I've been looking up hotels for a while, and it seems most are asking around $400 or more. We will be going on a very special, romantic trip but I just can't budget this much for a hotel for eight nights.

I would love to stay in the Central Park area, and want a fantastic view and very swanky hotel. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm about at my wits' end. :/

You aren't going to find fantastic view and swanky for under $400.

You can find a fantastic view of the park and shabby chic at the Mayflower for under $200.

Here's another recommendation for the Mayflower. Our room there was so nice I'd have happily stayed there indefinitely.

In the alternative, you could try for a reasonably priced room with Priceline and live it up the last several nights of your stay.

I get a rate of $195 city view and $245 park view at the Park Lane.They are showing some promotions this summer.Hope this helps.

Le Parker Meridien is probably closest to what you're looking for. It's only a block away from the park, upper floors should have views. Not necessarily "swanky" but modern. It has an indoor pool.

If you're prepared to compromise on one of your 3 requirements, the Mayflower is indeed a good compromise if you give up "swanky", (not something I'd do on a honeymoon or other important romantic trip).

If you compromise on Central Park location, IMO the best compromise for a romantic trip, have a look at the UN Millenium Hotel. It has some great views on the upper floors and also has an indoor swimming pool. Not sure you would call it swanky but it's not shabby chic.

In the same general neighborhood, the Beekman Towers (part of affinia.com) should have some great views from upper floors. Their rooftop bar/rest. is very nice. All their rooms are suites with kitchenettes.

If this is for your honeymoon next May, I would spend some time researching a one of kind room with a terrace. For example, the Melrose has some tower suites that have private terraces.

If you're into trendy places, I'd check out the new Gansevoort Hotel in the meatpacking district. Also, the Hudson Hotel should have some great views but people complain of excruciatingly small rooms. Maybe they have a suite. Good luck!

A terrace would be fantastic, and I can easily compromise on the location. I just don't want Times Square ... I don't understand how people can stay there and stay sane at the same time!

I will look into the Melrose, and I've heard the UN Millenium Hotel is nice, but a bit off the beaten path and a good distance from the subway? Is this true?