April in NY city. Thinking of staying at hotel novotel,the belvedere, the crowne plaza in times square,or park central. any suggestions.
Thanks

What's your budget?
Do you want to stay in Times Square Area or Park Central Area?
Have you tried the Sheraton Manhattan and Towers, and the NY Hilton?

New York hotels are probably the most common topic on this board. I suggest doing search -- you'll find much more than you need.

Look at reviews on tripadvisor.com I don't think the Park Central gets very good feedback.

If you are just 2 people, you might consider trying Priceline. Go to biddingfortravel.com for info.

And - assuming there are no more than two of you - and you seem fairly flexible on location and hotel - you may want to consider Priceline to get more for your money.

Actually I have seen quite numerous horrible reviews of the Park Central. I think that the Crowne Plaza is considerably above any of the other choices in "class". Novotel would be next. The Belvedere is a decent budget hotel, but not in the same league as Crowne Plaza.

I have stayed at The Belvedere a couple of times and have reservations there again in March. I have been very pleased with the hotel, the location, and the price. I do agree with Patrick that the The Crowne Plaza is a nicer hotel so it depends on your budget. I would definitely try priceline if there is two of you. Before when I've stayed at The Belvedere, there have been three in my party so didn't want to take a chance on priceline. This time there is only two of us so I may give priceline a try when it gets closer to March. I am paying $135 plus tax at The Belvedere but if I can get a 4* for a comparable price it might be worth it.

If you do decide to try priceline, I would go ahead and book a room somewhere now. I tried a few dates at the Belvedere for April, some were available, some not. April in New York is pretty popular.

Some tips on getting a good room rate at The Belvedere in case you are interested. First of all their official website is www.belvederehotelnyc.com
The rate on this website is higher than some other websites. I know Expedia is lower and also the website
http://hotelbelvederenewyork.com (which goes through a broker). You could search a few more such as hotel.com, etc. I found the lowest rate, then I called then and asked if they would match it. I also asked for a AAA discount. Ask them also if they include breakfast in the rate. I think they charge $10 a day for breakfast and I had them take it off. I think their breakfast is OK but I would rather get bagels at the deli or take advantage of the frig and go to the store for supplies. If I do want a big breakfast, I am not one to eat it at my hotel. So just some tips on getting the best rate.

Thanks for the info. There are three couples going together. Probably won't use priceline etc,
Times Square area is where we want to stay. My wife and I stayed at the Crowne Plaza in April 2001 and really liked it. Other two couples have not been to New York before. I'm trying to find a place that would satisfy them also.

We always stay at the Marriott Renassaince, Times Square. Great staff, nice big rooms and huge baths - by NY standards. Wonderful location at 48th and Broadway.

I think we have narrowed our choices to either Crowne Plaza or The Grand Hyatt...probably the Grand Hyatt..now we are planning plays...Mamma Mia, Good Vibrations and 700 Sundays. anybody seen them.
Thanks

I stayed at the Grand Hyatt and, other than the lobby, was totally UNDERwhelmed by it. The rooms were very small and rather in need of a facelift. If the price is very good, this hotel would be o.k., but it is not in a great location (next to Grand Central Station) for walking about to see the sights or evening dining. I thought it was a long walk, through some rather rough areas (across 42nd Street) from Times Square and theaters. I guess one could take the shuttle across town.... IMHO: some of your other considerations were better.

Agree that the Hyatt is not near Times Square - you would either have to shuttle or walk over on 42 st - only 10 minutes or so though - and can;t imagine what "rough areas" are being discussed - this is the center of midtown manhattan - not East New York or Bed Stuy.

When I was there, between 8th Ave. and ??? along 42nd Street were the seediest "Adult" shops. I felt most uncomfortable walking. Luckily we were in a group, so wasn't too bad. I'd just pick another route to walk or stay closer to Times Square. Maybe this strip has cleaned up now.

TC
When was the last time you were in The Hyatt Grand? Their website states that they just had a 65 Million Extreme renovation..Also, I don't think it is to far between Park Ave and 42nd st to TS, is it?

I'm sorry - but to think that a couple of tacky store fronts is a rough area that you feel uncomfortable walking in - you must have led an incredibly sheltered life.

A rough area is where the drug deals are openly made on street corners, the shooting gallery is the service entrance of your building and you hear gunshots every night. (If you ever ask about somwhere in the outer boroughs and someone says its in a rough area - that's what they mean!)

I won't go to battle with you over what does and does not make one feel uncomfortable while walking at night. While it is a given that there are indeed rougher areas in this, or any city, walking across 42nd Street at night would not - and is not MY first choice.

The walking distance from Times Square - say near the Marriott Marquis - to the Grand Hyatt is a little under a mile and a half each way. However, as I said, you can take the shuttle between TS to GCS and save some walking.

I stayed at the HGC about a year and a half ago. I believe at the time their web site said the same thing. Ask for one of the renovated rooms when you check in. Enjoy.

If you want to stay in the Times Square area there are soooo many options, the Grand Hyatt NOT being one. IMO it is a business hotel with not much to recommend it to the average tourist. What price are you considering paying for the Hyatt?? It is a nicer hotel I think than the Belvedere, but not as well located. The Belvedere also has some kitchen facilities in the rooms which can be handy.

Why not go back to the Crowne Plaza?

As to shows, 700 Sundays is totally sold out as far as I know. Everyone seems to like Mama Mia. Good Vibrations has gotten good reviews.