I will be in NYC March 11th through 16th, 2004 & have been researching hotels for the past week. I think I've got it narrowed down to 2 choices, but since I've not stayed at either one, I would appreciate some feedback.
I'm trying to decide between the Belleclaire & Excelsior Hotels. Locationwise they are the best bet for me & pricewise I am getting good results. Any help for me out there? Thanks!

what area of town do you need to be in?
I have not stayed at either hotel you named...

I will be in the 200 block of West 72nd Street.

Cole- I do know that the Empire is good- it's on 44 W 63rd....so that is close to that area...near Lincoln Center...

amd the Comfort Inn Central Park is also on 72nd st...You may want to look at that one...

The Excelsior wins hands down. The Belleclare is being renovated, Before the renovation I would not have stayed there

Coleashton,

I live in the neighborhood. If those are your choices, then definitely go with the Excelsior. The Belleclaire is a dump (until I saw your post, I thought it was still a flophouse).

I've never been in the rooms at the Excelsior, but I catch my bus across the street from it every day and, judging from the lobby, it looks quite pleasant, if not fancy. The location is fantastic; one of the nicest blocks in the entire city. There's tons of good food around. The hotel is across the street from the new plentarium (coolest looking building in New York) and a lovely small park. Of course, it's also only a block from the Central Park, so you can walk through to the museums on Fifth Avenue. You're within a few blocks of two of Manhattan's major subway lines and a short bus ride from the third. Midtown is a 25 minute subway ride away.

The Excelsior has gotten excellent reviews on tripadvisor.com and here on Rants & Raves. The location is great but it's on w 81 st, no? Not 72 st. If w 72 is where you need to be, you might check the Beacon which is on 75 & Broadway. The location of the Excelsior is prettier though.

Another option in the area is the One the Avenue hotel, which is on 77th and B'way. I walk by it frequently, and it seems very nice and modern, and has great rates. They have a website too: www.ontheave.com

That Comfort Inn was AWFUL. I consider it a community service to advise people not to stay there.

My husband, son, and I stayed at the Excelsior in March this year and I absolutely agree with timbalero's opinion - pleasant but not fancy and in a great location. The staff were helpful and professional. Breakfast there is quite expensive but very good, but as there are lots of diners and cafes within minutes walk we only ate at the hotel on our first morning. Overall I'd certainly recommend this hotel.