NYC Hotel Advice
 

I'm off to NYC solo (first trip) in mid-September for three nights. Although I've searched this board for reviews on the following hotels, I'd appreciate any advice from others on my options:

The Belvedere (ave. $280/nt)
Shelburne Murray Hill ($260/nt single ste.)
Essex House ($370/interior view)

The Essex house is a 'splurge' option as this is a belated fortieth birthday gift to myself - I'm concerned that an interior view just isn't worth it but if it were a Central Park view - once in a lifetime!

The other hotels seem to get decent reviews and are what I'd 'really' like to pay ... how do the Belvedere and SMH really compare?
I do like the more central location of the Belvedere (and easy access to the subway) but is it worth more than the Shelburne?

I have stayed at the Belvedere several times and really like it particularly the location. The street is a nice quiet street (for Manhattan) but close to everything. Lots of less expensive restaurants on 9th right at the end of 48th. The rooms are good size with a frig and microwave. The bathrooms are small but for one person are fine. There is a subway stop at 50th & 8th so that is convenient although it's a small station.

There are many on this forum who like the Shelburne Murray Hill because you get the bigger room and the hotel is away from the Times Square area. The Shelburne is a 3 1/2 * hotel and the Belvedere is a 3*. I guess it mostly boils down to location.

Th e Essex House charges extra for guaranteed Central Park views - so you'll know if you're going to get one or not. If that's there basic rate you won;t get the Park View.

I wold do the Belvedere - Murray Hill is kind of quiet for a solo traveler.

The Belvedere is a decent place. Very basic, but as has been mentioned it is nicely located--near many good restaurants and just far enough away from the theate5r crowds.

i always have friends/family stay at hotel thirty thirty when they come into town - bargain but brand new.

My friends ( 4 women) just came back from NYC and stayed at the Belvedere and were very happy with it. They said it was basic, but clean and in a super location. They loved the location.

Also, on their website the cheapest rooms are $150 and that is with a shared bathroom. SO I'm wondering where the $99 room is.

That is not an area I would reco to someone coming to NYC alone for the first time - esp since they already have viable options in much more central areas.

ANyone have any comments/advice for an all suite hotel in midtown? I have to have a kitchenette for this stay. Any info on Affinia 50? or the Kimberly? anyone dealt with big apple getaways?
Thanks!

Thanks for the informative replies!

I've decided on sticking with the Belvedere - it's really hard to find a bad review on the place and I agree that, being my first trip to NYC, being so centrally located will give me a lot of options. I don't have a lot of time but I may head over to the Shelburne area to see if it will suit a possible second visit.

Thanks again!

You don't mention your dates so I can't check other options. I would not chose to stay at the Belvedere as a woman alone who's not used to NYC. The street it's on is perfectly safe but can be intimidating at night. I also wouldn't want to pay that price despite the fact that I know prices are sky high. The hotel is in the middle of renovation and I think that price is just too high unless you're guaranteed a renovated room. I think the Shelburne would be nicer unless you plan on doing theater every day.

I've stayed at the Belvedere and it's fine, but I tend to agree with McLaurie. The area may be a bit overwhelming for a first trip.

We just returned from 4 days in NYC and I contemplated returning there alone (If my DD gets into FIT, I'll do this often after next year!) and thought about where I'd stay. I personally would try to find a place in a neighborhood - Chelsea comes to mind. While I like the midtown areas, I'd stay in a neighborhood - particularly Chelsea or the upper west side. Check out the Hotel Beacon (beaconhotel.com) or in Chelsea, The Inn on 23rd (innon23rd.com)

I've never been to either, but have reead great reviews of each and plan to try them both out in the next year or so.

The Shelburne is in Murray Hill (as is the Affinia Dumont owned by the same co.) and while in midtown is definitely a neighborhood.

Although I did post that my friends stayed at the Belvedere and liked it, I truly respect Mclaurie's input and would be more inclined to follow his/her advice.
M
I think Mclauries advice is always dead on.

I am a frequent guest at the Essex House. You only turn 40 once. Request a park view and you'll be so happy after the money has come and gone! It is not worth it for an interior view.

Well I agree that McLaurie gives great advice, in fact some of the best for New York, but in this case I would have to disagree. The area to me is not the least bit overwhelming and what I liked about it is that there are always people out and about if you are walking by yourself.

On this last trip to NYC, I stayed at the New York Hilton on 6th Ave. I went to the theatre by myself a couple of times. As I was walking back to the hotel, several of the streets at 10:30 pm were kind of deserted. Don't remember which ones-maybe 51st or 52nd-between Broadway and 6th. Although I have been to NYC many times and am not the least bit nervous, I made sure the next evening that I found a better traveled street. I never felt that way walking to the Belvedere because many more people were walking.

The one thing I do agree with is McLaurie's comment on the price. It's a little high but in comparision to the other hotels in that area, it's probably competitive.

