We are going to NYC next year with my adult son and he is paying his own hotel bill. What hotels do you like in the Times Square/50s area that are $300 or less?

I have stayed at the Marriott Marquis several times. The hotel rooms are large by NYC standards. The rooms have always been clean. The hotel is in the heart of Times Square.

I think you will like the Michaelangelo. Big rooms, beautiful lobby, slightly quieter than a few blocks south. Special rates $225-$250 through June per their website.

http://www.michelangelohotel.com/specials.html#fall

Next year? may be too soon to say.

Doubletree Suites is also a nice place. It's a fairly roomy suite, with a small kitchenette area and separate living room with sofa bed. The upper floors on the north have views of central park.

The Renaissance seems to get great reviews. I also agree with the Michelangelo and the Doubletree (although the Doubletree is further south). The Sofitel is one of the nicer hotels in the area, despite being on 44 st.

Millenium Hilton in Tribecca .. Nice .. new .. affordable .. !

$210 at the Sheraton on Park Avenue in the 30s.

double tree at times square, under 300. roomy for a big city and a nice staff too.

Check www.biddingfortravel.com and bid on Priceline. You can get great hotels for about $120 a night

Do the Priceline thing as has been suggested.

If you don't like the "hidden" nature of priceline, I have always received good service and good prices at www.quikbook.com. You can see the hotels, amenities available and customer reviews. You can ask for selections by neighborhood. Also you are subject only to the normal cancellation policy of the hotel, so if your plans change, no real problem. We are staying at the Dylan next month for $279. It is near Times Square and Grand Central Station. You might start looking now for what kinds of hotels are avaiable for what prices, so you can spot a bargain if it comes up. (We also booked a couple years ago on the upper west side for $105 even on marathon weekend, so they have a wide range of choices and prices.)