Safe & Quiet New York stay for mom & daughters on tight budget
 

I'm taking my 2 teen daughters to New York in July (going to VA for a wedding and couldn't pass up opportunity for a chance for them to see NY). One daughter has high functioning cerebral palsy, so she can walk, but we will have a wheelchair as she falls a lot when she is fatigued (which I'm sure is easy to accomplish in New York)

Because I don't know the city, I don't know what is a safe area. Also, I have a heart condition and will need to get sleep at night so I really would love a place that is not super noisy all night (some of the hotel reviews are frightening).

I know a lot of people are probably saying New York is not for you if you want quiet and inexpensive, but we don't care about daytime noise, just middle of the night stuff. Also, I have saved for a year just to get us to the wedding, so while I wish we had more for New York, this is probably the only opportunity I will ever have to take my girls and they are SOOO excited.

I would appreciate any help I could get. Must see's? Best times to see them? Hotels that will be in safe area, accommodate 3 plus a wheelchair, and not break the bank (which seems insane when I say around $200-250 a night...since that would get me a luxury suite where I live). Any money saving tips would be great on tourist stuff since the hotel is eating up the whole budget.

I tried a lot of sites, but I can't do a bidding site since I need 2 beds and it doesn't seem like that is an option. I so appreciate any help or advice you could give. Thank you!!!

First of all, Ne York is the safest large city in the country and all tourist areas are safe - so that is simply not an issue. However, NY is also a large city and there is noise in most parts at all hours (in midtown some deliveries are made at night and commercial trash collection is required to be done then to avoid blocking the streets during the daytime. So finding a place you will think "quiet" may not be realistic - if you mean no noise at any time.

What tends to be quietest is high floors of very new hotels - due to better insulation and windows - but you may still here police and fire sirens, etc. And this type of hotel doesn't fit that well with a modest budget.

It may be less noisy in residential areas - such as the upper west and east sides or parts of the Village - but you need to be sure you aren't near any clubs.

And the potential difficulty for that is the need to use the subway to get around - which is an issue with a wheelchair (many stations don't have elevator - or at least working elevators). However city buses are fitted for wheelchairs - they kneel to access them and have a special spot where one can be secured. (I don't suggest a folding wheelchair and taxis since the cost would not be cheap.)

One you might look at is the Newton - a reliable budget property on the upper west side in a mid/upscale residential area. For random dates in July it has double/double rooms for $250 per night - but not sure if this includes tax or not. But I wold check it out right away. This has easy access to both downtown and crosstown buses within a block or so. And there are a large number of inexpensive/modest restaurants of every possible ethnicity.

Also do check several different discount websites - there are several in which you can check prices for 3 adults in a room. And you might want to look at one with a mini-kitchen - so you can save money by having at least breakfasts and snacks in the room.

This is a very low budget but may be doable in the summer, when rates are sometimes lower.

The wheelchair is going to be a big problem for you in terms of getting around the city, as will finding a room large enough to accommodate it.

I like the Newton, and the 96th Street subway station has an elevator, but it's an older building, so it will not be as soundproof as a new building, and the rooms are very small. I'm not sure they have accessible rooms, and since the building is old, the wheelchair may only get your daughter as far as your room door. This may be ok if she doesn't require the chair all the time, and it will give you more options for hotels. The Newton also has window A/C units, and this may drown out some of the street noise if it doesn't bother your sleep.

But the biggest thing you have to remember is that New York doesn't really quiet down that much at night compared to where you live, especially in busy neighborhoods where most hotels are located. Broadway and 96th hops into the wee hours, though there aren't any nightclubs next to the Newton or anything like that.

One of the quietest hotels I've ever experienced in Manhattan is the Novotel, which is on 52nd and Broadway, but it's going to be far above your price range.

You don't say how you are coming into the city from Virginia, but if you are driving, you also have to consider the cost of parking. There's a Travel Inn on far west 42nd Street, and it's the only hotel in Manhattan with free parking. But it's also a very long walk from everything, so you'd probably have to catch a bus every time you leave the hotel. But it will probably be in your price range.