I'm arriving Sept. 12 for three nights.
All 'average' hotels in NYC are expensive it seems (I checked every source I know: Quickbook, Kayak, TravelZoo - I don't want to take a chance with Priceline as I'd hate to get stuck with something I can't get out of). I'd say prices have gone up around 20-30% from last September when I was originally planning to go.
I'd love a park view at the Essex House but not for $600!

Regarding renovations, the Shelburne MH is going through renos now and I wasn't aware of the Belvedere going through this. I do agree that the Belvedere seems expensive for what it is, but I can't get around the fact of overly expensive NYC hotels this September.

This is tougher than I thought - should i really be concerend about the area around the Belvedere? I won't be arriving at my hotel until after midnight and I'm coming from a time zone two hours behind NYC so will be willing to find a pub for a late night drink. I'm a bit concerned now.

I was a bit surprised by mclaurie's comment about the area around the Belvedere being "intimidating". Admittedly I'm not a single woman wondering around alone, but it's just a couple doors off busy and bright 8th Avenue. Unless walking by a few pubs with some guys who may whistle, or walking by a couple peep show places bothers you, I just don't see the problem. And that area is NOT quiet or deserted after midnight. We pass through there all the time after midnight and a late after theatre supper.

"Unless walking by a few pubs with some guys who may whistle"

Then I'd assume I'm in a gay area - I should have noted that I'm male LOL!

Duh, and I took "bluesDUDE" as a female? I think I got the cue from some of the other posts.
>>>>>>>>>>>>&g t;>>>>>>>>

"Unless walking by a few pubs with some guys who may whistle"
Then I'd assume I'm in a gay area."
>>>>>>>>>>>>&g t;>>>>>>>>>>>> >>

Well, that's a possibility too, LOL.

Gee, don't give the area's "safety" a second thought!

Male or female, this area is perfectly safe alone or in a group. There is a fun gay bar on the street though...

No need to be a bit concerned. You'll be fine at the Belvedere...and the surrounding area.

Have a good time.

You mentioned getting something to eat after midnight when you arrive. There are a couple of pubs nearby along 8th, but I'm not so sure about their food offerings. But right at the end of your block (48th) at 9th Avenue on the corner is The Delta Grill, a nice and friendly bar/restaurant, sort of cajun. Good food, great drinks, and comfortable at the bar or the high tables near the bar. They serve food till something like 4 AM.

NeoPatrick-Thanks for chiming in. I know you like this area as do I. I'm with you-never gave it a thought of walking by myself later at night.

Didn't know Delta Grill stayed open so late-I will remember that for my next trip. Seems like if you want to eat after the theatre it's hard to find open restaurants especially during the weekdays.

Would I be better off taking a cab home late at night? I intend to see Bill Frisell at the Village Vanguard Thursday (ends well after midnight) and Patti Smith at the Beacon Friday.

Thanks again for the responses!

Well, that's up to you, but I personally have no fear of taking the subway from the Village to midtown at night. And it's a LOT cheaper (and entertaining usually).

I also thought you were female (I don't know why). I said "as a woman alone" in my response. I know many women who have been surprised that the specific block the Belvedere is on can be a bit dark and lonely at night. It's not ON 8th ave.

Well, my mom enjoys staying at the Belvedere - no problem even though she's far from a city gal... besides, it's fairly close to 8th Ave and plenty lit at that. :)

The subway at night will be fine both in the neighborhoods where you'll be getting on and definitely in Times Square; of course just be aware as you'd always be. The one issue is that late at night and especially on weekends, trains get rerouted for construction work - look for signs in the stations or check the service advisories on mta.info. Trains are also less frequent later at night. From the Beacon, it's pretty much a straight shot down Broadway on the downtown 1 train to 50th Street; you could also take the M104 bus (just ask the driver where the bus is going if you're unsure). As a walk it's just over a mile. Similarly, you'd take the 1 train uptown from the Village. (That line will put you on 7th Ave, a short walk east of your hotel.)

For late night eats, there's a range from the basic NY diner (<b>Olympic Diner</b> on 8th Ave between 48 &amp; 49th Streets) to <b>Pigalle</b>, a 24-hour French bistro-style restaurant in the corner of the Hilton Garden Inn on 8th Ave and 48th Street: surprisingly good bistro food, and drinks. The bars/pubs on 8th Ave are okay, but not my scene... Kevin St. James and Scruffy Duffy's are popular and have decent food.

Personally I'm not a fan of Delta Grill - but I only ate there once. Other good options in the area are:
- Thai: <b>Pongsri</b> on 48th just east of 8th Ave; or <b>Pam's Real Thai</b>, a hole-in-the-wall on 49th just west of 9th Ave.
- <b>Vynl Diner</b> is good for asian-fusion diner food (wha??), either brunch or dinner; it's on the east side of 9th Ave at 51st Street.
- <b>Rice &amp; Beans</b>, another hole-in-the-wall, this time Brazilian; best at lunch; also the east side of 9th Ave between 50 and 51st Streets.
- <b>Island Burgers &amp; Shakes</b> (IBNS): great, massive burgers or grilled chicken sandwiches with *tons* of options (no fries, though!); also east side of 9th Ave at 51st Street.
- For a take-away breakfast, you can't beat the items at <b>Amy's Bread</b> (good coffee, too); east side of 9th Ave(!) between 46 and 47th Streets.
- Go to menupages.com for menus and reviews!

