Has anyone stayed at this hotel or know the area - 522 W. 38th Street? I found a rate of $100 and most others in the theater district are at least double. I know it won't be fancy (we only need a bed to sleep), but I want to make sure it's safe and clean. If it's not, any suggestions for a hotel under $150? Thanks.

Try the Comfort Inn Midtown -- 129 W 46, tel. 212-221-2600. Regular rate $119, "summer fun" rate (min 2 nights) $113, rate for over-50 or AAA, $107. Claims to have rates as low as $89, but I haven't found them!

Why don't you try bidding for a hotel on Priceline? You will get much better rates at much better prices. Check out
www.biddingfortravel.com
this is a bulletin board for info andadvice on priceline bidding. It will show you what hotels others have gotten, and at what price. It will also help you with a bidding strategy.

I wouldn't call that the theater district...522 W 38th is REEAAAALLLLYYY far west. It's quite a hike to the theaters from there...actually, it's quite a hike from anything, except the Jacob Javits Center which is right there. You may want to find out what's going on a Jacob Javits before you go (javitscenter.com) so you know who'll you'll be sharing the hotel with, or perhaps, there may be something of interest going on while you are there.

Thanks for the replies. We're going in December so summer fun doesn't apply. Comfort Inn Midtown is over $200 and Comfort Inn Manhattan is about $200. There are three of us going so priceline won't work as you may only get one bed. Doesn't look like anything is booked at Javits yet but thanks for the tip.

Check out the Habitat on E. 57th Street and Lexington Avenue, not the theater district but a great location nonetheless. Gut renovated about 2 years ago, so everything is pretty new. Have rooms with both private and shared bath.

Sorry that I misled you about the rates for Comfort Inn Midtown -- the rates I quoted were what I got for my own stay in mid-July.

The hotel is between 10th and 11th Avenues. After dark 38th Street west of 8th Ave. will be quiet - there will be fewer people about the further west you walk. The hotel is not convenient to subway transportation and a taxi back to the hotel after theater might be advisable. You might check similar budget hotels in and near the theater district - most are under $150.

Chrissy, I'd bid for two rooms on Priceline and give yourself a lot more space at a nicer hotel for the same money!