Spring Trip to Manhattan--where to stay?
 

All the New York experts here are so generous with their time and info for those of us planning trips to the city--thank you!

DD and I have planned our trip for 7 nights, May 22nd--29th. We went last in 1999 when she was 11, so this will be a much different trip--ha!

Our plans (so far) include seeing Book of Mormon (tickets bought!), The Cloisters, possibly another show or two, some shopping, eating, and general exploring. This is the longest trip I have taken in years so we are eager to make the most of the time we have.

I am grappling somewhat on where to stay, though--the choices are overwhelming and I would love some input on your favorites. Budget isn't a huge concern, but would like to keep per night costs between $200-$300. So far, have considered Chelsea Pines Inn (thanks, maitaitom), Hotel Giraffe, and the Hilton Garden Inn/Chelsea on 28th.

Considering the range of our activities, I am thinking that close access to the subway would be helpful, but welcome any other recommendations. Thank you!

All three of these hotels are good. I'd recommend the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square for location over the one in Chelsea.

Thanks, Doug. For whatever reason (location?) the Chelsea property is over $100/night cheaper than the Times Square location and for seven nights, with taxes, makes it about $1000 difference which I felt was significant. If you have any thoughts about the Chelsea location, I would love to hear them--thank you so much!

There's not really anything wrong with the location. It's on a rather drab block but is pretty convenient to transit. The immediate area has little to offer, though there are some interesting restaurants along 8th Avenue above 23rd Street, but you can easily walk in 10 minutes to more interesting parts of Chelsea. If it's that much cheaper, I'd jump on it unless you want to stay in a different area. It's still walkable (15 to 20 minutes) from the theater district just up 8th Avenue.

The Chelsea Pines Inn (though it has really small rooms and you'd likely have to share a double ... not even a queen ... bed) is a bit more convenient to me. Hotel Giraffe is a beautiful boutique hotel that's usually quite a bit more expensive than any of your other choices, so if you get a deal there, it might be worth considering. Of the three, it's probably in the worst location for transit since the only nearby subway is the 6 and is the only choice on the east side, though I personally live nearby and like the area.

Hi, Musicfan.
Also, check to see if your hotels are available on quikbook.com. I like this site for NY hotels because the rates are good, and you don't prepay. (There are prepay options on some of the hotels, but I just don't choose those.)
Good luck!

You rock--thanks! All of that is such great information! We were open to staying about anywhere, and that HGI jumped out at me for the good rate for two queen beds, decent reviews on Trip Advisor, free Wi-Fi, proximity to the subway, etc.

While the Hotel Giraffe looks very charming and would be fun, we can also have a lot of fun, even in New York, for $1000.

Thanks again for your assistance.

Thanks,ChgoGal--I have used Quikbook...the last time was for a trip to Chicago! :) I will keep an eye on it, as well as Travelzoo, where I have also gotten some good deals, but May is a little too far away for TZ, and I like having a for sure, cancellable reservation just in case.

One of plus factors of staying in Chelsea is that it's not only with walking distance of the Times Square/theater district area, but, if it's of interest, you're also close to Greenwich Village nd all its attractions.

No one location is going to be near everything you plan. I'd try to find the cheapest nice hotel that fits your needs. For a week's stay, some extra space would be nice and I wouldn't compromise on beds. Kayak.com is another good search engine.