Chinatown or Chelsea?
 

Going to NY for 3 days, between Christmas and New Years.

Been searching for hotels and noting that rates go up the last couple of days before New Year's Eve. I would leave on the morning of 12/29 but that last night is when a lot of hotels seem to boost their rates.

So I found two hotels which seem to be decent, the Wyndham Garden in Chelsea and a new one (no reviews anywhere) in Chinatown.

The one in Chelsea would seem to be more convenient. It's nearer to friends and to places I'd want to visit like Central Park. I figure the rink would look great that time of the year and all the shopping areas near 5th Avenue would be decorated.

The prices for both would be the same but the new one in Chinatown would include breakfast. Not sure if it's good or I'd be better off looking to grab something to eat on my own.

My last visit, in 2010, also stayed in Chelsea, around 26th Street. But I spent a lot of time downtown, in the village and around. Didn't really get up to mid or uptown except the Top of the Rock and a trip or two to Central Park.

How does downtown compare to Chelsea/midtown during that time of the year?

My choice would be Chelsea, but the new Wyndham Garden looks beautiful and I note that people who stay at the Best Western in Chinatown are satisfied with the location (except one noted a problem flagging taxis).

HTtY

PS Chelsea is a better neighborhood. You can check out the lot on which the hotel was built and surrounding buildings at maps.google.com

What is this new hotel?

No contest, choose Chelsea.Go to Chinatown for dinner or lunch but stay in Chelsea.

I saw a rink on a TV show which takes place in NY. Forget what the name was suppose to be but I seemed to recall it was midtown east or further south?

Does any of that ring a bell to anyone?

Any other sights worth checking out this time of the year?

Woolman in Central Park?
Rockefeller Center rink? and of course, the tree.
The tree at the MetropolitaN Museum of Art.

"rink"? ice skating rink? If yes, then

Bryant Park Rink - Sixth Avenue at 42nd St
Rockefeller Center Rink - Fifth Avenue at 50th Street
Wollman Rink - Central Park close to 59th Street

Sounds like the Bryant Park rink. Knew about the Central Park one.

All the skating rinks sparkle at night.