Yes, I suspect that's often what they mean also. Why are people afraid to just say "cheap" if that's what they're looking for?

I have often asked when people ask if there is such a thing as "reasonably priced" or even "fairly priced" hotel if they think a five star hotel suite with every luxury know to man at $500 is considered reasonable. I'd say it's more than that, but I suspect they aren't really looking for "reasonable", they really just mean "cheap". Big difference.

Thanks, Patrick - I feel so validated. Please don't let my other half know about this, however, as I am allowed to be right only once a month and I would hate to use up the allocation so early on...

And isn't it so much better to feel validated than to feel violated?

Most times, I find this to be true. Though there was this one time that involved a large bottle of vodka...

LOL boys, Patrick and Seamus.
Too funny.
Too true!

Thanks for the good laugh gentlemen and a Happy 4th to you all

Choco - You can try the Melrose on 6th and Lexington. It is right next to the subway and is a nice hotel. It is in the "upper east side" and is priced around $200./night. It is a 4 start hotel. The poitives are that it is in a beautiful area of Manhattan. It is so nice to get off the subway, walk up the stairs and see the hotel. The sidewalks are lined with blooming trees and it just feels like home. It is attached to a HUGE gym that you can use for relatively cheap if your guest in the hotel. The negatives are that the rooms are small, and you usually have to connect to another sub if going to a major sight seeing venue.

If you are staying for a week, do check out condos or timeshares up for rent. Given the time frame of your post, though, I'd say you are out of luck. We rented a timeshare week in midtown last March and it was $200/nt for two baths, two bedrooms and a "euro"kitchen.

Just to clarify my post: I don't think I indicated that we got a "bargain" at all but did save quite a bit over what the hotel, AAA, or even the other internet sites were asking.
I know that the Park Central has had a few blasts from posters as well but our experience was good. The room was clean and exceptioanlly quiet.
The staff was very friendly and quite helpful. Maybe we just lucked out this time with the PC but I'd stay there again. I do, however, like Patrick's idea of staying a few days longer and renting an apt. We may try that on our next trip.

I just went to take a look at the Melrose website for our trip to NYC in November - guess what? It's going condo. Here is a quote from the site: "The Melrose Hotel New York is officially closed as of July 1, 2005.
The hotel owners are in application to transform the hotel into luxury condominiums."

Ugh. We lost another one . . .

I heard th Mafair Hotel is very nice at 140 a night.Rooms are small but the staff is nice and rooms have high speed and are very clean
Cindy

Thanks for all the helpful tips!
What are recommended websites for booking condos or apartments?

Had great luck with an apartment on E39th at 2d av that we rented through www.metro-home.com

Priceline - $159/nt for two nights in the Barclay Intercontinental, Midtown East. Great room, great price.