Hotel Celsea
 

My friend and I will be in NYC the first weekend in December. She booked the Hotel Chelsea for us, as it was reasonably priced, even in December. What can you tell me about it? Hoping it is clean and safe........(?) Any good restaurants nearby? Thanks!!!

It's perfectly safe. Ultimately, you get what you pay for. It's a worn down building and hotel, but not a flea bag. The location is quite good. As long as your expectations are realistic, you'll be fine.

Thanks, Mike!

Have you looked at their website?
http://www.hotelchelsea.com/history.php

Reviews? http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._New_York.html
Also notice the "travelers photos" on the reviews page.

You should know many (if not all) rooms share a bath down the hall. This hotel was also mentioned a week ago in the "Frugal Traveler" article in the NY Times.
http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/10/12.../12frugal.html

The location is great with lots of restaurant options. Directly next door is sorry looking Mexican rest. called El Quijote that's known for great value lobster dinners. http://menupages.com/restaurantdetai...mp;cuisineid=0

Bottom line Laura, if you're a rock and roll fan and only staying for a few nights, it's fine. That weekend is probably the most expensive of the year.

Allison, thanks for your input. We made sure we are not sharing a bathroom, and actually, the price is VERY reasonable for that weekend (250/night.) We are pretty open minded and would rather spend the cash on shopping or eating anyway.......so it sounds fine!

I know you didn't ask for this, but did you try Priceline.com? ((*))

My parents actually spent their honeymoon night there, and like the other posters said, as long as you're more interested in history than luxury, you'll be fine.
Not only for rock history, but a long list of literary figures have stayed there (I believe Brendan Behan and Dylan Thomas among them).