I know it's late in the game to be planning a getaway to New York City during Christmas but...it's worth a try. Does anyone know of any hotels I may be able to get into that are decent and don't cost a fortune. There are 5 of us so we would need something with atleast 2 big beds and a couch.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Alot of the hotels in the city are already booked for the holiday and the prices are going to be high, this is the height of the tourist season.

I would suggest looking at the Hotel Grand Union on E 32nd St, they have a few suites and it's very reasonably priced and close to everything.

Also check www.hotels.com for availability and be aware that you will experience sticker shock at the prices of hotels.

You also might check the Travel Inn on W. 42nd St. comfortable and usually reasonable rates.

I would also check some of the hotel websites to see if there are any last minute deals available.

Also check with a local travel agent they may have some package deals available.

Have a great time while you are here.

Another place with suites that might accomodate your group is the Murray Hill East Suites, which used to be one-bedroom apartments; they have some "room" that have two double beds and a sofabed.

look at affinia.com; they were running holiday specials and have several hotels that have many suites; I got a rate of $199 for a one-bedroom suite but it was a couple of weeks ago now.

Also check quickbook.com

Good luck

Mary in D.C.

Here's another recommendation for the Travel Inn if they have availability. They have double/doubles (but no couch or room for a cot).

Be advised that you must be honest about the number of people you plan to have in one room. There are laws in NYC regarding square footage/maximum persons.

Thanks for all of your advice. I'm still working on it but you've given me a lot of options. I was surprised to see that there are some choices, even at this late date.

You could also try Expedia. They sometimes have 'Expedia Special Rate' rooms available, even when the hotel says they're completely booked. You would have to pay upfront though...

These rates are usually not that bad...

Try Anco Studios on the East Side. 212-717-7500 or 888-701-7500. They have kitchenettes in the rooms.

You won't find any bargains that time of year but definitely check the affinia website marymarra mentioned. Many of their hotels have suites and are moderately priced. The 1 bedrooms at the Shelburne Murray hill are very nice (this is the only affinia hotel i've been in). ALso check the Hotel Avalon. They have some nice 1 bedroom suites as well, and include a decent continental breakfast.

Also, keep in mind that many NYC hotel rooms in general only have 1 bed. Another possibility would be to bid on 2 rooms on Priceline. You can probably get a rollaway for 1 of the rooms to accommodate 3. Check biddingfortravel.com.

Hotel rooms in NYC that have two big beds and a couch are expensive and rare. They are usually classified as a suite or one bedroom.

Try the Affina.com properties, Carnegie Hall Suites, and the Salisbury Hotel.

Have you considered renting an apartment? Try vrbo.com might be a more cost effective option for a party of five.

You might want to post or check the postings on Craigslist. A lot of New Yorkers head out for the holidays and you might find an available apartment.

Prices seem to drop pretty dramatically Dec. 18th if that's possible date for trip. Look at specials on travelzoo.com

Check the Rihga Royal (an all suite hotel). They were running a special for $289/night. I think their rooms would take 5. Btw, some hotels don't allow 5 in a room.