Hey all- first let me say that I appreciate this site. My 1st trip to NYC was last fall, and the info shared here was priceless.
Now, I am bringing my son and his friend to NYC to visit the NYU campus.We will arrive Sat 10/29 in evening and depart 8pm Monday night. We will need lodging for Sat and Sun. nights.Ideally near NYU so they can have the flavor of the area. Money is VERY tight- we have job loss at our house -so- I need to do this as inexp. as possible! I have checked out the hostel site, along with a few others. ANY help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, chillykim

You've left this for the last minute at a very busy time. The Halloween Parade downtown on the evening of your departure may make things a bit difficult.

These 3 are probably the closest
Washington Square Hotel
Larchmont
Chelsea Savoy

Club Quarters may have an agreement with NYU on special rates. That was posted here several years ago. There are 2 locations, one in Midtown and one Downtown. Very reasonable rates for NYU affiliates. Contact NYU and find out.

You should look on newyork.craigslist.com and see if there's anyone with an apt. to rent for the weekend.

Second Home on Second is a more affordable b and b not too far.

Putting NYU AND hotels in the search box will also yield some more info.

mclaurie- Thanks for the info. I was not the one to choose H'ween weekend. It is one of things that get thrown in your lap at the last minute. I am having a hard time deciding if we should stay down by NYU, or closer to Times Square since the visit to NYU is Monday. Any thoughts? thanks, chillykim

The parade starts at 7pm. Here's the website with info and location.

http://www.halloween-nyc.com/index.php

If money is very tight, I can't fathom why you'd even consider staying "closer to Times Square." All the tourists want to be there so prices are higher, yet locals hate it. This should tell you it's not a good way to decide whether the boys want to spend 4 years in NYC. It has little or nothing to do with the purpose of your trip.

I would either stay somewhere near NYU if you can find suitable space, or at least in a more residential/affordable neighborhood to get a feel of living here. How are you traveling in and out of the city?

I think that staying near NYU is the best bet. We are flying into Newark, then taking the train into the Soo area.(I believe this is where the website said that it goes to). I have contacted some B&B's in the area of NYU- still waiting to see if they have space. Thanks for your insight- I really appreciate it!

typo- *Soho, Wall St area

mclaurie- to answer your question, we are arriving in Newark around 8:30pm Sat evening, taking the air train from the airport in. Our flight out is Monday at 8:30 which means we need to leave the city around 7pm, i think this will give us enough time. Any further suggestions? Also, I have reservations at the International Hotel on 15th street. Do you know anything about this place? Thanks again for all your help, chillykim

Hey all - the trip to NYC and NYU was wonderful. The weekend weather was great, and it was fun to see so many people dressed up and walking the streets in costume. The Seafarer's was a good call for us. The rooms are tiny, just a twin bed, little desk, dresser with TV, and a sink.We also had a roll-a-way in there. Not much room for a third person but my son slept on the floor. Toilet down hall and shower down the hall.If all you want is a place to rest and sleep, I would suggest saving some $$ and stay here- spend the savings on a nice dinner or in one of the great vintage shops in the area. We paid the student rate of $76.00 per nite- no tax. Some of the rooms do have a bath for a little more a night (I think $20.00 more), but all in all a great place to stay cheap! We were right at Union Square, right down where many of the students hang out. Rode the subway all over the place. Just had a great time. We will stay here when we go back. Clean, cheap, great location. Thanks to everyone for all the tips! take care, chilly

Thanks for reporting back. Always appreciated!