavisor.

Aduchamp1

Usually you pay a premium for anything with the name Trump.

Im4Wine

Thanks for the suggestions and the Oyster.com tip. After a little research, looks like we will choose between The James, Union Square W and Trump Soho...leaning heavily towards The James.

mclaurie

You can sometimes find good prices on the James on quikbook. I've occasionally seen it as one of their secret hotels. I would also look at Crosby St.

emd3

The Trump Soho is very nice. The rooms are HUGE for NYC.

There is also the Greenwich Hotel, Robert DeNiro's hotel in Tribeca. I've stayed there also and it is nice in a cozy kind of way; it felt like a NYC "lodge" to me. Good restaurant. An unusual perk of paying the price: The minibar (all drinks and liquor and wine) and premium snacks in the room are all free for the taking and replenished daily.

60 Thompson is also nice but in a much more modern way. I believe it is considered to be the the Lower East Side.

mclaurie

No, 60 Thompson is considered Soho. The Greenwich Hotel is gorgeous imo but likely will be over $500/night at that time of year and may be further south than OP wants to be. Did you find a deal there emd?

lantana

Love all these hotel ideas - bookmarking.

Greenwich Hotel would be $495/nt plus tax for their least expensive room. We stayed there last summer and got upgraded to a suite - it was amazing. The service was excellent and understated. HIGHLY recommend.

I like your idea of staying in a different area. I had always stayed on Central Park but fell in love w/ TriBeCa this trip!

emd3

mclaurie, I got the Greenwich hotel for two nights on a nonprofit auction site. And yes, it was a very good deal.

I am sorry, I was confused re 60 Thompson. I was thinking of Thompson LES where I have stayed, which is of course in the LES.

Im4Wine

Thanks for all the suggestions! We ended up booking a Corner King Studio at The James Hotel after checking out the write-up on Oyster.com. Really like the bright rooms/windows, free internet, rooftop bar (looks like guests don't get special priveleges at bar at Trump Soho), daily snacks--pastries, wine/cheese, etc. (this sold my husband who snacks constantly and manages to stay thin).

Now we just need some great restaurant recs!