NYC- hotel - Columbus Day weekend
Jun 25th, 2010, 08:34 PM
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NYC- hotel - Columbus Day weekend
My husband and I and a group of friends are planning a trip to NYC to celebrate my 10/10/10 birthday. Unfortunately, I've found out that this is also Columbus Day weekend and that may affect hotel rates.
We plan to stay from Thursday through Tuesday or Wednesday and the hotel will probably be the most expensive part of our trip.
Can anyone give us a start on where we should start looking for a place to stay? We plan to take a tour, go to a Broadway show, see some museums and enjoy walking around. We've been to New York twice. The first time was in the early 80's and we stayed in the city. The second time was a couple of years ago. We went with a group and stayed outside the city near Meadowlands. It worked out OK, but we didn't have to worry about transportation at night by ourselves as the charter bus picked us up.
We do not need a top level hotel, but want somewhere safe, clean, and reasonably convenient.
This may have been discussed many times on the boards. If so, give me a heads up on where to look and I'll explore the threads.
We plan to stay from Thursday through Tuesday or Wednesday and the hotel will probably be the most expensive part of our trip.
Can anyone give us a start on where we should start looking for a place to stay? We plan to take a tour, go to a Broadway show, see some museums and enjoy walking around. We've been to New York twice. The first time was in the early 80's and we stayed in the city. The second time was a couple of years ago. We went with a group and stayed outside the city near Meadowlands. It worked out OK, but we didn't have to worry about transportation at night by ourselves as the charter bus picked us up.
We do not need a top level hotel, but want somewhere safe, clean, and reasonably convenient.
This may have been discussed many times on the boards. If so, give me a heads up on where to look and I'll explore the threads.
Jun 26th, 2010, 03:22 AM
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Columbus day weekend also includes one of the most fun annual events of the City - Open House New York. It is a busy weekend so rates do go up.
Not much info now but check in closer to the day:
http://www.ohny.org/
How large is your group of friends?
Not much info now but check in closer to the day:
http://www.ohny.org/
How large is your group of friends?
Jun 26th, 2010, 05:32 AM
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Columbus Day weekend IS an expensive weekend for hotels, so stat looking now and when you see a rate you can live with, book it! One of my favorite sites for booking hotels is quikbook.com and when you see a good rate (anywhere) you should also check the hotel's website beofre booking or call directly for specials or even a better rate (senior rate, autoclub rate etc.).
Jun 26th, 2010, 07:40 AM
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SueNYC - Thanks for the info on Open House New York. I would never have heard of it and it sounds cool.
Aduchamp - Well, I suppose whether the rates are higher or not, we still need hotel recommendations.
Margo_Chester - Thanks for the website tip.
Howard and Sandy - Thanks for helping.
We just took a trip to Costa Rica and the info from the boards is what made our trip great. It's so much better than tour books.
I think we will have 7 people - 3 couples and a single. Budget is hard to quantify. The price that I am used to paying elsewhere might be laughable in NYC. Sometimes we have to just bite the bullet and pay whatever it costs. That said, we don't want the priciest hotels nor the ones where we have to worry about walking outside (or inside for that matter). Does that give you an idea?
A friend recently went to NYC and said that the downtown hotels were $250 a night for the mid-range ones. I would rather not pay that much. She ended up with a vacation rental in Brooklyn, I think.
We would like 4 rooms - but if we found a multi-room VRBO, that would work too. I'm not wed to the VRBO idea - just tossed it out since I'm not opposed to it either.
Aduchamp - Well, I suppose whether the rates are higher or not, we still need hotel recommendations.
Margo_Chester - Thanks for the website tip.
Howard and Sandy - Thanks for helping.
We just took a trip to Costa Rica and the info from the boards is what made our trip great. It's so much better than tour books.
