Yes there is much of a difference in price. LGA is the closest airport to Manhattan so the taxi fare costs less than the other airports. JFK to Manhattan is a flat rate of $52 plus tolls, baggage and tips, taxi from EWR is on the meter so could cost anything.
There are other ways of getting to Manhattan, for example car service or train, from LGA you can take a bus.

Times Square is a fine area to stay, whether you want to go to the theater or not. Nowhere in Manhattan is close to everything, if where you stay is near a subway station you can get anywhere you need to. Arriving on a Sunday is a good idea too, since hotel rates are much less expensive for a Sunday night, but be careful of the rates for the rest of the nights as the price difference can be quite significant.

LGA to TS cab fare will depend on time of day and traffic. Expect about $35-$40 - and you need to pay for the bridge or tunnel toll and a 20% tip.

Fare from JFK is a flat $52 but with bridge/tunnel toll and 20% tip will be about $70.

Since EWR is in NJ if you take a taxi it will probably be more like $90 or so - since a NJ cab can;t pick up fares in NYC. If you decide to land here (I don;t - find it a PIA) consider using a car service you arrange in advance - such as Carmel or Dial 7. That way you will have a flat fare - but again - plus toll and tip.

Note tolls range from $7.50 for the RFK bridge from LGA to the City to $13 for the Lincoln Tunnel from EWR to the city. This is without the EZ pass - then tolls are slightly lower - most drivers charge the lower since they are supposed to have EZ pass.

Also check the reviews for Comfort Inn Times Square West which is in your price range.

I thought you were doing this trip on a budget? What's all this about taxis?? The budget method is public transport, which exists for all three airports. My preference is JFK, using Air Tran and the subway ( see http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk-p...portation.html ).

You're only coming for four days, how much luggage can you possibly have that you need a taxi?

The Comfort Inn Times Square is another good choice if you're driving. There is a parking lot on 44th in the same block a little east of the hotel on other side of the street (south). You can drop your bags off and go to the parking lot quite easily, and the hotel has a discounted rate (last time we were there in January I think it was $33/night).

". . .and the hotel has a discounted rate (last time we were there in January I think it was $33/night)."

Seriously? That must be a typo!

Oh wait a minute. Were you talking about the rate for the parking, not the Comfort Inn?

Hello, again thanks for all of the information. Has anyone ever heard of the Element New York Times Square West? Can someone comment on the location? They seem to have some pretty good rates and it includes breakfast.

Euclid1, Do make sure that the Delta vacation package isn't a PER PERSON rate. It may be $1680 <u>per person</u> which is much more than you are looking for. If it is indeed, $1680 for two people to fly from Detroit to NY and stay 4/5 nights at the Crowne Plaza -- that's a great deal and you should jump on it.

The Element is on 39th, which really isn't Times Square. Its not too far away, but not right in the heart of things. What are your dates? First part of November, the rooms are $380. It is a Starwood hotel so should be o.k. for quality.

Rooms with two beds are always more expensive than rooms with one bed. I know, because I used to travel to NY with a girlfriend. It was always hard to find a hotel with two beds to a room in our budget.

November is very busy in NY and the closer to Thanksgiving, the busier. Parking is a very expensive item. I agree with others that you should either fly (Laguardia from Detroit) or park outside the city and train in. Taxi from LGA is much cheaper than either JFK or EWR.

Good luck!

Euclid, The Hilton Times Square on 42nd (between 7th and 8th) has rooms with two queen beds for $250 on your dates. Look at www.Kayak.com

Good hotel, right in the heart of Times Square.

Euclid, Another hotel that I use often and really like is the Paramount. Its on W. 46th, right in the heart of the theater district. They are showing "standard rooms" with two double beds for $243 on Kayak and Expedia for your dates. You can also look at the hotel web site and book there.

To find rooms with two beds on Kayak, put in your dates and search. Then add filters for your price "under $300" and the location "Times Square". When the hotel list comes up, it will usually only show rooms with one bed. However, if you pick the tab for "rates" and and the bottom of that page pick "show all hotel rates" (I know, its putzy)....you will see rates for rooms with two beds.

Hope this help. The Paramount is a fun hotel with lots of young people both work and staying there. Its certainly in the heart of the action. Only downside...small baths.

Check out airbnb.com for good rates. I've used them and like them very much.

Don't check airbnb as requested above.

Be very wary of using Airbnb.com in NY.

http://www.cnet.com/news/ny-official...st-fined-2400/

Element would be nice on a budget since rooms have kitchenettes, easy to do deli takeout for dinners etc. Plus breakfast included and free happy hour drinks. $250 plus tax for AAA members or $264 for non members, the latter rate includes a $50 Macys giftcard. So approx. $1250 with all the taxes. Nice neighborhood but still Times-Square-noisy, lots of restaurants within two blocks.

Hi. We stayed at the Hilton Times Square in late August. We were four women who primarily were attending the US Open and interested in theatre and dining. Hearing how busy TS is we were apprehensive but were very happy with our choice. We initially chose this hotel because they had rooms with 2 queen beds.

The hotel was great, easy check in, great rooms, very pleasant and efficient staff. The subway was just a few doors from the hotel. Starbucks is across the street. If you want to take the airport bus to LGA you have a 3 minute walk to access the Port Authority location. The fare is $13. We took a cab from the airport to the hotel and it cost around $55. We took the NYC Airporter back to the airport and were more than happy with the service and the price! Only took us 20 mins early in the morning.

You can walk to most theatres from the hotel and the dining options are very good. I can recommend the Bryant Park Grill, the West Bank Café, La Masseria and Nocello. We wanted to walk the High Line and were lucky to arrive close to lunchtime and stopped at Bubby's across the street from the Gansevoort access. What a great spot and the food was awesome. Highly recommend this if you are in the neighborhood.

Have a great trip!

Radio City Apts suddenly has a 1 bedroom/ 2 queens apt open for your dates and in your price range. It is changeable/cancellable.

Have you tried booking.com? That's where I'd start; it's how we found our hotel for December. Look at the Courtyard Marriots especially.

Hello Everyone,

I booked our trip today. We have direct flights from Detroit to LaGuardia with good flight times. I booked a non-smoking room with 2 double beds at the Hilton Times Square. We will be there for 4 nights. The total cost of the trip (air and hotel) for the 2 of us is around $1600. If I find a better deal on a hotel, I can cancel the Hilton. I can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.

Thanks for all of your help. If you happen to see some great deal on a hotel, let me know.

We'd to know your dates in terms of great deals.