Where in VA will you be traveling from? The drive is a long one....have you considered going to DC or Philly or somewhere in VA?

Not trying to be discouraging, but I think there are better options based on your budget and circumstance closer to VA.

You could try the Salisbury - an older hotel with large rooms located near Central Park. I would call them to see if you can get an accessible room. When we stayed there the air conditioner was rather noisy but this drowned out city noise. This is walking/rolling distance to Times Square and Broadway theaters but you would still have to take transportation to visit museums, the Statue of Liberty and other sights.

We stayed another time at the Lucerne on the Upper West side. Our room had no view (faced a brick wall) but was very quiet. However, the hotel is convenient to the Natural History Museum but not many other sights.

What sights are your "must sees?" That might help pinpoint the best hotel location.

I have stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn and that usually has some very affordable rates. I am not sure if it will fit all your other criteria (especially the wheelchair), but it is in a pretty nice spot. You should try calling the hotel and asking if they have a room that will fit the bill for you. Of course call around to other hotels and do the same.

Thank you everyone...to clarify, my daughter can walk. We were thinking she could still use the subway as she will just walk down stairs and my other daughter and I could carry the wheelchair down. Would that not work? There are some days we will just leave the wheel chair if we are doing something close to our hotel.

Also we are flying into Newark and taking train into New York first then taking amtrak (I think) to Virginia.

My biggest problem is that when I am searching on travel sights and when it lists hotels in areas of New York and I don't know what is what.

I kind of need a top 5 that would first be safe for a mom and two young teenagers to be walking back to at night . Second, not be a huge price tag and third, not be located by a part of the city that is noisy all night long (a lot of the reviews that I read on travel sights had complaints that the couldn't sleep from the noise and it got me nervous).

Do all hotels have air conditioning in rooms? Since we will be there in July I know it will be humid and my heart condition is affected when my body temperature gets high. As long as our hotel room is air conditioned I will be fine though.

I would love to hear places not to miss and any perks of getting better prices on things (certain free or discounted days). Would it be better to get a metro pass or just pay as you go? Does anyone recommend the hop on hop off bus tours?

My girls are so excited and this is the only time I will be able to do this for them. We have lived a life of not letting our disabilities ruin our dreams of doing things and this has been a dream. We just need a little inside information to make it work and are so appreciative of anything you could tell us.

Thanks!

I still have to ask what are your "musts?" There is so much to see and do in New York that where you might want to stay may depend on what you want to do. For example, do you want to be able to walk back to your hotel after seeing Broadway shows or are shows not in the plans? How much time will you have?

I must reiterate that safety in tourist areas is simply not an issue. In the summer there will be people on the streets (except small residential side streets) until at least midnight - since everyone walks/takes public transit - prcatically no cars except cabs.

I fear that you may not find a place that is quiet enough for you. This is a Metro area with 25 million people, and to get real quiet at night you need to head at least an hour outside of the city - and that in residences - not motels by highways.

Yes, every hotel has AC. But older hotels have individual rooms ACs which tend to be noisy - good since the drone will cover up louder street noises. Newer hotels will have central air which is much quieter making street noises more obvious.

As for the subway - for many stations it is along flight of steep stairs to the concourse and then another long flight down to the actual platform. At some stations the platforms you want may be 3 levels down from the street. You can take a folded wheelchair down there but hauling a full-size one that doesn't fold would be a huge PIA in the subway. And you need to understand that at rush hours (7 - 9:30 am, 4:30 to 7 pm)the subways are often standing room only when you get on (your daughter may find someone wiling to give her a seat or not.

Most of the larger museums will provide a wheelchair rather than hauling your own if that will work for you - and also you can consult the web sites to find ground floor entrances (rather than up all the stairs to the grand entrances) and provide info on elevators. Several of the museums have a pay what you wish police - no need to pay the $25 each to get in.

