Hey,
I need some help from all you friendly folks at Fodor's. I'm going to NYC with three friends (we're in our early 20s) from March 15-17 (arriving Thursday afternoon, leaving early Saturday morning). I'm in charge of planning the trip, and I need some input on choosing a hotel.
We would like to do as much of the touristy stuff (Empire State Building, Times Square, a museum or two, etc) as we can in two days and thought that the midtown area would be the best place to stay. I'm looking for a nice, clean hotel in a safe area that's under $150. Is that reasonable?

My preliminary research has given me a few names: the Belvedere, Edison Hotel, Hudson Hotel. Any comments on these hotels?

Also, I was thinking of the Marriott Courtyard in Times Square-- a little pricier, but the location seems advantageous. Would anyone be able to recommend a website where I might be able to book the Marriott at a discount? I tried hoteldiscounts.com but it appears they don't have a relationship with the Marriott. Any other hotel recommendations would be welcome.

Any other ideas for what to do in NYC? My friend has her heart set on seeing Dave Letterman, but I've heard that the waiting list extends a year in advance. I've heard that SNL has their rehearsals in front of live audiences, is that true?

Okay, I believe those are all the questions I have at the moment. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Sheila

Another question: I went to the Marriott website and found a good deal for the Marriott Courtyard Midtown East, on 3rd Ave. Would this be a good location for seeing the sights?

Yes, very good--four blocks from Fifth Ave., a little over a half-mile walk to Times Square and the theatre district. Lots of restaurants in the area and it's safe.

P.S.: And it's a short walk to the subway.

How about the Marriott Financial Center? I realize it's a little farther away, but for $119/night I can't complain. Is it safe to ride the subway there at night?

You may want to check out the Comfort Inn Midtown. We stayed there recently for $89 per night. The prices may be higher in March, but we stayed there last year in March for around $125. The rooms are small but clean. On 46th street between 6th and 7th avenues, it is half a block from Times Square. Their website is www.applecorehotels.com

The Edison is not fancy, but clean, affordable, and in a great location.

Well, I booked a room at the Marriott Financial Center for $169/night (unfortunately, the $119 rate wasn't available for my dates, of course)...

Has anyone been to the TKTS booth at the World Trade Center? What are my chances of procuring four tickets for Les Mis or Kiss Me, Kate for a Thursday night?

Shelia, I think you will like the Marriott it is close to the Hudson and the upper floors have a pretty nice view, you may even see the Statue of Liberty from your room.

The TKTS booth is really convenient from where you are staying. Walk out the back of the hotel to the plaza and it is on the tower to your right. Walk in the doors and turn left and you will see the booth. I use it all the time and usually am able to get the tickets I want. As far as your two choices you may want a third choice just in case and get there early in the am for the best tickets. I usually ask at the booth for the best tickets they have for any show and narrow it down that way.

Have a great time while you are here.

Sheila, your chances are excellent for Les Miserables and probably as good for Kiss Me Kate at TKTS for a Thursday evening.

We've stayed at The Belvedere before and were very pleased with the rate of $115 and the size of the room. Four people would be comfortable, I think. The room also had a fridge and microwave which was nice. Enjoy your trip!

Check out the Cosmopolitan Hotel in the shadow of the Twin Towers.

Also, Call 411 for the number of the Late Show with Dave Letterman at CBS. The will give you the details on how to get on the standby guest list for that day.

I just realized you will be leaving the city on the morning of one of the best days of the year. You will miss the NYC St. Patricks Day Parade up Fifth Ave. Try to stay, you wont be sorry!

I just booked a room at the Marriott east on 3rd ave for $155 per night on w/e use playbill code lloi

Try the Park Central on hoteldiscounts.
This hotel was recently renovated. It's pretty nice for $130. Saturday Night Live rehersals are done in front of a live audience. If you don't have tickets, I think you can put your name on a no show list. Keep in mind there will be a lot of people trying to do this and you'll have to hang around for a while.