Have you checked VRBO.com? They have loads of apartments that you rent directly from the owner. Most of the apartments have availability calendars on the listing, so you can immediately tell if they are available for your time slot.

Good luck.

Nina

I don't know how luxurious it is first hand, but this apartment is in a great location (56 st b/w Park & Lexington) in a new building.

http://www.cyberrentals.com/USA/New-...an/p137574.htm
You might also check the Lombardy Hotel on the same block. It used to be a residential hotel and is now condos/hotel rooms. Here's the page with their rates.
http://lombardyhotel.com/rooms_and_rates.htm

I agree with the advice Doug Stallings gave you on musicals. Drowsy Chaperone or A Chorus Line (hasn't opened yet). Look on playbill for listings and links for tickets. If you're desperate for Jersey Boys, check http://www.applause-tickets.com/
They're a broker but their prices are usually not too crazy.

For the museums, have a look on their websites
metmuseum.org
moma.org

maclaurie!!!I really liked the lombardy!!! the location is perfect and the prices are into my budget!! I tried to book online but it's full those dates!!!!!what a pity!!! thanks anyway!!!

Have a look at the Helmsley Carlton House.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._New_York.html

snif!!! it's full from the 6th till the 10th (included)....bad luck!!! but again, it seemed fabulous!!thanks anyway!!

The Iroquois is a nice smaller hotel on "club row" 44 st b/w 5th & 6th ave. It's right next door to the Algonquin, on the same block as the Sofitel. On quikbook I see prices of $459-489 depending on room type/size. Would be within walking distance of both Fifth Ave. and the theaters. The only issue is the rooms are very small so the $459 price might be too small. At $489, you might as well take the Sofitel if you can deal with a non-cancallable res. Here are reviews for Iroquois
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._New_York.html

never thought it would be so hard to find hotel...I'm waiting for the spanish travel agencies to receive their deals for that week (as it is holiday in spain)

carlota, you will not find any 'deals' for NYC for the begining of December.

At this point, you'll be lucky to find anything.

does anyone know "the Royalton", "the hudson" and "the grand shoho"?

Yes, we know them. They're all uber trendy. The Hudson is in midtown, a bit far west for convenience but ok. Their rooms are extrememly small.

The Royalton is also midtown nearish the theaters. Read reviews on tripadvisor. Can't remember if their rooms are also very small.

The Soho Grand is downtown (in Soho) and it's a lively area with great shopping and dining but not near the typical tourist venues or the theater. But this could be a fun change for you. 60 Thomspon and the Mercer are 2 other hotels in the area that might be a bit nicer.

As much as I enjoyed Drowsy Chaperone, I don't think I would recommend it in this case. The show is great primarily because of word play, satire, etc. and I'm not sure how well that would translate.

In addition to the newly opening shows (Les Miz, Chorus Line, Mary Poppins), don't forget some of the "oldies but goodies." Hairspray, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera...all would give you a wonderful night at the theatre, and tickets are likely to be available.

Have you checked "orbitz.com"? They have rooms at the Dylan for under $500/night. I haven't stayed there but travelers reviews are quite good and perhaps other posters here can give some input. You also might try a search on "Kayak".