we have been looking @ Times Squre Hilton as a base for October. Our elderly parents will be with us and are a tad nervous about NY and safety issues. We have passed on comments made on these posts about NY being safe as any other big city. But someone said today they would stay anywhere other than Times Square? Is it really that bad, I thought it had been cleaned up somewhat over the past years and was more desirable to tourists. I'd appreciate your thought on this. Thanks.

Times Square is perfectly safe. My only concern if I were bringing elderly parents with me is that I migh actually want an area that's a tad quieter. It's not a danger issue at all-just commotion. Enjoy your trip!

Times Square overall is very safe. People out and businesses open almost all the day and night. The negative is it's noisy and congested. Most tourists seems to gravitate to this area in any case.

Thanks, anywhere nice you could advise for alternative. Same(ish) standard as the Hilton Times Square, maybe quieter area as you suggest but still walking (close)distance to stuff - main sights, good restaurants and bars that type of thing. I'm all ears - Thanks again.

How about the Hilton on 54th and Sixth Ave.? Or the Sheraton on 53rd and Seventh?

I can't really recommend a hotel. I live here and have never stayed in one but, any location between 6th Avenue and Lexington Avenue in the 30s-50s would be decent. As far as being near main sights, there is no oe location for that, as the sights are spread out. Any of these midtown locations are near much transportation and walkable to restauarants and bars.

I'll again plug the Michelangelo, a nice, traditionally styled, smaller hotel just a couple blocks from Times Square. I know my parents would prefer it to a Hilton.

I also echo the comments regarding safety in Times Square. We were there a few months ago, and felt more safe than in downtown Portland OR.

Times Square is a relatively safe area and is full of tourists, year round, every day/night, and is a good central location to stay as a tourist ... remember there is usually safety in numbers. With elderly parents I may be more concerned if they get overwhelmed around crowds of people. If so, you may want to stay a bit away from the heart of Times Square. But if this is not an issue, you will be fine.

A good hotel that is close to Times Square, but not too busy and crowded is the Sofitel on 44th. I highly recommend it. It's also close to 5th AVe shopping and other 5th ave sites, which older people love.

Give it a shot. The Hilton Times Square, quite honestly, is a ZOO. I wouldn't stay there with older people if I had anything to do with the accomodation planning.

Good luck! -Darvy

Absolutely, there is even a police station right in the middle of Times Square. But use common sense.

lynn,

Time Square is safe, you should have no problem. There are always so many people in the area. The crowds can be overwhelming at times but its a great area to be right in the center of the action.

I echo the thoughts of the others: very safe, but the crowds may be an issue.

You may want to look at the Sheraton New York Hotel or the Sheraton Manhattan (they are across the street from each other). They are in the Times Square vicinity, but away from the crowds.

Philp
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Here's another recommendation for the Sofitel or any of the other hotels on 44th between 5th & 6th. Just a block and a half walk from Times Square and the theaters but otherwise a world away, as this is a very quiet street. Here, you'll also find the Algonquin, Iroquois, Royalton, etc. All are smaller and more intimate than the Sheraton or Hilton. In fact, I think your parents would just love the Algonquin (for the history). See www.destinationhotels.com.

Just a heads up on the two Sheratons menioned - they are diagonally across the street from one another (kitty corner) but I've heard that one is really nice and the other has seen better days. I live just outside Manhattan but spent a few nights earlier this month at the Novotel at 52nd and 7th (I think that's the corner). My GF was in town on business and I worked out of the sity for a few days to take advantage of her adjacency. She paid $179 and it was really quite nice - not extra plush but very quiet and impeccably clean. Also - the room was decidedly larger than average for NYC.