I think we will have 7 people - 3 couples and a single. Budget is hard to quantify. The price that I am used to paying elsewhere might be laughable in NYC. Sometimes we have to just bite the bullet and pay whatever it costs. That said, we don't want the priciest hotels nor the ones where we have to worry about walking outside (or inside for that matter). Does that give you an idea?
A friend recently went to NYC and said that the downtown hotels were $250 a night for the mid-range ones. I would rather not pay that much. She ended up with a vacation rental in Brooklyn, I think.
We would like 4 rooms - but if we found a multi-room VRBO, that would work too. I'm not wed to the VRBO idea - just tossed it out since I'm not opposed to it either.
Jun 26th, 2010, 07:59 AM
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Something that I implied but didn't mention specifically is that we need help on neighborhoods. I was reminded of this when I went to quikbooks just now.
NYC is so large that it is hard to know where to start which using a search site. If I choose "all," I'm sure that I'd be overwhelmed with choices. The cheapest would not necessarily be the best if you know what I mean.
Times Square is listed as a choice on quikbooks and is a possibility. However, when I started to look at other threads on the Fodor's boards, someone commented that it might not be the preferable place to stay. I am guessing that is because of cost. Giving me advice on a more general "where" as in neighborhoods and not just specific hotels would be helpful too.
For that you need to know what we want to see and I tried to mention that in my original note. Some of the group have never been to NYC and want to see the famous highlights. Others have been there before, but not often. We don't mind staying away from Times Square and the places we want to go, but we do need somewhere that would make it easy to get there.
We all are in our 50's and are fine with using public transportation. We are from the Midwest and all lived in the Chicago area at one time, so are familiar with big cities albeit on a smaller scale. We also have all have experience with figuring out the metro systems in unfamiliar cities when traveling (i.e. DC, Europe, etc.). I prefer that to taxis. None of us have problems with walking.
Hope that helps.
NYC is so large that it is hard to know where to start which using a search site. If I choose "all," I'm sure that I'd be overwhelmed with choices. The cheapest would not necessarily be the best if you know what I mean.
Times Square is listed as a choice on quikbooks and is a possibility. However, when I started to look at other threads on the Fodor's boards, someone commented that it might not be the preferable place to stay. I am guessing that is because of cost. Giving me advice on a more general "where" as in neighborhoods and not just specific hotels would be helpful too.
For that you need to know what we want to see and I tried to mention that in my original note. Some of the group have never been to NYC and want to see the famous highlights. Others have been there before, but not often. We don't mind staying away from Times Square and the places we want to go, but we do need somewhere that would make it easy to get there.
We all are in our 50's and are fine with using public transportation. We are from the Midwest and all lived in the Chicago area at one time, so are familiar with big cities albeit on a smaller scale. We also have all have experience with figuring out the metro systems in unfamiliar cities when traveling (i.e. DC, Europe, etc.). I prefer that to taxis. None of us have problems with walking.
Hope that helps.
Jun 26th, 2010, 08:41 AM
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traveler2005:
Agree with the poster who said if you find something you can live with and can cancel do so but keep looking.
Try http://www.travelzoo.com for very good deals but you need to keep checking back to see when the offers come up for October. Have used this site with great success.
We like the Murray Hill area.
Come back with more questions as you narrow your choices.
Sandy
Agree with the poster who said if you find something you can live with and can cancel do so but keep looking.
Try http://www.travelzoo.com for very good deals but you need to keep checking back to see when the offers come up for October. Have used this site with great success.
We like the Murray Hill area.
Come back with more questions as you narrow your choices.
Sandy
Jun 26th, 2010, 08:54 AM
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traveler2005:
I like htpp://www.hopstop.com to determine the distance from point A to point B either walking or by public transportation.
I always take a look at hotel reviews on htpp://www.tripadvisor.com
Sandy
I like htpp://www.hopstop.com to determine the distance from point A to point B either walking or by public transportation.
