NYC hotel help - my head is spinning!
 

I know this question has been asked time and time again but I've hit information overload so I'm reaching out to the experts! I've been researching hotels in NYC for the weekend of October 28th-31st. There are 2 of us, my mother and I, and we plan to see some Broadway shows and some museums and have a few good meals. We've never been to NYC and want to stay in a nice, safe area with the ability to do a lot of walking but would want subway accessibility. We'd rather not be in a really busy neighborhood and also would each like to have our own bed.

Excuse my naivete but everything I'm finding with 2 beds and a private bath is $350 at a minimum. Can this be right? Are 2 beds too much to ask? I've read a lot of postings on this forum where people are quoting prices of $150 a night. Is October an expensive time to go? And everytime I find a good price, I find terrible reviews on this forum.

I've already searched quickbook.com and oyster.com and kayak.com but what I'd really like is suggestions for specific hotels that you've stayed in. So, does anyone have any suggestions for a reasonably priced hotel in a respectable neighborhood that won't break the bank and won't be a dump? Thanks!

I just heard that the new Trump Soho is offering $250/night rates. Check with them to see if they will offer the same rate for October.

Can I ask where you heard it so I can tell them when I call? Online rates are showing $599.

October is the beginning of high season in NYC.

Roger Williams Hotel has rooms with two beds. Park South Hotel also has rooms with two beds and has a good free breakfast. Both hotels are on the east side near subway stations.

We used to stay at the Excelsior and loved it - I do not know current prices. It was on the Upper West Side right by the Musuem of Natural History. Convenient to subway and has the feeling of being in a neighborhood - lots of nearby restaurants - a wonderful bakery on Columbus Ave. I think. Also close to Zabar's. I think we used to pay around $200 per night but it must have been 5 years since I stayed there. Good luck!

Here's a suggestion. Look at some place like Long Island City if you want something for under $300/nt.

Let me emphasize that I have not stayed at the Holiday Inn there, but you might consider it as a possibility, after doing some research. You'll want to be sure you're near a metro stop. From LI City, you can be in Times Square in a few minutes.

No, it's not Manhattan, but it's not $400/nt either.

When you see rate quotes of $150 mentioned on this forum, you probably wouldn't want to stay in those hotels; in those neighborhoods; at those times of year.

October is a beautiful time of year to visit NYC and you will pay for the privilege. Also keep in mind the last weekend in October is Halloween weekend and lots of tourists come in to see the Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village.

Of course the next weekend is even worse, it's the NY Marathon weekend.

As you see there is always a reason to celebrate in New York and that's why the rates are sooo high.

If it's your first time in NYC, don't stay in Long Island City. If you want to avoid Times Sqaure (although there are big hotels there that often have cheap rates in order to get rid of inventory) try Chelsea, which has some mid-level chains (Four Points, Hampton Inn).

I'm not a NYC expert, but we had a great family vacation last spring break. We stayed at the Affinia Shelburne and it was a wonderful hotel. It's located at 303 Lexington in the Murray Hill area. The neighborhood was very quiet at night (really) and near a lot of neighborhood type services. There were affordable grocery stores and bagel shops right next door.
It's close to Grand Central as well. We never felt too far from anything we wanted to see in the city.
The beds were the most comfortable I've ever slept on. We didn't want to get out of bed in the morning. It's a newly renovated property as well so everything is fresh and up to date. Oh and we had a view of the Empire State Building out our window.
We had a Travelzoo rate of $159 for 2 queens and mini kitchen. Check Travelzoo or go to the Affinia site. All their properties seem very nice. Good luck.
www.affinia.com

Your other problem is the Thursday night. If you eliminate Thursday nights, your rates drop and I found a number of places under $250. You can make two reservations at the same hotel and see if that brings down your rate.

Yes, the prices you are seeing are accurate and expected in October. Halloween weekend is a pretty busy weekend and might explain some of the high prices as well. Look for hotels in Murray Hill, Chelsea, or even the Wall Street/Financial District if you want to be in a quieter area. You can always take the subway into Manhattan and then walk around. You don't need lots of stuff at your doorstep.

But I can tell you that $150 per night is just not realistic for this time of year. But I do think you should be able to find something in the $250 per night range if you look hard enough (two beds does make the search a little more difficult because you can't use Priceline, which doesn't guarantee two beds). Look at Hotels.com as well. I see quite a few choices under $300 per night, though not that many under $250. I see nothing that you'd way to stay in (in Manhattan at least) that's under $200 per night.

