Is it better to stay in New Jersey or outside the City? We are looking for safe and economical accomodations. What should we see? WE are OVERWHELMED with the choices and the locations that are available to us. We will have our 11 year old son with us lso.

I would stay right in the city! The extra cost of the hotel would compensate for the hassle of travelling from NJ to NY everyday for 3 days. It may not seem far but traffic can be bad.

I can understand your feeling overwhelmed about NYC. I live just 15 minutes from NYC. If your main purpose is to visit NYC, I would suggest your staying right in NYC, there are many, many nice hotels right in midtown. As for what to do, you have tons of choices, depending on you taste. Since you are traveling with your son, I would suggest sites that may interest him, such as the US Intrepid Museum (retired navy ship and submarine) on the Westside of Manhattan. A trip to the top of the World Trade Center is always fun, or the Empire State Building. 3 days isn't much, but you can get in some sites. If I can help you more, just email me directly. I can fill you in on alot, I've lived here all my life. Happy trip!!!!

I'd really suggest staying in southern Connecticut.
It's safe and not far at all from NYC.

I have a 16 year old and we used to live in Staten Island. It doesn't have to be scary or overwhelming. Check Fodor's guide on the web. They are honest and unbiased about accommodations no vested interest.

I'd suggest that you take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. It's wonderful and cheap and your 11 year old will enjoy it. You can also go to the NY Stock Exchange. I'm not sure how it works to get in or if there is a charge but it is a fun place to visit. Don't forget to go to The empire state building.

Email me again if you wish!
j

ABSOLUTELY stay in the city!!! There's a pace and a feel to New York that's unlike any other. It's a great place to visit with an 11 y.o., too -- so much to do and see. Don't forget the Statue of Liberty!
And the Central Park Zoo. And the Museum of Natural HIstory. It isn't cheap, but if you could take him to Lion King on Broadway, it'd be an experience he'd never ever forget! Check a hotel broker for a more favorable room rate. We did well by going this route. Two that have been written up in National Geographic Traveler and the Chicago Tribune are: Hotel Reservations Network, 800/964-6835 and Quikbook, 800/789-9887. They often have significant discounts, but back it up by checking with a hotel's 800 number as well. You're going to have a wonderful time!!!

Stay in the city. The commute will get old very fast, and since you only have 3 days, you don't want to waste time commuting. I agree with many of the suggestions, especially the Intrepid, which is a retired aircraft carrier. The Museum of Natural History is one of the best in the world. You may also like the South Street Seaport. Don't be afraid, the crime rate is way down in NY and it has really been cleaned up.

Stay in the city. The commute will get old very fast, and since you only have 3 days, you don't want to waste time commuting. I agree with many of the suggestions, especially the Intrepid, which is a retired aircraft carrier. The Museum of Natural History is one of the best in the world. You may also like the South Street Seaport. Don't be afraid, the crime rate is way down in NY and it has really been cleaned up.

Don't miss the Central Park Zoo. Your child will love it, and you will love the people watching as well as the animals. Central Park should not be ignored in general. It is truly beautiful at that time of year, and one idea to get a taste of how New Yorkers enjoy it is to rent a rowboat at the Loeb boathouse. It is a pleasure for young and old. I agree with the writer above about the Staten Island Ferry ride. And even though I have never done it, I have heard great reports about Circle Line cruises. The Intrepid is neat, and of course Ellis Island is a wonder. Consider going to the top of the Empire State Building and/or World Trade Center off peak hours. Lines can be long at both. Night is particularly breathtaking, and I would guess that weeknights are best for smaller crowds. Finally, how about a show? TKTS is the half-price ticket place at Times Square and you may get into one of the musicals on a weeknight.