I always take a look at hotel reviews on htpp://www.tripadvisor.com
Sandy
Jun 26th, 2010, 09:10 AM
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Ok, first anywhere you find a hotel that meets your budget in Manhattan will be fine, we have a great subway and bus system, so anywhere you stay you can easily get around the city. Most of the hotels in town are close to the subway lines so might have a few block walk, but not much more than that.
I'd suggest going to some of the discount hotel sites, like www.hotels.com, kyack.com, hotwire.com and priceline.com. If you go to the betterbidding.com site you will see some of the successful recent bids so you have some ideas of what has worked.
The early fall here is still tourist season so the hotel rates are going to be high, until January or so, so take an asprin for the headach you are about to get when you see the prices.
That said you can get deals like the Affinia Hotels which are suites and will give you a bit more room. Also the Doubletree Suites downtown offers better rates over the weekend. Also check some of the hotel sites for the national chains they sometimes offer packages over the weekend too.
You might check a favorite of mine The Ace on W 29th St, since they have been showing good rates and the location is great, right near Macy's and Herald Square and lots of shopping.
With a group that large staying outside the city will be more trouble than it's worth, especially in NJ, trying to commute back and forth and the costs of commuting if on a bus, for example will offset the hotel savings.
You also might check the Travel Inn on W. 42nd St, a good hotel, on the budget side and just a few block walks to Times Square. If you are driving into the city it's the only hotel that offers free parking in Manhattan.
Hope this helps and have a great time while you are here.
I'd suggest going to some of the discount hotel sites, like www.hotels.com, kyack.com, hotwire.com and priceline.com. If you go to the betterbidding.com site you will see some of the successful recent bids so you have some ideas of what has worked.
The early fall here is still tourist season so the hotel rates are going to be high, until January or so, so take an asprin for the headach you are about to get when you see the prices.
That said you can get deals like the Affinia Hotels which are suites and will give you a bit more room. Also the Doubletree Suites downtown offers better rates over the weekend. Also check some of the hotel sites for the national chains they sometimes offer packages over the weekend too.
You might check a favorite of mine The Ace on W 29th St, since they have been showing good rates and the location is great, right near Macy's and Herald Square and lots of shopping.
With a group that large staying outside the city will be more trouble than it's worth, especially in NJ, trying to commute back and forth and the costs of commuting if on a bus, for example will offset the hotel savings.
You also might check the Travel Inn on W. 42nd St, a good hotel, on the budget side and just a few block walks to Times Square. If you are driving into the city it's the only hotel that offers free parking in Manhattan.
Hope this helps and have a great time while you are here.
Jun 26th, 2010, 10:13 AM
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You've given no indication of how many you are; whether you're a group of women, a bunch of couples or what you'd hoped to pay. NYC is now considered the safest large city in the US so your biggest concern is not about a safe neighborhood so much as a hotel that's convenient for your group.
If you're a bunch of friends wanting to all stay together, the Eastgate Tower has some of the largest 2 bedroom 2 bathroom suites in the city with plenty of room to sleep as many as 8.
If you're more people than that, here's an apt. ln the upper east side in the area with a lot of museums that would be good for a big group. http://www.vrbo.com/115235 I don't otherwise recommend private apts. but this one is in a building where the owners live.
If you're a few couples and want several rooms for 2, Milburnhotel.com is often more affordable than other options. The other thing to check is whether there are any new hotels opening at that time. They often have intro pricing. Hotelchatter.com is a good place for info on that.
If you're a bunch of friends wanting to all stay together, the Eastgate Tower has some of the largest 2 bedroom 2 bathroom suites in the city with plenty of room to sleep as many as 8.
If you're more people than that, here's an apt. ln the upper east side in the area with a lot of museums that would be good for a big group. http://www.vrbo.com/115235 I don't otherwise recommend private apts. but this one is in a building where the owners live.
If you're a few couples and want several rooms for 2, Milburnhotel.com is often more affordable than other options. The other thing to check is whether there are any new hotels opening at that time. They often have intro pricing. Hotelchatter.com is a good place for info on that.