But the all-time great hotel deal in NYC right now is the newish Country Inn & Suites in Long Island City, Queens. It's $81 that weekend. It's in a charmless, desolate neighborhood with absolutely nothing nearby. But it's 2 blocks from all the major subway lines in Queens and about 10 or 15 minutes from Manhattan. While it's not a place I'd ordinarily send people to for a first-time visit to New York (desolate and quite equals scary to a lot of first-timers), I haven't seen such a good deal for ages in NYC. It's probably the best-priced hotel in all of NYC right now. Even the Comfort Inn Long Island City (on the other side of the elevated 7 Train) is more expensive, though no closer to the subway.

Hi Zabes,

I can't see where you're from (and you probably know this), but some of the travel websites have flight + hotel deals that can save a little money over a la carte prices. When I booked together, I got our hotel over Labor Day for about $80 less per night than the lowest price I could find when just searching the hotel by itself. (And about the same as people were getting it on Priceline).

Again, I know its obvious, but I got the tip on this board, although a couple of years ago. It was even suggested that I search the flight + hotel options from places like Boston and DC (where plane tickets are cheap)and then not use the plane ticket.

Good luck -- hope you find something nice!

I'm going to suggest the Milburn on the Upper West Side, a residential neighborhood with good subway access. The Milburn won't win any design awards, but is clean, comfortable, and pleasant. I just checked their website, and for your dates you can get a room with two twins for $249 or two doubles for $259.

Oops! Link: http://www.milburnhotel.com/

Many NYC hotels have small room with one double or queen bed. So - if you want 2 double or queen beds you are asking for a larger, upgraded room. And late October is high season - so yes, the rates you're seeing are what I would expect. If you shop very carefully you may find something cheaper - there are some discounts out there but not many.

based on what you want to do/see and atmosphere you're looking for I would stay in the upper west side. It's an upscale residential area that is busy but not frantic, is near many of the major museums and has easy subway access to the rest of Manhattan. There is good local shopping and a host of inexpensive/moderate neighborhood restaurants of every possible ethnicity. Times Square and theaters are about 10 minutes by subway, a little longer by bus.

Have a look at the Lucerne, On the Ave, Beacon - you should find something decent.

Sorry - I would NOT reco Long Island City hotels for you. They can be a bargain and are only about 15 minutes to Manhattan by subway. But many are in mixed use areas (some auto body shops, warehouses mixed in with a few motels and shops). Not a pleasant area to walk around and you would have to do all your eating in Manhattan and then take the subway back late at night to a quite deserted area.

Just did a quick check and the Lucerne has some rooms for only $315 plus tax and One the Ave is showing some internet specials with discounts up to 25% off.

Sorry - just noticed the mention of $150. Honestly that is a reasonable rate for a double double room in the kind of hotel and neighborhood you want only in Jan or Feb - not any other time of year.

Hey that's my birthday weekend, lol, me and the Statue of Liberty, although she has a few years on me,,,,,, and this year I turn,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,well nevermind, lol.

Anyway I can recommend the Hotel Grand Union as a good option, on E32nd St, close to subway, shopping and even within walking distance to Times Square if you like walking.
the website is www.grandunionhotel.com, I think.

You might also check the downtown hotels, since they seem to have better rates on the weekends, and you'd have a great view of the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty too.

Whew! I checked my favorite inexpensive but nice hotel and it's 2x - 3x the usual price. It's the LaQuinta on W 32nd and it's usually around $100. I knew October could be pricey, but that's really pricey.

I also checked TravelZoo but October deals aren't showing up yet.

I think you are just going to have to up your budget a bit. It will be worth it to stay in the city. And then check travelzoo and other sites for better deals closer to your date.

I just read 321's post. I totally agree! I'd grab that deal and you'll really enjoy being in the UWS.

October is an expensive time. I am coming to NYC with my daughters either the 2nd or 3rd week of October. So we need a room with at least 2 double beds as they can share a bed. I was able to make a reservation months ago for the Radio City Apartments for around $220 a night but they don't allow 3 in a room. The best deal I have been able to find recently is the Holiday Inn Midtown Central for $268 plus tax. Many other hotels are already booked. I am still looking at Hotwire and will probably book something through them to save a little money but even on Hotwire, rates for Oct are running in the high $200s to $300s.

