I'm thinking about going on a quick weekend getaway to NYC in December, and was thinking I would most likely stay on Manhattan, but just uncovered a weekend deal at the Ritz-Carlton Westchester: $319/nt for an Executive Suite.

I've looked at the MTA's website, and it appears that a Metro-North train can make it to Grand Central Station in about a half hour, and runs about every 15 min.

Is that info about the train accurate? And do you think its doable to stay at the Ritz and still sightsee in Manhattan?

I live in westchester .It is definitely do-able..but if you intend to spend 300+ , I am sure u can find a great place in manhattan instead of spending close to 50 minutes each way really ,not counting teh time from your hotel to station..

Its going to be freezing cold,windy.I wouldnt want to take a train ride at 10 at night..Taxi wud be almost $125 each way...Living in Manhattan u can just stay out till midnight or longer as u wish as cab anywhere within manhattan is hardlu >10-15$

the fact that its a Ritz was basically the one draw.

I'm starting to think another option - an Embassy Suites near the financial district - will be better given I could stay out later and not have to worry about getting on a train.

Well, it's so accessible that people commute from there every day! But be sure that you're looking at the weekend train schedule -- they are less frequent.

That being said, I agree with the prior poster. At $300 a night, you can find something in Manhattan that you can just taxi home to -- no standing on a cold train platform waiting for the train; no cutting short your post-theatre drinks to make the next train. The Embassy Suites in the financial district is fine -- it's an Embassy Suites. You will find yourself cabbing a lot from there unless you are going out in Tribeca.

The Embassy Suites is 299 a night. Does anyone have any recommendations for a similar price but located a bit further north than the Financial District????

Don't know which dates you're thinking for December, but did you look at these various offers on Travelzoo?
http://hotels.travelzoo.com/new-york-hotels/

the dates are December 5-7.

That's one of the busiest and most expensive weekends of the year. If you can get the Embassy Suites in Battery Park for that price, grab it.

trekker...try the u.n millenium plaza, on 41st and 1st. westchester is lovely, and the info on the train is accurate, but if you came to see new york for more than one day, it's best to just stay in the city.