My 20 year old college neice is going to NYC for the first time with a friend in late March. She sent me a list of the hotels they were considering (Hotel Pennsylvania - mostly bad reviews here, Howard Johnson Plaza and Manhatten Broadway Hotel - not very inspired by my standards). They seem to be in the $120-130 price range and I know there are better deals. I know the city pretty well, but usually stay at the Waldorf for meetings.

I think they would be happier around Union Square or Greenwhich Village. Any suggestions for this price range hotel that would be a better deal for them? They are, unfortunately, not ready for Priceline yet. Any suggestions appreciated.

I have heard that the Union Square Inn is a pretty good budget deal.
http://www.unionsquareinn.com

I would find out which hotels allow checkins for those under 21. They could easily make a reservation not knowing a hotel's policy, go to check in, not be allowed to check in and lose their money.

The Pennsylvania Hotel isn't really that bad - it's right across from Penn Station and so at least it's close to the subway. Although I agree, the area stinks - I'd much prefer Greenwich Village - to that end, there's a cute little hotel called The Larchmont - I think it's on W10th or 11th St - great neighborhood and I think it's pretty reasonable. I wouldn't expect any fancy amenities, but how often will they be in the hotel anyway. I would try that and see if they have any availability...

Check out the Washington Square Hotel in Greenwich Village. Some friends (frequent NYC visitors) just stayed there last weekend in 3 rooms @ $125 each and they loved it. I am going to stay there next time.

I've stayed at the Washington Square Hotel and it is a great location and not a bad hotel. It's very funky and your 20-year-old neice would probably think it was very cool. Also, my friend's daughter, about the same age, just went to NY and stayed at the Pennsylvania Hotel and then went to another more upscale place that her boyfriends family paid for. Wouldn't you know it, they liked the Hotel Pennsylvania better!

Very interesting, TandooriGirl. I paid for my niece & her boyfriend to stay at HI/AYH hostel in Boston 7 years ago, and they loved it. Married now, with a kid and much more income, they still usually prefer a hostel -- more for the cultural/social exchanges. She's a lot like me - appreciates something special once in awhile, but usually can find something "good enough" and is satisfied.

The HI/AYH hostel in NYC is at 103rd & Amsterdam.
http://www.hinewyork.org/