I thought I might be able to get a last minute deal on a hotel room for Saturday night. I can't even find availability. What is going on this weekend? Any ideas for a relatively affortable room would be great appreciated? Thanks in advance.

I did a quick search on Travelocity and they did have some available rooms, although I didn't check rates.

I checked Quikbook.com, and they have the Embassy Suites downtown for $219, the Swisshotel / Drake for $279, the Bryant Park Hotel for $295. If this is too high for you, your best bet on such short notice would be to bid on Priceline.

You're absolutely right Rocky. I checked quikbook, orbitz, hotels.com and several specific hotels & the only availability is for VERY expensive suites etc. I have no idea what's happening. Maybe a convention?

It's not too late for Priceline. Go to www.biddingfortravel.com and check out the prices for this weekend. We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott in Midtown East this July for $75 per night for a non-smoking double! It was an excellent value! Good Luck!

It's the Fall, pre-holiday season in New York. Everybody wants to be here -- the social season, the shopping season, etc. Nothing special going on -- just New York City!

Well, as far as I'm concerned there is a LOT going on! My daughter in Pelham is in labour. I will be a grandma some time today (for the 5th time, but this is my daughter's first). Maybe everybody wants to go to New York to see my new grandson; do you suppose that could be it????

Thanks so much for the ideas.

Meesthare: That must be it! Congratulations!

Meesthare,

Guess you are headed in our direction. Congrats on the new grandbaby, hope everything is wonderful. Let us know when you get here.

Rocky,

Also try some of the hotels directly, like The Palace, they have weekend discounts, and if you want to stay there, I can make a call and probably get a better price.

Also if you want a nicer place at a cheap price a new hotel in town in the Grand Union, just off Madison Ave, the rooms are about $100 a night and the rooms are big for NYC.

Have a great time and please shop till you drop, the stores here could sure use some help.

Definitely a time for Priceline. Read up about it at www.biddingfortravel.com, check out the maps/zones and lists of hotels that have been won in those zones. I got the same deal as ozres last July ($75 for hte Courtyard) and was delighted; it's raeted only 2.5* by PL but is much better than that; I believe if fails to be in the 3* category because it doesn't have an onsite restaurant.

Congratulations, Meesthare! We (you know who I mean) are all very happy for you!

Thanks for the good wishes, everybody! I'm still waiting to hear from the new mom and dad, but I've booked my flight and will be arriving on Monday, staying until Saturday. Can't wait!

Also try site 59.com!

For those of you (and I do know who you are!) who have been cheering us on all along - my new little grandson is born! 8lb. 3 oz. and perfect. I'll get to see him on Monday. Thought you'd all like to know!

CONGRATULATIONS, Meesthare!!! Have a lovely visit with the latest little Fodorite!!

Best wishes & MANY congrats meesthare!!!