So, we are thinking of spending one night in Manhattan on an upcoming trip to the East Coast. A while ago, there seemed to be a bed bug epidemic. Is it still an issue? What hotels would you recommend for a quick visit to the city for a mid-30s couple with a 4.5 year old in tow? We have been to NYC before, so we could rather be close to Central Park. Budget not more than $300/night. Thanks!

Bedbugs are no more of a risk in NYC than any other city anywhere. One of the worst outbreaks was in Ohio.

Bed bugs continue to be an issue everywhere people come and go.

http://www.excelsiorhotelny.com/

I would not characterize the bed bug problem anywhere as an epidemic. There are isolated events that lead to media hyped paranoia.

shows you what it's like to live in the provinces. Everything about the big city is a big deal in the boonies.

When will you be in NY/ Rate vary tremendously by season.

Assuming you mean April - as you go further into the year prices rise fairly continuously - for your budget you might look at several places on the upper west side - near the 79th st subway station and the cross town bus. A couple of block s from Central Park and the Museum of Natural History: Lucerne, Excelsior, On the Ave, Beacon. Do check websites for online specials and advance putchase discounts.

As someone who has been bitten by bed bugs recently (in NYC in a pretty nice hotel, but it can happen anywhere) my advice is that it would behoove you generally as a traveler, esp. since you are traveling with a chld, to become familiar with how to check a room for bed bugs. I have learned how to do so since my bed bug incident. Next week I will be checking into a hotel (in NYC again) for the first time since my bed bug incident. I will be checking my room thoroughly before I take my luggage into it.

For a hotel rec., look into the Le Parker Meridien on 56th. Close to Central Park and they have a very nice indoor pool, which might be a nice break for the 4.5 yr old. Rates in April run just under $300 on the weekends.

Also the former Sheraton Manhattan (now called the Manhattan at Times Square, still managed by Starwood though) at 7th Ave and 51st is a few blocks form Central Park and it has a HUGE heated indoor pool. We had good stays there when our kids were younger, using the pool as a break in the afternoons or evenings. Check the reviews now that the hotel has been sold in the last yr. That pool is incredible for NYC.

That Sheraton is woefully in need of renovation. The Parker Meridien is a nice hotel in a good location but before booking for the pool, I'd doublecheck hours/rules for kids. Beaconhotel.com on the upper west side is near the park, the Museum of Natural History and the Children's Museum, ideal for a young child. It has 1 bedroom suites that would allow you to stay up w/o disturbing your child. In midtown, the Blakelyhotelny.com is a few blocks from the south end of the park, also has 1 bedroom suites and kitchenettes in all the rooms.

what about Hotwire or Priceline? Is it too chancy?

With Priceline you're only guaranteed 1 bed for 2 people in NYC. If you don't mind the possibility of sharing a queen bed with your child, it's fine. I suggest you stick with 4* hotels in NYC and b/c I hate the Sheratons (that Manhattan and the Sheraton hotel & Towers) so much, I'd avoid midtown west where I think they're still considered 4* but doublecheck the hotel lists on betterbidding.com Hotwire does allow you to go for a room for 3 so it can be good. When are you coming?

July 2011. Thanks for the pointers, mclaurie. The prices on Hotwire are comparable to what I would pay for a hotel through the hotel's website, so I am thinking I might just go for the known facility.

Frankly, I am a bit at a loss in terms of an area to stay: Central Park or closer to the Times Square. We might want to check out the Museum of Natural History. I looked at the hotels suggested above and I like the Excelsior and Beacon Hotel suggested by mclaurie. Any advice?

<ahem>
Based on what you posted, I recommended the Excelsior last night. It is next to the Museum of Natural History. I'd offer more advice, but it seems I'm invisble on this thread

starrs, thank you! I saw your link and checked out the hotel. It seems very nice.

I don't know why you feel invisible starrs. I think both the Excelsior and the Beacon are nice. I thought the Beacon was more recently renovated (2009) and has kitchenettes in all the rooms (whether you get a 1 bedroom suite or not) as does the Blakely if you wanted to be in midtown. I think having the fridge/microwave etc. is convenient with a small child. The Excelsior is closer to the museum. All 3 hotels are listed on oyster.com. I notice they have freshened things up at the Excelsior by looking at the photos on oyster.

If I had a nickel for every time I have recommended a place on a thread and not gotten acknowledged specifically by name the OP, I'd have enough money for a very happy retirement with traveling included.

C'mon. It was a joke.

Funny.

We love the Beacon Hotel and links to public transportation are nearby.

emd3: Have a good time during your next NYC visit and I hope all goes well. Don't forget to check the seam on the edges of the box spring too.

Thanks, Bowsprit. I think my friend is going to think I am nuts when I start checking the room, but she has not experienced bed bugs and I have. I am not nervous about the trip, as I feel armed with good info on how to check the room well, including the seams on the box springs.