Agreed - a rip for 2 to NYC at that time of year for $1000 is like trying to buy a new Accord for $15,000 - that;s just not what it costs.

You either have to up the budget - or go for something used (dicey hotel or another time of year).

I used to find lower rates from Christmas Eve or Christmas Day through New Year's Eve day. But, more and more of the hotels are increasing their rates the night or two or three ahead of New Year's Eve. Still worth checking. Rates just after may be higher also, due to New Year's Day falling on a Thursday this year.

If you think you can save by staying in New Jersey, definitely fly into Newark. But, before selecting a hotel, find out EXACTLY what the transportation and costs will be into Manhattan. Just because the hotel states it's convenient, doesn't mean you'll find it so...especially in the winter weather.

Not only would I definitely not consider any package for $1000-1200 that includes air and hotel, I probably would not fly to NYC over New Year's. Not only is holiday travel a nightmare, all three airports are legendary for cancellations and delays in both directions, even in the nice weather. And, travel insurance will cover you only under certain conditions (often weather is excluded) and for limited amounts.

I can tell you that A_Traveller has it all wrong about locations in Manhattan. What I can't tell you is if the Washington-Jefferson Hotel is nice on the inside, but it's quite nice on the outside, and it's on a lovely block, close to some fine restaurants and very convenient to everything in Midtown. If you can afford that hotel, I'd jump on it if it meets your needs.

You'll save some money if you stay out of Manhattan, but if you do by all means stay in Queens near a subway (Comfort Inn Long Island City is a good location usually at a good price). THere are others, including a La Quinta Inn that are well located.

The advice about coming after Christmas but before New Year's is good and will probably save some money. Though your budget is low, it might still be doable, so don't give up yet. But I'd strongly urge you not to stay in NJ. It's too big a trade-off for me. THough an editor in the Washington Post Travel section just recommended staying in Stamford, CT, w hich is 45 minutes from Manhattan. I think that's insane even though the hotel he recommended was $59 a night.

As usual, everyone's advice is helpful. Thank you all...
And now for my lament ... if ONLY we did not have 2 mortgages due to one home on the market for over TWO years... we'd have more travel $$$. Alas .. a small cross to bear.

Levelheaded -- if you haven't found a hotel yet, you might want to look into the Pod Hotel (midtown) and the Star Hotel (Chelsea). Both are bare-bones but seem to get good reviews. I've also had lots of luck with Priceline in other cities -- depending on your dates, that may help you get more of a full-service hotel on your budget.

Here's what I've found folks ... $370 nonstop Dayton to LGA ($740 for 2 of us) and via nyctrip.com got a Christmas package for $746, inlcusive of all taxes, fees, etc. So ... for $1486 I've got (only) 2 nights 12/26 & 27 at the Edison Hotel in the Times Square district, airport/hotel transportation, horse drawn carriage ride thru Central Park, Statue & Ellis Is. Ferry Tix, a Christmas Holiday Walking Tour, free admin to MOMA & Rockfeller Center tour. Not bad, eh?

Well - it's 50% more than you wanted and only 2/3 the time - but I think about as well as you can do that time of year.

As long as you're coming and paying for the air fare I would add another night or 2 - but obviously only you know your real budget constraints.

Yep, and vacation restraints. I have one day left this year!

It's a good deal but you don't want transportation in a shared van from the airport.

Maybe a little late for you, but if you are willing to drive to Akron Canton Airport, Airtran has very low price flights to Laguardia. It would probably be about a 3 hour drive each way from Dayton. My fare in August was $200 per person.