Hi All,

I booked Dumont awhile back but found cheaper rates for the Affinia Manhattan. The reviews for Manhattan are not as nice as Dumont on trip advisor. Which one would you recommend (if you know of these hotels)?

Thanks!

They aren't that far apart - but Manhattan is right near Penn Station, in a business area that is quite dreary at night. Dumont is much further east, in a more residential area, with a lot more restaurants, shops and bars open in the evening.

Unless there were a huge price difference I would stick with Dumont. (ALso, are you comparing equivalent rooms - both have a wide variety of accommodations.)

Hi. Yes, I am looking at both of the studio suites. It's about a $460 total saving ( for 9 nights) but we're willing to sacrifice it. Just been reading the reviews for manhattan and it doesn't sound good (roaches and dirty old carpeting) so wanted to hear from sources Ican trust. If u guys thought manhattan was ok, then we feel comfortable saving the $460 - that's a nice dinner and a half somewhere!

Thanks

Affinia is having a sale now on their website (posted on travelzoo.com) See if Affinia 50 or Gardens are cheaper than your Dumont option for your dates. They're the only 2 I'd say are as nice or nicer.

PS, can't remember when you're coming or what your rate is, but beaconhotel.com has summer rates that are very good and it's also a suite hotel. It's been recently renovated.

Thanks mclaurie. Not going until Christmas (I book ahead). Good idea to check travelzoo though. I'll keep an eye out for deals past summer. I looked at beacon yesterday but I think we prefer the midtown locations. It does look nice though but wondering if all the rooms were renovated? The posted pics from customers didn't all have the nicely renovated look. Do you know when it was renovated?

Beacon was renovated within the last year.

Have stayed at both, Dumont is nicer. Though some of the rooms at the Manhattan are larger the decor and overall vibe is better at the Dumont. You will be a bit more out of the tourist fray, too, though not in the boonies by any means.

I will l et you know as we are staying at the dumont Memorial Weekend!

I loved the Dumont Plaza. I saw on priceline someone got it for $95 per night in April. After 911 we were able to get it for $80 a night (also on priceline).

You cannot get a room in some roadside stop somewhere in Indiana (or Utah, or Virginia) for that price.

It's in Murray Hill part of town, subway right around the corner, loads of wonderfully reasonable restaurants on 2nd or 3rd Avenue in that area.

Sunshine girl, how was Dumont? I just called to add another night to our reservation. Whoooohooo! 10 nights, 11 days in NYC. Brilliant!

click on sunshinegirl's screen name and you will see her trip report--she liked the Dumont

We loved the Dumont. It is very accessible to taxis and subways. Jubar is a consierge (sp) who was very helpful with anything we needed. We requested and got early check in and high floor rooms.( we were there by 10 am)There is Murray's Market right next door ( well dunkin donuts and baskin robins is in between!) which has everything you need for snacks, meals etc, The Barking Dog restaurant is on the other side of the Dumont and has excellent food ( breakfast was 7 dollars) and we wished we had eaten there more than we had as it was convenient and cheaper than most. Healthy choices also and outdoor seating. The rooms were very clean...only 7 rooms on each floor. We had a studio and it had a small kitchen with full size fridge and small stove and oven. Each room is set up a little differently. The staff was terrific! I liked the area and it was out of the hub bub of Times Square but close enough to get anywhere we traveled in 20 mintues or so. We used taxis often as they were sometimes cheaper than the subway for 4 of us. Go see the off broadway show the Altar Boyz...it was hilarious and good singing and dancing. I got tickets online for 30 dollars or so in the 6th row.Thanks ellenm I didn't even see your response above! I liked NYC a lot!

Thanks sunshinegirl! we bought our plane tickets last week and we're flying in to La Guardia also. Thanks for the feedback. We're looking forward to staying there.

M

I used to live around the corner from the Dumont and would suggest that as a good place to stay. The whole area is much changed in the last couple of years, lots of restaurants/bars and a bit of shopping. It's also within walking distance of Macy's and Herald Square/Manhattan Mall and LOTS of shops there.

On 3rd Ave there are 3 large grocery stores. Walk down to Food Emporium and Gristede's and up 3rd Ave to another grocery store, several restaurants/delis and shops.

The #34 bus stops right outside the hotel and the #6 subway is at Park and 33rd, so transportation will be fairly easy.

Have a great time while you are here.