maryanntex

I agree with Mike. Four Points Chelsea is great. Good location, nice and surprisingly big-enough rooms, and you only have to walk about ten steps to reach the elevator. My favorite NYC hotel.

emcash

This post actually brought up some great memories. Love the Giraffe, but have found that it's alot more pricey relatively speaking than it was when it first opened. back then, it was a steal! Have stayed in a corner suite at the mandarin on someone else's dime and that was pretty incredible. But, IMO, nothing beats the elegance and comfort of the St. regis.

Our new hotel of choice is the London. we love it- very spacious rooms , brand new redo, great location and great service.

absolutkz

It's on the list, but I liked the Lucerne on W 79th. I had a heck of time trying to find a reasonable ( around $200) CLEAN hotel that had 2 double beds. Friendly staff and subway around the corner.

Gardyloo

Courtyard Midtown East. Our favorite of the mid-priced hotels. Great location (Duane Reade downstairs, subway at the corner). Huge room (we had two queen beds AND a loveseat), nice size bathroom, laundry facilities, very friendly staff.

Ditto ditto check check.

Plus Ess-a-Bagel is across the street.

Amanda23

I really liked the Cosmopolitan Hotel - inexpensive (for NY), clean, great location right in funky Tribeca, easy access to Subway etc.

Erica_D

Hi all,

Thank you for these fantastic suggestions. I've noted them all down and will look into the properties that we don't already cover.

A follow-up question, if I may: I've noticed in other threads many recommendations for suite hotels and apartment rentals like Doubletree Guest Suites and Radio City Apartments. Do you think we should devote more coverage to these types of properties, or keep the focus on hotels?

Please keep the recommendations coming -- I really appreciate your feedback.

Best,
Erica

maytraveller

Hi Erica:

We prefer smaller hotels and have much enjoyed the Hotel Elysee on 54th between Madison and Park for its good location, friendly service, and European vibe.

I'm surprised not to find it on your list.

maytraveller

andrew8

Mandarin Oriental:
The biggest downside to these rooms are the mattresses which are average at best. You need to make sure if you get a park view room get a corner suite so the Trump building isn't blocking your view of the park. Room service menu is one of best I've seen at any hotel in the USA.

Ritz Carlton Central Park:
This hotel has a small intimate feel to it. The beds here are very comfortable and the higher floors offer the best views of the park. Rooms service menu is Ok but the service is first rate.

kansasmom

Erica --

I think it would be helpful to include reviews of hotels that have suites, such as Doubletree and Radio City, etc. When we were researching for our upcoming trip, we were really focusing on finding a suite for our family of four. (We have reservations at the Blakely.) Sometimes you need more than just a room w/ two doubles!

lcuy

I don't see "On the Ave Hote! I love it, and several others on this board have given it high marks as well. It is on 79th and Broadway, about 50 steps from the subway, in the midst of lots of good restaurants, markets, and shopping, walking distance to the Natural history museum and Central park.

The rooms are nicely furnished, the staff friendly, and they have great specials.

But then again, maybe I don't wan't others to know about it!

abranz

if you are looking at suite hotels, the affinia across from madison square is fabulous.
the rooms are spacious with 2 full bathrooms.
they also have the pillow menu!
every wednesday they host an appreciation evening where they serve free food and booze. i did not have the opportunity to sample but it smelt and looked really good.

yakity

No one has mentioned the newly opened Desmond Tutu in Chelsea. It is a redone seminary located in the midst of Chelsea art galleries and the growing Chelsea market area, close the 8th ave subway and uptown 10th ave bus. Excellent buffet breakfast in a high ceiling rectory surrounded with wood panelling and stained glass windows. Can't wait to stay again

starrs

My (new) favorite - The Muse in Times Square. I love the Kimpton group boutique hotels

On Priceline - I often get the Hilton on 6th at a good rate

Moderate choice - LaQuinta - was very pleased with location, price and hotel features

nstevey

I would go for something more moderate, value priced and not some big chain or ritzy celeb hotel with the super avant garde furnishings in the front desk, something more locally owned and with a history and unique.

I'd stay at Hotel Chelsea.

SiteC_er

Le Parker Meridien..the pool on the roof and the views of Manhattan are awesome.

chevre

I really like the Park South Hotel in Murray Hill. It is reasonable with a great breakfast. And the location is terrific! It's between Park and Lex w/the 28th subway stop on the corner. A great value in a city w/expensive hotels.

kcapuani

We always stay at the Courtyard Midtown East. The rooms are moderately priced, yet spacious and include a pull-out sofa bed. There is a subway stop right next door, as well as several dining options and a drug store. The staff is friendly and accommodating.

TC

Erica; I do think its a good idea to include suite hotels as many times we're looking for a place to share -- 3 ladies out for a theater holiday or the like. With prices so high on even the most basic NY hotel, it is often essential to share the cost. Having enough room for 3 or 4 is great and the price is often less when sharing a large place than if we were each to get our own room.

In that regard, I think the DoubleTree Times Square is wonderful. The suites are large enough for at least 3 to share -- two beds and a sofa bed. The baths have double sinks and then there's another sink and mirror in the living room bar area, so we can all do make-up at the same time.

The Blakely also has nice sized suites for sharing, although the hotel is not quite as conveniently located for walking to theaters and the baths aren't quite as large as the Doubletree's. However, the staff is great and there are wonderful restaurants in the area.

In both of the above its a help to the budget to have a small refridgerator and a coffee maker. We keep breakfast items and our own snacks. We are able to make cocktails if we like to save a bit also. Both hotels are located on very good subway lines for easy access to the entire city.

On a smaller scale, we love The Muse. The Kimpton staff is really good, the location great, the evening wine hour is a nice bonus pre-theater as is the morning coffee. There is a wonderful E.A.T. deli on the corner too.

DH and I have also stayed at The Time on several occasions. While the rooms are miniscule, they do make extremely good use of the limited space. We often find excellent last minute prices at The Time and the location can't be beat for theater and subway.

lc4637

My daughter and I just returned from nyc. We stayed 3 nights at the On the Ave for $139.30 for a double. I guess they were trying to fill their rooms, it's not usually that reasonable. Very nice hotel in the UWS (which we like) and the hotel staff is very friendly.

Erica_D

Hi all,

Just wanted to thank you for your very insightful NYC hotel suggestions. We are planning to visit several of the properties you recommended for reviews in the upcoming edition.

We are always looking to improve our hotels coverage, and want to hear from you about what's great, and what's not so hot.

There are two ways to contribute beyond the forums : 1) post your own reviews within our destination guides here on the site(http://www.fodors.com/world/hotel-reviews.html); or 2) email your feedback to the editors anytime at [email protected].

Thanks again! Erica