Three girlfriends and I are coming to NYC and going to the Madonna concert (ages 27 and 28). I wanted to get your opinions on what hotel in the $200-$250 price range has the biggest rooms, as we're all staying in one room. I actually stayed at the Rihga Royal 2 weeks ago, and LOVED the size of the rooms there for the price -- $225, but wanted to possibly stay in a trendier hotel in a different. not-so-touristy area that has big rooms too (a lot to ask for i think!) Any ideas? Thank you!

I believe that being trendy tends to exclude the possibility of big rooms in NYC (at least in your price range). You could try checking the SoHO Grand, the TriBeca Grand, the W or the new Giraffe Hotel (near Murray Hill - around the east 20's and Lex). Ask for specific measurements on the rooms - they should have this info available when you call to check.

I have to say that Owen is right. Only the older places have large rooms at your price point (and not many of those have large rooms). The newer, trendier places have hip design but small rooms, by all accounts. You might also look into the W Court and W Tuscany, though. I say go for the big, old room and look for the scene at clubs, bars, restaurants, shops.

Caitlin makes a very good point. The "trendy" hotels have capitalized on a savvy marketing trend - take an old hotel with small rooms (or a new one with small rooms), make the bar, lobby and public areas very "non-hotel like" and push it as a cool place to hang out, see and be seen. One needn't be a guest at any of these places in order to hang out in the public areas or frequent the lounges. Things are so close to one another in NYC (in relative terms)and so easy to access that you're probably better off to choose a traditional hotel with a large room size and just spend your time elsewhere when you're not sleeping. If you do choose a trendy hotel don't be afraid to pressure them for a better price and negotiate on room rate. There is a fixed market for such properties in terms of the number of folks who seek them out. The increase in such hotels in NYC has recently led to a situation in which at least some of them (I refer specifically to the Paramount on W. 46th Street) have significantly lower occupancy rates heading into summer and may be inclined to offer deals if you seek one.

Thank you all so much for your replies. Very helpful! Not sure how trendy it is, but I found a suite with 2 queen beds at the Gorham hotel for $199 a night. I'll keep that for now and also look into the other places all of you have mentioned. Thanks again!!!

I don't know if they have 2-bed rooms, but the Bentley has some huge rooms. Great views of the East river/Queensboro bridge, and nicely appointed rooms--cool minimalist feel. It's a fairly newly-renovated office building, I believe. Not particularly convenient to the theater district, but at under $200, you can buy yourself a couple of cab rides. Take a look at nychotels.com Enjoy the concert!

Hotel Delmonico has suites starting at $219.00 which are between 600 - 800 square feet. Don't know much about the place, but you could check their web page. Also, the Doubletree has suites at $239.00 which are around 450 square feet and then there is the new Embassy Suites in the financial district that has suites around $189.00 to over 250. Check out quikbook.com for great rates and travelscape.com. The Kimberly Hotel has 600 square foot suites starting at $219.00, this hotel came highly recommended, but not available for our travel time, you may want to check it out. It is supposed to be lovely.

I don't have any hotel advice for you, but I just wanted to tell you that you will have a FANTASTIC time at the Madonna concert. I just saw her show in Berlin last weekend and it was OUTSTANDING!! Have fun!