I just found out yesterday that I have received the "Golden Ticket" to Google Academy. I will be with other educators at Google Teacher Academy,76 Ninth Avenue,New York, NY

Being on a teacher's budget, I cannot afford big NY hotel prices. I have read a lot of posts here and at tripadvisor. What do NYorkers think know about Chelsea Lodge at 318 West 20th Street? Good neighborhood? Safe to walk at night between the two locations?

What airport would be the best to fly in to? I am flying NWA can do Newark, or LaGuardia.
Thanks, I trust your opinions.

Never knew Google Academy existed. Tell us about it.

Chelsea Lodge is fine but realize you'll share a toilet. Not a problem, just a heads up. Are you sure they have room? It gets booked pretty far in advance. When is this happening?

NYC is very safe assuming you use street smarts. Using Google maps, you'll see it's about a 6 minute walk. You can also use Google maps to find alternate hotels by plotting the academy and then using the "search nearby" function for hotels.

LGA is closest airport to Manhattan but there's decent train service from Newark. I'd pick the one with best flights/prices. If there's no difference, I'd opt for LGA. It's smaller and closer. Try to arrive and depart early in the day if you can.

Here is a google doc of clips of information that I made to tell others what I am going to. I called it the Golden Ticket in reference to the book /movie Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory because for these chosen educators who love technology, we will be like "kids in a candy factory." It is an honor to be chosen. Each attendee has submitted an application and a 1 minute video. Thousand apply, few are chosen.
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcss7c...f5q7jbfw&hl=en

I like Newark Airport because of the easy, relatively inexpensive train access into Penn Station and then you're just a short subway or even bus ride to Chelsea (the area where Google is located). LGA is not good for public transportation into the city.
The most important thing for you to know ( ) is that Google is almost across the street from Chelsea Market, so happy eating!

When will you be in New York? I would consider at least trying Priceline first to see what you can get.

Either airport is going to be fine for your arrival. There is the train from Newark, and there's also a very easy express bus that I've taken many times.
http://www.nyairportservice.com/