My 14 y.o. and I like to go to NYC for her spring break to see a show and stay at different hotels. We try to look for something fairly close to Penn Station. Does anyone know anything about Hotel Casablanca? Last year we stayed at the Herald Sq Hotel; the location was good, although I was hesitant about walking around there at night; it was VERY basic but the price was right. Is there another place anyone recommends? We're looking at within $150-$200 per night. We want to see Spelling Bee.

I have a friend who RAVES about the Casablanca and says it's like a fine boutique European hotel. She did mention that the standard rooms are not small -- but TINY. They now get a deluxe room which is large enough to turn around in.

My sister and I stayed there a couple of years ago. I agree that it's a boutique-style hotel and, yes, the rooms are quite small. With a rollaway in the room, there was hardly any room to walk around. Although the bathroom itself was small, it had a huge walk-in shower and was well-decorated. Free internet access was offered in a lounge area. The employees at the front desk were very friendly and helpful - and they had a good sense of humor. The hotel has an intimate feel and the location is great. Other than the size of the room, I was very pleased and would recommend the Casablanca. I'm not sure, though, that you could get a room there for the price you have budgeted.

Casablanca is one of my favorite NYC hotels - but I agree with poster above, I think it's unlikely you'll snag a room there for under $200.

Herald Square is a budget hotel and the Casablanca is much more upscale in a better location. (WHY do you want to stay near Penn Station?) The Casablanca is closer to Times Square.

The nicest hotels near Penn Station are the Affinia Manhattan (look at prices on affinia.com and compare to quikbook.com) or the Metro. You might find one of these for under $200 depending on date.

Travelzoo.com is a good place to find bargains. There is currently a special there for 70 Park which is a lovely modern boutique hotel. If you and daughter don't mind sharing a king bed and your trip is over a weekend, you can get a room there for $199/night.

http://hotels.travelzoo.com/new-york-hotels/278202

rules are
"This special is valid Thursday-Sundays all the way through May 31. However, you must book by January 26. Blackout Dates: Jan. 26-28, Feb. 10-12, March 15-17. "

Another idea for you is to bid on Priceline. If you bid 4* hotels in any of the areas with the word "midtown" in the name, you could get a room for as little as $110-150 plus tax. Read biddingfortravel.com and/or betterbidding.com before you try this though. Only good for 2 people in the room and you again might have to share a bed.

For Spelling Bee, try looking on broadwaybox.com for discounted tix you can buy in advance by phone or online.

Just a heads up for you (or anyone else reading this thread) 70 Park does not get all glowing reviews on tripadvisor. YOu might want to check them out. But it's still a pretty big step up from the Herald Square. There's also a special for the Millenium Broadway on travelzoo for $179/night but it's for limited nights in Jan/Feb. That's closer to the theaters if the dates work for you.

I work right across the street from the Hotel Casablanca. The street that it's actually situated on is not that great - there is construction going on along that street. But there are 2 or 3 restaurants on that block and of course the surrounding area is nice.

I believe the Muse hotel is just a block or two away, in your price range. kimptonhotels.com or try the Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

I am flexible on the price range. Herald Sq was budget, but it wasn't terrible. We take the train in from D.C. and staying in the general vicinity is just easier for us. We tend to not take cabs so much; we do like the locals do and take the subways. I've been reviewing Tripadvisor, and there are good reviews for the Wingate Inn; they apparently also have a free bkfast bar. The Roosevelt has a special on Priceline as well; we've stayed there before and it is very nice, but further from Penn Sta. Other than seeing a show, we don't really spend time in Times Sq; we like exploring the neighborhoods, especially second hand shops. I'll check out the suggestions!