Hi All

I will be in New York around the 10th of December for 8 nights..Is this enough time to enjoy New York without rushing around to much?

Also I have started looking at some accomodation and everything seems to be so pricy. I have found a couple of 2 star hotels that dont look that great and are about 190USD per night. Is that the avarage rate per night over that time? Is New York usually very busy over that time.. am I best off booking something now or waiting to closer to the date?

Thanks in advance for your help.

That's just about the busiest and most expensive time of year to visit New York.

I would book now, but keep your eye out for something better. If you tell us which hotels you're looking at, we might help you choose.

I cant remember the name now as I have the name of the place at work but I think its the Radio city apartments or something like that. Its a 2 star though and so pricy! If you know anything in a good area that wont break the budget?

Will there be some sales in stores or does that start in January?

Thanks

The city is mobed that time of year - and at it's most expensive - for hotels, hardest to get show tickets and reservations at good restaurants.

Although there are traditionallly furniture and linen sales in January - the US doesn;t have specific sales seasons. And the month leading up to Christmas always has masses of sales (since this is when retailers MUST move tons of goods to make their profits for the year).

$190 US is a VERY low rate for that time of year. And rates will continue torie the closer you get to December. For one or two you might try bidding on Priceline (last year people got things in the spring that couldn;t be touched for that price in December).

You may do better looking away from Times Square and midtown - staying on the upper west side or in the financial dstrict may get you better prices on some nights.

Tell us your real budget (keeping inmind there s 18% tax on hotels on top of the rates you're quoted) and who/how many you are - and perhaps we can help.

(Applecore hotels is a local group of budget hotels that get decent reviews - at least clean and safe - but they're showing rates of $250 and up now. These will go higher later. But if you contact them directly for a long stay perhaps they can make consideration.)

Well something under 190 USD would be nice as there is Tax on everything and we are coming from Australia and wont be use to tipping everyone. I have a good rate of $165 USD at the Radio city apartments are these located in a good area? I think I have to get it out of my head that we wont be able to stay at the Waldof Astoria...

Another thing is as we wont be use to the cold will it be too cold to do anything a friend of mine went in November and said it was freezing! Does it usually snow over this time?

Thanks for your help

Well - it's winter. Will it be freezing - literally - (below 32F or 0C) - yes - at night it probalbly will. During the day it will be in the 40's most likely.

Snow is certainly possible - but it's rare to get much - more than 2/3" - before Christmas. The bigget storms - a foot and up are usually in Jan and Feb.

You will need warm coats, hats gloves, scarves and warm/waterproof shoes or booties. (I usuallly go with low and low heeled booties with a non-skid bottom - in case of ice on the sidewalk.)

But - NYC is prepared for snow - and usually sidewalks are clear by the next day - unless you get really a lot.

Radio City Apartments are basic but fine - and centrally located. If you can get them - grab it.

Great Thank You for your help..

Agree that time is almost the most expensive of the year. Maybe the week before is slightly more. Rates usually go down around the 18th. Radio City apts. are VERY central and a good option though nothing fancy. The fact that they are indeed apartments with kitchens can help keep breakfast/snack costs down. It's unlikely you'll beat that $165 rate at that time of year.

Another option you might consider is one of the b & bs that rooms also like apts. with kitchens. Jack & Judy's on the upper westside is a good one (jacksbandb.com). Wymanhouse.com is also very nice, a bit more money. Then there are a few downtown that are decent.

http://greenwichvillagehome.com/
http://www.west-eleventh.com/aboutus.htm

www.roomstolet.com

Travelzoo.com features specials usually a few months in advance. If you were able to adjust your travel dates slightly, you might do better coming 4 days later.

Sorry, that rooms to let website is WRONG. It's here

http://www.roomstolet.net/

Rose-oz
Just wondering how the trip went.
We are from oz as well and hope to go to New York Dec 2007.

Would love to hear how your trip went and any suggestions for our trip.

Did you have any problems with flight delays due to weather?