What airport are they flying into, Newark?

no, in and out of JFK. still working on this. have found a couple things in manhattan that will fit the bill.

still wondering, and THEY need to answer me on this: if saving about $2,000 is important for this group of 5 adults, 2 kids...

awfully tempting to me. seems they could freely live it up on that extra money, since in the end, the hotel is only a PORTION of the expense.

If they're flying in and out of JFK, staying in Secaucus will add considerably to transportation cost unless they all schlepp on trains and buses. A car service will cost over $100 each way. Clearly not as much as a Manhattan hotel, but still something to consider.

The 2 bedroom suite at the Eastgate would be a good option if they can swing it. Have you looked in Jersey City? There's a Doubletree Club, a Hyatt Regency, a Courtyard Marriott all near a PATH train station.

hopefully these decisions will be made shortly.

thank you all for your suggestions.

we sure have learned a lesson about this time period in NYC.

Try www.craigslist.com -- people rent out apartments to tourists if they will not be around

Homeexchange.com also has rentals.

I do not think the savings outweighs the difference factor. How much is transportation and 1 hour of your time worth?

Bus 10 bucks (I really don't know how much transporation is - just guessing), plus 10 an hour per adult

20 x 4 = 80 opportunity cost per trip

So your 200 + 80 opportunity cost = stay in NYC

PLUS part of the fun in NYC are the fresh bagels in the morning, or a coffee and croissant

Please don't stay in Jersey... THIS IS VACATION LINCASANOVA!

bookmarking - thanks

Yes -

But people coming to NYC are coming for a specific type of big city experience - with all the special things that the city has to offer.

Trekking back and forth to the suburbs - and a location possibly in an office or warehouse park with no services (stores or restaurants) within walking distance) is not that atmosphere.

I'm not sure how old the child is - but traveling with a smaller one can really cut into doing anything other than an early dinner and back to the burbs in early evening if they become exhausted and cranky.

Frankly, I would pay to stay in Manhattan and cut back in other areas (dining inexpensively for example).

thank you. all input has been appreciated.

they are leaning towards the 2 bedroom suite in eastgate towers if nothing else comes up.

thanks.