Would appreciate information about NYC in mid December. Has anyone stayed at Quality Hotel and Suites Rockefeller Center on 46th St? Very reasonable price, it's between 5th and Ave. of Americas. I read that street is very deserted at night, is that a safe area?

I haven't stayed there but have stayed in the neighborhood. I don't think that neighborhood is really deserted at night although I wouldn't suggest that a single woman wander around alone after midnight (which is true in just about any major city). The area that tends to be deserted at night is in the lower east 30's, near the Grand Union and Wolcott hotels. Both are good budget establishments but in dead areas at night. I just returned from NYC and stayed on East 49th between 6th and 7th. That area was hopping at night up until midnight.

First, a minor correction on the previous posting so as not to confuse anyone: 49th St. between 6th & 7th Aves. is West, not East. The dividing line for east and west is 5th Ave. (And a further clarification: 6th Ave. and Ave. of the Americas are one in the same.)
Now, as for the 46th St. location, it is reasonably safe. It's about 2 blocks from Times Square. Can't speak for the hotel, however.
Christmastime is a great time to be in NYC. Lots to see and do,

That area is safe. It is deserted at nighttime because there isn't a whole lot to see or do then. It's not a very residential area - offices, shopping, foreign tourist offices, banks, hotels on side streets... However, Rockefeller Center and St. Patricks are generally places to see during the day -except you'll be going in December so I would say that area would be hopping into nighttime with people going to see the tree, skating, cathedral, etc.

Thanks for the replies! Would love to hear more about what the city is like in December. Have been there in October 96 and it was beautiful. Saw most of the "musts" only a couple more to do. Any particular areas besides Rockefeller Center that are decked out for the Holidays? Are the street vendors out then?

Would really enjoy hearing more. Would anyone mind writing direct? Would also like to know what hotel was good on East 49th between 5th and 6th.

Before anyone notices, I meant West 49th in my note!

The hotel I stayed in was the Rdio City Apartments (called that because most of the rooms have kitchenettes). It's a bit worn around the edges and an older facility but it was clean and the staff was helpful. We paid $119 per night for a single room for 2 people / 2 beds to include microwave and fridge. Upon arrival we were informed that we'd been upgraded (due to lack of the reserved room). We were given a 1 bedroom suite with full kitchenette & futon couch/bed/ & dining table in the LR and a separate BR w/ 1 bed. We stocked up on groceries and had breakfast and snacks in the room to save $$. I was satisfied but please note that it is not an upscale facility. The Portland Square Hotel is around the corner and claims to have recently renovated rooms (and definitely has very competitive prices - around $115 for a double w/two people). Perhaps someone can comment on that facility?