As a New Yorker, I actually think Times Square is a GREAT location...perfect for a NY experience and walking distance and close to many of the city's great restaurants. You have so many great ones to choose from right on restaurant row. It is also within walking distance to most major attractions including Rockefeller Center, St. Pat's, Bloomies/Saks/Bergdorfs, Empire State Bldg, etc.

I worked at the Marriott Marquis for several years and think it is a great hotel, if you can get a decent rate. I've also stayed at the Millenium Broadway and was very pleased. The Sheraton is absolutely conveniently located to Times Square and the posting that there are two Sheratons across the street from each other is correct. I believe they are known as the Sheraton Manhattan and the Sheraton New York. It actually makes sense b/c they are sister properties and it allows them to bid on large conventions.

The Today show did a show on vacations last week and they had a "splurge" and "bargain" in each location. For NYC they mentioned Hotel QT, which is Andre Balaz's budget hotel. It gets good reviews on TripAdvisor and is conveniently located on 45th Street. However, I was there last year (we got a room there for my mother-in-law's 60th b-day) and found the rooms to be VERY small. It is a functional hotel, very minimalist; though it is trendy and hip. Not a good choice, however, if you are looking to pamper yourself.

Hope this helps...have a great trip!

Ah, starrs, Worldwide Plaza - know it well! My BF lived across the street from the building's southern face, in his last Manhattan apt before he escaped to the tranquility of the outer boroughs (to be with me :"> ). Yes, the tower of Worldwide Plaza is on 8th Ave, with the plaza and lower buildings extending west to 9th Ave. So you were definitely in Jets and Sharks territory!

The Hilton Garden Inn I mentioned is just diagonally opposite the Worldwide Plaza on the east side of 8th Ave, between 49th and 48th Streets. Until recently it was a Days Inn...

I remember you were planning on an NYC visit a while back that you had to scrap last-minuteish. Let us know when you plan to try again! :)

Yes. Worldwide Plaza. I rented there twice in a great one bedroom apartment with fantastic views from the 31st floor available by the week generally at $225 a night no tax added -- a steal compared to hotel prices.
www.bigapplegetaway.com

The worst problem is, it's become so popular you have to book 6 months or more in advance.

The apartment was gorgeous. Loved that place! Great location too.

I like "Times Square" area hotels for NYC visits too! :-)

In answer to go travel, true but this is an example of a 4*. If you see my post it was referring to 3*. I have never had a problem getting a 3* for $100 range. Given that posted rates are generally closer to $250 a night. I think even $170 though may be a bargain.

Some people do not have the patience to use Priceline and can afford to pay more. Thats perfectly fine, but I don't mine sharing my postive experiences.

Author: GoTravel
Date: 08/15/2007, 10:09 am
Which is almost $170 per night and not $100 per night.

ggreen, off to Sharks and Jets territory!
"Tonight, tonight, won't be just any night..."

starrsville, did you come up to "Sharks and Jets territory" this weekend? (I myself was out of town...)

"The air is humming, and something great is coming. ... It's only just out of reach, down the block, on a beach. Maybe tonight." :)

Only in my imagination. I saw West Side Story locally. I'll give you a head's up when I REALLY get up there!

I hope the WSS rendition was good enought to transport you northward for a few hours!

Some more of the Something's Coming lyrics are appropriate, then:
"Something's coming, don't know when, but it's soon... Around the corner, or whistling down the river, come on, deliver to me! Will it be? Yes, it will. Maybe just by holding still, it'll be there!"

In the meantime, it's good to keep dreaming, right? :)