NYC Hotels - Muse, Lucerne, Library, Excelsior
 

We're spending one night in NYC end of Nov. Spamalot in the afternoon, fabulous dinner in the evening. Does anyone have any comments about these 4 hotels? We usually stay at the NY Helmsley, but are looking for something different that won't break the bank. Room size not an issue. Just looking for clean, good service and stylish would be a bonus. Thanks!

Funny-we are seeing Spamalot on a Sunday afternoon in November, and I've been wondering the same things as you...anybody

By the way, Lobuzz, tell me more about the NY Helmsley. Thanks.

We just spent 2 nights at The Muse in NYC and I would highly recommend it. Very stylish, clean, large bathroom (for NYC), comfortable bed, very close to Times Square. We were very pleased with our choice.

Laurelee: We've stayed at the NY Helmsley about 6 times and have never been disappointed. It's in a great location, the rooms are a pretty good size and we've always had excellent service. There's a cute little bar downstairs "Harry's". Price is pretty good for what you get.

Thanks, for the rec. about the NY Helmsley-I've just started looking into hotel for Nov. -hoping the prices will fall some-but maybe not.
Are you finding any good deals, Lobuzz?

The Muse is the only one of these that's in the theater district. Perhaps it would help to know where you're eating dinner if you know. Have you checked the Michelangelo and the Casablanca? Both good smaller hotels in the theater area sometimes available at good discounts.

I ended up booking The Muse for $308US for the night. That was the price on quikbook.com and when I called The Muse, they initially quoted me $424, but matched the $308 when I told them I saw it on quikbook - interesting!

Yikes that's pricey Lobuzz!! Assuming you were talking about the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend I checked quikbook. The Millenium UN PLaza while not near the theaters, is a lovely midtown hotel and is available for $219. The Michelangelo is $225 for a deluxe queen and is in the theater district and is a nicer hotel than the Muse (according to others on Fodor's). I see the Muse at $289 for a deluxe king so maybe this is the wrong Sunday. My point is I think $300 for the Muse is a bit too much.

Having stayed at The Muse and also Michelangelo, I'd agree with mclaurie -- especially if you're talking about a standard room. Ours at The Muse had a bed practically against the wall to squeeze into, a bathroom without enough room to set out a can of deodorant, and no place to sit and see the TV except on the bed. To top it, the largest of the pictures in the room was screwed to the wall -- upside down! We had a deal there -- about $200 at a busy time at Christmas, but that was a couple of years ago. I'd jump at the Michelangelo if it is less money -- or even if it is more.

Hi Mclaurie - we are going to be there on Wed. Nov. 30 ... I checked Quickbook again for The Michelangelo and the best I can see is $395. I think mid-week is a little more than a weekend deal. Thanks for your help.

For me personally, I couldn't bring myself to pay that much period, but not for the Muse. I checked quikbook for your date. I would rather take a taxi and stay at the Lucerne for $215 or the Park South in a superior for $234. Remember taxes will add quite a bit so on that $308 you'll likely pay closer to $350.

I also note if you want to stay in the TS area, the Casablanca which is a nicer hotel according to Patrick who's stayed at both, is available for about the same amount. If you're driving, the Casablanca seems to have reduced parking deal for $10/day for guests on their website. ;)