We have reservation there for two nights next week. Price is right and it includes free garage. However it is on 42 off 10th Av. Years ago when we lived in Manhattan it used to be not the best area. How is it now? Do you think that we will feel safe walking from the theatre or a dinner late in the evening? Do you know anything about this hotel?

I've had friends stay there recently with no problem. Walking back to the hotel is somewhat desolate, but I believe it is safe. You will pass several off-Broadway theaters and many New Jersey/Connecticut people use that garage to park when coming in for the evening.

It's still not what I consider to be a great area but I doubt that youd have a problem walking there late in the evening. If it was very late (e.g. well after 11PM) you'd likely feel more comfortable just grabbing a cab somewhere on 9th Ave and ride back - will probably cost $3-4. I have never heard any feedback on the hotel itself but have seen several people post indicating that they planned to stay there before departing on a cruise that departed from the docks on that end of town. Never saw any subsequent posts complaining so I'm guessing that it's okay but that's relative - what's the rate?

The neighborhood is okay, improving with each of our annual visits, but it IS several blocks west of Times Square and quite a hike to the subway station. For some reason, it's tough to get a taxi from there, too. But, there are lots of appealing restaurants on 9th Ave, right around the corner. We considered staying there last Christmas for the low rate and free parking, but opted to pay the extra for a more convenient location in a nicer area.

PS We walk every year to Chez Josephine (in the block east) from the theatre district without feeling particularly "unsafe". And, you might want to check hotwire.com for your dates. You might get lucky and get a similar rate.

Thank you all for your opinions. For $105 with parking included we are ready to take a taxi late in the evening. I am glad to hear this area is improving because 10 years ago when we lived in Manhattan it was really bad.

Any great restaurants (not fast food type) near by? Thanks again

I would also appreciate detailed driving directions to the hotel from the West Side Highway. Do we need to take 43 rd street to 9th Av and drive to the hotel as it is on the North side of 42nd I think?

Get off at 42nd Street and drive to the hotel which, I believe, is between 10th and 11th. You can make a left turn into the garage entrance even though you are heading eastbound. Chez Josephine, one block east, is a good, very popular, restaurant.

for someone

topping for Myst.

I am not sure anyone who's stayed there is responding to your post.

For what it's worth, I think the pool is a kind of secret NY sunbathing scene--people who live here show up early and pay an admission to sit in a lounge chair and swim for the day.

I am sure you know what you want to do and why--but if it were I (irrelevant I know) I'd take the Travel Inn if the price was right, and take a taxi back at night for $7 for five minutes from theatre to bed. Vs realistically an hour to Brooklyn via foot (to subway) and train (late night schedule) and foot (train to hotel).