I stayed at the Eastgate Towers last Christmas for a lower rate than what they are showing for Oct. This hotel is usually a great bargain. For your weekend, their room with two beds is $322 a night plus tax if you do non-refundable.

I would definitely jump on that Milburn hotel deal. I would book it now as you can always cancel. Prices will keep going up and up as it gets closer to Oct.

On hotwire right now, for your dates, there is a hotel in the Times Sqaure/Theatre district for $249 a night. Given that it has a spa, it's probably either the Westin or the W. The good thing about these hotels is that they have either one king or two doubles. So, it's possible that you might have to share a bed, but at least it wouldn't be a double or queen. Starwood hotels have comfy beds, and $249 is a good deal for these hotels for this time of year.

We spent a great few days at The Kimberley - rooms larger than average, great location, and kitchen with fridge, cooker, microwave - best hotel for my money in NYC.
http://www.kimberlyhotel.com/

We've gotten weekend rates at The London NYC for under $300 and they had rooms with two double beds. I don't know about October.

I am checking these all too as I am still looking for a deal a little earlier in Oct. The Kimberly for the OP's dates is running $375 a night (for my week even more). The London is running $399. Remember the OP wanted to spend $150 which of course isn't realistic in October.

I would seriously consider the hotwire deal bethke
mentioned. It is in Times Square/Theater District but getting either the W or Westin for that price in October is great. Unfortunately those prices are not available for my week in Oct. Don't know if you have ever used hotwire before but keep in mind that you pay up front and the payment is non-refundable. Unlike Priceline, you can request two beds. If you want to stay away from Times Square then I'd book the Milburn.

Hi !

I've been to NYC in february and I stayed at the Pod Hotel! It's not really expensive $100 per room!

I was with my mother and we stayed there a week! The hotel was really clean, the bathroom really nice! The only matter, is the size of the room, we got the cheapest one and we had two beds but the room was tiny!
We still enjoyed our stay there because we spent most of the time visiting! I do recommend this hotel.

Regarding the location, it's a few blocks from the UN and 15-20 min on foot from 5th avenue. Moreover I don't know if u are arrving by plane but they offer a shuttle from and to the Airport for about $20 each! That's really cheap compared to taxis!

Hope this helps!

we've stayed in NJ-the meadowlands. There are 3-4 hotels and a quick bus ride (under 10 min) to Port Authority bus terminal. Holiday inn, embassy suites are two. Anoher nice thing was free parking at the hotel. The first time we did this I was very nervous about the bus into NYC. No problem they run every 20 minutes.

We stayed in June at Radio City Apartments (49 Street / 6 Ave.), just near Rockefeller Center. We had one bedroom apartment (2 queen beds), with living , small kitchen. I think that it was around 200 $/ night.
Very good location, large apartment.
We stayed there for a week, and we decide to stay again there next time when we shall be in NY.

LOL! In my earlier post about LI City, I should have added "and a some posters will ridicule this idea" because I knew that was coming. However, I'm still waiting to see someone meet the OP's demand for decent $150/nt accommodations in Manhattan.

I fact, if I do see it, hell, I'LL book it.

kpkorps-Me, too. Valtor-Radio City Apartments are a great deal but are sold out. People make reservatios there up to a year in advance.

Hi,

My now husband and i went to New York over the September long weekend in 2008 and we stayed at a fantastic Hotel. It was called the Hotel Belleclaire. It is located in Manahattan and about a 10-15 minute walk from time square. Its also a 2 minute walk to central park. There is also subway access ever block or two. The beds were by far the most comfortable beds I have slept on anywhere in the world...I would compare it with my bed at home. And the linens were..AMAZING! The room was a little small (one queen bed) but it was clean, modern and had a private bath. I checked their website and its saying that for 2 double beds and a private bath its between 279 to 309 night on the nights you will be there.

