ita

I come from a very cold climate and I would not stay in that area in December. Beside the relative cold at that time, you have never walked on icy streets. New York is a walking city and the easiest way to get around is by walking. Taxis are hard to come by and sometimes move very slowly. For that time of year and considering what you plan to do I would stay in Time Square. You are not coming to New York for rest and quiet. We stayed at Madison Square Hampton Inn last December. The room was small, but modern and clean. Breakfast was included. It was under $300.

Bwino

OK, between here and TA probably going to change my mind on accom. Have not even supplied credit card details yet so no issue. Starrs - I am looking at Incentra Village, not sure on it yet though.

genio67

I don't know anything about Incentra village, but the location is great.

starrs

Bwino, give them a call and see what they have. I'm afraid that the new law change may affect their units that aren't in the main building. But, the one I stayed in there is still on the website so I think it would be okay. The tricky part of all this is that the law just changed so it's hard to tell what's "legal" now and what isn't. You want a kitchen, but a kitchenette may serve your needs, or maybe just a room that has a microwave and refrigerator. I know you want more room but space comes at a premium price.

All I know is that when I stay in my friend's full apartment I don't cook. I love the fridge for leftovers and the microwave for zapping them. There is so much good (and inexpensive) food in NYC I just don't cook. You may be different.

At that time of year, my main goal would be to find a place close to a subway stop. Anything within a few short blocks would work for me. Anything more than two long blocks wouldn't at that time of year. It's not just the cold, but wind is a big factor IMO.

Anyway, we loved the location of the little apartment at Incentra. There was a little shop where I'd go early in the morning to get coffee, juice and bagels. The subway was close and it felt like a neighborhood. It's the first time I've recommended it on the board because I was kind of "saving" it in case I needed it again

Others rave about the Radio City Apartments. Take a look at those. Regular hotels that offer free breakfasts are a deal. I like the LaQuinta (near Madison Square Garden). The rates are usually good and there's a subway on the corner and although it doesn't feel very "neighborhoody" it has lots of food options nearby. A lot of hotels will bring a small fridge to the room upon request. You could probably zap stuff in the breakfast room if you wanted. I'm a big fan of the new Staybridge Suites. They do have a kitchen in the room. Their prices may be sky high during that time of room though.

Good luck. I know it's tough. I know you want an apartment but that's such a hard option to find now the law has changed.

nytraveler

From what I can see the residence is legal - not a regular apartment building in which renters are illegally subletting their apartments.

Bwino

Thanks, Incentra is a good location. Starrs we can get the bishop suite for $288 per night including taxes. I like the idea of a working fire place and it has a kitchenette. A full kitchen is not necessary.

I have been trying to make a reservation with Radio City for the last couple of weeks both on booking sites and directly with the hotel. They are fully booked for our dates. They did say they get a lot of cancellations which I guess must be very frustrating, but probably a lot of people are doing exactly what I have been advised to do and make a booking.

Anyway Incentra does look good and I have been thinking about it for a while. We can book it with just a credit card and can cancel up to 3 days before we arrive.

starrs

Hey, a fireplace during that timeframe for $288 that includes taxes? Book 'em, Dano! I'm serious. Book it!

I love being in the Village during that time of year. I love walking the sidewalks with the Christmas tree vendors set up. Everything feels so festive, in a completely different way than 5th Avenue and the Big Store Windows. A kitchenette is all you need. Truly, I've only scrambled an egg in weeks in my friends' apartment. You don't need more than a kitchenette. The subway is RIGHT THERE! Great places to eat and drink nearby. I think you would be very happy there. I can't imagine you finding something you'll like better at a better price.

ekscrunchy

417 East 57th Street is an apartment building, not a hotel. I wonder if the rentals are even legal.

You can walk to the theatre district and also to Madison Square Garden although that last is a bit of a hike for locals, as would be the Beacon Theatre.

But on a nice evening, neither of these are very far.

You can take the crosstown 57th Street bus from the west side.

The area is very safe although a bit dull.

Bwino

Thanks ekscrunchy.

Starrs - I have booked Incentra Village, thanks for the recommendation.

starrs

I hope you enjoy it. I loved it, especially the location.

Now, there's so much more in the area -

Drinks at the Gansevoort around the corner -
http://www.hotelgansevoort.com/nightlife/index.cfm

Chelsea Market not far away -
http://chelseamarket.com/retail/

And now the High Line -
http://www.thehighline.org/
Perfect if you get a sunshiney, non-windy day

And the subway is RIGHT THERE!

I'm excited for you. I think you'll just love being there.

Bwino

Thanks Starrs I think it is going to be a fantastic location. We are happy with the decision and if by chance we change our mind for some reason we can do so up to three days before. I am just happy to stop looking, have spent hours and hours on it. I will also check out the other links thanks.

NYC here we come! very exited and 'only' 23 hours of flying to get there

Elkaz

The new law didn't change anything. What is did was pull together all the other regulations Basically you can not rent an apartment in NYC for less than 30 days. (legally) Even before this law building rules usually prohibited short term rentals. Tenants ( and co op owners) are not allowed to sublet without permission ( and never have been) At best you are breaking the law and will get away with it. At "medium" you will find yourself gaining entry and being tossed in the middle of your trip and at worst you will never gain entry.

You may find this interesting

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/m...BYXfsf18AsVGZK

Elkaz

I just followed your link. ( should have done it first) The Certificate of Occupancy (C/0)says that it is zoned J2. The explanatory pages that follow describe the zone for an apartment hotel. HOWEVER the C/O DOESN"T authorize the place with that zone, It is like saying this is what the requirements for a MD are. Therefore I am going to go out tomorrow and do surgery. --even if I don't meet those requirements or have that license!!

Bwino

Ok so booking has changed again to Staybridge Suites in Times Square, we are going to brave the 'thick of it' and really know we are in NYC. www.staytimessquare.com. Got it for $299 per night for a view studio, includes free internet, free full breakfast and free cocktails three nights a week. Well of course they are not free but they are included in the price. Very happy with this choice.

Thank you everyone for your input.

ita

your choice sounds great. I will reference it for myself for the future.

The location is a good choice for that time of year. I remember that last December shortly after we left New York, they had a major snow storm. That could be a fun experience for you, but not if you had to look for transportation