Looking for a nice hotel near Radio City,skating,etc...Budget limited.I am surprising my niece for her birthday. I want this to be a trip she'll never forget!Thanks

Wendy - I go to NYC several times a year, mostly on business. It is hard to find a budget hotel in NYC. I recommend hoteldiscounts.com. They seem to have a good amount of "deals." I stay at the Loews (newly renamed the Metropolitan) a lot - 51st & Lexington. Great location, walking distance to Rockefeller etc. PS - I think the rink in the Center is now closed.

Lori

Just a clarification on Lori's posting. The rink in Rockefeller Center will close down (or already is) during the warm weather months, but it will be reopened well before the coming Christmas season.

Just returned from New York City after four nights with two 14-year-old girls. We stayed at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel, 8th Ave. and 51st St. Our rate was $127.20 (senior) and kids stay free. Quite satisfactory. Good restaurant, travel desk, good service.

The tops on the girls' list were Madame Tussauds, Television and Radio Museum, Empire State Building, and Strawberry Fields in Central Park (they're Beatles fans)

You can see the list of possible attractions we used with them at . . .
http://www.geocities.com/judcomp/nyc.list.htm
Your niece should really enjoy a stay in the Big Apple.

We just got back from NYC today- they were still skating in Rockefeller Center yesterday! They will close soon and then reopen in the fall.

Have you looked into the Doubletree in Times Square? I am not sure what the prices are but it is close to Radio City and they do have family suites. Another tip is that Marriott just opened a Courtyard in Times Square and they often have good rates.

The girls may enjoy a late night treat at Cafe Lalo (on the West Side)for dessert and coffee or hot chocolate-it is a fun experience and it is open
until 3am!! This was in the
movie "You've Got Mail". Have fun- you sound like a great aunt!

See my post about the Marriott Marquis for some special rates during December -- mainly $189 a night, some nights at $139. It's a great rate for a really nice hotel in a superb location.