Is Murray Hill a fun place to stay while in NY? Is it close to anything interesting? If so, has any one stayed at the Roger Williams or Marcel Hotel?

Stayed at the Marcel a year or so ago and it was fine. The rooms are not large but OK by NYC standards, with a sort of funky chic decor. Staff was efficient and pleasant, there is a complimentary coffee bar in the lobby and a lending library, too. The rate was quite good, and included a breakfast - rather like a European hotel overall. The neighborhood was OK and transportation was close by, as I recall.

I think you should look at reviews for these on tripadvisor. People are claiming the Roger Williams was under renovation in August. I'd imagine that's still the case. I wouldn't consider the Marcel really Murray Hill (east 30's) but that's not important. Neither of these would be my pick.

What's the budget and what are you looking for? If you want to stay in that area I'd check the Bedford, the Murray Hill Suites east side, the Shelburne Murray Hill.

In the

It would be a stretch to call this a "fun" area. But it is very safe and within walking distance to some of the more fun areas (Union Square, Washington Square, Chelsea...) and close to the Empire St. Building, close to Grand Central Station, Broadway and Spring Street, also.

I agree with Tandoori Girl. It's a safe residential area, but certainly not "happening." I only head over in that direction to go to the Indian restaurants on Lex (aka "Curry Hill"). Otherwise there's not too much of interest, esp. for tourists. But if you want to stay someplace quiet (very much unlike Times Square), and still be just a short cab or subway ride from anything, it's a good choice.

The lower 30s are mostly residential, the upper 30s combo of residential and business. It was a somewhat dull area with some major hospitals and housing for them but the area is picking up. There are a number of decent hotels in the area but not the 2 you mentioned.

Further south, the east 20's is Gramercy Park/Flatiron district. There are a lot of good/trendy restaurants in the 20s.

Travelzoo offered a "special" for the Rogers Williams for $195. This is from the e-mail: "After a $6 million renovation, The Roger Williams is offering an introductory rate of $195 per night, with free superior room upgrade and full breakfast. These rooms usually run $330 per night. You can also upgrade to a deluxe room for $20 more.

This sophisticated property is located in the vibrant Murray Hill area of midtown Manhattan. You're literally a block from Fifth and Park Avenue, and Times Square and the Empire State Building are just around the corner. Rooms offer plasma televisions, brand-new furnishings, and 250-square feet to spread out in. Some even offer large, landscaped terraces"

For more info go to: http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?id=185161002

I like the residential aspect of Murray Hill. I agree with Tandoori Girl that this area is not really "fun" but it is safe. I would recommend the Shelbourne Murray Hill on the cnr of 38th and Lexington. I have stayed at the Roger Williams and while I do like the hotel, I like location of the Shelbourne much better - restaurants and convenience stores abound and you are close to Grand Central, ESB, the public Library and Bryant Park and the Chrysler Building (my favourite). I usually go to Quikbook.com and book on that, you can cancel the booking and you pick the hotel unlike Priceline.

cheers Mac123

It's a decent area with good restaurants. I would certainly enjoy it more than Time Square or the Upper East side. Among the great restaurants there are Asia de Cuba on Madison near 36th, Grammercy Tavern on 21st off Park, Union Pacific on 22nd off Park. Less expensive but good is Turkish Kitchen on 3rd off 27th and L'Annam, a vietnamese place on 28th and 3rd. The Flatiron district is right near there with interesting architecture as well as the Grammercy area. Empire State building is right there. Good choice!

So, I'm thinking that this may be a rather boring area. I do not want to stay in Times Square, so what is another area I can look into that would be fun?

For fun in the sense of lots of night life, restaurants, etc. I think Soho/Village/Union Sq/Meatpacking district area. The only problem is most of the hotels in these areas are $300+/night.

Murray Hill is easily accessible to many other neighborhoods by foot or mass transit. The Central Park West area may also be a bit more lively than Muraay Hill and I think there are some good hotel deals there.

I've always thought a great choice would be Union Square as many of the best restaurants and bars are in the immediate neighborhood, there's a nice farmer's market on the square, there are lots of fun shops in the neighborhood, and it has a nice "buzz" to it. It also is ideal for connections on the tube.

The only hotel I'm even remotely familiar with there though is the W, because of Olives and a great bar in the lobby.

The "tube"? Duh. Thought I was in London there for a moment. I meant the subway, of course.

Hey Kajebu:

I have stayed in the Rodger Williams numerous times.

Small clean rooms, very European feel! I like it ! Nice small breakfast and break area!

The rates look high to me however! For a better value in the same area look into the Red Roof Inn( yeah, I know but this one is nice!)

Area is not too bad! Very quiet at night( I liked that) very near Gramercy Area which is very nice!

NYC is a Fun Place to Stay! The hotel is for rest and RR between FUN!!!

John

As a tourist we enjoyed the Murray Hill area. It was safe and interesting but maybe it depends on your age we are 40s something. We walk everywhere and getting to Central Park and down to Soho and Chinatown was no problem There is a great deli "Sarges" plus other numerous inexpensive restaurants and the Shelburne is excellent value for money with great decent sized rooms.