And I know you didn't ask, but there is a small gay scene in the neighborhood as it's expanded north from Chelsea. The result is a handful of shops with really cute housewares and gift stuff! :D

Would the Warwick be preferred over the Belvedere? I've booked it (Superior room) on Quikbook for $300 a night (vs. $270 for the Belvedere). I did see a response on TripAdvisor where a customer had a bedbug issue and people seem to either love the place or claim it's seen much better days.

Thanks!

If you're looking for a hotel in an area with some late-night activity available, I would definitely stay at the Belvedere over the Warwick!!

There are bars and restaurants near the Warwick, but it's in a very 9-to-5 oriented part of town. I even think the Belvedere probably has nicer rooms - but I've only ever been inside conference rooms and the like at the Warwick.

If you keep your Warwick reservation, look for a post I replied to about late-night things in the area; I think it was from around the same time as your original post...

Here's the thread:
&quot;Restaurants around Hilton New York&quot;
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35051047

The Hilton is across the street from the Warwick.

What about a superior King room on a high floor at the Millenium Broadway for $249/night plus tax? Look at the special offer on travelzoo.com It's good for your dates. Central location, nice hotel, probably room with view.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._New_York.html

Hi Bluesdude,

I recently did a lot of research as well on this subject; my trip is in October and it is ghastly expensive! McLaurie and NeoPatrick were both very helpful in my search. I am also arriving extremely late at night. I am doing an interesting thing and going very budget my first night and very splurge my next two nights. I will be staying at the Gansvoort in SOHO for $475 to $675/night for my first night, I didn't want to waste my money for mere sleeping overnight. I decided to do a glorified hostel called Marrakech on the upper west side. It is only $32/night for that one night!....in bunkbeds. I can afford a lot more but it just seems like such a waste of money when I am crashing at midnight. I think it is a fairly safe area and you should really check out their web site. It looks super cool! Getting a regular room there is waaay more expensive and I'd rather be in SOHO. I will just hop on the subway the next morning and start the luxury part of my trip then and save $300.

IMO, I wouldn't want to be on the UWS after midnight looking for a place for a bite to eat and a drink.

Also IMO, staying in an area where there is late-night activity is much preferable to a residential or work-oriented area (UWS and 6th Ave, respectively) where the streets are basically deserted at that time.

My BF lived for years in the Belvedere neighborhood, first on 47th and then on 49th, both times between 8th and 9th Aves; neither of us ever had a problem there, and that was when the neighborhood was rougher than it is now. These days, I've been in the area for drinks until fairly late, then walked to the subway alone without feeling uncomfortable...

FWIW, I'm a (very) late 30-something myself, and really enjoy the area. :)

ncounty, I think we're going to have to devise a special award for you for &quot;the most diverse lodgings in NYC on one trip&quot;. LOL

Thanks for the tip mclaurie as that's a great price. Is the actual location of the Millenium recommendable over the Belvedere (I've cancelled the Warwick booking)? I really don't want to be in the intensity of the Times Square hordes if I can avoid it - the Disney schtick doesn't interest me at all. I like the idea of the Belvedere being a bit off the beaten path and supposedly on a 'quiet' street.
And, for the price, are the rooms that much better than the Belvedere? If they're smaller, I'm not really interested.

Thanks again!

I can't speak to the room size. But I can tell you that the Millenium is about 1/2 block from the actual intersection of Times Square. It's a little quieter than actually being on Broadway or 7th Ave.

Also, as you can probably tell from photos, the two hotels have very different styles. The Belvedere building is older and smaller than the Millenium. As I said, I don't know how that translates for room size, so it may be a non-issue. :)

The Belvedere is certainly in a quieter spot, but the Mill. is not in as crazy a spot as say the Marriott Marquis or the Hilton Times Square. For $20/night plus tax less (about $70), I'd much prefer the Mill. B'way and the promotion reads it's for an oversized superior queen room. Have a look at &quot;candid travelers photos&quot; on tripadvisor for both.

Come out of the Millenium and turn right and you're almost immediately on 8th Avenue. Come out of the Belvedere and turn left and you're almost immediately on 8th Avenue. It's six of one, half a dozen of the other in regards to location in my book.

While I've never been in a Millenium room, I'd certainly suspect that room has a lot more &quot;style&quot; than the Belvedere.

I'd agree: the Mill is east of Times Square, which is generally rather quieter than the avenues or the blocks to the immediate west (i.e., between TS and 8th Ave). Very close to the B,D,F,V line's station at 42nd Street.

If you stay at the Mill, go to Jimmy's Corner across the street, a great, real NY dive no more than 10 feet wide. Jimmy is an old boxing trainer, and every surface is covered with photos and boxing memorabilia. Great blues and soul on the juke box...