Headed to NYC in July and staying at the Eastgate Towers with hubby and 4 kids. Any suggestions or tips regarding getting around or regarding the stay in general?

Get a good street map of the city and a good subway map and study them in advance. Also - consider the buses on the east side - based on your location.

If going to SoL or Ellis Island try to get ferry tickets now.

With a group that large make a plan on what to do ifyou are separate in the subway. As in - meet at 86 St platform - or whatever. Don't just say "next" since that will depend on if you're on a local or an express and makes retracing confusing if you don;t have a stop name,

That's a great idea!

Start thinking now about the best way to get to the places you plan to go (it could subway, bus, or walk, depending). Look at Google maps (click the "transit" button in the "traffic" pull-down tab to get started. Buy a street map at your local bookstore, it will likely include a subway map. Also browse here - http://www.mta.info/nyct/

I also think splitting up (at least half the time)is a great plan. Having 6 people stay together to do EVERYTHING (including buses and taxis) is a LOT and can be pretty stressful as well. Have a cell phone for each group and you can always meet up somewhere for a meal or an activity with a shared interest by everyone in the group.

We have two kids, both boys, two years apart, and we often break into two groups.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the location for the price of the Eastgate Towers. Couldn't be more pleased overall. It isn't in the middle of everything, but it is in walking distance. Even the little kids are able to do it all. We've been logging roughly 8 miles a day.

Room 25D has incredible views of the ESB. The one bedroom is big enough for our family of 6. If you are on a budget this hotel is clean, roomy and doable.

Have a great time, Stephanie! Eastgate is an oldie but goodie.

Gald to hear you liked it. This is one of the great hotel deals in NYC for those needing more room.