Hello,
I was originally planning an all girls trip to NYC for the Spring. However, my plans changed and now I am bringing my Mother to NYC in June for her birthday. This will be our first trip. We have tickets to the Color Purple and I plan to do a city tour with Grayline. I would like to be within walking distance of these events therefore I'm contemplating reserving our hotel in Times Square -- Renaissance, Hilton Times Square, Marriott Courtyard or Residence Inn. Which of these hotels would you recommend? I would like a nicer hotel however I do not want my Mother to be overwhelmed by the atmosphere, crowds or loud noises. Should I reconsider TS? If so, what area of the city would you recommend?

Finally --- She would love to visit one of Mario Batali's restaurants (she's in love with the Iron Chef tv show). Which would you recommend -- Babbo or Del Posto?

Thank you very much.

You don't mention how old your mother is or her physical condition. Is she very elderly and frail? Does she have trouble walking long distances?

In general I suggest everyone avoid Times Square - since it is so atypical of New York - very loud, tacky, mobbed and filled with garish shops.

The Color Purple is playing at a theater 11 blocks north of Times Square - on 53rd St - so I would consider a hotel closer to that area - less crowded and more pleasant.

The Gray Line office is at 48th st - also north of Times Square.

You don;t mention your budget but you might want to look at Priceline for Central Park South for some pleasant places not too far away but in a neighborhood that would be less intimidating.

Del Posto just lost its chef de cuisine; I'd go with Babbo or Otto anyway. Lupa and Casa Mono are other excellent options. (I've tried them all -- most of them several times.).

www.mariobatali.com

I also always advise visitors to stay just about anywhere other than Times Square. While it's fun to see of course, it's not indicative of New York and most New Yorkers avoid it like the plague.

Stay in midtown, east of Sixth Avenue.

Enjoy NYC!

Thank you for your current responses..I'll need to continue to look for hotels for the midtown area. I didn't realize the theater was so far away from TS. All descriptions say that everything is within walking distance but 11 blocks is pretty far if you are not accustomed to traveling by foot very often. The play's website has recommended the following locales that I would be interested in: Doubletree Metropolitan on Lexington, Hilton on Avenue of Americas or Sheraton Manhattan. Any insight? I know it is frowned upon using the website for advice during the trip planning process but I would prefer advice from those who are familiar with the city. A few more details: Mom's 69. She's not frail but she's unable to do alot of walking at one stretch. I would love to keep the hotel costs under $400 per night (w/tax) but that may not be possible. Thank you again.

The Hilton New York (at 53rd & Sixth) is 2 blocks from the theater.
The Renaissance is only 4 or 5 blocks from the theater. Note that it's a little misleading to say that the theater is 11 blocks from Times Squares. It's 11 blocks from the southern tip of the square, but only 6 from the northern tip at 47th Street. And, just so you get an idea of distances, there are 20 north/south blocks to a mile. So, in the case of the Renaissance, you'll talking about a mere quarter-mile walk.

You need to be careful how you interpret responses here. New York is a big city, and terminology is not always exact.

For example the idea that Times Square is at 42nd is a bit misleading. Most people consider the big crossroads of Broadway and 7th all Times Square. That's really where the big billboards and lights are -- the area where you see the crowd and the ball drop on New Year's Eve. It extends to at least 48th Street, which is the street where the Times Square Renaissance is, for example. The walk to The Color Purple from there is a very short 4 to 5 blocks, not the 11 suggested above. It would take you less than ten minutes walking at a very leisure pace (but admittedly through pretty much of a crowd). At least you wouldn't be passing through the worst of it, in the main part of Times Square itself.
In fact, the Rennaissance would be a very nice hotel to stay at, with subway or taxis readily available at your doorstep.

The Hilton Times Square, however, is on 42nd Street, and I'd suggest it is far less suitable for you.

I'm not sure what you're looking for. Many of us who live in wonderful tree lined and quiet neighborhoods go to New York specifically for the bright lights of Broadway and Times Square. If we wanted a quiet neighborhood, we'd just stay home and save the money. A lot of people travel to see what they can't get at home, and few of us have a Times Square in our home towns. To those of us who don't live in New York, that's what represents New York to us. And yes, I've stayed in a number of "neighborhoods" in New York as well. For a first time visit, I'd stick with the bright lights.

