Thanks to all on the advice for the Ramada Milford Plaza.

Could anyone give me feedback on the hotel above? It's a bit of a hike to get to the Theatre district, but hotels rooms are scarce during the St. Patty's Day weekend.

not only is it a hike to the theatre dist, it is in a completely business area that is dead after five. it's mostly business travelers who stay there. on the other hand it was completely renovated after the world trade bombings, so it is relatively new.

On the plus side, this hotel is within walking distance of Tribeca, Chinatown, Hudson River Park. And it is only 5 stops on the A train to the theater district.
And Di, have you ever been in midtown during the St Patricks Day parade? Not only is it the most boring parade in NY, but the streets are filled with drunk rude teenagers playing hookey from school. In my opinion, you will be better off downtown!

Marriott Financial and Marriott World Trade are both in the financial district and are within 2 blocks of each other. Make sure you know which one you are going to. Obviously, the M/World Trade is in the World Trade Center. I stay in both and often see guests not know that there are two in the district and they end up in the wrong location.

I planned this trip not realizing it was the holiday weekend. I'm stuck with it now, but unfortunately a lot of the hotels have 2 night minimums or are sold out.

Have any better suggestions that I should look into??

Di, I wouldn't worry about switching your hotel. Downtown isn't that bad. There are people living down there and you should find much fewer tourists than in Midtown. And as another poster pointed out, you'll have good access to the more interesting neighborhoods (Tribeca, Soho, the Village, Chinatown, Little Italy, etc.)

I've often stayed at teh Marriott Financial Center - it's a very nice hotel. It's about 1 block from the Trade Center Marriott (which is the one recently refurbished). With more apartments/condos in that part of town, it is not quite so dead in the evenings there.

I agree with the other posters - the neighborhood's a LOT quieter nights/weekends than the Theater District-but it's far from dead. I think it would be fine to stay there. And it's true, midtown will be a zoo on the 17th. Plus it really is a quick zip by subway to Times Square.

If you have a chance to go to the WTC observation deck at night, go for it! The view is beautiful after dark.

There is definitely life outside of business hours in the financial district these days. There are good restaurants all over the neighborhood. If the weather is inviting, head across West Street to Hudson River Pk. It's full of bladers, joggers, walkers, bikers, etc. Very fun. Also, you will find stores open in the mall beneath 4 WTC. It was full of shoppers last Sunday afternoon. Plus you're close to unique NY stores like Century 21 & J&R Music. And don't forget the TKTS booth in the WTC. Much lower-stress than the one in Times Sq.

Have you tried the Quality Inn on 46th and 5th? We stayed there in late January - it was reasonably priced and very convenient. Phone number is 212.719.2300