Well, I have narrowed my new York Hotel search down to properties in 2 locations: Times Square (Milenium or Wellington or Edison) or 51/Lex (Met) I would like some feedback/opinions on which AREA would be more suitable...We will definaetly be attending Theatre @ night but we don't mind to walk as long as it is safe/busy. Also we will be in NYC for 6 days and I fear Times Square may be a bit much for that long a stay. Something else we need to consider is access via trains. We will be taking the train in from EWR and don't want the airport transfer to be too complicated. Thanks so much in advance for your thoughts/help!

I'd go for 51st and Lex for a stay of that length. I schlepping luggage the best bet once you arrive at Penn Station is to get a cab to the hotel. It's cheap (probably $6 incl tip) and so much easier than the subway with luggage. Tip: go out the backside of Penn Station and hail a cab on 8th Ave. As long as there's no event letting out at MSG you'll get a cab quickly - if you go to the cab stand on front/7th Ave side of Penn you'll have a long line at the cab stand. I suggest 51st/Lex because Times Square is just so busyt and so congested with people. Might be okay for a night or two but it's so easy to reach from elsewhere... why not just stay somewhere a bit less busy? Lots of trains available at 51st/Lex. If I recall correctly, you can get the E, or the 4,5,6 from that corner. Those trains or transfers from them to other trains get you almost everywhere in NYC. There are perhaps a few extra trains that pass through Times Square but you'd be a few steps or blocks further form the station at the Tims Square hotels you mention. Both areas and everythign between them are busy at night and very safe. You will feel quite comfortable - have fun!

Carol: I agree with Owen that 51st and Lex is a nicer area to stay in BUT The Millennium hotel is IMO the best of all the hotels you listed, much better than the Edison or Wellington and I think better than the Metropolitan. You will have to decide between hotel quality and location, but if you decide to stay in Times Square, there is no choice but the Millennium of those you listed.

Both Owen and Frank have given excellent advice and have provided you will all the key factors to help make a decision that's best for what you want and are looking for.

I agree with the two previous comments. I personally wouldn't be too worried about the quality of hotel, hopefully you will not be spending that much time in it. 51st/Lex definitely safe area, as well as the areas you'll be working through from the theatre in the evening. Again, Times Square would be nice 1 or 2 nights - I think you'd go crazy after that! Subway access is very accessible from the Met. May I make one other suggestion - have you checked into taking a bus from EWR. The train is "somewhat" convenient, but, you will have to change trains in Newark and you get into Penn Station. The bus will drop you off at 41st/Lex and the fare is approximately $11 one way. Just a thought - whatever and wherever you decide, hope you have a wonderful time!

Thanks so much for the feedback. Regarding the bus from EWR....I am intrigued and will look into it. I didn't even know that there was bus service into the city. What is at the drop off @ 41 and Lex? Is there a cab stand there? We would still be 10 streets away from the Met. and don't want to walk with luggage if we can't hail a taxi.

There aren't "taxi stands" in the city...just stand on Lexington and put your arm up and hail one (the empty ones have their light on on top). Lexington is southbound so the cabbie will turn down a cross street and head up 3rd Avenue to take you to your hotel.

If your bags have wheels, though, it's a very easy walk up Lexington - just 1/2 mile.

Have fun!

Definitely stay on Lexington Avenue. Six days in Times Square would be enough to drive anyone crazy.

How about taking the shuttle bus to Grand Central from EWR and then jumping in a cab for a 2 minute ride or taking the 6 train to 51st Street? Getting from Penn Station to your hotel will be a pain otherwise, and the whole luggage thing is an issue with the train.

Thanks again for the helpful suggestions. I think I will go for the 51/Lexington property.

Cheers!

I lived at 46th and Lex and it's a fine location, convenient to everything.

Have a great time!!

Just take a Supershuttle shared van from Newark directly to your hotel door. It will cost something like $27 for two of you and then you don't have the additional expense of a cab or extra bus so the price should be about the same, give or take a couple of dollars. The only possible negative is that the shuttle may drop off people before you and that adds time to your trip. Considering the connections you'd have to make otherwise, I still think it will come out about the same

If price is comparable at all four properties the Broadway Millenium stands head and shoulders above the others. I would put up with being in the Times Square area to stay at the Millenium if the price was right. "How long do you spend in the room anyway" doesn't say much for a hotel.