...on the Herald Square Hotel on 31st Street between Broadway and 5th Avenue! Has anyone stayed there? What's the area like?

Any comments will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Diana

Diana,
which city/country are you talking about?

The Herald Square hotel is near Herald Square, a few blocks form Macy's in NYC.
NYC in the title would probably get more responces. Last month when I left Macy's about 7pm I noticed how deserted the side streets were, all the shops were locked up. There was an occasional small hotel such as the one you mention. Don't know what kind of deal you would get there, but for an independent hotel you may be more comfortable in a residential area like the "Gramercy Park Hotel" which is near where I grew up. Lots of life and activity on the avenue.
Also Manhattan East Suites offer weekend specials at several locations. Have stayed at the Shellburne Murry Hill, and The Eastgate Tower both in residential areas. Look at www.mesuite.com

Thanks for the info Sandra!

The previous comments were correct as regards the area being deserted at night. The Wolcott Hotel and the Grand Union are in that same vicinity and all three are acceptable "budget" hotels (budget by NYC standards in the summer season is anyplace with a double room under $150 per night. The Doral Court is near Lex and 34th - is reported to be very nice - more upscale and a bit closer to restaurants etc.. There is also a Marriot Courtyard further up (towards 50th I think) which is close to the abundance of restaurants that exist on 2nd and 3rd Avenues from the 50's though the 70's. I stay on 31st Street regularly (close to Park Ave South and Lex) and find it to be perfectly safe and convenient but that's personal taste. I haven't stayed at Gramercy Park Hotel. I'm told that it could use a bit of sprucing up but friends have recommended it as a god place and an excellent value.

Same as you've gotten thus far, The area dies after dusk, some good restaurants are in the vicinity but you would be better off staying at the Marriot Courtyard, within same budget etc.

Hey - thanks for all the great comments! We're a group of 8 late-20 somethings heading to NYC for St. Patrick's Day 2000, so the area being deserted at night is not that big a deal, since we'll almost always be together! One last question: Does anyone know the parade route?

Just a suggestion but if they're not already sold out you might try to stay a t one of the 2 Irish -owned Fitzpatrick Hotels.

The St. Patrick's Day Parade route is up Fifth Avenue, from about 42nd Street to 86th Street.

Thank you one and all! You've all been very helpful!

Diana