Hello - I'm researching the possibility of a frequent flyer funded trip to New York. Whilst the flights are covered I will have to pay for accommodation and, boy, am I on a budget. But I have found a studio style apartment called Radio City Apartments at 142 West 49th Street at what seems to be a very reasonable price. Could anyone give me any information or reviews on this accommodation? Does anyone have any other suggestions at around US$125 - $140 per night. Also I'm thinking about a trip in February.....would this be a really bad time to go weather wise?

Given that it is a studio with cooking facilities do you think that around US$2500 spending money would see me clear for 12 - 14 days....I could do my own breakfast, pack a lunch and just eat dinner meals (cheaply) out, or bring back takeaway, or even heat up a can of soup - this would have to include my sightseeing money (entrance fees to attactions etc).

Thanks to anyone who can offer me some help.

There's a good sub-letting service I've used in New York: http://www.nyhabitat.com/.
We stayed in a furnished apartment but there are also studios and it's much cheaper than hotels, you can also pick your area.

Radio City is generally considered the BEST budget option in the city. Very central location, good management, recently updated rooms (though nothing luxurious). I don't think there's a better option for the price. The problem is getting a room there. Since it's such a good deal, they fill up quickly.

While nyhabitat is a reputable apt. agent, you won't have daily maid service in an apt. and you could wind up in a place with someone else's stuff (ie not an apt. just for vacation rental).

Assuming you don't get carried away shopping (which is hard not to do), your budget is plenty. It's very easy to dine cheaply (and well) in NYC. One way to save money is to have your main meal at lunch rather than dinner. Most restaurants, including the top ones, have much cheaper prices at lunch. Some even have prix fixe lunch menus.

A 7 day metrocard for unlimited travel on subway and bus is $24.

Thank you for your help there. It looks like Radio City Apartments have received some pretty good reviews on TripAdvisor and mclaurie, your post has backed that up.

Could anyone please let me know what the weather is usually like in February (I'm thinking early Feb for around 12 days)? What time does it usually get dark at this time of year?

Also is the area around W49 St pretty safe...I'm just thinking about going out in the evening for a meal.

Thanks again.

Daneille,

New York can be bitterly cold in February. If you come prepared, you can deal with the cold. Warm shoes, scarves, hats, gloves make the temps slightly bearable. The wind can be rough. The weather doesn't seem to hinder too many people. You will see tons out and about.

It will get dark around 5 pm, and I think the area you are staying in is safe.

It may be cold, it may get dark early, but it's New York and it's worth it!

Have a great time,
Suse

Thanks Suse,

I've posted another message re weather as I wasn't getting much of a response to this one....and it looks like you've answered my question. I live in Australia and have lived variously in Brisbane (very hot, humid), Sydney (mild, humid) and Melbourne (hot, to very hot, to cold). But even in Melbourne the temperature very rarely get to minus temps and that is like the middle of winter at 3am when you're usually rugged up in bed anyway. That being said I certainly wouldn't let a little cold deter me from such a fabulous trip and I'd get more bang for my buck going in the "off" season. I'd be coming from the worst part of Melbourne's summer, the hottest bit, so a bit of freeing cold respite might do me good.

Thanks again.

wunderground.com has a trip planner on the bottom right of the page that gives historic temps etc. for the dates you're considering. While the weather is not great in Feb., the hotel prices will reflect that. It's not a great time to do outside things (Central Park etc.) but there's so much to do inside (museums, theater, shopping) that it's fine.

Daneille,

I forgot to mention that, even though they are supposed to be out of style, EVERONE was wearing UGGS when I was there in January, on the coldest day ever in NY. My feet stayed nice, warm and comfortable for all the walking I did. Thought I'd mention it since you are coming from Australia

Suse

Suse, thanks - I like your attitude. The way I see it, if the cold of Feb makes my holiday to NY affordable well all the better. One of the unfortunate things about being a lone traveller is you have to foot the bill for the accommodation all by yourself - which is the only reason I'm looking at this time of year! I spoke to a travel agent last week, who made everything I planned sound so dreadful that I started to rethink the whole thing....however when she mentioned that I holiday in some God-awful resort type place, because I would have a FABULOUS time, I remembered that she didn't know me at all - so I put her ideas back where they belonged. I am soooooo not resort fodder!!

If theater and museums will keep you happy, there's no reason not to come in Feb. I don't know how long you have for your holiday, but you can easily, and usually cheaply, take a flight to Florida for a few days to warm up.

Winter weather in NYC isn;t that bad as long as you're prepared for it. We're about 100 miles south of the snow belt - so although you probably will see some snow/sleet it's rare that we get real blizzards (once every 4/5 years - with 18" of snow or more).

The key thing to remember is to layer and make sure you have really waterproof and comfortable boots. You definitely need a real winter coat, hat, scarf, gloves and several sweaters, turtlenecks etc - since the damp and wind can make the cold feel much worse than it really is. (We do see wind chills of minus 5 or 10 farenheit at night at times.)

But - NYC has so much to do indoors - and there are usually some days when outdoors is reasonably pleasant - so you can see Central Park, not mind the ferry to Ellis Island etc.

Daneille,
I will probably be in New York next Feb (2008) as well. And thanks for the tip about Radio City Apartments, I will see if I can book me a place there as well.

I also live in a warm place (on the northeastern coast of Brazil), but I have been to New York in the summer as well as in the winter time, and I much rather go in the winter. It is too hot and too crowded in the summer.

You know what guys. . . I'm going to do this - the positive comments far out way the negatives - and it will be a great excuse to buy some lovely winter clothes and a coat whilst I'm there.

Thank you to everyone who has given me their thoughts on this. I'm sure I'll have many more questions - things to do and see - once I get the bookings locked in. Cheers, Daneille

Weather is not guaranteed to be horrible. I've experienced mild temps in February before and freezing temps in May.

That said, the area you are staying in is very safe. I don't even know why anyone would bring that up.

The area is close to tons of things.

What is on your agenda? Theater? Museums? Off the beaten path?