We will be in New York City for two days, 10/6 & 10/7. A friend living in Totowa, NJ asked us to stay with him and offered to drive us around. However, something has come up for him, and he can no longer drive us for our City adventures. He's suggesting we take the bus from Totowa to NYC every day.... Does anyone have any experience with that? What's it like? Is it practical, given we have only two days?

Well... If you want to and can afford to stay IN NYC those days, It will certainly give you much more time in the city (and the opportunity to stop back in a hotel midday for a break, change of clothes, etc)
BUT, if you think of this trip as a chance to be with your friend, stay in the area for free, and then it's
"By the way, I'm in NJ so why not go into NYC for a few hours" --it has a different spin on it.
A friend used to commute from Wayne/Totowa area to NY a few years ago. I think it took about hour by bus into Port Authority bus station (40th street).

Is it practical? Depends on whether saving a significant amount of money on hotels matters to you.
Also depends on how much you plan on seeing and doing in NYC,and your energy level.
Many people from that area take day trips into NYC for theater, shopping, walking around. If you planned on 2 days running around morning until night, it will take a LOT of energy.

Thank you, nyer! It helps to get some on the spot perspective. Our friend is dealing with a medical situation and is still politely trying to be there for us somehow......I'm thinking it would be best for all to give him his space to focus on his situation. Any suggestions for a centrally located hotel that's reasonable?

Laschi -- sorry to hear about your friend and hope he's feeling better soon.

As for a "centrally located" hotel, there are tons of them. It kinda' depends on what you plan to do. Are you going to spend a lot of time at the theater? You might look at hotels in Times Square or midtown west. More shopping/museums? You might try midtown east or the upper east side. Want a neighborhood vibe? Several have recommended the On the Ave hotel on the Upper West Side. Basically, as long as you're near a subway, you're generally not far from what you want/need. There are some deals downtown, but unless you plan to spend a lot of time exploring old Manhattan/financial district/etc, it is less convenient.

It also depends very much on what you mean by reasonable. Oct is high season and bargain rates will be hard to find.

Suggest you

1) look at travelzoo, hot wire etc

2)tell us your budget - and assume you are a couple - so people can make recos of hotels to check out

Only you know the details of your friend's health issue and whether having you (and a partner?) staying there will be a help or an imposition. You can get details of the bus schedule including how long it takes on njtransit.com If it's a close friend and you think he/she would welcome the co., it doesn't matter how inconvenient it would be. If it's not such a close friend, then maybe you shouldn't impose. That said, it will be difficult to find affordable hotel now on short notice. There are some specials on travelzoo.com but they don't appear to be good for your dates.

It is no problem taking the bus from totowa to nyc. Just be sure to plan your travel time. Travel off-peak to avoid the rush hour traffic and you will be fine.

Enjoy - the weather in october is perfect!

Try NJtransit.com they list all the bus schedules for traveling in and out of the city. Mostly for commuters who work in the city but still pretty reliable.

The Royalton had a GREAT deal at Travelzoo last week.
I'm staying in the Hotel St. James early in Oct. Needed a room with 2 beds and located near the theatres and it fits the bill. $200 a night. Very mixed reviews but we aren't expecting much. If it is clean and has hot water, we will be happy.
A garage is located nearby for #35 a night.
With a cheaper hotel, we can afford more experiences.
We were given advice on this forum to stay in the city and we are taking it.

Back again.....It seems we've come full circle. Our friend has asked that we stay with him, indicating that it would be reassuring for him if we did. So that's what we'll do. My thanks to all for your great advice. I love Fodor's talk forum! We will be checking NJtransit.com for the bus schedules , as well as for suggestions about what to do with the time we have. Thank you again!!