Need connecting rooms in NYC hotel -- ideas, please
 

We've just come back from a great weekend in NYC and I'm already planning the next one.

Sometime next September (maybe Labour Day weekend, maybe not), I'm hoping to have a long weekend in NY with my 2 sisters, my niece and her 12-year-old daughter and it would be great if we could get 2 connecting rooms, each with 2 double beds (the kid can sleep with her mom). As it will be the 12-year-old's first time in NY, I want to stay in a hotel rather than an apartment -- even if we could get one for that short a time -- because to my mind, it's the most 'NY experience'. I took my niece when she was 12, just the two of us, and now I get to take her daughter. Isn't that great?

I know you're going to ask me about price and I really don't know what to tell you. Let's just try to keep each room under $300 a night. Right now, I'm asking if you know of any hotels that might have connecting rooms, 2 doubles in each.

Any ideas?

IMO your best bet would be the Hilton on 6th because it's such a huge conference hotel.

The bad news is...I think most connecting rooms have 2 beds in one room and 1 king in another. That's the usual configuration. At least that's been my personal experience. You could call the hotel directly and ask.

I wouldn't get hung up on connecting rooms. I would call the hotel after you book and request that the rooms be located at a minimum on the same floor or even better, close to each other.

Thanks. I will try the Hilton. I suppose I could share a king bed with my sister but it would be better to have doubles.

It would really be much more fun if we could have connecting rooms so we could open the door and all be more or less together in the evening, going back and forth between the rooms without having to go down the hall. It's a whole different experience. Of course, if I can't get that I'll have to settle for two rooms close together but since I've just started to look, I might as well try for my first choice.

Read this:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-and-teens.cfm

Affinia hotels seem to have 2 bedroom/2 baths. No idea what the rates would be.

There are several hotels that have 2 bedroom suites - including some of the Affinia hotels and the Beacon - and $600 might well be enough to get one in early Sept. I would check them out now and see if you can get an advance purchase discount. That was you will have a LR to gather in.

Some others that havent been mentioned
Best Western Hospitality has some 2 bedroom suites that have a king bed and 2 doubles and a sofabed.
Blakelyhotelny.com says on their website they can offer connecting rooms.
The San Carlos might do connecting rooms.
Residence Inn Midtown East maybe connecting rooms

Holiday Inn on 57th has adjoining rooms. We've stayed here and noticed the conecting door in the room. Nothing fancy, but the rooms are large by NYC standards and probably in your price range.

The Beacon has a very nice 2 bdrm/ 2 bath suite with kitchen and dining/ sitting areas. Great location, too. I think you need to call to reserve.
Ours had a King in one bedroom, 2 doubles in the other, and a large sofa sleeper.

Thanks so much, everyone! Those are more suggestions than I expected. I'm going to look into every one of them!

Goddess, coincidentally I just looked at Facebook, and the Beacon has a FB post showing that His Holiness the Dalai Lama was staying there!

It is a nicely renovated property. Huge rooms. Across the street from a wonderful market. Subway less than a block away.

He only stayed there because he heard I might.
Thanks, Tab.

Haha!

We only paid $525/night for the crisp and cool, 2 bdrm/2 (marble) bath suite, in early June two years ago.

I was charged with finding the hotel for a long-lost women friends reunion. 5 of us.
Everyone was very happy with the Beacon. Very near the Park, like 3 blocks to the Lennon memorial. And the front desk was extremely patient and helpful.

The next door Beacon Theater hosted last year's Tony's, and it has big name concerts. So if you are there at the same time, you're sunk unless you reserve early and are lucky.

September is generally very pricey for NYC hotels. Labor Day Weekend (at the end of August) used to be a bargain, but I know this year prices were a bit higher. In some cases, as high as September.

If you find it difficult to find what you want in your price range, consider going the weekend before Labor Day weekend (so, the third weekend in August). There will likely be a large difference in prices and you'll be able to afford a nicer hotel.

One challenge is that you are looking nearly a year in advance. Many hotels won't be publishing realistic rates (especially summer sales) and some won't be publishing availability to general booking sites this far ahead.

If you want to book something now, try to book something that can be canceled without a fee.

Staybridge Suites has some connecting rooms. I would call the hotel directly to inquire/reserve/book. It's in a central location (Hell's Kitchen) near Times Sq and theaters. Stayed there last April and liked it.
http://www.ihg.com/staybridge/hotels...tel-room-rates

Thanks, I'll definitely do some calling. I'm not really booking this early but I wanted to collect some ideas.

Going in late August is a possibility (we have to go before school starts) but I was concerned that it would be too warm though I guess one week earlier isn't going to make much of a difference. Good idea. Thanks.

I think we'll have enough points between us to fly for free so maybe we can splurge a bit on the hotel.

+1 on the Beacon.

Also check out the Blakely. They have suites with 2 beds that connect with double bedded rooms. 5 of us styaed there, albeit 8 years ago, but it was great. Also they have breakfast included in their rate. Unheard of in NYC. Good way to start the day, even if you just do toast + coffee to get you on your way.

Salisbury on 57th St.?

Thanks, guys. I'll check them all out and make some calls.