My wife and I are planning a trip from London to New York for October 2002. As we've never been before, we have no idea what area to stay in - what will be best for easy access to the main tourist attractions?

Thanks

G

The midtown area (34th St. to 59th St.), east side or west side is a good choice. But considering the excellent public transportation system you can stay most anywhere in Manhattan - Upper west side, upper east side, SOHO and financial district - and still have relatively easy access to the major tourist attractions. Indicate your interests and a specific area can be recommended.

Personally, for a first time visit to NYC, I'd suggest the Upper West Side. It's a wonderful and friendly neigborhood with good restaurants, easy access to Times Square and attractions and just an all around beautiful place to walk around. The Lucerne Hotel on 79th and Amsterdam is a great hotel that will make you feel very much at home.

I suggest the west side because there are more subway lines and it makes it easier to get around. You might try hotels on the west side between 42nd Street and 59th Street.

I think the Upper West Side may be a little much for a first time visitor. I agree with x about Midtown being a good choice. Anything above 44th to Central Park South.

I guess it just depends on if you like more of a neigborhood feel or a city feel. Midtown hotels are in the hub but are right in the "tourist trap" center of it all, especially those in Times Square. Can be exciting but also a bit hectic. Upper West Side gives you access to this but you can go home to a nice quiet neighborhood (about a 7 minute cab ride away) and take a break from the crowds. It's your personal preference.

Look into The Gorham Hotel on West 55th Street...they have a website and offer great deals...anyway, it's a wonderful little boutique style hotel with alot of style and a very nice staff...it is also within walking distance to everything such as Central Park, 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, the theaters, Carnegie Hall, Times Square, and that's just to name a few...you'll also be near many transportation otpions that can easily take you to the (Greenwich) village areas, Chinatown, Little Italy, etc....you'll also be in an area with many good restaurants including the famed Carnegie Deli.

I recommend the Mayflower Hotel on the Park. It faces Central Park, it's on Columbus Circle, and you can walk everywhere -- Upper West Side, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, etc. Plus it's a central point for subway and buses. Good prices, nice facility, and the three times I've stayed there have been English folks checking in or out with me ...

The Trump Intl Hotel is fabulous.Ask for a high floor to overlook central park. The hotel is located on the edge of central park on the west side, close to the Plaza, FAO Schwartz, Carnegie Hall.It's a beautiful walk through Central Park over to the east side where the Met Art museum is located as well as other art museums and upscale shopping and dining - esp. on Madison ave.
Times Square has been cleaned up and is quintessential vibrant NYC. The Michaelangelo and the new Hilton Times Square are great. The Hilton is new and has some wonderful rates, esp. on weekends. This website has great reviews in the rants and raves section on these hotels.

Stay in midtown.....that way you are close to the subway (underground) and will have easy access to all the buses. JUST REMEMBER that the transit $1.50 fare for subways and buses, do not take dollar bills. JUST EXACT COINS OR THE METRO CARD. Just like your transit card. Go to any subway station first thing and get your card and maps. Everything is accessible by NYC Transit. If confused with the routes / directions, just ask. We are a very friendly, helpful bunch here in NYC. There are plenty of websites dealing with NYC. Better yet, get the TimeOut magazine for New York ....it must be sold somewhere in London. We get the London version here in NYC.

I think the heart of TIme Sq (42nd to 50th, between B'way and 8th Av) is not the greatest place to stay. A little North or East of it is better. Times Sq. is so congested and noisy. Definitely worth visiting but I think more of a 'neighborhood' with decent restaurants and shops would be a more pleasant place to stay. I am partial to Union Sq/Village/Soho myself. Much more interesting to wander and explore and also near much transportion and many sites as well.

Just returned from NYC and 4 of us stayed at the Crowne Plaza at Times Sq. It was very nice, on the 39th floor looking down on Broadway. A block from the double-decker buses, which really give you an all over look of the city. Enjoyed several eating places in the area, Stage Door Deli across the street for breakfast, Roxies for cheesecake, Ellen's Stardust Diner for 50's type, musical wait/helpers. Walked to Macys. Had a great time for 3 days. Have fun!

Thanks everyone for your helpful suggestions - we want to be close to the action but not too close if you know what I mean. I'm going to start checking out the hotel recommendations to see what rates are like.

I've stayed at the Trump Int'l and it is fabulous but very pricey. Try the JW Marriott Rihga Royal. Beautiful hotel and great location. Have fun.

You might consider the Beacon Hotel at 75th and Broadway (http://www.beaconhotel.com/). It is on the upper west side and only a 5 minute train ride to Times Square. You could walk to Times Square (1 1/2 miles) in less than 30 minutes at a leisurely pace. Central Park and Lincoln Center are close by as is Natural HIstory museum. The Metropolitan Museum is a pleasant walk that involves crossing CEntral Park. Subway station is close by as is bus transportation. Have read many comments about this hotel on this forum - almost every one favorable.

Although you've had a lot of good advice, Gratn, I figured I'd add just one more hotel selection.

I stay at the Hotel Stanford, which is near Macy's and Herald Square (Little Korea). It's about 10 blocks from Times Square and easily accessible to most sites via subway, bus or cab (but walking is best).

Their rates run $150 for a double, (sometimes even a suite) and all rooms have a fridge, plus continental breakfast is offered.

Good luck in your search.