I'm looking to take my wife to NYC for New Years Eve (she has never been), and am looking for ideas of places to stay. We are not rich but $150-$300 is about our range. I've read about the Embassy Suites by the WTC site and that seems a good option, are there others in that price range, that are better??? We might to go to Times Square for the ball drop, is it worth it? Any suggestions would help

I've been to Times Square twice for New Year's, in 1990 and 2000. In '90 I was 21, the perfect age to be when you go there. It's quite the drunken, rowdy crowd. Warning - there's NO place that I know of to go to the bathroom!! If you want to see the ball drop, I recommend getting there in the early afternoon if not sooner. It's nearly impossible to get in in the evening when the cops block off all the streets. If you have a friend who works or lives in the area you may be able to get thru. That's what I did at the turn of the millenium, when I showed up at 11:50 PM (it was about 20 degrees out!). I was too far back to see the ball drop, but felt a part of the excitement.

I'd say if you're in your early or mid-20's and have lots of stamina and like hanging out with a happy, drunken crowd, go for it! Otherwise, avoid the whole area. It's insane.

PS If you have a friend who lives or works in Times Square, they will have to be with you and provide a photo ID with proof of address.

Also...there are many other things to do on New Year's. You can make late reservations at a restaurant. I've done that a bunch of times. A great restaurant for New Year's Eve (any part of the evening) is Michael Jordan's Steakhouse, because it's right in the main room of Grand Central, and you can see all the revelers coming into town. Grand Central is now very beautiful with its recent renovation.

New Year's Eve here is alot of fun and there are several "First Night" activities and concerts all over the city.

There is the annual "Peace Concert" at St. John the Divine, hosted by Harry Smith with celebrity performances, last year it was Judy Collins. There is also a choir and orchestra. (I am in the soprano section), and we were part of the ABC "Millenium" celebration, so the concert is pretty well known. One piece we usually perform is Beethoven's 9th. Did I mention the concert is also free. It starts at 7pm and goes to 9ish so you still have plenty of time for a nice dinner and champagne. We go to Quarto Gati after the concert for dinner, on 81st and 3rd (one of the best Italian restaurants in the city, we think).

The concert is inspiring and a nice start to the new year. At the end, all 2,000 or so audience members light their candles and we sing Auld Land Sine, and Let There Be Peace on Earth.

It's a nice evening.

Have a great time while you are here.

tweedy

Time is running out for making reservations in NYC hotels. MOVE YOURSELF OR START PLANNING NOW FOR NEXT YEAR!!!!

FYI, last year, pricleine hotels for New Years Eve were going for $125 a few days before. Granted, the post 9-11 situation was a bit different but you'd think people would have rallied around teh city. I'd be surprised if the hotel load is much greater the way the economy has been. Airline loads are very low right now.

Probably the best New Years my wife and I have ever spent was in times square. I would say that it is an experience not to be missed. BUT stay at a hotel in the area! NYC has organized this celebration in a wonderful manner, especially if you stay in the area. You will get passes and a place in front of your hotel in which to watch the ball drop. Renaissance, Marriott Marquis, are 2 of my favorite choices. Prices should be within your budget, tho for new years eve they may push the upper range of your price somewhat. Ruby Foo's was a great, fun place for an early dinner in the area.

Aside from the usual places in Times Square (Marriot, Doubletree), a hip alternative is The Time Hotel. It's very modern and right in the middle of all the action. Splurge for a deluxe room. Or you can go in the opposite direction and book a room at the comfort inn times square, one of the best values in the city.