Heading to New York city in May with a group of friends. What would be the most central area to stay in and looking for hotel recommendations? We are going to want to see all the highlights and take in a show or two. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I personally like to stay in the Times Square area. There's a Doubletree Suites right smack in the square, which would be convenient for a group.

In the past I've just gone to various discount hotel sites: hoteldiscounts.com, travelweb.com, etc., and checked things in the weeks leading up to the trip. Because you can usually cancel reservations a day or two before your trip w/no penalty, I just carry several reservations until I get the best last-minute deal.

Last spring my family and I stayed at the Crowne Plaza on Broadway. It was a great location, and the room was good. I can't remember what we paid--something like $160 per night for one room.

There are a number of great hotels in Times Square. A search of this forum for New York hotels would probably pop up lots of advice and ideas.

I'd suggest staying in midtown, east and south of the Times Square area, around Rock Plaza, Saks, Bloomie's, etc. I've had guests stay in both areas and they generally prefer midtown. Enjoy!

Ted, you're a bit off on your geography. Rockefeller Center, Saks and Boomingdales are all northeast of Times Square, not southeast.

The great part about the rebirth of NYC in the 90s is that you can stay in most area of Midtown and not be out of the way. Times Sq. is (now) a great place to stay. I also like the 50s on the east side (Marriott, Intercon, W hotels, etc). E50s are not that crazy with tourists but you can walk to so many places. I can't help you with some of the most important information, the reputation of the hotel. For example, the W hotels (Starwoods) are extremely trendy but ripoffs, charging extreme prices for small, insulting rooms. Hope others can help in that regard.