Planning a girls trip in March to run a 1/2 marathon in Central Park and then sight seeing. Need hotel suggestions that won't break the bank.

Excelsior Hotel is right on the park at 79th (80th?)across the street from the Natural History Museum. There is a subway stop there too, so it's very easy to get around.

Have stayed at the Excelsior twice and it is quite nice and very convenient to subway, and I love the neighborhood but the staff isn't very helpful. There are some great little restaurants in the area as well.

New York has amazing public transportation and thousands of cabs, so I wouldn't worry about being near Central Park. Depending on where your race starts, you'll probably take a cab there anyway, even if you're "on Central Park" because the Park is big.

Has anyone stayed at Stay the Night B & B??18 East 93rd Street, how is the neighborhood?

Great neighborhood ... Carnegie Hill ... Woody Allen's 'hood.

I checked trip advisor and it had bad reviews.

Stay the night neighborhood wonderful, place NOT.

I agree with Gekko, you don't need to stay that close to the park to get there. It's huge anyway and saying you want to stay near it leaves a very wide area to chose from.

If you want serious advice, give us the location of the start of the race and/or tell us the dates and your budget. The Salisbury is a good all suite budget hotel not far from the south end of the park.
nycsalisbury.com
I'll also add, don't make the mistake of trying to put too many "girls" in one room with one bathroom. YOu'll be sorry.

Keep in mind you'll still spend over $200 a night for a room large enough that can sleep more than two adults.

Agree with mclaurie, rethink too many people in a room.

We stayed at the Comfort Inn-Centra Park West..31 West 71st St.
Rooms were small - but location is very good. Near part and Amsterdam Ave - with restaurants and shops and subways.

Check out Astor on the Park -- Central Park West & 106th Street. The "high numbered streets" scare some folks, but I live on 102 and CPW and love the neighborhood. The Astor is sort of a modern boutique style somewhere above a tourist class (but not much

There's also a Says Hotel at 94th and Broadway -- a bit over from the Park, but a much more traditionally friendly neighborhood.

Sorry -- mistyped -- Says Hotel = Days Hotel (part of the Days Inn chain)

www.thelucernehotel.com

The west side n the 60s and up to Columbia (116 or so) is fine. Very diverse and some areas do have public houseing - but safe, lively and with tons of good restaurants - many inexpensive. There are several great places to stay and a couple awful ones (Stay the Night, Marrakesh - or whatever it's calling itself now).

The Newton is a very basic budget place in that area - nothing special but clean and in a good location.

The plan is to arrive on March 23, friday. Attend the race expo on Saturday and try to stay off our feet for the race on March 25. The race will start on Central Park's Center Drive @63rd street and will finish near Tavern on the Green. We will leave on March 28, 2007. There will be two of us maybe 3. I am not sure about a budget. Everything seems so expensive compared to lodging in other cities. Could I find something 150-200?

www.milburnhotel.com

On quikbook.com for March 23-28, the cheapest thing listed is the Salisbury in a standard double double for 3 people (2 will have to share a bed) for $158/night. For a 1 bedroom suite, it's $212/night. Either of these is a STEAL. (On the Salisbury's own website, the cheapest price is $289/night) BOOK IT IMMEDIATELY! It's cancellable and doesn't require prepayment. You can continue to look for other options, but meantime you've got a good option.

Just remember to get a metrocard for the bus/subway if you need transportation after the race. Too many people trying to get too few cabs. If you do not have the correct coins (without a metrocard) you cannot take a bus. The Lucerne Hotel is near Central Park, not too expensive, and lots of inexpensive restaurants nearby.

Thanks for all of the info...I booked on quick books 2 people/2 beds for $138 a night!! I have never planned a trip this far in advance and very happy with the results. Suggestions for spending saturday without alot of walking! Want to save our legs for the race.

Fabulouso. Sat. without walking too much? Take this bus tour.
kingofnyc.com
or do a bit of shopping in the morning, go to a matinee and have a nice dinner.