missm

Which one would you choose? The Avalon is a 3* boutique hotel and Waldorf Astoria (well, self explanatory really), there isn't much difference in price (about £20). Thanks!

mclaurie

Believe it or not, I'd say I'm not sure! First, I'd worry that the price you got for the Avalon is not the best price available. If you look on tripadvisor, you'll see people were paying under $200/night. While I know prices have gone up a lot for the fall....I'd also worry that if the Waldorf price is that low, you'll wind up in a broom closet (cupboard) and if you complain, what they'll offer you (if they have availability) is an upgrade for more money. Their standard rooms are small. Also be aware there may be more "hidden" charges. This was written by someone from England on tripadvisor

"...However, the worst problem of all was the numerous hidden charges- I was charged to use the TV, the Internet and even for storing my luggage for a few hours on the last day and for dialing toll-free telephone numbers! The most shocking charge was when I phoned down to reception to ask for a SPOON for my tea and was told I would be charged for it! Outrageous! Well, I used the spoon and returned it but they failed to refund me the $1.50 charge..."

If truth be told, I don't love the location of either of these hotels. At around $250 I'd prefer the Michelangelo, the Blakely, even the Warwick.

mclaurie

I didn't make it clear the quote from tripadvisor was about the Waldorf. Bottom line, the Waldorf has beautiful "public space" but the rooms are nothing special.

HowardR

I find some of those criticisms of the Waldorf hard to believe or accept. Charged for television? They probably viewed something on the pay channel. Charge for checking bags? That's standard in American hotels. Charged for a spoon? C'mon now!
I'm starting to think less and less of the reliability of tripadvisor comments, based on several examples quoted on the forum in recent months.

MFNYC

The avalon has suites that are very roomy. It also includes a decent continental breakfast which is a plus. I had some visitors stay there a few years ago and they were thrilled with it. The public space may not comapre to the waldorf but it's very nice none the less. I haven't been in a Waldorf room so I can't compare.

travelinwifey

Just got back from the Waldorf, the rooms are in a need of a cosmetic overhall. You don't mention the price you're paying but I would shop around. The main entrance hall is beautiful but it goes down hill after that. I wouldn't consider the accomodations up to par with 4* quality. The plusses are that the location is great and you may see a VIP or two, the security is excellent. I pricelined the Marriott Marquis in MTW for $115/nt and was happier with the experience.

travelinwifey

RE: being charged for the tele, I don't know where that came from? There is a charge for WEBTV internet access. Room service rates are the highest I've ever seen in a NY hotel. But I've never stayed at the Plaza or St Regis. Breakfast would have cost more than $100. Also there is a charge to dial 800 numbers, but many hotels do this.

missm

Well for the Waldorf Astoria including flights and 3 nights accomodation it would be £463 and for The Avalon it would be around $443.

missm

sorry the price for The Avalon would be £443 not inUSD as previously mentioned

mclaurie

missm, I think as part of a package deal, you'd get a less desirable room at the Waldorf. So the question becomes do you like the idea of staying in a posh famous hotel in a "nice" location and maybe a have a small "tired" room or would you rather stay in a less known place that people seem to really like (on tripadvisor) in a more "ordinary" location?

Trying to come up with a comparison with London, it might be like staying at Grosvenor House (although not quite as large) vs. a nicely done middle size hotel in Bloomsbury. (I probably get flamed for this comparison

What do you plan on doing in your 3 days? Maybe location can make a difference and help you decide?

Ann41

The Waldorf lives on its former reputation and its lobby. Mclaurie's comments were spot on.

MFNYC

The Avalon location may not be as flashy as the Waldorf, but it's very convenient, near lots of subway lines, and walking distance to many good stores, restaurants, sites, and neighborhoods.

Mommar

I stayed at the Waldorf 3 years ago on business and unless there's been a major remodel of the rooms, they are in awful shape, as others have reported. Peeling wallpaper, stained carpets ,but my favorite which I can't figure out was a bullet hole in an otherwise functional TV. Well, it was a round hole in the glass, but it didn't go all the way through, more like a circular nick. How did that happen? (I never go to the right parties!)

travelinwifey

Missm, the Waldorf Astoria comes up a lot on Priceline at a rate of around $125/nt, which is much better than you'd be paying and you'd still be receiving one of the lower tier rooms. It may be worth your while to check out www.biddingfortravel.com and learn about Priceline. This way you are guaranteed a centrally located hotel at a bargain price, 4 * accomodations. There are several Manhattan zones to choose from. Welcome to the states

missm

Thanks for everyones input, we've all changed our minds now and we're debating over the Hudson Hotel, or the SoHo Grand Hotel or the TriBeCa Grand Hotel-I've got a fetish of boutique hotels at the moment!

mclaurie

Ah, the old boutique hotel fetish Well there appears to be more than a little confusion about the term "boutique" despite several threads on the subject. But whether you consider boutique just a smallish hotel, or a modern, trendy hotel or both you need fair warning about boutique hotels in NYC. They are often an excuse for flashy and/or minimalist decor to mask miniscule rooms.

I would not choose the Hudson. Not only are the rooms evidently small, but the location is a bit off the beaten track. Please read the mostly negative reviews here

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._New_York.html

The Soho Grand I think could be a nice choice. Just be aware you're all the way downtown. This is a nice trendy area and convenient to a lot of sightseeing like the Statue of Liberty, Chinatown, Little Italy etc. It's not near midtown though. 60 Thompson is another boutique hotel in the area.

The Tribeca Grand further south than Soho, while owned by the same group as the Soho Grand, is not a very convenient location IMO. Very stylish though.

A bit further uptown (from Soho), on the edge of the village are the new Gansevoort Hotel and the Soho House (not in Soho). The Soho House has a much coveted private club. As a guest of the hotel, you have access to the club. These are in what is called the meatpacking district, the trendiest right now.

MFNYC

The Soho Grand is in a great location. I've only been in the lobby, but it appears to be very nice.

hilarygg

I stayed at the Soho Grand. The rooms were tiny and the service was snooty. I would not stay there again. I now stay at the Parker Meridien. No more boutique hotels for me.

travelinwifey

I'm not trying to sound like a giant advocate for Priceline but both the Soho and Tribeca Grand are Priceline hotels as well as 60 Thomson in the Soho/Financial District zone

mclaurie

Interesting wifey. The only problem is she could wind up at the Millenium Hilton too by bidding on PL. Not exactly a boutique hotel, nor is it in the area she wants. It's a prob. with PL's downtown area.Besides, OP is dealing with a package.