I just realized I will be going to New York the week following the marathon. Do you think I need to be worried about booking a place soon-because they could fill up quickly? I'd also appreciate any suggestions for a smaller hotel that has views and has been recently updated-within walking distance of theatres. I'd like to keep the price under $300 if possible.

If you mean the day or two immediately following the marathon you should reserve something ASAP. If you mean the end of that week most runners have probably left - but that is the very beginning of the holiday tourist season and booking early won;t hurt.

Can't reco a specific hotel - most of the pleasant ones in the theater district are larger.

I agree with nytraveler about the timing issue.

The Sofitel would be one of the few smaller hotels I could think of that would have some views. If you think about it, by definition if it's small, it's probably also not too high so not many views The Michelangelo and the Casablanca are nice smaller hotels in the area, not sure about views.

My wife ran the NYC Marathon last year.

It seems that most people check out with a day of the marathon ending.

Dick is correct. Most marathoners check out the day of the marathon or the day after. Very few stay longer. So, the marathon should pose no problem. However, check to make sure there are no major conventions in the city that week that might eat up a lot of hotel rooms.

We would be there the Friday after the run-so it sounds as if they will clear out by then. It seems early to reserve-but maybe I need to anyway.I'll look into those hotels. It doesn't have to be small, location and cleanliness-good beds and linens are more important. Thanks.

Try Hotels.com for info on lots of hotels in the city and rates. You can input your dates to see if the hotel has rooms and what the rates are for those days.

Also would recommend the Roger Williams on Madison Ave and 39th St, as a good suggestion. It was rennovated not long ago. I had a client and his wife stay there last year and they loved it. Their room was nicely appointed and large and the location was great for touring and shopping.