WillTravel

Thanks for your replies, everyone.
My daughter is now totally opposed to a summer visit. Perhaps the memory of visiting Anaheim when it was 104F is putting her off. We're not used to much heat at all in the summer. 90F is really pushing it for us, and we do like to do lots of walking. We can't go in June because she has school until the end of June. We could go in May for a reasonable amount of time if she lost a couple days of school and went over a holiday weekend.

My understanding is that if you go to NYC right at Christmas and before New Year's, that the prices aren't too bad. We would probably be using Priceline for a hotel, and although it's a little early to predict what will happen next year, the prices seem to drop significantly in that time period, as compared to the beginning of December.

GoTravel

WillTravel, don't expect to see prices drop at all. Unless (God forbid) we have another major terrorist strike or event that keeps people from traveling, prices will only rise.

The week between Christmas and New Years is very busy.

In the past, I've spent a lot of time working in Manhattan and except for one brief freak heat spell, the begining of July usually has comfortable weather.

J_Correa

LoveItaly - we Californian may be wimps when it comes to weather, but we have nerves of steel when it comes to earthquakes. You can always tell who's a native and who isn't when a trembler hits:

The non-natives are hiding and the natives are just looking around waiting to see if this one is going to be big enough that we actually have to get up and stand in the doorway

HowardR

Go/Travel, you've been misinformed about the hotel rates between Christmas and New Year's. That's the busiest week of the year in NYC and hotel rates will reflect that.

Sevastopol

Hello WillTravel,

I just booked a trip to NYC Dec 22-28, 2004. I got a quote for the Algonquin for $215.00 per night plus taxes (my first choice hotel in the moderate category), which seemed reasonable to me.

But, because I really wanted to get tickets to Wicked, we ended up booking a 4-night package at the Hilton - Rock Center with 2 tickets to Wicked for approximately $895.00.

We had to pay a surcharge for the Broadway tickets ($20 for each ticket), but the room at the Hilton ended up being around $164.00 per night, tax included.

So you can get some decent rates....in my research it seemed that leaving before the New Year's Eve rush was the key.

We're really looking forward to our holiday visit...skating at the outdoor rinks, seeing all the holiday decorations, attending Mass at St. Patrick's, etc. Seems like a great time to visit.

Good luck to you...

WillTravel

Thanks for the info about the late winter holiday rates. My daughter and I are both willing to stay in hostels, if need be, although I think NYC is an area where I'd really prefer a hotel, unless someone knows of an especially good hostel.

Elizabeth

I think your idea of coming that week is great. Also if you leave before New Year's Eve, as someone said, I think you might find an okay rate. I am not so sure hotels are full that week.

My brother comes here & stays in a hotel at that time every year, and the only problem he has is with New Year's Eve. I might also add he never makes his arrangements very far in advance.

On another hand - if you want to stay a whole week and are adventurous (you are, if you are ready to go to a hostel) - try to find a sublet on Craigslist, in the short-term & sublet section.

Lots of people needless to say leave town that week and I think many of them will be happy to have you even for less than they are looking for. Here again my brother is an example, he stays in somebody's apartment for 3 weeks for $1000, where a hotel would be $4000.

If you decide to do that & want input people here might help, anyhow I would.

Sevastopol

I don't know of any hostels, but I just had another thought....after booking the trip I saw some really great looking hotels at budget prices on the newyorkmetro.com website.

Here's the link...If the link doesn't work go to the home page and then guides and services...there are some really good tips on that page for saving on tickets, hotels, etc.

http://www.newyorkmetro.com/urban/gu...heap/index.htm

djkbooks

I would highly recommend visiting in May. The flowers are in bloom all over, and the weather is pleasant for being out and about, enjoying open air bus/boat tours.

GoTravel

Howard, did I miss something? I said the week between Christmas and New Years was very busy. Where did I say it was not?