I was typing while Howard was posting. Obviously we're on the same wave length here.
Hello, Howard.

I'd suggest staying at the Dream Hotel which is very close to the theatre where you will see The Color Purple. The Dream is north of TS and a night will be abit quieter a little less traffic and is still close to buses and subways.

Have a great time while you are here.

I have been to babbo. The service is great. The food was very good.

Out of all the Batali places I would also recommend Babbo. Ask to sit upstairs if you want a table that is reasonably quiet. You need to book dinner a month in advance here, or else be content with eating at 5:30 pm or very late. I am sure the guidelines for reserving have been discussed here.
212-777-0303.

Here's another vote for Hilton NY, on Sixth (Ave. of the Americas). It is a great location -- and easily walkable to the theatre and other sites.

Go to Nobu 57. Black Cod with Miso.
Thats all you need to know.

Also the pasta course at Babbo is fantastic. Call early for a Reservation.

You should definately look into the Michelangelo Hotel---VERY near the Color Purple. We stayed there in November and it's very convenient. It is a smaller hotel and lovely. Ask for an outside facing room if you go this route and you won't be dissapointed. It's very nice and not overwhelming at all. It was very reasonably priced compared to many of the nicer hotelsl in that area. I'd be happy to answer any other questions.

My mother always stays at the Rihga Royal, 56th and 7th avenue (or somewhere close to there) which is right near where the color puple is playing. You want to stay on the West side not the East side as someone else said. that's the wrong side of manhattan. it would be a long, long walk back to your hotel.

also, do not go to Otto which is one of Batali's restaurants. it is way too loud. it's right by NYU and filled with college students. it's a great restaurant, however, i wouldn' take my 65 year old mother there. I haven't been to any of his other restaurants, but Babbo is apparently still the place to go.

Also not too far from the Rihga Royal is the RedEye Grill. I'd definitely recommend it for dinner and it's supposed to have a great Sunday brunch.

Hello all, I'll be in NYC in a couple weeks, end of April, but, I suppose it's too late to make a reservation at Babbo. Does anyone know if Babbo has a web site? (I tried babbo.com, no result). Per the recommendations here, it sounds interesting. Any idea of price ranges? thanks, can't wait to be in NYC!

Del Posto is very, very expensive and it's been havinf landlord troubles and some other issues as mentioned. Go to Babbo, but get that reservation well in advance.

Otto is very crowded and not the same calibre as Babbo, not even close. Lupa is also more casual than Babbo. The food is good at Luba, but there's always a line. I haven't been to Mono. Babbo is higher end than the others (except Del Posto) and well worth it.

For similar grilled pizza as Otto's, but in a more civilized atmostphere, try Gonzo's (which also has many other dishes besides the pizzas).

Two hotels that I love in NY are the Renaissance Time Square (already mentioned here). It is a quiet atmosphere inside with large rooms and very large baths. The lobby is on an upper floor and quite secure for two ladies traveling alone. I have stayed here many times either alone or with other ladies. It has a marvelous location for walking to theater and to multiple subway stops to access different subway lines.

The second is The Blakely at 55th and 6th Ave. A lovely little boutique hotel with large rooms, good baths and even a small pantry for coffee, tea or minor foods. It is easy to walk to either the Upper East or West side from the hotel. Lots of very good places to eat nearby. Subway stop is 1/2 block away and one stop to the heart of Broadway for theater. Either hotel should easily fit into your budget.

http://marriott.com/renaissancehotel...WT_Ref=MI_Home

http://www.blakelynewyork.com/

Thank you for all of your recommendations. Due to a great deal on its website, I decided to book at the Sheraton Manhatten ($219/night). There are some questionable reviews about this hotel on Expedia and Tripadvisor but I'll have to see for myself. I couldn't make reservations for Babbo yet (I'll try this weekend). I'll post a report once we return.

Thank you....