We are a family of two adults and 3 kids looking for a very good hotel deal in mid manhattan - or close to museum of natural history. Preferably family room/suite/two connected rooms. Any suggestions/ websites???

There are no longer "cheap" hotels in NYC. Some times of year (like now) are cheaper than others though. The Museum of Natural History is on the upper west side where there are several good value hotels with family rooms. They include
the Lucerne (some suites)
the Beacon (suites)
the Milburn (suites)
the Excelsior (some suites)
On the Avenue
Look at the hotels' own websites and also check quikbook.com and perhaps kayak.com

When are you traveling? If within the next month, check travelzoo.com for specials.

I should have added, the Affinia.com group of hotels are all suites and very good although not nec. cheap--but good value. The Best Western Hospitality is another good option in midtown.

familienreimer: Please share when you and your family plan to visit NYC. Time of year does make a difference.

You have received excellent help from poster mclaurie and I can second The Milburn Hotel on the Upper West Side is very nice for the $'s, good for families etc. www.milburnhotel.com

You may want to try The Envoy Club located at 377 E. 33rd Street (Murray Hills) also good value for the $'s by NYC standards www.theenvoyclub.com

Good luck and come back with more information and questions you might have.

Sandy

Agree that othing in New York is cheap - but now is a less expensive time - once you get into mid September prices start to rise and continue until just before Christamas (think twice what you would pay now).

You have a bunch of good recos.

But - without dates and a budget it's hard to be more specific.