Sandy Needs

I know that the New Yorkers would recommend not staying in the middle of Times Square, and I can certainly appreciate their reasoning. However, for those of us who are traveling for the first time with young teens, I would think the kids would rather stay in Times Square. I would like to hear from any of you who are not New Yorkers and who have been to NYC with young teens for the first time and stayed in Times Square. Did you wish you would have stayed farther to the East or closer to the Park, away from all the hassle and crowds ? Where did you stay in Times Square and would you recommend it? Thanks for any comments you have.

Jen

Sandy,
I took teens to New York and we stayed in Times Square and I'm very glad we did. It's an exciting place for them. Due to the maturity of my teens, I had no problem with them venturing out by themselves even in the evening. We stayed at the Hilton and it was perfect for us (so was the $99 a night price tag).

Annie

When my husband and I go to NYC by ourselves, we stay in Midtown East just to get out of the crowds a little. HOWEVER; we take a school group to NYC every spring and stay right smack dab in the middle of times square - the kids love it. It is also easy for us to go to a show and get everyone back to the hotel after a quick bit to eat; no cab ride, or long walk, etc. We usually stay at the Edison, not fancy but very clean, nice coffee shop (not expensive). Would you be trying to get a suite somewhere, bidding for 2 rooms on Priceline or looking for a room to accommodate all of you? Let us know if you need any help with the hotel choices.

Elaine

Grew up in NY but left many years ago when kids were small. Have only been back twice, but the last time (about 4 years ago) we stayed at the Travel Inn on 42ND btwn 10 and 11..I think. It was our choice because we drove to the city from NC where my husband was working for a few months and their rates where comparable to other area hotels AND they had free parking. The hotel was fine and I would stay there again. And if you should be driving, it definately deserves consideration!
But to your question about staying near Times Square, I would in a NY minute!

JWG

I remembered Times Sq from the early 70's and it was an area to absolutely Avoid. Went back to NYC in 2000. Passed through Times Sq. with my kids and was stunned to see it has become teen age heaven. A dramatic transition. Safe even in the evening...tons of kids on the street. Giulianni got my vote well before 9/11.

Teresa

Sandy,
I think I already posted about our New York trip experience--it's been 1 1/2 years but our young teens LOVED staying in Times Square. We stayed at the Doubletree so had a (smallish) two-room suite. With AAA, it was $150 per night. Even though the suite was smaller than many we've stayed in, it was still great having two rooms, two tvs, plus the fridge and microwave. If I were to return to New York with just my husband, we'd probably stay closer to Central Park but with the kids it's Time Square all the way. If your kids watch TRL (Total Request Live, I'm told) on MTV, the show tapes catty-corner from the Doubletree every weekday--really really cool if you're a teen since you can watch it through the wall of windows in the studio.

xxx

We stayed at the Doubletree and found the suites small and dark. Stay at the Marriott Marquis-rooms are large and the teens will love all of the glitz and action going on there.We wished we did-went over and had a drink and checked it out.

Tiff

Hey I'm 14 and my brother, age 16, stayed in the middle of Times Square and it was AWESOME! Its great because you're safe and you can just send your parents to the hotel when they get tired and you can continue exploring new york in the evening. It truly is the city that never sleeps..in fact at night Times Square seems to get busier! I totally recommend it!!

Sandy Needs

Hi, Tiff, where did you and your family stay? What all did you and your brother do that you enjoyed the most?

Cindy

Stayed at the Doubletree in Times Square with 2 teenage sons and it worked out really well because the room is a suite with 2 tvs, a refrigerator, and a pull out queen size bed in the living room (king size in master bedroom). Very good. At the time, it included a full breakfast which was really great. Be aware of the porn on the TV in the bedroom (not on livingroom tv). The rates were fine. The hotel was very clean and quiet. Here is a link to a live web cam posted on its roof http://www.earthcam.com/usa/newyork/...oubletree.html

paige

What about the street noise and lights in the hotel rooms? Going with our 15 year old daughter in October and we are considering both Doubletree and Marriott but I am concerned about being able to get a good night's sleep in this area.

Patrick

I've stayed at the Marquis many times and never been bothered by noise. I don't even think the windows will open and they are either double or very thick. I remember one time I woke up because I had left the draperies open and the room was sort of flashing. I looked out and there were dozens of fire engines and police cars on Broadway, just out from our window. But I could not hear a single siren.