A relative,with family,from Ireland will be visiting Boston and New York City in June.My brother-in-law(California)and my wife and I(Pennsylvania)plan to join them in NYC for 6 days and we could use some suggestions on where to stay.They will be interested in seeing all of the usual NYC attractions and we believe it would be better not to bother with a car and use public transportation/taxi cabs to get around town.We'd like a nice hotel with a central location(prefer not to take a second mortage)all advice would be appreciated.Thanks a bunch.

I've done the New York with friends and relatives from Ireland 4 times now, so I'll tell you what I've learned.

They will definitely want to shop. Take them to places like Macy's where they can get all of the Levis and trainers and Timberlands they desire. They probably will not be interested in the more off-the-track stores.

Even though it may not be hot for you in June, if the temperature's much above 70, it will be hot for them. So remember that when making your plans for mid-day touring.

Take them to a baseball game. Even if they aren't familiar with the rules, it's the ultimate American experience, and you can't beat an afternoon sitting in the stands drinking beer (and yes, I do find baseball itself boring).

It's hard to find a good hotel in New York without taking out a second mortgage. I would check out Hotel Beacon. I've never stayed there, but it gets good reviews on this site. I've stayed at the Woodward, which is in mid-town and has a great location. Basic NYC small hotel rooms, but definitely adequate. With a big group, I would check hotel suites (I think the Beacon has suites). Also keep your eye out for deals from the larger chains.

You're right about not getting a car. New York is easy to move around in, using the subway and cabs (which are really reasonable).

The Beacon mentioned in the other note is popular with visitors. The hotel has a very high occupancy rate so reservations should be made well in advance. It is not, however, in the midtown area. It is at 75th Street and Broadway. Times Square is about 1 1/2 miles due south. Beacon is in a good area with plenty of restaurants in the area. You might also consider the Edison Hotel on W. 47th just off Broadway. This is in the heart of the theater district and the Times Square area. Transportation options for either the Beacon or Edison are very good. Edison is a bit closer, if you are walking, to many things visitors want to see. The only negative comment I have read about the Edison is rooms are small. You are sure to get more hotel recommendations if you provide a ball park figure as to amount willing to be spent for a hotel. Another option might be renting an apartment. There is a website listing short term rentals. I don't recall the URL but I am sure someone out there can provide it.

It gets brushed aside in hotel reviews on this site, but you should check out The Mayflower Hotel on the Park. They have excellent rates, huge rooms by New York standards, and you must pay the extra $20 for a park view, well worth it. It faces Central Park, which is lovely, and is very close to EVERYTHING a tourist might want to see -- with a subway station on the corner, buses running everywhere on the corner too, Times Square a safe mile walk away day or night, and everything else in midtown within walking distance. All the benefits of the Upper West Side just behind you, the beautiful Park in front of you, and awesome midtown attractions a walk away. Check out their location, their website, and rates.

Definitely don't bother with a car. Public transport is the best. The subways are the fast and most efficient (and avoid street traffic). Buses are good at lower traffic times but tend to be much slower than subways. Use cabs for convenience or late nights. You can pick up subway and bus maps free at token booths. Just ask if you find them confusing. NYers are helpful.