Jun 26th, 2010, 10:28 AM
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If you are looking for 4 rooms that will knock out Priceline - unless yu are willing to stay in differnt hotels.
I personally dislike Times Square - great for theater and OK for a quick visit by tourists - but quite unpleasant and doesn;t have a lot of great dining options - and what there are are overpriced.
Based on wanting a budget you might consider looking at downtown financial district hotels - which often are not busy on weekends and offer special rates then. Or you might consider the upper west side - where prices tend to be not quite so high - and there are a lot of good inexpensive restaurants- as well as access to Central Park, several major museums and 2 subway lines. I know the Hotel Newton (budget but reliable did have some very good internet specials - but not sure if they are available for your dates.) Also are you wedded to 4 rooms - versus 2 larger rooms?
Have a look at travelzoo.com, kayak.com, quickbook etc to see if you can find any bargains.
A quick check of the Newton shows they have double doubles - 2 dbl beds - so OK for 4 if you don;t mind sharing - for only $175 per night plus tax. IMHO that's the kind of price you should grab quickly.
I personally dislike Times Square - great for theater and OK for a quick visit by tourists - but quite unpleasant and doesn;t have a lot of great dining options - and what there are are overpriced.
Based on wanting a budget you might consider looking at downtown financial district hotels - which often are not busy on weekends and offer special rates then. Or you might consider the upper west side - where prices tend to be not quite so high - and there are a lot of good inexpensive restaurants- as well as access to Central Park, several major museums and 2 subway lines. I know the Hotel Newton (budget but reliable did have some very good internet specials - but not sure if they are available for your dates.) Also are you wedded to 4 rooms - versus 2 larger rooms?
Have a look at travelzoo.com, kayak.com, quickbook etc to see if you can find any bargains.
A quick check of the Newton shows they have double doubles - 2 dbl beds - so OK for 4 if you don;t mind sharing - for only $175 per night plus tax. IMHO that's the kind of price you should grab quickly.
Jun 26th, 2010, 10:34 AM
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mclaurie - I think I included all that information in the follow-up note that I wrote at 10:40. You probably didn't notice it in the thread. There should be 7 of us - 3 couples and 1 single and we'd prefer to have 4 rooms or at least 4 bedrooms. $250 sounds expensive to me, but if we have to bite the bullet and pay that, we can. Is NYC so safe that we can really stay anywhere? I certainly wouldn't say that about Chicago.
I love the ideas that you gave us. Having several 2 bedroom suites would work great. I also like the other ideas.
SandyBrit - Thanks for the travelzoo idea. I've used that site before, but hadn't thought about it this time.
travelbuff - Thanks for the ideas of specific hotels. There are so many choices and that helps a lot. I'll check those all out and also the websites.
Wow - there is so much great information here. You guys are the best.
We are just back from a week's trip and I need to get back to unpacking.
I love the ideas that you gave us. Having several 2 bedroom suites would work great. I also like the other ideas.
SandyBrit - Thanks for the travelzoo idea. I've used that site before, but hadn't thought about it this time.
travelbuff - Thanks for the ideas of specific hotels. There are so many choices and that helps a lot. I'll check those all out and also the websites.
Wow - there is so much great information here. You guys are the best.
We are just back from a week's trip and I need to get back to unpacking.
Jun 26th, 2010, 01:24 PM
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In a highly unscientific survey without a foundation and proper control groups I found there is little to no difference in prices from the weekend beore Columbus Day and the Columbus Day weekend.
I went to Expedia and randomly chose a few hotels and comapred prices. Most were the same, one was $10 cheaper and one was $30 cheaper but only for two days.
Columbus Day is the parade day for some Italian-Americans but otherwise it is just another day off for others and an excuse for sales.
_________________________
I went to Expedia and randomly chose a few hotels and comapred prices. Most were the same, one was $10 cheaper and one was $30 cheaper but only for two days.
