I'm planning a trip to NYC in three weeks and am trying to use Marriott points. It looks like the best option based on available points is the Courtyard near LaGuardia.

Is this too far from the attractions in the city? We'll be there for a week, so we'll have ample time, but don't want to spend hours per day traveling to and from the hotel. Also, it would be nice sometimes during the day to return to the hotel to relax/refresh before a night out on the town.

I want to save money by using points, but don't want to spend the difference in taxi fare and headaches. Please tell me if I'm being penny wise and pound foolish.

Big Apple or bust!
Thanks

Yes, definitely too far.

There isn't good public transportation from LGA area to sights in Manhattan.

Taxi will cost you $40-50 each way, so add $200/day for two round trips.

It really doesn't make sense, (but I think J62 has somewhat overestimated your costs)

Taxi to and from Laguardia is more like $35 and assuming you wouldn't seriously consider coming back every day, it would be more like $100 per day on average for taxis, not $200. If you took bus and subway combo options you'd save mioney, but add a lot of time to the commute. Still makes no sense, in my opinion, because you'd be spending 2-3 hours a day or more on the transportation, and there is nothing to do in the immediate area so you'd even be somewhat stuck for breakfast or late night food or activity options once back at the hotel.

Depending on your flight plans, maybe you can save some money by spending first and last nights near the airport (assuming you are flying in and out of LGA) and other days in Manhattan?

The bus-to-subway connection will be time consuming, and the area is just plain ugly . . . the hotel is on the service road of a major parkway that leads to a major bridge. Directly opposite the hotel on the other side of the parkway are LaGuardia's main runways.

There must be another Marriott property you could try, either any one in Manhattan or the Marriott at Brooklyn Bridge would be a much, much better location.

just chiming in as a definite NO for LGA. It's way too far given theres no great transport options besides a traffic filled taxi ride (not to mention the $30 it will be EACH way).... I would say Marriott points in Bklyn or even NJ would be better than LGA. You also def won't be able to travel back and forth during the day- it will be a PIA.

Keep checking travel zoo... they seem to be having specials every now and then....

I am no NYC expert but I vote NO.

I have flown into LGA and stayed in the city about 3 times in the last 12 months - no way.

No other option with Marriott points is available or is it because of the number of points you need to be 'in" the city?

There was a nice Marriott by the Waldorf when I was just there in July - I would stay there. I personally do not like to stay IN time square at the Marriott Marque <sp> (I have).

I have also stayed at the Marriott in the financial district - lovely area and nice hotel but most likely not a great location for a week either.

But financial district would be way better than LGA . . .

this is true Ellen. And I liked it there. The view was amazing from our room and I personally liked the area - but remember - I hate time square...

You have been given good advice. It's way too much hassle/time/money to try to stay outside of the city. I have stayed at the Courtyard and several other properties by LGA. While the hotel is nice, there is nothing to do there..nothing close by to walk to even. Plus, you may want to return to your room midday for a foot break!!
The Marriotts in the city all use the same amount of points, so there's no way to save there...If you have enough points, it could be fun to break up your stay into 2 different properties.
Lots of folks do not like the Times Square area to stay but we always enjoy staying there...you feel like you are in the thick of things. We also like the Marriott Financial Center with its' great views to the statue and accessibility to lower Manhatten sites

Emily with a week stay not a bad idea to change properties.

Do NOT stay near LaGuardia. You will waste a significant amount of money - at least $100 per day and time (hours) trekking back and forth to the city.

And there's no going back to the hotel to drop off shopping or shower and change before going out to dinner or the theater.

Any of the hotels in Manhattan would be much better.

The Courtyard Midtown East is very very good if you can swing it.

I might look into that property McLaurie. I am at the hitlon garden inn and just dreading time square.