I’m hoping that the power of the Dope can help out my friends; they’re taking their first trip to NYC in May (4th-7th), and are in a quandary over hotels. It’s two adults, two kids (12 and 15). They’re resigned to the fact that they’ll likely all share a room, but where?
They are going to see a show or two, catch the Mariners/Yankees game, hip-hop tour of Harlem, shoe shopping–y’know, the essential tourist thing (I’m trying to convince them to take a walking tour of the old Bowery, or see Ellis Island).
It’s hard from a distance (west coast Canada), and for folks who have never been to NYC to figure what’s a good area to stay, and what is a reasonable yet good, clean hotel. Even the travel websites are no match for first-person opinion–and I know Dopers are not short on opinions!
Can anyone recommend something central in a range of around $250/night (parking not required) for them? He’s a firefighter, she’s a registered nurse–in Canada, many hotels offer a discount or a deal for union members or public servants: any idea if that is done in NYC?
Ooh–for bonus points, the 15-year old is going to try and find a junior prom dress when in NYC. She’s about a size 14-16. Any ideas for where she can look for a fashion bargain (in town–they have no time or transport to go out to suburban malls or outlets)?
Well, looks like my link doesn’t work (MODS, PLEASE DELETE PREVIOUS POST).
You won’t be able to find much better than 3 stars in your price range in Midtown. For $100 more, you might want to try the Westin.
Why do people think I know hotels in NYC? I live here. I don’t use the hotels. Now someone who visits here regulary would know.
OK I lied. They should look here.
Suites, with kitchenetts, the most expesive rooms for that time are $259.00.
The only thing is that although the neighborhood is safe, it is not convienent to the things they want to do. Not too hard if they are willing to ride the subways. It it in the Lower East Side. Very funky artistic area. Close the the Tenament musuem which they should check out since they are so close. It is also clost to Katz deli, which is also something they should check out.
Sorry to return to this later than anticipated–had to solve the “Quandary of the Missing Trousers” on the way to work, following up on the “Case of the Clueless Dry Cleaner Counterperson.”
Thanks for the responses so far-- the offSoHo place looks pretty great–the kind of place I’d stay if I was going! Likewise the QT. My friends (and I) have plunked around the travel websites (expedia, travelocity, etc); but there is a certain “sameness” to them, and I still think that word of mouth from locals or folks who’ve already been there is the best research.
Any bargain mavens with plus-size teen dress shopping ideas?
If you’re looking to stay in Soho, you’ll only be a couple of blocks away from Little Italy. Check out Café Naploi on Mulberry Street for an affordable night out. Mrs. Magill and I got out for $41 this past Saturday night. (2 pasta dinners, 2 glasses of wine and a canoli)
Hi fellow British Columbian! About three years ago, I did a three night trip to NYC, and stayed in a Red Roof Inn about a block from the Empire State building. I was quite impressed. Granted, it’s not bursting with character being a chain, but the room was large and perfectly clean. It was inexpensive, with a great location, and even came with a free self-serve breakfast (toast, cornflakes, fruit, etc). Well worth it, mind you we went in November, so the rates were probably quite discounted.
The HoJo on Houston Street in the East Village is great - I think it’s about 90 bucks a night for a single (I know you said family, but that should give you an idea) and it’s clean, in a cool neighorhood full of beautiful people (I mean, I live 5 blocks away) and I can testify to it (my dad stays there whenever he visits)
It’s very close to the Bowery, the LES, CBGB (or where it once was) and close to the 6 train (which you’ll need to take to Yankee Stadium)
For prom dresses you can head down to Gound Zero (take the 6 train to Brooklyn Bridge and walk down 3 blocks) and hit Century 21 (a dep’t store that carries everything from Prada and down at about a 50% discount)…but get there early (they open at 9) b/c it’s chaos much after that.
The HoJo is also a par 3 from Broadway which, you may have heard, has some shoping opportunities.
You can also go to Lucky Chang’s, it’s a drag bar on 1st Ave and Houston. I mean, who knows more about gowns that drag queens, you know?
You’re going to get killed on parking in Manhattan for 3 days (though there are garages everywhere, so finding it is no problem). My advice: Park in New Jersey and take a bus or a cab through the Holland Tunnel (not The Lincoln Tunnel, way too far from downtown) to the HoJo (if you decide on it). Parking in NYC is vulgar.
Bonus: The HoJo is 100 yard from a fantastic diner (Lo Side Diner) and world famous Katz’s deli.
Warning: May is Graduation Season so you should make your reservations like, now. Go…Right now…Go.