Planning a trip to NYC over Christmas Holiday. I have found good prices on the above hotels. Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has stayed at any of them, also any other hotel recommendations. I trust the judgment here far better than any travel guide! We will be traveling with a five year old, like the midtown area and looking to spend around 200.00- 250.00 per night.

Also, will anything, besides hotels be
opened Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?
Thank You!

Jackie -- lots of people on this site have had success with priceline for getting cheap rates at NYC hotels. However, Priceline works on excess inventory -- so you won't be able to use it until much closer to your travel dates and the Christmas-New Year's holiday may not result in a huge discount. That being said, you might want to make a reservation somewhere, then try Priceline later in the year.

Of the three hotels you mentioned, I would go with the Benjamin. It was recently renovated and is a nice hotel. The others are also fine, however.

Most places will be open Christmas Eve -- stores, restaurants, etc -- but will begin to close early. Virtually nothing will be open Christmas day -- no stores, except Korean delis and few restaurants, except Chinese restaurants. It is a good day for a stroll in the park, seeing the windows at the various department stores, skating in Rockefeller Center (if that's open, I'm not sure), visiting St. Patrick's cathedral, going to the movies, other things that you can do outside.

I agree with Lisa, of the three, I like the location of the Benjamin the best. It's a bit out of the Times Square / Theater District area and is less frenzied particularly at nights and on weekends. All three are fine hotels and if you prefer being closer to theaters and Times Square, either of the others is fine.

Christmas day is good for strolling, religious services, and a good dinner at a destination restaurant like Tavern on the Green, Rock Center Cafe, etc., Also not a bad day to go to Radio City and see the Christmas Show but you will probably have to book tickets soon.

Jackie,
We stayed at The Benjamin a couple of Christmases ago. We booked around this time of year too. We got a great rate, but when we got there, they tried to charge us $50 more per night. Just watch out with that.

Otherwise, the rooms were nice and the location was good. Nothing to write home about. The restaurant in the hotel (I think it's called An American Place), is pretty expensive (thought I think everything in Manhattan is). I got three slices of french toast for $20.

My favorite place to stay though is the Marriott Marquis. Awesome location and cool view if you're overlooking Times Square.

Have fun!

I've stayed at the Marriott and the Sheraton (on 7th Ave.). I prefer the Sheraton as it is just a little quieter than the Marriott was. I try to stay at that Sheraton whenever possible and find it to be an ideal location. Lenny

thanks so much for the advice, but did I understand you correctly that Radio City Music Hall will be open Christmas Day?

The Benjamin is in midtown east; the other two midtown west and right at the edge of Times Square. The Benjamin area is less hectic and quiet after the workday ends. Things rarely quiet down around the other two. Subway transportation is a short walk from all three.

Jackie: Radio City is open on Christmas Day and shows are at 1PM,4PM,&7PM. Tickets are on sale now at radiocity.com.