Has anyone stayed at either of these hotels? If so, what did you think? Also were you able to find parking easily? Thanks for your help. I need to find a hotel with easy access to Columbia University, and one where it won't be a hastle to find parking. My husband and I will have our two teen-age sons with us, so the place will have to be somewhat family oriented. The reason I'm so concerned about parking is that this will be our first visit to NYC, and we are driving.

I've stayed at HoJo 34th and do NBOT recommend it. It's old, a bit worn out and the rooms are absolutely claustrophobic. If you're looking for that price range (or a few $$ more) and want to be near Penn Station, I suggest the New Yorker. The rooms were nicely renovated about two years ago and they're quite spacious. If you ask for a room on upper floors (above the 20th) you'll also find it to be much quieter than HoJo. As for access to Columbia U. - there's a long subway ride between the two locations. Many people in this forum have recommended and spoken highly of the Hotel Beacon, which is also moderately priced but is on the upper west side and much closer to Columbia.

First of all, no matter where you stay in NYC, you'll have to park in lot or garage. Most legal parking is either metered or is "alternate side" parking (i.e., you can park on one side one day and the other side the next). So, you really have no choice but to put your care in a garage or lot.
Do you have a particular reason for wanting to stay in the area of the Howard Johnson's? It's not a particularly great area to be in at night. Also, it's quite a distance from Columbia (which is in the 116th Street area). The aforementioned Beacon Hotel would be a better choice. That's only 40 blocks from the university and an easy subway ride. And, it's in a pretty good location (the West 70s).

Thanks Howard. I realize that when I stay in New York, I'll have to park somewhere. What I'm asking is if I stay at a hotel that doesn't have valet parking, is it likely that I would have problems finding a garage on my own that isn't full?

You should have no problems finding a garage.

You shouldn't have a problem finding a parking lot or garage, but it won't be cheap in the city, figure around $20 a day.

I would also recommend that you just leave the car in the garage while you are here and take taxis or public transit to where you want to go, there are so few places to park that it will be more of a headache than a help.

Have a good time.

tweedy