Hi Kal I just wanted to mention that you may want to try skyauction.com for your hotel stay also. There are some pretty good deals for 4* hotels. An auction just closed today for the above mentioned San Carlos hotel at $141/nt though some go lower. Flatotel and the Drake come up too every week to bid.

skyauction is kind of neat, but be very careful to read all of the auction details, on most of the hotels there is an additional tax and service charge of at least $32.00 per room/per night. Some of the higher end properties have taxes/service charges of $42 per night. The Flatotel even has a seasonal surcharge of $40 per night for November and December stays, PLUS the $42 taxes/surcharge generating an additional $82 per night on top of your bid price. Know the prices available on other venues so you don't over bid.

As other posters have said it really depends on your personal choice for hotel location. As for me, I have just returned from staying at the Intercontinental "The Barclay" which is across the road from the Marriott Eastside. I loved this location and much prefered it over Times Square. Times square has to be seen and but stay there - no thanks!

Stay at the Marriott Eastside, just for the reason the going through the lobby alone will be easier. The Marquis has a tremendous foot traffic.

I am a lifeling NY'er, and remember it's safe everywhere!

Alohaaaa and thanks for all the info.
I'll probably spend most of Sat looking into all of this since I may actually have to WORK all day tomorrow. Hey! The 1st Friday rant?