Expedia is quoting an average of $304.02 (CAD) per night
Booking.com and Venere.com is quoting $299.00/night for 3 nights (US)

<<<On hotwire right now, for your dates, there is a hotel in the Times Sqaure/Theatre district for $249 a night. Given that it has a spa, it's probably either the Westin or the W. The good thing about these hotels is that they have either one king or two doubles. So, it's possible that you might have to share a bed, but at least it wouldn't be a double or queen. Starwood hotels have comfy beds, and $249 is a good deal for these hotels for this time of year.>>>

I just re-did Beth's Hotwire search but this time put in 3 adults. It comes up for $269, but at least you're sure it will have two beds.

sf7307-I thought on Hotwire you can request two beds even if you just have 2 adults. Is that not correct? Just curious as I haven't used hotwire much.

I kind of have to laugh about this thread. The OP was looking for something in the $150 range which of course isn't realistic for October. People are recommending hotels in the $300-$400 range. Coming to NYC during the busy time of year can certainly leave you reeling when it comes to hotel prices.

I don't think (but I could be wrong) that you can actually request two beds.

As for NY in October, we were there in October '08 and used Priceline and STILL paid $310 a night (W New York).

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. I am looking into everything and am weighing out all the pros and cons of each.

To be clear, I wasn't really expecting to pay $150 a night - I just wasn't sure where people were getting numbers like that. From all of your feedback, I now know realistically what I need to spend.

Regarding the Hotwire suggestions for the Times Square W and Westin, what are everyone's thoughts on being right smack in the middle of all that action? Does a convenient location outweigh all of the street noise and commercial-ness (if that's a word)? For the same price, would you rather be in Times Square in either of those hotels, or on the UWS in, say The Milburn or the Belleclaire?

Thanks so much.

It really depends on what you like. The Westin is on 8th so you are a little bit aways from the craziness of Times Square. The W is on Broadway so I would imagine that would be more crowded. If you have a higher floor in these hotels, the street noise shouldn't be that bad. The first new times I went to NYC, I enjoyed being in the Theater District but that was because I went to see shows and it was convenient. The location is also convenient to many of the tourist attractions for 1st time visitors such as Rockefeller Center, St. Patricks, etc.

The NYC residents here on Fodors recommend staying away from Times Square and I understand why. It is crowded, noisy and touristy. But you are a tourist. As I have spent more time in NYC recently, I like to get away from Times Square although I like Midtown West in the mid to high 50's. I love the UWS and it helps my friend lives in that area. It's a whole different feel so it's really want you want. Much more of a neighborhood feel and quieter at night. From the Milburn you can pick up the subway at 72nd St and 3 stops will put you at 50th, close to some of the theaters and 4 stops will be 42nd street. So it's a convenient location for the theatre district.

Another thing to consider is the hotel class. The W and the Westin are 4* and the Milburn is 2*. Not sure about the Belleclaire. So it also depends if this is important to you.

I really like the UWS - as paula1470 says, it's a real neighborhood with lots of restaurants and shops and families out walking their dogs! And it's an easy subway ride to midtown.

In any case, you've now got some options to work with - hope one of them works out for you!

Halloween weekend is a zoo. I don't think you'll find any bargains. If you plan to "see a few shows" staying in or near Times Square makes sense if you want to be able to walk. One way to get a room with 2 beds from Hotwire is to request a room for 3 people. That 4* hotel that bethke mentions shows up for $259/night when you say 3 adults. I think it's a great deal for those dates. You'd pay the same for the Milburn for a room with 2 berds and while I'm a big fan, unless you think you or Mom will be overwhelmed with Times Square crowds, I think staying in a 4* at that price near the theaters makes more sense.

There are other hotels/locations that would be within walking distance of the theaters but not in the middle of the Times Square chaos, but they're much much more money. blakelyhotelny.com is one nice option.

PS Hotwire requires you pay at time of booking and it's not cancelable under any circumstances. If you think there's any chance the trip won't happen, Hotwire is not a good option for you.

As a tourist I loved staying in the Theatre district. You are only a couple short blocks away from at least half a dozen subway lines. I love the energy and lights and people. If you want to avoid walking in Times Square, simply walk on 8th or 6th. The midtown v. neighborhood is really a matter of preference, and varies greatly person to person.

Though you can't request bed type on hotwire, I have actually never NOT gotten two beds when I request it. When I arrive at hotels, I VERY politely let whoever is checking me in know that I am on vacation with my mom, and if it is at all possible, we would greatly appreciate two beds. I've found that a huge smile and friendliness can go a long way, especially in these huge hotels that have a lot of rooms. Not guaranteed to work, of course, but it's always been helpful for me.