I've been watching this thread from the beginning. The trip sounds like TONS of fun -- but, For a week+ now folks have been trying to explain the problems w/ staying that far away. There are economies and false economies. I just think you will be sooooo much happier staying in the city

I had to post my two cents. New Jersey Transit SUCKS. Absolutely horrific. Trains are always late, slow, and it's really annoying. I have taken Metro North to CT a gazillion times and it is most always on time-this wknd I went to CT and was 5 minutes EARLY. The LIRR is even pretty reliable although I don't take it as much. But I have to take NJ Transit every once in a while and it is ALWAYS late. I talked to a daily commuter on the train last week and he says it's because the cars are from the 1920s and it's run by the city or something, but it is always late.

So last week on my trip back to NYC on the train a car hit a train in front of us so we were going to have to be rerouted to Hoboken and catch the PATH home. Fortunately, the conductor radioed ahead and the train I had to connect to waited for us. HOWEVER....going down there last December I was FORTY-FIVE MINUTES LATE to a Christmas dinner. The conductor said to me "You should feel lucky. The train in front of us was 1.5 HOURS behind schedule!" I almost fainted.

Trust me-do what the others say and stay in LIC or Queens or wherever if you have to. No offense to the Jersey folks on this board but the transit system STINKS!!!!!!!

Can you tell how I really feel about NJ Transit????? I'd boycott it forever if most of my wonderful clients didn't live in Jersey (and I owned a car which thankfully I do not).

Tgold777,

Just wondering which/how many of these 81 Manhatten budget hotels you contacted?

http://www.eurocheapo.com/newyork/newyork-hotels.html

I just want to insert a short word into this again and then I'll back off. You need to verify whether you can get to your hotel by train or by bus. I'm not sure, but some of the Meadowlands hotels are reachable only by bus; others will drop you off at Secaucus Junction for the train. Either way, it's going to be about $6 per person for the fare, so with 7 people, you are going to pay at least $42 per day for transit. Given that, I think it's actually a better deal to drive in. Costs are comparable (toll plus at least $30 for parking), but the convenience is important. And it's really the only viable option after Blue Man. So plan on driving at least that day.

As ellenem says, the transit time depends entirely on traffic with the bus. Based on my own experience, I'd say 15 or 20 minutes is about right into Port Authority by bus if there isn't too much traffic, but the Lincoln Tunnel can be backed up for 30 minutes at times (esp. in the morning). At night you should have no problems at all.

FYI for everyone in this discussion, here is the travel info from the Hilton Garden Inn website:

"The Hilton Garden Inn Secaucus/Meadowlands hotel in New Jersey is 3 miles from Manhattan and its attractions and the Jacob Javits Convention Center is 5 miles away. Manhattan is easily accessible by a 15-minute ride on a New Jersey Transit Bus to the Port Authority Terminal (Times Square) with connections to the subway. Return trip to New Jersey will drop guests two buildings from the hotel."

So this is not a hotel shuttle to Times Square, but rather a New Jersey Transit bus (#129). After Blue Men, there's a 10:45 PM bus, then an 11:30 PM bus--then nothing until 6 AM. Cost is about $2.50-$3.90 per person each way depending on the time of day.

Forgot to add my own conclusion . . . if you choose to stay in Seacaucus, use your own car as Doug said. You will have better options for staying late in Manhattan and the cost would be about the same as taking the bus.

It may be 3 miles from Manhatan as the crow flies - but you can;t drive across the Hudson River.

Anyone who has taken the Lincoln Tunnel knows what that's like.

And I work with someone who lives ot far from there - and her commute is a inimum of 45 minutes to midtown.

So - take your car - but be prepared to fight traffic all the way.

Bardo to reply to your question...the truth is your list is dif from whatever I did when I looked at that site. Only about 5 listed when I searched and they were in no way cheap. I'm going through your list right now and checking out these places. If I/we could get in Times Sq that would be ultimate with a good price. Haven't found that to date but def will go through all these listings. (Why do I feel like I'm back at square one again? *tired smile*). Thank you every1. Feel like I need to get you all a cup of coffee or something when we visit for all your troubles/help. :-)

Eurocheapo...when I do the dates of our travel (25th & 26th) and 2 rooms with the number of ppl (4 & 3)the list shrinks to two pages and rates are much higher.

This discussion reminds me of those highway billboards touting "Rooms from $29" and stuff like that--then when YOU stop it develops that that is one tiny room with a twin bed or something. Really no way to advise on rates without plugging in dates and number of people, though many times calling the hotel directly can yield a different/better result.

We now have booked: Second Home on Second Ave (221 2nd Ave Between 13th and 14th) NYC! Looks great, we lucked out on availability and got a better price than net via the owner. .to ..Times Sq and maybe walk two blocks to Blue Man.. maybe. Pls say I finally did good! *smile*

(don't know why above printed incorrect but sup'd to say train to times square and possible walk to & from Blue Man)

A great location, an easy walk to tons of good, cheap restaurants, easy 6 minute walk to Blue Man, your teenagers will be happy - much better than Times Square and infinitely better that NJ. Not luxury but is said to be clean and friendly.Great job. Really.

Your new location is 3 blocks from my home! Your kids will love the neighborhood, which is indeed an easy walk to Blue Men.

Pah! *does happy dance!* Yeah!!! EllenEm (or anyone really) is it a safe walk from Blue men for a group of obvious out-of-towners??

Finally... Thanks everyone tons!!! Everyone's input has always been highly regarded and looked into. Appreciate your taking the time!

very very safe for you to walk anywhere from that location

Awesome!! THANK YOU!!!

Wow! Second Home on Second Ave looks great. It is VERY nice for that price range in Manhatten (and, yes, it's a good area). I think I may even stay there myself next visit to NYC.

Happy everything worked out for your large group. Hope you enjoy the USA.

Your teens will LOVE the neighborhood, and it's perfectly safe. It's a lively area so there's people on the street almost all the time. It's loaded with restaurants, cafes, little boutiques, some thrift shops, and some great people watching. You are also close to Union Square which is a big subway hub. Be sure to stop by Veniero's for dessert (11ts street and 1st av).

Wow, Tgold777, sounds like you found a winner that some locals didn't even know about! And if ellenem recommends it, you're good as gold.

Have fun in NYC. You'll be so happy there's staying in the city. That way, some of the guys could hang out and relax in the room, if they want. You won't need to travel en masse ALL the time.