NYC hotel booking...how far in advance?
 

Planning on a visit Dec 4-8 this year. Staying in Midtown area. How long should we wait to book a 4 star-ish hotel?

No reason to wait to book if you find a hotel that you like (at a price that you like) now. I usually book my hotel way far in advance (making sure it is cancellable) and then continue to check back on hotel prices as time goes by. If prices drop, then I cancel and rebook. If prices stay the same, or rise, then I'm happy that I booked the hotel ahead of time!

I would start watching now to begin to understand rates and grab a good one when you see one on a property you like. That week may be the most expensive of the year. If you do choose to actually book something this far out, be sure it has a good cancellation policy.

Start looking now for internet specials. As you get closer to the date decent hotels at not sky high prices are booked out (often several months in advance) and you are left to pay more or stay in a place you don;t like.

Agree that may be the most expesnive week of the year. How much were you lookiing to pay and how many of you are there?

Your dates are some of the most expensive of the year and the most crowded. I'd urge you to consider another time if you're not coming for a specific event. There will be NO sales or bargains for those dates. It's likely the best options will be to buy early and prepay with no cancellation. You will likely have to pay $400+/night for a room for 2 in a true 4* hotel at that time.

To make my point, compare the prices for the dates you've picked with prices on Dec 18-22 when Xmas decorations will still be up. You'll see prices 30-50% less.