I am planning a trip with four girlfriends for early April 2011. We would like to stay together, in a good-sized 2 bdrm/2 bath suite with a living area. We would like to be on the upper sides or midtown, walking distance to Central Park, shopping, dining, etc. Not Times Square, and not lower downtown.

I am familiar with the Affinia Gardens, which is $1080/night. The Beacon is only $600/night.

Should I go with the Beacon, or can anyone suggest another alternative?

Thank you!

How big is the 2BR suite at the Beacon (what's the sq footage)? From the photo http://www.beaconhotel.com/rooms_2br_suite.htm
the living/dining area isn't that big.

This past April, we spent 1 night in the 2BR suite at Affinia Gardens, and it was HUGE. The dining table seats 6 comfortably, and the kitchen is separate. Here's a photo of the living/dining area:
http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/p...0/IMG_5473.jpg

Both bedrooms are very spacious - much larger than an average hotel room.

The 2BR suite at Affinia Gardens also has a balcony with patio furniture. However, it was too cold during our visit to enjoy it.

Agreed that the Affinia suite is bigger - it depends on if you want more room - and are willing to pay for it. In either case, there are few 2 BR suites in the city ( at anything like a reasonable price) so I would reserve the one you want as soon as your dates are final.

I don't know the square footage of the Beacon's suite, but many reviewers comment that it is plenty large. I think it would be fine for our two nights, at almost half the price.

Anyone have personal experience with the Beacon, and/or know its neighborhood?

The Kimberly and Radio City Apartments (less expsensive than the Kimberly) have 2 bedroom suites, but I'm not sure if those rooms have 2 baths or not.

Thanks. I will check out the Kimberley.

Haven't stayed at The Beacon but my friend lives at 72nd and Central Park West which is close-by. I love the Upper West Side. Definitely close to Central Park and away from Times Square. Easy access to other parts of town from the subway station at Broadway and 72nd street using the red line.

Be sure to check out Fairway Market at Broadway and 74th. Quite the experience just to see a market so crowded with merchandise and people.

I stayed in a 1BR suite at the Beacon late last August. I think the rate at that time was $250 or $260/night. The rooms look like what you see on the website; housekeeping up to snuff. The bathroom in the suite was modern with an excellent shower, but it was small.
I loved the location. The subway is a 5-minute walk with the Fairway market across the street, the Levain bakery around the corner, Zabar's another few blocks away, and a variety of good neighborhood restaurants to choose from. I'd stay there again.

Thanks, paula and bon_voyage. Exactly what I need to know. I have booked it, and started another thread asking about The Beacon specifically. It looks too good to be true at that price!