1st Time to New York

Great Forum, trying to read all the suggestions etc., still could do with some advice re: hotels. Times Square to be avoided or not? We aren%26#39;t tied to any particular area, flying into Newark, staying for 5 days and our budget is around $450-$499 per night. Looked at Michelangelo, but must admit do like the Hyatt chain..

Welcome any help... is Greenwich Village a good place to stay?

Thanks in advance.

1st Time to New York

Greenwich Village is a great neighborhood to stay in -- the problem is that there are very few decent hotels there.

The question of Times Square is entirely a matter of taste. It is bright, loud, and crowded with tourists, and all of the buisnesses there are geared toward tourists -- which means there are lots of overpriced chain restaurants, tacky souvenir shops, etc. It certainly has its own ';vibe'; -- but it is not a ';real'; New York neighborhood. If you want to experience Times Square as Times Square, and you like that kind of mob scene, it%26#39;s fine. If you want something more ';real New York';, and a little quieter, and not mobbed 24/7 with other tourists, then you want to get away from Times Square.

1st Time to New York

The only Hyatt in NYC is the Grand Hyatt at Grand Central Station on Park Avenue. It%26#39;s a 3+ star hotel, 1300 rooms, but it is in your price range. As its located at Grand Central, it is an easy walk to Times Square, or the Shuttle or #7 Subway, if you just want to see it, not stay in it. It%26#39;s a quieter location than Tiimes Square, since the location is more of a business district with daytime activity. If you stay in the area, do take the time to visit inside Grand Central terminal. If you like seafood, the Oyster Bar Restaurant inside Grand Central is good.

If you%26#39;re coming in nice weather, I%26#39;d suggest staying within walking distance of Central Park, which is the real heart and soul of the city. The Michelangelo, while not in a residential neighborhood, is a good choice because it%26#39;s walkable to much of midtown (Times Square, 5th Ave., Rockefeller Center, and also just a few blocks south of the park.

You%26#39;re all great what prompt replies!! Me and my better half are used to sussing out where to stay in London as our Son lives there and I work there - so we know where to stay, where%26#39;s touristy etc., so completely agree with the vibe about Times Square and tourists, sounds like Oxford Street, Piccadilly, Leicester Square area Agghhh! No not our scene...would rather stay in a quieter area and go to the noise!! So with that in mind what about the London NYC, or Giraffe, Elysee hotels?

Sorry to be a nuisance...

Hotels Giraffe, Elysee or Michelangelo?? Can anyone offer advice...

Hotels Giraffe, Elysee or Michelangelo

Michelangelo is the biggest of those and very glamorous public areas. Their basic rooms/bathrooms are big by NYC standards. The Giraffe and Elysee (both owned by the same co.) are smaller hotels with smaller basic rooms but some nice suites (esp. at the Elysee).

Locations-Michelangelo midtown west about 10 blocks north of Times Square nearish south end of Central Park. Elysee is midtown east not far from Rockefeller Center. The Giraffe is in the least touristy location, considered Gramercy area south of midtown. Combo business/residential area with lots of good restaurants including the popular Gramercy Tavern.

FYI-the London is near the Michelangelo and depending on price might be a very nice option. Rooms are all suites and there are some amazing views there.

If you wanted to share your likes/dislikes and dates we might be able to steer you better. If you like Hyatts, I%26#39;m assuming you prefer larger hotels with lots of services. The ones you%26#39;re considering are all relatively small.

Thanks nywhiz - we do prefer larger hotels but was thinking that perhaps staying at the Michelangelo and being smaller it might be a bit less impersonal? Looked at the London NYC looks good, just pricer than the Michelangelo. Would be nice to have a view from our room but not essential, would like a large room if possible/prepared to pay for a suite if its worth it! Not really fussed where the hotel is as I%26#39;m sure there will be plentiful cabs etc. Going on Bateaux one evening, River Cafe another and generally trying to see the sights during the day.

Thanks.

Sorry forgot dates - beginning of June for a week. :p)

Hi out there, any more input into hotels???

Hi: We just came back and stayed at the Sofitel, it was very nice, streets away from all the attractions, the beds were very comfty, the bath spacious, and we paid like 1,100 for three nights. Of course we spent most of the day having fun in the city...so we thought it was a good choice!...check it up

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