I'll be staying in NYC on business next month. I have a meeting in Stamford so will take the train from Grand Central. I haven't been to NYC since 1988! I need help!

First off what area of town should I consider staying in? I will be by myself and want to be in a good area where I can do some shopping or walking around.

I love using Priceline so anyone who has used this for NYC I appreciate your input.

How can I find out the train schedule to CT?

I'm sure I'll have more questions but that's it for now!

Wendy

I personally would just stay in Midtown. There are great gobs of hotels near Grand Central, and lots of shopping too. The area is quite safe-- even Times Square is fine at night (but not TOO late). I've never used Priceline, however.

You can check out MTA's Metro-North Railroad schedule (New Haven line) at:

http://www.mta.info/mnr/index.html

For train schedules, to CT from NYC, go to the MTA Metro North Railroad website - http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/mnr/html/pl...les/index.html

And click on lines EAST of the Hudson (you want the New Haven line) which will take you to
http://as0.mta.info/mnr/schedules/sched_form.cfm where you can enter your information and get schedules, fares, etc.

As for where to stay, personally, I enjoy the Upper West Side - it's very walkable and neighborhoody - I love it. The Beacon Hotel, the Lucerne and the Milburn are all favorites. All are just a block or two from a subway stop. The subway takes you right to Grand Central.

I was just in NYC alone for a week and stayed at the Beacon, used the subway and bus and had a wonderful time.

If you want to do bigtime shopping (Saks, etc.) just take a subway or bus down to that area. (Or walk - last fall we walked from the Beacon at Broadway & 75th down to the 40s and had a great time.

I too would say to stay in Midtown. If you are going to use Priceline, go to www.biddingfortravel.com and you can find out which hotels in Midtown you are likely to get in the different star categories.

What's your budget for a hotel? What kind of shopping do you want to do (clothing, home, dept. store, discount)?

I would stay at The Larchmont in Greenwich Village (was just there and loved it). It's inexpensive.

Trying to stay under $150 a night which is why I plan to try Priceline. They divide the zones up into Midtown South, West, East, Upper-Central Park South, Upper East Side, Upper West Side.

I like shopping for great clothes! Either hip boutiques or upscale like Sak's.

by the way thanks for the train site rjw and patsy!

Well I'm not up on the hip boutiques but most of them are downtown I think (Chelsea, Soho, Tribeca, the Village). The upscale dept stores are in the 50-60s east side so that would be midtown east or central Park South BUT some of the midtown west hotels are very close to 5th Ave so SOME of those would be ok but not others I guess I'd go for midtown east-all things considered but amke sure you go for 4*

Check www.quikbook.com for hotels before you go to Priceline.

Wendy:
I don;t know where you live but as far as shopping if your into designer clothes at a discount I suggest that you make the shopping pilgromage to Woodbury Common, it is a huge outlet Mall. You can take a bus from the port authority , your hotel will be able to give you info on the trip .
As far as NYC the roosevelt is close to Grand Central and just remolded. Have you considered staying the night before your meeting in stamford and then going into the city . The hotels in Stamford are reasonable and it may be more convient to stay here.

Take a look at the hotels that have been received thru Priceline (and Hotwire) at www.BetterBidding.com

They'll also advise you on a bidding strategy if you'd like.

hi Wendy.
if you want to Priceline it, the zone's i would go for in order of preference are:
1) Upper Midtown, central park south
2) Midtown east
3) Midtown west

Midtown west is slightly less desirable to me than the other two because some of the properties are right in the Middle of Times Square which is fun, but crazy and congested. I like to visit Times Square but don't like to stay right in it.

Midtown east is good, but the only reason I listed it second is that you have a chance of getting the Grand Hyatt, which is a hotel that I personally don't like. It is right next to Grand Central though which you may like. Also, i personally think the nearby restaurants are way overpriced and not that great at all.

The best neighborhood is upper midtown. Very "New-Yorky" which super shopping and upscale neighborhoond. Pretty area too- with all the trees along Park Ave and the fancy townhouses.
Great restaurants.
Try the Park Avenue Cafe (its a little pricey but delicious) or Cafe Des Artes.

actually, midtown west is much less desirable. not just slightly. its just to crowded there.

Midtown West is the theater/times sq area where most tourists stay. Midtown south and east are also good, convenient locations and not as hectic as staying in the MTW area. It did priceline once for Midtown South 4* and was awarded a suite at Hotel Avalon. 3 adults comfortably stayed there. Priceline is a good idea.

I forgot, here's a post that describes each of the NYC Priceline Zones:

http://www.betterbidding.com/index.p...T&f=254&t=522&

I vote for Midtown East or Central Park South. Just easier to get around, and the Times Square area does get a bit crowded with tourists. As you may have surmised, hotel quality goes all over the map in NYC-- even in the tonier areas. For example the Loews on Lexington, last time I stayed there, was pretty shabby, but they may have renovated the rooms since. The Inter-Continental, a couple of blocks away, was lovely, although my room was tiny (the wonderfully comfy bed essentially took up every square foot of floorspace). But the location, and the ease of moving around to all points in Manhattan, can't be beat.

If you want to get a more genuinely "New York" experience, try the Upper East Side or Gramercy Park areas. Both are on the subway line that connects to Grand Central and have tons of restaurant and shopping choices. In the Upper East Side, try the Stanhope on 5th Avenue or (if you're on someone else's nickel) the Mark or the Carlyle. In Gramercy Park, try the Gramercy Park Hotel. A little farther south, the Mercer Hotel is interesting.

Hi Wendy-I would stay in Midtown close to Grand Central. In the AM it's easier to just walk over there and get on a train. Then when you get back to the city you can go from right inside GC to the subway and go wherever you want very easily. There is no sense in adding more time to your commute by staying somewhere like the Upper West Side and having to schlep over to Midtown in the 40s early in the AM. YOu can just take a train to any neighborhood and walk around there. I do that all the time since I also live in Midtown and don't always feel like hanging around that area. There is a mall in Stamford but it's more fun to shop in the city. For good boutiques check out Soho, West Village, NoLita, and the Upper West Side-start at Columbus and 70th and go up or start upwards and head down. Either way you'll find great stuff. Have a good trip.

I would probably skip Priceline as there are good deals to be had right now through the hotels. I just stayed at the Gorham for $139/night - which I would highly recommend for a business traveler. Nice small hotel, quiet, good location.

If you do choose Priceline be sure to look at biddingfortravel.com. I remember reading on there some rip-off about a supposed 4-star hotel whose rooms are 8' by 10'. Check it out.

If you want to stay near Grand Central, I have stayed twice at the Regal U.N. Plaza and enjoyed it both times. Rooms are clean and modern, great views of the city and indoor pool also overlooking NY.

Personally, I prefer staying either her west, closer to (but not in) Times Square or farther north in the East Side (50's). I like hotels near places that stay open late for a meal, snack, magazine or just to take a walk if I can't sleep. Also safer. In NYC, I also look for hotels on side streets (44th st., 45th St.) rather than on avenues. Avenues can be noisy ALL night long!