I'm planning a week long visit to New York City in september next year and I love to be prepared well in advance. Can anyone tell me if some areas of greater New York are still unsafe after dark, since safety is my priority number one? I already know to not go in the park after dark (hey, I'm a poet).

Another thing, of course, sleeping. I was thinking about renting something, like a studio or going to a B&B, but it would have to be in the Upper West Side. Upper East Side would not be bad either, but I prefer the West Side. Can anyone point me to some great places to stay, not to expensive, of course. B&B, Studio, apartment, anything. I know already about Jack and Judy's and some other places. Or maybe some of you rent out apartments, who knows...

Or maybe there are some other cool and safe areas to stay. I don't know really, I'm hoping on more insights from people who actually know the city.

Thanks for the help,

Cindy

Most if not all of Manhattan is safe except some parts of the northerly areas (above 125 st.) which aren't that convenient for a tourist anyway.

I really warn you strongly about renting an apartment privately though. Because hotel prices have skyrocketed, folks who are looking for more affordable options (the same folks who can least afford to lose money) are being "scammed" by internet vacation rentals. It's easy for this scam artists to steal/copy a photo from another website, advertise a place as their own, ask the potential renter to send a deposit (the worst are the wire transfer only option) and then they disappear with your money.

If you regularly rent apts. in other cities and are savvy and know the right questions to ask, I suppose you may be able to weed out the con artists. But it's not so easy. Understand that most apartment buildings in Manhattan do NOT allow short term rentals so even the "legit" rentals (meaning you pay and you actually get a place to stay) are often illegal-the person renting is doing so against building rules.

NYhabitat.com is a reputable agency that rents apartments. The Beacon and the Milburn are suite hotels on the UWS. There are also b & b setups downtown like chelsealodgesuites.com, greenwichvillagehome.com and http://www.edgeblur.com/agardeninchelsea.html

Thanks a lot for your reply mclaurie. I'll be very careful as where to rent an apartment, making sure it's a rental company? I didn't know about the fake advertisements. Thanks a lot for that tip

There is nothing wrong with Central Park after dark and just use common sense.

Any reason you prefer the Upper West Side? Subway lines are a little more convenient but just curious.

If you are wanting to stay out of Midtown (don't blame you) take a look downtown. The Wall Street Inn is a great accommodation.

What is your budget? Also check out The Exchange Hotel, The Best Western, and Club Quarters downtown.

Book a cancelable backup now and start shopping for a deal.

Just know that Labor Day through New Years Day is peak season for NYC and hotels are very expensive that time of year.

First, New York is the safet large city in the country. Granted any place can be dangerous (bus drivers can have a heart attack or something drop off a plane - but safety in NYC is not a major issue.

I wouldn't wander Central Park by myself at 3 am - but other than that it's perfectly safe - as is any tourist area in NYC. (There are some unpleasant neighborhoods - mostly in the outer boroughs but not places a tourist would have any reason to go.)

Agree the upper west side is a good area - but also agree you have to be very careful with private apartment rentals (some are complete frauds - and some are not what you expect). As long as you do your due diligence up front (check on EVERYTHING) you should be fine.

Safety in Manhattan is relative. There are a few B&Bs now in Harlem, and most of these areas are pretty safe, even at night. I have friends who live in Harlem with no problem, but the streets aren't always inviting up there. But if you are in one of the better areas, that's not a problem.

There are still a few unsafe neighborhoods in Manhattan, but I doubt you'll find accommodations in any of them.

A lot of people have used Craigslist successfully to find short-term apartment rentals, but I am just too leery of it to do it. I would recommend you rent only from a reputable agency.

If you really want to save money, I'd suggest you consider renting one of the small rooms at the Pod Hotel. It's in a great area of Midtown, and if you are willing to share a bath, you can get a small room for under $150 a night.

For a hotel room, you could also try Quickbook.com (no, I am not affiliated in any way). Someone told me about it once, and I've used it to book rooms in other cities. The deals all depend on inventory at the time you visit. Sometimes you can find a great deal; sometimes it's about the same as on other hotel booking sites.

I have been to New York for a week - 10 days for the last 4 years and have never had a problem. I tend to do my touristy things by myself and have never felt unsafe or threatened anywhere. I take the subway, walk the streets etc and have been fine. I am admittedly cautious at night and use common sense sticking to areas that are well lit and with people around. I have felt safer in New York than other places I have been.

In regards to mclaurie's post:

Of course one should ALWAYS be wary of internet scams.

The easiest way to spot fraud regrading renting an apartment is the manner in which to pay the deposit and then the balance due. PayPal (I have NO ties to this company) is BY FAR the best. You can call their 800 number and ask how long a certain account has been in existence. If it is more than a few months, and there are no complaints against it, then the business is most likely legit. Sending money thru PayPal protects you in that they have very tight controls on their business account holders. PayPal is owned by eBay, and is fully encrypted. NEVER send a check. NEVER use wire service.

Also, Craigslist is the best place to find great deals, and again, YES, there are scams. Where aren't there these days? As far as "what you get"...again, some may be more exact (with their pictures) than others.
My experiences have been all good. Some better than others. I used to use a company called City Lights B&B--no longer in existence. It was owned and operated by an older woman who was subsequently put out of business by the advent of craigslist and the do-it-yourselfers.

PS---

I find it more of a crime that the hotels charge (and get) those OUTRAGEOUS rates!

When all of the hotels are full the rates obviously aren't too outrageous. And for those who want New York at a bargain there are the winer months - when hotel rates are low and the cultural season is in full swing.

(And really, NYC hotel prices are based on local real estate prices, salaries, taxes etc. If you don;t like the hotel rates try finding a decent one bedroom apartment for less than $2500 per month.)

Thanks a lot for all your replies. All that info really helps. And it also helps that I love looking for places to stay....

Not sure why you want to stay in the upper west side. There is so much more to enjoy in SOHO and Tribeca.