The Parker Meridien has plenty of views, is modern and has a rooftop pool with views but in a more central location than UN Plaza.

The Affinia Dumont you were considering has a spa and views. If you want to stay downtown, I'd go to Soho or the LES. The Hotel on Rivington is really the best option if you're going to Stomp.

Thank you, SD! I already made my reservation at RC Battery Park and will probably keep it unless something else more convenient, with a view, not over-the-top expensive, in a style that my niece likes, in my price-range comes up -- you never know --I've always been lucky with finds, often at the last minute -- and am going to cross my fingers since I have a plan.

This search for the perfect holiday for my adored niece has become obsessive-compulsive (on the threads- I have noticed a few other dogged planners worse than me -- and I am nipping this in the bud before it becomes a full-fledged disorder (S))!

I just googled The Hotel on Rivington in the Google "news" category and realized the party-going, drinking milieu there is NOT my or my eco-sensitive niece's style. I don't even want to see the "happening" street it's on -- not to insult my trendy friend who has loved that area, since moving to NY 10 years ago.

There are so many little nuances in traveling to make things wonderful. I'm hoping to get more info on UN Millenium --if my friend will go and check it out -- I now know more about hotels in NYC than he does.

I love the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park!

The bar also has lovely views of the Statue of Liberty but ask for a room with a view.

Thank you McLaurie! Your insights are amazing. All the posters are so nice. Again, apologies for the weird digressions. My niece is like my own daughter and I want this to be great for her.

I checked Parker Meridien and didn't really like the decor myself offhand, but will take another look. THOR is out -- I read in the news about some wild partying there. Not that the hotel was responsible. They kicked the people out. But we don't want to be too near those kinds of people.

The Hotel Metro, Roger Williams Hotel all meet the style/price, as does Affinia Dumont. And there's availability. So I'll present that info to my niece.

We just wanted the breathtaking views that some have experienced at UN Millenium or the quieter views at RC Battery Park

It's amazing not only to see these views for a while, but to have that view just before you go to sleep and wake up in that kind of atmosphere -- just as it is to have an oceanfront or mountain stay is exhilerating -- can become a part of who you are. And this is what I want to bring to my beautiful, kind niece -- show her so many horizons, possibilities, richness of NYC -- which I see as a treasure trove of rich, creative, culture in so many dimensions, of all the people who have lived there.

This is why I am obsessing -- there's just so much in NYC -- I don't see it just as a tourist destination -- for me it's a mecca of much of the best of American/world culture, much of it away from the city center, in the neighborhoods -- I love the UWS, Central Park West and Lincoln Center -- and how to create a 4-day schedule with as much of the wonderful gems that I can. I have a feeling my niece is going to fall in love with NY too.

THANKS SO MUCH, McLaurie and everyone!!! I'm off to a day spa to relax because NYC has too many choices. I live in a place with no choices -- there's nothing to do! We will fine-tune this in the next few days. Your advice, McL, about walking to Jon Stewart/Beauty and Beast from our hotel in midtown was my a major concern. I'll get maps and google directions for all possible hotels to Stomp and talk it all over with my niece. She's great a decision-making. And let it go. Thank you!!

Thank you also Go Travel re RC-BP (a room with a harbor view at club level does go into the $500+ range, when you include tax, at the weekend rate, it's much more at the weekday rate) and the lovely person who mentioned The Roger Hotel!

I'm just printing it all out and letting my niece, now 18!, old enough to help with travel decisions. This will be a great way for her to explore her tastes and then see how reality matches or doesn't match her expectations.

Hi there,
I just stayed at the Millennium and loved it. The bathrooms were fine. We had a junior suite that cost 289.00/nt. The indoor pool was a bonus! It was also nice to come back to a quieter neighborhood and Grand Central was close by so we took the shuttle to Times Square. I would highly recommend it. Hope that helps!