Also free is the Staten Island ferry - about 1.5 hours for the RT across the harbor - and a decent (but not up-close) look at the SoL. Another good freebie is the main branch of the NY Public Library. Incredibly gorgeous reading room and always interesting exhibits (this is research - not a lending library - I think the 3rd larges in the world).

It might not seem useful on first glance, but the very long thread "Mama to Manhattan" may have a lot of useful information for you. The OP wrote in very much detail about getting her mother and her mother's friend who don't walk much around Manhattan. That will help you with sightseeing. Here's the thread: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-on-fodors.cfm

But their hotel budget was more than yours, and while nytraveler's advice that virtually all areas of Manhattan where there are hotels are safe may not help you a lot. If you have a heart condition and your daughter has CP, a lot of the best budget places are going to be out of reach because they are not in the heart of things. Requiring two beds also limits your choices.

I think the Days Hotel New York City-Broadway (at $215 per night) might work for you. Please take a look. It's extremely well located and a good hotel; it's on a very busy but safe street, and I think if you get a room in the back (not on the Broadway side) you'll be fine for noise. But $215 counts as budget in NYC. Plus, it's a very quick and not expensive taxi ride to Penn Station for your train connections to and from Virginia.

Finally, a caveat about taking the train into the city from EWR. Right now, the Airtrain at EWR is suspended through mid-July. That's going to make it more difficult for you to get into the city by train. You'll have to take a shuttle bus to Newark Penn Station and then board the PATH or NJ Transit. It's a much more difficult transition, so keep that in mind.

I'd encourage you to price flights TO Virginia and BACK from EWR (i.e., an open-jaw flight). This does not always cost more, and this is the right time to be pricing such a flight. In fact, I suspect it will probably cost less than a flight to EWR and then a round-trip train to and from Virginia from Penn Station.

I think your idea of the subway may not be realistic. I'm not as familiar w/ all the stations like the others who have posted since I've only been to NYC a few times. But it mostly not at all wheelchair friendly. it isnt just walk down a few steps, get on a train, get off, then walk up a few steps. There are sometimes long walks underground, almost always serious climbs, and very often VERY crowded cars. The buses would be MUCH easier.

I agree that a bus would be a better option. They are MUCH cooler in summer than the subway platform. I use subways in every season except summer in NYC and then I use a bus. They are handicapped accessible and drivers and fellow passengers are very helpful, patient and nice.

As all have said above you will be safe in NYC. The bus will take you everywhere you want in air conditioned comfort.

Doug's suggestion of the Mama thread is a great one - and one of the best trip reports ever!

I'll list 5 options that may work. They may not be the "best" top 5 hotels, but they would meet your needs.

#1 and #2 - in Midtown - the Hampton Inn Times Square North and the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square. They are both in a great location - close to everything in Midtown but NOT in the craziness of Times Square. They are new buildings with good sound-proofing. The Hampton Inn offers a free breakfast.
http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hot...THX/index.html
http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/e...WGI/index.html

#3 and #4 - probably less expensive options - The LaQuinta Manhattan and the Hotel Newton. Both are basic, not fancy but clean hotels. The LQ is in a busy area called Koreatown but easy access to many things, including the Macy's at Herald Square. They have a rooftop bar with a view of the Empire State Building. The Newton is on the Upper West Side which is a MUCH quieter area, a more residential area.
http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/prop....do?propId=751
http://thehotelnewton.com/

#5 - Holiday Inn Express
https://m.ihg.com/hotels/holidayinne...eldetail/nycff

The Milennium UN Plaza is very quiet as the hotel rooms are located above offices and start at around the 32nd floor.
Check their website as they often offer good internet deals.

A disadvantage of this hotel is that it is far east, so you will need to take the 42 St crosstown bus before transferring to a bust to go up or down the center or west sides. There's not very much except the UN this far east.

