skateboardmom2

We are two families (four adults, four boys ages 7-11) looking for a rendezvous point between NYC and Hartford.

We were going to meet in NYC but decided against it after seeing hotel prices for our mid-October weekend (Comfort Inn at $395?). We get to NY often, so all we're looking for is a nice place to meet up and allow the boys to play while the parents hang out. (The boys are all pretty quiet, reader/computer types, though access to some nature, especially woods, would be appreciated.) We're looking to spend less than $200 per family for lodging. One family will be taking train in from NY.

Any suggestions for a rendezvous spot (hotel, town, or other special location?). I was just going to Priceline a couple of rooms in Greenwich but figured I'd better ask the experts first (I'm from California and have only been to CT a couple times).

Thanks

Scarlett

I love Stamford. There is a wonderful park with a museum and a petting zoo..it is a very beautiful town..I used to dream of leaving NY and living there
That would be my vote..but I don't know hotels there..

janie

How about visting the Maritime aquarium in Norwalk? Also in the same area is a street of nice shops and restaurants, a marina (with boat rides to a nearby island with lighthouse)
It's close to Greenwich or Stamford is you prefer to stay there. The hotels and towns in that part of CT area tend to cater to business travelers, and aren't really outdoorsy areas

mclaurie

Think about Tarrytown or Westpoint. There are several hotels in Tarrytown and you'd be near Sleepy Hollow and the other mansions in the area. New London or New Haven are other ideas. I think Greenwich or Stanford will be boring for the kids.

skateboardmom2

Thanks all. I just found out we'll only have 2 days together so having "things to do" isn't really important. We're old friends who just want to spend time together, though I should add that everyone in the group appreciates good food!

None of the kids need "attractions." My son lives 20 minutes from Disneyland and he's never been--his choice.

We're training in from NY and won't have a rental car, so something not too far from a train station would be great.

Thanks!

skatedancer

consider New Canaan. Both the Roger Sherman Inn and the Maples Inn are directly across from the Nature Center, which has walking trails. You can also walk in to the town center (about a ten - 15 minute walk) which is charming and has lots of shops and restaurants, and a movie theater (just two films at a time, though). There is a park (Mead Park) with playground and ball fields that is in walking distance of the town.

The railroad station is right in town, again about a 15 minute walk to the inns, or cabs are right there.

If each family can fit in one room, you will be under $200 per night.

Pausanias

Stamford is a small city. The downtown area has a number of popular restaurants and bars. There is also a mall and at least three movie theaters -- one of which shows good films (The Garden).

A Courtyard Marriott recently opened right in the middle of it and seems very popular. The offer free wide-band internet in the rooms if the kids have a laptop.

There are a few town beaches, good for a walk, also the Mianus River gorge on the border with Greenwich. I suppose you would have to reach them by taxi, although the hotel advertises a shuttle to some local attractions.

Not NY by a long shot, but not your typical suburb, either. There are some rough neighborhoods in town and you'll see the usual doofs with their hats on backwards and their pants falling down. Staying in the core downtown area keeping reasonable hours you shouldn't have any trouble.

Pausanias

Oops! That good theater is the Avon. The Garden shows good movies in Norwalk. There is also the Palace, which features live entertainment -- bands, comedians, dance, etc.

lisettemac

If you are taking the train, I'd stay in Stamford. There are few hotel choices in Greenwich (although you can sometimes get a good weekend rate at the Hyatt and it has an indoor pool, which might be a bonus for the kids!) and they range from the very expensive Delamar to the HoJo.

Stamford has several hotel choices within walking distance or a very short cab ride with bags from the train station. And, it's an express stop on the New Haven line.

The Courtyard that another poster mentioned is new and popular. It has the city's hottest new restaurant in it, Napa. Maybe a little fancy for your kids. It is also across the street from a great Indian restaurant, Dakshin, that would be fine for the kids (if they are adventurous eaters). It is also walking distance from a strip of a number of other restaurant choices. It is walking distance to shopping and a huge multi-plex cinema, too. Enjoy!

otto

i wouldn't go to stamford. greenwich is quite nice, good shopping, and the water is there. but would you consider going further to mystic? seems like a much nicer time for all. or, why not stay in hartford? you could see the mark twain house?

GerdaFaust

The Hyatt in Old Greenwich often has good weekend rates.

nina

Definitely Greenwich, Stamford has virtually nothing to offer as a tourist spot, I know, I used to live there.

It's just a city with lots of corporations and offices and pretty much shuts down after working hours.

You could check out SoNo for lots of street life or Greenwich Ave., both are loads more interesting than Stamford.

You could also check out Old Greenwich and Todd's Point, I don't know when they stop checking for ID's (proof of residency to get in the park).

Try pricelining the Hyatt.

skatedancer

wow, Nina, how long ago did you live in Stamford? it has a vibrant arts and restaurant scene. The performance centers get world class talent.

nina

I moved out 16 years ago and now I live in a small town very close by. I hate going to Stamford, I try to avoid it. The only time I go now is to go to Lord & Taylor, take my kids to paintball or a big sporting goods store there.

If I want arts and restaurants I just go into the city (NYC) or to Westport, SoNo or Greenwich.