We are three women with reservations at the Ramanda 8th at 34th. This is near Penn Station, is it a save location? The price was so cheap ($109.00), now we are worried that it was too good to be true. Even if
its not a great location, we'll save big bucks compared to the Times Sq. rates and have extra $$ for all the shopping we plan to do. Anyone have any input on this hotel?

Hi Barbara,
The location is ok. It's on the edge of the tourist area and just a few blocks from Times Square and the theater district. Macy's is only a block away and Penn Station has subway and train transportation. 8th Ave. and 34th Street is certainly not the most exciting or chic location but it's all right.

I stayed there about three years ago when in NYC for business but on a budget (I now live in the area). It had just been renovated and I have been in the public areas as recently as last month. It's clean and very nice inside. Some rooms are on the smallish side (normal for NYC but not as large as you'd get elsewhere( but others are quite apacious. Mine had the original tile bath from the 30's or 40's but it had been immaculatey restored, as had the room. Ask for one of the older/larger rooms and in particular get something above the 20th floor as it's nice and quiet up there (can't really hear the street noise). It's actually a reasonably convenient location although to walk up towards midtown I'll suggest going over 34th to Broadway and up rather than walking up 8th Ave. 8th is a bit funbky by some folks standarfds and not terribly clean but I always walk there as it's a great slice of life with incredible contrasts - Mexican garment district laborers walking side by side with office folks in their suits and a bit of everything else as well. I wasn't overly impressed with the Tic Toc diner off the lobby but they used to give a breakfast voucher for $6 for each night's stay - okay deal with the voucher. Otherwise walk over 34th to just the other side of 9th and go to the Skyline diner for a great breakfast at reasonable prices (oddly enough their lunches seem to be mediocre and overpriced!). My only complaint on the hotel was slow check-in and check-out due to the size but it was very nice and I can safely recommend it. If you have other questions on that particular area please post as I used to work there (One Penn Plaza) and am still in the neighborhood quite frequently.

I agree with Owen that 8th Avenue, from 35th to 42nd St., is a bit seedy. If you decide to walk up to the theater district and Times Square, however, go to 34th and 7th and walk up 7th Ave. Going to Broadway adds one very long block to the walk.

8th Ave and west (9th, 10th, etc avenues)from penn station to 42nd is definitely somewhat seedy at night. the location as far as convience for the price is actually pretty good, walkable to many attractions and close to many subways lines.