Oh my word..everyone is so helpful, thank you! It sounds like if we have the wheelchair with us the subway is out, and maybe even if we don't as it is crowded and would probably tax both my daughter and I. Are the buses easy to navigate? Should I get a pass or just pay as you go? Does anyone suggest the hop on hop off bus tour? Could that take the place of our transportation while also giving us a perk of learning bout New York or is it a waste and we should use that money for other things?

We are flying into EWR. I had seen that the air train was out of commission, but they made it seem like they had designated shuttles just for penn station and that from there it is just a one stop train into New York. Is that not right? @doug What is the difference between the Path, a train, and NJ transit? When I looked online it looked like we would take a shuttle to Penn and hop on the train for $5 and that would take us right into Manhattan. Is that not right...is there more to the story? Also, there is not any hotels in manhattan that has airport shuttle service are there? How much would a taxi cost? I also heard that there are car services that you pay $35 for the car and it takes you and up to 3 other people from airport to hotel? Does anyone know about that?

To answer some other questions, my girls want to see the Statue of Liberty, go to the top of the Rock (heard that is a better option than the top of the Empire State Building),and go to Central Park. My oldest wants to shop(although she won't be buying since she has no money...lol... someone did say there was some shopping that is not high end 5th avenue...maybe even some knock offs ). We also want to see the 9/11 memorial. My oldest 15 is into photography so some fun pictures taking opportunities would be awesome (not the typical tourist spots, but maybe some great architecture, fountains, or gardens. We heard that you had to make reservations for the Statue of Liberty. Is that right? Obviously we wouldn't do the crown, but the platform probably has an elevator, right? Is that where the museum is?

Thank you so much for the thread, I will look at that for sure. Can't thank you all enough. I know I'm taking a lot on, especially with a child with a disability, but so appreciate you all looking past that and being so supportive and helpful with your suggestions.

You might also have a look at prices at the Milburn Hotel on the Upper West Side. I stayed there and had NO outside noise issues although the airconditioner on the wall was noisy. I have read that those air cons have been replaced but I am not sure if that is so. Its in a lovely safe residential area. Good luck!

The HoHo bus is a really bad idea for a couple of reasons:

It's very expensive
To see anything you have to be on top which means sitting in the blistering heat or rain or whatever in traffic all day - which means climbing up a narrow, steep, curving stair

They only run every 30 minutes or so (and if the one that arrives is full you wait another 30 minutes ) versus every 5 or 6 minutes for regular city buses

They cover a very specific limited route and won't get you near most places

For the buses get a Metrocard for each of you and put on how much your think you will need - each having your own pass allows you to get free transfers

No hotels in Manhattan have airport shuttles - only tose immediately adjacent to the airports

Havenever heard of this $35 thing. Taking a car service to the city will be close to $100 with toll and tip. You best bet might be the large airport coaches where your luggage is stowed underneath that go to Penn Station or Port Authority or Grand Central - whichever is closest to your hotel - and then grab a NYC Cab.

For SoL you MUST get advance reservations for the tickets to both the ferry (airport style security) and the base of the statue - to avoid VERY long waiting lines (can be an hour or more each to buy tickets, then wait to get on the ferry). The whole thing (ferry to SoL, see SoL, ferry to Ellis Island, Ellis Island museum, ferry back to Manhattan)takes 4 to 5 hours.

As for the upper west side being safe - those living in multi-million $ co-ops on Central Park West or mansions on Riverside drive would be extremely surprised to find out that it wasn't.

Good information from nytraveler except for this error: "For the buses get a Metrocard for each of you and put on how much your think you will need - each having your own pass allows you to get free transfers." Actually, up to four people can share a Regular MetroCard and receive the correct transfers. However, it is probably more convenient for each person to have her own MetroCard.

The OP wrote: "We are flying into EWR. I had seen that the air train was out of commission, but they made it seem like they had designated shuttles just for penn station and that from there it is just a one stop train into New York. Is that not right?"

