Hi, we are bringing our two boys, 10 and 12 to New York for Christmas this year. We have done lots of research on the internet for accomodation and have found the Hyatt at New Jersey. It has double double rooms at great prices. They say they close to the PATH train, its sounds like a good option. What do you think? We are a bit nervous of an apartment in case it is dirty, noisy etc. The other hotel we liked the look of was the Brooklyn Marriot. We would love your ideas and coments. Cheers Kate

What do I think? I predict you'll get a ton of responses and at least 90% of them will say DON'T DO IT. If I'm going to NYC then I'm going to NYC, not New Jersey. But different strokes for different folks.
How do those prices compare to the Hyatts and the Marriotts in Manhattan -- have you checked? And what days? We once stayed at the Marriott Marquis arriving Christmas Day and staying until New Year's Eve day -- and is almost "cheap". Other than New Year's Eve, that week can offer some incredible bargains right in the heart of the city.

jackgus , if you mean the Hyatt Regency in Jersey City, NJ, most people here would say you've found a reasonable compromise.

In December, up until a few days before Christmas, NYC hotels are very expensive. Many people try to save money by staying outside the city, but many parts of New Jersey are really not close enough to make sense.

If this is the hotel you mean, you really would be within a short PATH train ride of Manhattan. Supposedly it also has a wonderful view of the Manhattan skyline

Is the reservation cancellable? If so, then it's an easy decision. Book it,and look for specials as you get closer to your trip. As NeoPatrick mentioned, if you are coming on Xmas day or just a few days before, you may find a good deal on a NYC hotel. But those are usually only posted a month or two in advance

Check with:

Apple Core Hotels
www.applecorehotels.com

The Empire Group
www.newyorkhotel.com

The Hyatt in Jersey City is almost $300 per night for the first weekend in December and you might as well spend a little more and stay in Manhattan.

The small amount you save will not be worth the commute inconvenience.

If you absolutely cannot stay in Manhattan you have found a good alternate (much better than Brooklyn).

BUT - I would do everything I could to stay in Manhattan - for a variety of reasons:

You will have a completely different feel actually staying in the city versus fighting commuters back and forth every day

It will be much easier to go back to the hotel during the day to rest or drop off packages - in the madness that is NYC at Christmas (from 8 am to 10 pm or later can be a very long day for kids)

You won't have to worry about what time the trains run when you do a show in the evening

If you're here long enough I really reco an apartment with kids that age (gives you more room and you will save a LOT on having breakfast and snacks)

Or - you could try Radio City Apartments. They are very basic - but clean and in a great location. And if you reserve now you should get a decent rate.

I agree with Patrick. Stay in Manhatten. At leasat you'll be able to go back to your hotel for a rest, if you need to.
I spent Christmas in New York 2 years ago, and got a really good deal at the Marriot Courtyard, Times Square.
Do make a reservation that you are able to cancel and start looking for deals later in the year.
Good luck.

Check out the Radio City Apartments and the Buckingham Hotel. We stayed in the latter for $379 (plus taxes, which were considerable) at Christmas and had a living room, good bath, separate bedroom and kitchenette.

You might save on meals (if you ate every breakfast in, and some dinners) to make up the difference.

I just got back from NYC and stayed in Jersey City (Courtyard Marriott- right beside the PATH station). I must say that I have always argued on this site about- why not stay in Jersey, but this trip in December...I wish I had stayed in Manhattan. As mentioned, carrying packages, late night schedules, etc. made me not enjoy the "commuting" that I normally do not mind for the price diff. However, it is workable...PATH is easy and affordable, but it only goes to Penn Station-in Manhattan, so you still have to get on the subway to get uptown. Anyway...definitely Jersey City over Brooklyn if that ends up being your choices. Also from this sight...I got a recommendation for Top of the Rock. I took two teenagers with me, and they really did enjoy that.

I just got back from NYC (Dec. 20-23) and stayed at the NY Hilton on Avenue of the Americas. I booked through a mainstream travel website and got a double room for $200/night, which was an amazing deal considering the dates and location. It's right across the street from Rockefeller Center and a few blocks from Times Square and the Theatre District. I highly recommend staying in Manhattan for reasons already mentioned - you just can't beat the convenience. Personally, I would rather pay a bit more and avoid the stress of commuting and traffic, especially when traveling with children (who are occasionally less than patient ).

I haven't read all the other responses but I've actually stayed at the Hyatt Jersey City and you can't get a better location outside of the city. The PATH train is literally right outside of the lobby. It takes about 7 minutes to get into Manhattan.

I live in Manhattan but my husband and I just wanted to pretend to be tourists for a bit while on a tight grad-school budget. I found a great rate on one of the auction sites and couldn't rave more about the hotel. The views are spectacular and the hotel is lovely.

thanks everyone for the responses. We will try and find something in Manhattan and keep the Hyatt at New Jersey as a back stop. I will look at Radio City Apartments. Many thanks

Just returned from NYC (Dec 2-5) and by planning ahead, booked Holiday Inn Express at 45th and 5th for $299. Can't beat the location; you can walk anywhere. Very clean; friendly folks at the desk. You have plenty of time to plan, so please check for a midtown location.

jackgus:

The Milburn Hotel (Upper West Side) is very family friendly and good value for your $'s www.milburnhotel.com

We also liked the Embassy Suites, down town. The rate includes a terrific full breakfast but is a few more $'s than the Milburn.

Good luck and happy planning.

Sandy

Is it safe to use craigs list for apartment rentals? Are there any very reliable apartment rental providers? Thanks for your feedback. Regards Kate

Many people have great success with Craigslist. I understand there have been numerous cases of people arriving to find out the proposed apartment was a sham (but I've never met any of those victims personally).

It would be great to find out from someone before going how "real" the ad is. Some of it may just be a gut feeling, but if they balk at giving you an exact address and apartment number or if you say you have a friend you'd like to take a look at it, but they refuse, then I'd move on.

The other major issue is how open the building will be to a guest "renter". Usually they are illegal sublets, so you want to know if it is strictly forbidden and you may be reported and even evicted by a doorman.