Help, we will be 4 first timers to NYC the first week in August. We have NO IDEA where to stay. The more research I do, the more I get confused!!! We want a clean, comfortable room (no frills required) that has 2 - 3 beds. I would like to stay in a safe but convenient location. Can you please put my mind at ease with a few suggestions? Thanks so much!!!

Look into a suite at the Avalon hotel. It's located on 32nd St near 5th av. It a quiet location, near many buses and subways and walkable to many stores, restaurants and some sites. I live in NYC and personally think the times Sq area (where most tourists prefer to stay) is far too noisy and crowded. We had some visiting relatives stay at the Avalon. It's a very nice hotel and includes a decent continental breakfast (which is rare in NYC).

On emore thing, the suite at the Avalon has 2 double beds in the bedroom area and a pull out sofa bed in the living room area.

Look into the Radio City Suites. www.radiocityapartments.com No frills, old building, GREAT location, clean, converted apartments, with private baths and kitchens. Studios, 1 and 2 bedrooms. Great rates!

Check out the Beacon located a75th and Broadway.

The Mayflower Hotel on the Park would fit your needs; a suite would run $189. Huge rooms, high ceilings, individually controlled A/C. Across the street from Central Park, which is lovely. Totally safe in all directions, a walk to Times Square or the museums, and subway on the corner.

You could always book a 2-bedroom regular room ($139-$189) and ask for an upgrade to a suite at check in. We ALWAYS get one!

Tanya,

Don't worry so much, Manhattan may sound big, but actually the island is only 8 miles long and at it's widest point (23rd St) is only a mile wide.

Just about anywhere you decide to stay will be convenient to everything, via walking, buses, subway and cabs.

That said, you can stay downtown at the Embasy Suites, (you can get some good rates there) and it's easy from there to anywhere in the city via subway. Any of the hotels on or off Lexington Ave and there are alot.

There are also a couple on and just off Madison Ave in the 20's and 30's that are nice and close to everything.

I would go to biddingfortravel.com and priceline.com for more info on hotels.

August will be HOT here, so bring lots of comfortable warm weather clothing and comfortable shoes and sandals and have a GREAT time.

Thanks for all of your help!!! I know you said NY is hot in July....I am from Louisiana...I can hang! Thanks alot!

Try the Manhattan East Suites, a group of 6 or 7 hotels that are all suites, like apartments, with kitchens. They are located all over Manhattan, both East & West sides.

"this criterion", or "these criteria"

Well thanks for sharing your grammar lesson with fodors.com.

I think everyone has given good suggestions and I live in NYC as well. I've also visited alot of larger cities elsewhere and in my opinion I think you need to stay in Times Square. It is the most convenient place for anywhere in the city, there is the most action, and you truly get a feeling for what the city is about.. action, people, culture, broadway and lights. Why else come here? Honestly you can get anywhere for 1.50 on the subway, but the Hyatt, Marriott, Sheraton, Hilton, etc.. all have specials on their websites constantly and they are big name chain hotels that are reliable, clean and all located in Times Square. That to me is your best bet.