Yes, that's right, but that's not particularly easy with a wheelchair. You would load onto a bus at EWR. Then get off the bus at Newark Penn Station, buy a ticket, and make your way through the station to the appropriate train platform. Then, upon arrival in New York Penn Station, you will have to make your way up from the platform and out of the station and you will probably need some other form of transportation to get to your hotel. All with luggage and a wheelchair.

PATH = a local transport train that travels between a very limited number New Jersey cities and a very limited number of places in Manhattan.

train = might refer to the subway or a commuter railroad to the suburbs, depending on the context

NJ Transit = the commuter railroad in between points in New Jersey and Manhattan

For your group, I'd look for the option with the fewest connections. A car service would be expensive, but would take you door to door. Dial7, a well-liked car service, quotes $52 plus toll and tip and rush hour fees, so probably around $80. An airporter bus as suggested would cost about $14 each from EWR to Manhattan, and then you'd still have to get to your hotel from the bus stop. There are shared SuperShuttle services available, but these are not usually recommended because there may be a long wait time at the airport for the van to fill, and then the van will drive all over Manhattan dropping off the various passengers, adding extra time. You have to decide which is most valuable to you: time, ease, or money.

As far as using the local bus system in Manhattan, here is a thread from a few years ago. If you scroll down past all the subway instructions (which you might find helpful), you'll reach the posts where I provided step-by-step instructions for the bus.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...m#last-comment

Airport transfer costs from EWR: A car service (reserved in advance and then you call after you get your luggage for curbside pick-up) costs $52 + approximately $15 in tolls plus a top of at least $10. So approximately $77 (may be a bit less because I don't remember the actual tolls).

A regular airport shuttle to a central location in Manhattan costs $14 per person (less if you buy round-trip). It drops you off near New York Penn Station or Grand Central.

Or you can take the shuttle bus from EWR to Newark Penn and then the NJ Transit train ($5) or PATH ($2.50). NJ Transit takes about 20 minutes, PATH about 30 minutes. The one you choose will depend entirely on where you're going. I believe the shuttle to Newark Penn is free. It's a hassle because it will be a) slow, b) very crowded, and c) making numerous stops. This is why I'm not so keen on it. But having said that, I have not ridden it. There's a thread about the EWR shuttle here, so perhaps you can read through that and decide.

I'm not a fan of shared shuttles like SuperShuttle, so I don't recommend them.

In NYC, I think you will make good use of city buses, but you will not benefit from the one-week card because it's expensive and you won't have time enough to take the rides to reimburse yourself. Otherwise, it's $2.50 per ride with a free bus-to-subway transfer with use of a Metrocard. A secret many travelers don't learn is that you also get a free bus transfer, so if you are going downtown on a bus, see what you want to see, you can jump on a different bus and move along within approximately 60 minutes without paying a second fare.

I do advocate everyone having an individual card for convenience, but they cost $1 each, and 4 people can share. But New Yorkers hate that because it takes you so long to pass the card back and forth.

I don't particularly like Hop on hop off buses because they are limited in traffic, don't run very often, can be extremely crowded in the summer, and are really expensive. However, for a person with a heart condition and another with some mobility issues, it may be a viable option for one of your days. But it's of most use if you want to stay on the bus and see the scenery. If you want to get off and do stuff, then I see (especially in the summer) huge crowds of angry tourists waiting at stops for the every-30-minute bus only to find that it's so crowded they can't get on. The subway and most buses run every 3 to 10 minutes during the day. You can quickly get the picture. But a lot of people love the HOHO buses, and I think they work just fine in cities where the transit isn't so seamlessly integrated, just not so much in NYC.

Taking a collapsible wheelchair on the subway is possible but will be a pain because of the stairs. Many stations are not accessible and don't have elevators. Almost none has an escalator to street level, and many don't even have them from the platform to the concourse level.

