updated advice on New York hotels
 

I have been searching through the forum and multiple web sites looking for a reasonable (preferably under $250 but realize that may not happen) hotel in New York from 24-29 August for myself and my adult daughter. Most of the threads are very old so I was wondering what is the latest word on a nice (clean and comfortable) hotel in a good location. I thought I would like to try Chelsea or Greenwich village for a change, as I never seem to manage to get enough time to just wander down there,but I also love to be near the theater district and just walk back after a night at the theater...so I am open to location suggestions.
So please give some updated advice.
many thanks

I stay here: http://www.thejanenyc.com/

West Village but walking distance to Chelsea and Greenwich Village, not to mention the Hudson, the High Line and subway.

Travelzoo is advertising the Manhattan at Time Square for under $250 for your dates.

Bookit.com also has some good hotel deals for your dates.

Thanks. I have checked many websites to see the deals, but in general I prefer to book directly with the hotel website as I find they are more willing to upgrade and less likelihood of problems, and they are often willing to match any other price.
I really was looking for recommendations for specific hotels.
Thursdaysd I checked the Jane and it is $1375+tax as compared to the Mela which is $1245 + tax. The difference is negligible but the Mela appears to get better reviews although I know the rooms are small.
Any more suggestions?

Kat - you need to read the reviews for the Jane bearing in mind that most people stay in the rooms with shared bathrooms, and the rate you quote is for one with an en-suite bathroom.

POD hotels, either one. http://www.thepodhotel.com/

Rooms in the Jane are minute - the reason for the low price. Would be crowded for 2 people.

Don't know the Mela myself.

I have been reading great reviews for the Distrikt, but rooms were $300 for Queen and $331 for King. Then I read somewhere that signing up for their Choice loyalty club gets you a better rate so I tried and signed up. I was immediately offered their king room for $247 instead of $331!!! I was thrilled (I hope) and just booked it. I can cancel up to 24 hours from date, but I think I got a pretty good deal.

I've never tried the hotel, but the location is pretty central, and that's a good price. I'd book and change if something better comes along. It's probably more convenient than Chelsea, especially for a short stay.

DD and SIL stayed at The Distrikt right after it opened several years ago and had a good experience--if that helps.

The Hilton Fashion District is showing prices in that range. We stayed there last year and liked it. There is a Whole Foods nearby for quick breakfasts and it's a short walk to the subway. DD and I popped over for a quick and fun visit to the fashion exhibits at FIT.

Oh ... and you often DO get better deals by booking through third-party sites in NYC rather than booking directly. Most hotels in NYC will not price match, particularly during the height of the tourist season. This only happens in January and February.

Thanks all. I will keep looking out for deals and will be happy for more recommendations but have booked the Distrikt meanwhile. Doug, Distrikt does mention on its website that not only will they match any price, but they will give you a free night if you find cheaper. I am very happy with my price so far and although I might find cheaper hotels, I don't know if they will match what appears to be a really good hotel.

KatPen, you do know, right, that Travelzoo and many other sites only advertise specials, but you get them by booking directly with the hotels themselves? Travelzoo specials tend to come up about a month or less before your dates.

Hi NeoPatrick, No I didn't know Travelzoo was only for specials. I never really looked at it because I thought it was just another booking site...Now I will definitely take a look. Any other specific sites that are worth looking at?
That's why I love this forum!

You can check and sign up for emails from Sniqueaway.com and Jetsetter.com...they offer specials on higher end properties. I've used them for one stay last summer, not New York, but NYC properties appear frequently. I think my booking was with Jetsetter and I was pleased with the deal I got.

I'm not sure how good Jetsetter's deals are in NYC, but I got a tremendous price on a hotel in Boston the week before Christmas.