My husband has just learned of a last minute business trip to NYC - I am going w/ him - I have narrowed down my hotels choices to the following: Hotel Elysee - 60 East 54th St., The Carlton - 88 Madison Ave, Hotel Giraffe -365 Park Ave. Any recommendations for these hotels or any others would be greatly appreciated. Do not want to spend more than $370 per night.

Out of the ones you've listed, The Hotel Giraffe.

Your price range this time of year may get you a deal at the St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, or The Carlyle and if you can get into any of those for that price, jump on the deal.

Also take a look at The Palace Hotel and The Benjamin.

Consider the Michaelangelo. Live in the NY metro area, and have stayed there a number of times for weekends in the city. Wonderful hotel.
http://www.michelangelohotel.com/master.php

The Michaelangelo is $425 per night - more than we want to spend - my husband has narrowed it down to either Hotel Elysee or Hotel Giraffee - any suggestions? thanks!

$425 for the Michelangelo??OMG . . . it's a nice hotel, my favorite for walking distance to theaters (except for the Sofitel on W44th) but that rate is outrageous. Trying to stay within a "budget" of $370 is crazy. What has happened to Manhattan hotel rates?

They're still on the rise (not vs high season in the fall but vs last year's "low" season). There are more europeans than ever driving prices higher and the trend towards turning hotels into condos continues (everyone says the NYC real estate bubbble is bursting - but prices aren't any lower).

Last year for the first time the average hotel rate in NYC was over $300 for the first time - and that takes into account budget chains like Hampton Inn, Red Roof etc.

I would look elswhere, and you might check www.hotels.com for ALOT more choices in that price range. Do NOT stay at the Carlton, I don't think it is anywhere near one of the better hotels in town.

Not sure what the rates are now (I have stayed there for several years on business in January for ~ $200) but the Waldorf is beautiful and incredibly located for transit and getting around the city. Perfect access for the east side/Lexington Ave. subway, cross town buses, theater district, 5th Ave shops etc. etc. It is beautiful hotel and is now a Hlton which allows to use (or acrue) HIltonHonors points. Quality is a notch short of the Ritz or Four Seasons, but quite nice and the decco decor is worth a view.

We just stayed at the Intercontinental, 48th between Park and Lex. It was great! The room was nicely furnished and the staff was very attentive. I'd stay there again!

For that price, you could get a great hotel on Priceline and have $ to spare.