Unless you stay on the upper west side (Excelsior maybe? or Beacon? ) you will not find anything that you don't consider "noisy". Maybe a high floor would help a bit, but you may need to learn how to sleep with earplugs if you want both convenient-to-Penn-Station and quiet.
Hilton Garden Inn Chelsea is in your price range for rooms with two QUEEN beds, but not "quiet".

DD and I stayed at the HGI-Chelsea for a week a couple of years ago and I don't recall it being particularly noisy, and we were on a lower floor (low enough that we often took the steps rather than the elevator). Even though the room had two queen beds, it was not particularly spacious, but we expected that. It is located on the street with many flower vendors so you would have to navigate the flower displays to get to the streets going up- and down-town for the buses--this isn't hard, just a little narrow at times. But it IS pretty and smells nice!

your daughter may enjoy shopping at UNIQLO .. its on 5th Avenue at East 53rd Street.. its is not very expensive and has attractive clothing that someone her age would find fun.. they have a website, so she can see the clothing

H & M is about a block away .. it is also inexpensive.

Would your daughter be able to function with a walker with a seat … rather than a wheelchair?
You'll see elderly people with them all over the city. There's support while walking and then
a place to sit if one tires. Best of all they're easily foldable to get on buses, etc.

Agree with peteralan about the Milburn. No outside noise, rates at $199 for July, free breakfast and wifi which usually aren't a given at other hotels. Microwave and small refrig in each room, too.

Can't comment on subway accessability except that it's nearby. Also, if you're trying to save money on food, there are several wonderful markets in the area, where you could get good take out meals, or a good pizza place, which the girls may like.

If the Milburnhotel.com works for your dates/budget, it's a good option and even includes some breakfast. It looks like you can get a 1 bedroom suite with 2 single or 2 double beds plus sofabed for close to your budget. You would likely have the quiet you want although staying in midtown (vs. the upper west side where the Milburn is) in walking distance to more things you'd like to see might make getting around a bit simpler for you. Also, most NYC hotels with 2 beds will have 2 doubles but there are some that have 2 queens (and some even have 2 queens plus sofabed). The Hampton Inn Times Square and the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square are 2 hotels with 2 queen beds in a very convenient location for getting around and specifically for using onboardtours.com but more about that in a minute. If you join Hilton Honors (free online frequent guest program) and use the MVP corporate discount of 0560041604, you may find that Hampton Inn within your budget or very close.

Hotwire is a discount site where you can input more than 2 people per room. You may not realize prices do fluctuate by date and typically early July is less expensive than later in the month. If you want to look at Hotwire, betterbidding.com has a list of hotels used by Hotwire by area, by star level with a list of amenities (ie. business center, restaurant etc.) that helps you narrow down if not identify what hotel you're likely to get. Even if you can't be sure of the hotel, I think if you stick with hotels with at least 85% or more thumbs up rating you should be fine.

onboardtours.com offers an overview tour in an air conditioned bus with a guide that stays with you. It's an easy way to see a lot without having to navigate yourself and if your daughter gets tired, she can stay on the bus when it makes stops. Depending on the tour you pick, I think they do one if not two cruises that will get you close to the Statue of Liberty. If they feel the need to vist the statue and/or Ellis lsland, you need to book that in advance on statuecruises.com Know it take a fair amount of time to do this with security etc.

I will respectfully disagree about the advice re: HOHO buses. I don't think they are an alternative for transportation, but after many many years of visiting NYC, a few years ago I bought a ticket. I was in the city to meet some friends with small children, and there was a point at which it was nice to just climb on the bus and ride around for awhile.

We didn't have to figure out schedules or routes, we were just along for the ride. I will say I have been on better HOHO busses in other cities as far as the guides. One of them spent most of her time reminding us to tip her (so I didn't). The other was much better, but dropped off mid-way through.

If you do decide you want to do this, buy the tickets in advance, online. I used a AAA discount on top of that and it was much cheaper than walking up and buying a ticket. If you decide to stay in midtown you can pick up your tickets at the offices on 8th Avenue, very close by.

