NYC Michelangelo vs. Sherburne Murray Hill
 

I'm taking a last minute three night solo trip to NYC in just over a week. This will be my first time visiting the Big Apple and I'll admit to having a case of the jitters (as I usually do before a solo trip to a new place). Over a month go I booked both the Sherburne Murray Hill (total $600 plux tax) and the Michelangelo (830 plus tax) via Quikbook but obviously need to cancel one.

I'm not one who usually travels four star due to budget but would like to know if, for a first time solo NYC visit, if perhaps I should splurge a bit more for the M. hotel due to closer access to the subway and 'action'.

I'm not a theatre buff and don't like the reputed tourist crowds that Times Square tends to draw but love to visit local pubs and just have a place to hang when the lonely blues kick in. I plan to stroll Lower Manhattan, Greenwich Village and sample Central Park while visiting some photo galleries (ICP, etc.)

I'm concerned the Sherbourne may be located in too quiet of an area to step out and just kind of 'be there' with a long haul to the subway altough I admit the price is more in my budget range.

Would the M. perhaps be a more comfortable (albeit more luxurious) for a first time visit or would I be fine in the S. while saving a bit of money for my next trip?

Thanks in advance!

Haven't stayed at the M, but have stayed twice at the Shelburne. It's not that far from Grand Central & subway lines. There are plenty of cool places around--west to Madison Ave and east to the River.

ttt

Both are lovely. the Shelburne is in more of a neighborhood setting to me than the Michelangeo - we stay in the Michelangelo every January and I like it because of hte location - just out of Times Sq - so not in the middle of the chaos but close to that, the subway and walkiing to many musuems, the park, etc -
I think you shoujld check your prices though, the Michelangelo usually runs a good special through till the end of March for far less than you are quoting here and a friend of mine jsut booked a room a day or so ago for March 28 for two nights for in the 400's - so you might want to chekc on their web page - I usually book the M by checking their web and when I have the page up calling them and asking if they can match it, jsut b/c I like talking to a person, and they do, now that may be b/c I am a repeat customer, as they always say to me as soon as I give htem my name, so I'm 'in the file' but who knows - either way, I'd check their web page before I'd pay 830 for before the end of March, or I'm not sure I'd pay that anytime - or 600 - I've never spent that much for a hotel in NYC -

Next month in mid April I am at the Hotel Giraffe, which is a lovely hotel - in an area chosen not for touring but visiting my daughter - and I am paying less than 600 - so I would recheck my prices jsut to be sure -

I don't think you will love the Sherburne, but the Murry Hill area is a good place to stay, quiet at night and close to subway/bus lines.

I'd suggest the Affinia which is on 34th St, as a better location a block to the subway and the crosstown bus stops almost infront of the hotel.

Also check www.hotels.com for more suggestions and you can see what rates lots of hotels are offering for the time you will be here.

Have a fun time in the city and if you need ideas of places to shop or sites to see, let us know!!

The Shelburne Murray Hill is a fantastic all suit boutique in Midtown in Murray Hill which is a lovely neighborhood. The neighborhood isn't as touristy as the Michelangelo's location.

However, the Michelangelo is a nicer hotel. It would be my first pick.

Forgot to add that the SMH is only a couple of blocks from the subway and it certainly isn't in too quiet of a neighborhood. You are within a stones throw of the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building.

Thanks for the replies!

I'm sticking with the Michelangelo.

BTW, I tried to look at other hotel options starting tonight and it appears that every room in NYC is sold out for the next few days. What's going on in the city that would create such demand on a drizzly, windy March weekend?

spring break

I hope you will be happy at the MIchelangelo, we have always enjoyed it. The small lounge to your right of the check in desk, is a great spot to 'plop' mid day or at the end of the day or night and enjoy a drink and/or something from the small menu.
They stop serving food earlier than I would like, so if that matters to you and you are a late night grazer, check that with them before you count on it.

Have a wonderful trip.

We did stay at the Michelangelo a year ago and we liked it a lot. I hope you got a better price than your original -yikes.
I've only got to add this--the first room they gave us had a window that looked out onto a brick wall--about a foot away--this was after my request for a room with a view towards the the outside. I went right back down and told them that wouldn't do and they did change us to a much nicer room and view--not exactly happily--but they did do it. After that, everything was lovely-great location, just the right size and very clean.
Hope you enjoy it.

Duster- the $600 and $830 are the total for three nights, aren't they?