Columbus Day is the parade day for some Italian-Americans but otherwise it is just another day off for others and an excuse for sales.
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Jun 26th, 2010, 01:25 PM
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I feel comfortable walking and taking the subway alone at night (including very late) pretty much anywhere below 118th Street in Manhattan. I say 118th St because it's the farthest uptown I've been alone in the evening. I'm a 27 year old woman. Of course, bad things can happen anywhere, but NYC is a very safe city.
$250 seems reasonable for that time of year for any moderately priced hotel. I love several of the hotels in the Affinia chain (particularly the Dumont and the 50).
You might want to check out the prices at some of the mid-range chains, including Four Points, Farfield Inn, Hampton Inn, Courtyard, and Wyndham Garden Inn, and Hilton Garden Inn.
$250 seems reasonable for that time of year for any moderately priced hotel. I love several of the hotels in the Affinia chain (particularly the Dumont and the 50).
You might want to check out the prices at some of the mid-range chains, including Four Points, Farfield Inn, Hampton Inn, Courtyard, and Wyndham Garden Inn, and Hilton Garden Inn.
Jun 26th, 2010, 02:16 PM
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LOL Aduchamp. I loved reading about your survey. I guess I can now feel better that planning the trip around my birthday is not costing us big bucks.
I've been checking some of the hotels that have been mentioned here and sent a link to my friends so that they can help.
I happened to remember the Club Quarters chain. We've stayed at one in Chicago and got a discount with our alumni association membership. They have four locations:
Club Quarters, World Trade Center
140 Washington Street
Club Quarters, opposite Rockefeller Center
25 West 51st Street
Club Quarters, Midtown
40 West 45th Street
Club Quarters, Wall Street
52 William Street
By mentioning "weekend rate" and using the alumni association password, the World Trade Center price was $244 + tax during the week and $136 on weekends. Their weekends are Friday, Saturday and Sunday. That sounds like a great price. Does anyone have any thoughts about them?
I've been checking some of the hotels that have been mentioned here and sent a link to my friends so that they can help.
I happened to remember the Club Quarters chain. We've stayed at one in Chicago and got a discount with our alumni association membership. They have four locations:
Club Quarters, World Trade Center
140 Washington Street
Club Quarters, opposite Rockefeller Center
25 West 51st Street
Club Quarters, Midtown
40 West 45th Street
Club Quarters, Wall Street
52 William Street
By mentioning "weekend rate" and using the alumni association password, the World Trade Center price was $244 + tax during the week and $136 on weekends. Their weekends are Friday, Saturday and Sunday. That sounds like a great price. Does anyone have any thoughts about them?
Jun 26th, 2010, 02:21 PM
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On occasion when I had to work late, I would stay at the Club Quarters on William Street, or as I called it Cramped Quarters. Not only were tne rooms small but in one corner of the hotel, when you opended your door you litereally blocked another door from opening.
It was clean and bright however.
If anyone in your party is above 5'5", I would advise staying elsewhere.
It was clean and bright however.
If anyone in your party is above 5'5", I would advise staying elsewhere.
Jun 26th, 2010, 04:23 PM
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The NY Times recently had an article on affordable boutique hotels - and affordable was define at $200 to $250 per night. But, that is average year round prices - and October is definitely headed into high season. A decent place for $250 or less is definitely a good deal.
If you are willing to share a bath but want separate rooms you can look for suites with a bedroom and a sofa in the LR -but then someone has to agree to sleep on the sofa. And those places will be $400 plus at my guess. Try the Beacon on the upper west side or the afiinia group of hotels - various areas around the city.
If you are willing to share a bath but want separate rooms you can look for suites with a bedroom and a sofa in the LR -but then someone has to agree to sleep on the sofa. And those places will be $400 plus at my guess. Try the Beacon on the upper west side or the afiinia group of hotels - various areas around the city.