You're disagreeing with what advice about the hoho tours? They are opened topped and can get quite hot in warm weather. The guides are uneven at best (some good, some awful); they get crowded in summer and if you hop off, you sometimes wait forever for the next one. None of this is debatable. Onboardtours is in closed air conditioned buses with a tour guide that stays with you and you don't have to get out at every stop.

Why yes, I am mclaurie. I have been on the HOHO tours as stated above. I do not think they are perfect, but I gave my input from my experience. The OP can take it or leave it, but certainly I have every right to post it. You do not have to get out at every stop, I don't know where you got that from.

I'm not trying to sell or push anything. The OP asked for input, I gave it. I assume she is an adult and can make her own decisions.

when making a hotel reservation you should ask if the room is handicapped accessible, in the event you do bring a wheelchair. Also would it be easier for your daughter to use a stall shower or a shower/tub combo ? Usually accessible rooms will have stall or roll in showers.

As you are planning on doing most of your sightseeing in midtown, you may not want to stay on the upper westside, as you will have spend more time going to and from your destinations,

you can look on the mta site for a list of accessible subway stations. however just because there is an elevator or ramp doesn't mean that you won't be walking long distances to get to the ramps/elevators. and the platforms are not air conditioned and can be hot and sticky in the summer.

the buses are air conditioned, there is a new app called bus time in every borough its free and will tell you when the bus you are waiting for will arrive at the bus stop

Like some others I recommend upper west side for quiet, convenience and accessibility. I have stayed at hotel beacon for years . Quiet , clean, accessible , great people snd across the street from a wonderful grocery store. All or most rooms/suites have wonderful little kitchens.

The Beacon is what, about 2.5 blocks from an express subway station? Meaning that you can be in Times Square pretty quickly? They have some suites with two double beds plus a queen sofa bed. In July they run about $270 plus taxes if you have AAA. Add to that the subway fares and taxi fares and it's quite a bit over budget, but quiet at least. Still not seeing much in their budget range other than Hilton Garden Chelsea, or La Quinta Inn midtown.

<<Do all hotels have air conditioning in rooms?>>

No. You'll need to specifically ask or check the websites, especially the lowest priced "budget" hotels may not.

I have never encountered a hotel in New York City that did not have a/c in rooms. There may be some hostels and illegal hotels that do not, but even the YMCAs in NYC have air-conditioned rooms. I don't think this is a serious concern unless someone is looking at a true SRO. Granted, some hotels (especially older and budget hotels) still have window a/c units. That is certainly true.

The MTA has a website that lists handicap accessible subway stations:
http://web.mta.info/accessibility/stations


As one of responses indicated many of the locations that claim to be handicap accessible do not have elevators at street level but only down a steep flight of stairs. You might want to check individual stations for more information

There are websites for the individual stations and there may be more information there on wheelchair accessibility. Here is info on the Times Square station for example

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Times_S...rk_City_Subway)

Taxis are expensive particularly where there is a lot of traffic however they can be very convenient at certain times such as weekends and during non-rush hours. On rainy days getting a cab can be a problem. When you factor in the convenience compared to the subway the taxi may make more sense for some trips.

Here is a website that lists some free things to do in New York
http://www.nycgo.com/free/

Places that you can go in New York that are relatively inexpensive include:

Museum of Modern Art (Can be Free Friday Nights-check website)
http://www.moma.org/visit/plan/offers#admission
Metropolitan Museum of Art
http://www.metmuseum.org/
Museum of Natural History
https://www.google.com/#q=museum+of+natural+history

For interesting shopping your daughters may enjoy the Soho area
http://sohonyc.com/#

http://www.timeout.com/newyork/manha...hborhood-guide
There are no bargains but they will enjoy browsing.

Hope you have a great time in New York City. High Line Park is a beautiful park made out of an old railway bed. There are elevators at some entrances, many benches and seating areas along the park. It is a unique city experience to be in a nicely landscaped park overlooking the city streets and surrounded by towering buildings.