I agree with scarborough, the rooms at Marriott Marquis are quite large (especially by NYC standards). We have also stayed at the Doubletree Suites mclaurie mentioned (among many others) and it was great because of the two-room configuration (but the second bed is a sofabed, which probably wouldn't work for your two boys)

I guess everyone who stays at the Muse and Westin Times Square and the Edison and the Marriott and the Four Points and the Renaissance and the Millenium Broadway, the Doubletree, the Crown Plaza, and other good hotels around Times Square are all just simple-minded according to you. But then I guess I'd rather be referred to as simple minded than to be condescending and insulting to fellow travelers, hundreds of them right here on this board, who have enjoyed staying in Times Square.

I've stayed in hotels in every area of NYC over the past 30 yrs of traveling there for both business and pleasure. And I still chose to stay in The Times Square area on my last trip in May. And we had a riotous good time at the Rum Bar at the Edison after several plays at night, and the Glass House Tavern also. Those are also right in Times Square area. And we loved the tour of Broadway theaters we took also, in Times Square area where they all are located.

I didn;t say staying there was simple minded - but that someone who had a riotous good time just wandering and looking at the flashing lights for more than about 30 minutes is.

Staying in the area is fine for theater - and there are a bunch of good hotels there. I am always hesitant about people who who don;t know NY and go there - and think this is what the whole city is about. And expect to be near all the sights - which, in fact, are spread out all over the city.

In my experience even teen boys have a quite limited tolerance for hanging around TS and just looking at twinkling, sparkling neon lights.

Is that an apology, NYT?

Gee, nytraveler, then I guess I've known a helluva lot of simple minded kids (and adults, too, for that matter) over the years, who've had a "riotous good time"..........including me during my first experience in Times Square at the age of 13!

Howard, thanks for the info about Colony Records. I see they closed about a year ago. How sad, it was a one of a kind store, an institution. I wonder where all their rock memorabilia is now. It was a fantastic collection. I probably stared at that Beatles case for a total of 5 to 6 hrs on various trips over many many years.

I will be in NYC in 10 days. Staying in TriBeCa this time to use hotel points at the Sheraton. But I wish I was staying in Times SQuare as we have tickets to Trip to Bountiful, Kinky Boots, and the Nance, and I am taking my friend on that good walking tour of the Braodway theaters. Also taking her to Guantanamera in the Times Square area for great Cuban food, and great live music, drinks and dancing. I love that place. And City Winery to see Poco play live on her birthday, and at least hat is close to TriBeCa where we are staying. And the Chelsea garage market where she can pick out her birthday present. On and on.

I love NY, all parts of it. It is the greatest city in thw world IMO, no matter where you sleep while there.

emd3

A good plurge restaurant in Soho is Aquagrill.

Great store made candy's at Kee's.

Terriic old French Bistro Raoul's, light years better than Balthazar.
http://raouls.com/

For a treat to take home at end of trip, Raffetto's home made pasta on Houston.

In the West Village, Mary's Fish Camp-problem is no reservations and it gets crowded quickly.

Way off the beaten path-Clinton Street Bakery-go during the week, zoo on weekends-some of the best scones and biscuits in town-there is table service.

Yum, thanks for the ideas and ifo. We have reservations at two places for brunch on Sunday -- Robert on the 9 th floor of the Museum of Art and Design overlooking Central Park at Columbus Circle (great brunch place, w live jazz and the view if you can snag a window table by reserving early) and at Novecento on W Broadway close to the hotel, recommended by the conceirge in case we decide to be closer to hotel.

Will definitely look at Raoul's and Aquagrill for dinners!

Not familiar with those places, keep us posted.