We are considering staying at a hotel in the Financial District over Labor Day weekend because the rates are so great. But since it is a holiday weekend we're wondering if the area will be too desolate and possibly unsafe at night? We've always stayed Mid-town before, where it is bustling night and day.

The Financial District is always pretty dead at night, regardless of the day or weekend, year-round. It's not a residential area. There may actually be more activity at night given that it's a holiday weekend with a tourist influx.

It's certainly not unsafe.

Several of us stayed in the Fin Dist the last couple of times in NY. While it's pretty dead at night (but I haven't been there on a holiday weekend), we felt very safe. Easy to get to Midtown etc. We were within 2 blocks of subway station, and found it easy to get cabs. BTW, we stayed at the Marriott on West St and found it very nice and great rates.

I agree with both of the other posters. (Though there are residences in the Financial District, including housing for the New School, residence hotels, and apartments! Admittedly, this is not the overriding presence in the area, so restaurants and other service venues close accordingly.)

Please note that NYC is in the process of constructing a new train hub in lower Manhattan, so some of the subways in the area get rerouted on the weekends. It's always a good idea to check the service advisories on www.mta.info so you know how to best plan around the construction!

In general, Labor Day weekend is a very quiet one in New York. If anything, I would guess that the area of lower Manhattan will be quieter than usual at night over that weekend.

Thanks for the responses! Is it feasible to walk from there to Chinatown and Little Italy for dinner, or would the subway or a cab be a better bet?

I think it's definitely walkable to Chinatown. Little Italy north of Canal Street might be more of a stretch.

Where exactly in the Financial District will you be staying? That will help to determine distances, subway accessibility, etc.