Everything & Anything New York City

muddymouse

hellokitty08 wrote: »

Maybe consider,

http://www.tryphotels.com/en/tryp-times-square-south-nueva-york-hotel-united-states-of-america.html

not your prefered area but they do rooms for 2-8 people. I managed to book my stay on an offer for 40% off list price through zoo, so might be able to get it in budget and the reviews are good.

I've actually been looking at this one, it looks lovely and, like you say, the reviews are great. Cheapest I've found is just over 1200, which I don't mind paying if it's as good as it seems. When you say you got an offer through zoo, do you mean Travelzoo?

muddymouse

M4RKM wrote: »

I do like the Cosmopolitan and have stayed there many times. They're done some upgrading so it is a bit more boutique now than budget, and their prices have increased accordingly. What is your exact budget per night and exact dates?

Other places that are more affordable will be places in Long Island City.

Hi Mark

I wouldn't be able to pay much more than about £1250 for the hotel for 4 nights. The dates I'm planning are from Sat 26th until 30th October.

I have looked at the Long Island ones you've recommended, but they all seem to be chain hotels so a little bit characterless. I haven't ruled them out, as I know they will be clean and probably a bit bigger than those in the more central areas, but would prefer somewhere that is a bit more special if possible.

muddymouse

Sorry to post yet again :cool:, but could anyone give me their opinion on this guesthouse:

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g60763-d1600107-Reviews-La_Maison_d_Art-New_York_City_New_York.html

It looks lovely, and has great reviews, but it's in Harlem, which a friend warned me isn't the nicest area. I'm obviously a little nervous as it's my first time in NY and we won't have an adult male with us. It's substantially cheaper than hotels in the centre of the city, but would this be a stupid economy?

So confused!

hellokitty08

muddymouse wrote: »

I've actually been looking at this one, it looks lovely and, like you say, the reviews are great. Cheapest I've found is just over 1200, which I don't mind paying if it's as good as it seems. When you say you got an offer through zoo, do you mean Travelzoo?

Yes I do, glad you knew what I was talking about! lol

I arrive on Thursday so I will let you know if it is good.

M4RKM

muddymouse wrote: »

Hi Mark

I wouldn't be able to pay much more than about £1250 for the hotel for 4 nights. The dates I'm planning are from Sat 26th until 30th October.

I have looked at the Long Island ones you've recommended, but they all seem to be chain hotels so a little bit characterless. I haven't ruled them out, as I know they will be clean and probably a bit bigger than those in the more central areas, but would prefer somewhere that is a bit more special if possible.

So, a very expensive time of year, 4 nights, and around $400 per night to achieve a modern unique hotel, for 5 people. The main problem (apart from the budget), is that boutique hotels, normally don't cater for large families. You may get a room with 2 queens, but not with a sofa.

I personally wouldn't stay at the Tryp, as the location isn't what you're wanting. Bland, corporate, nothing much else apart from other hotels, and big businesses. The Cosmopolitan is in a better location for transportation too.

Sorry to post yet again , but could anyone give me their opinion on this guesthouse:

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_R..._New_York.html

It looks lovely, and has great reviews, but it's in Harlem, which a friend warned me isn't the nicest area. I'm obviously a little nervous as it's my first time in NY and we won't have an adult male with us. It's substantially cheaper than hotels in the centre of the city, but would this be a stupid economy?

So confused!

Yes, it is cheaper, but is it legal, that's the debatable point. They don't have a valid Certificate of Occupancy for a hotel, however, according to the last temporary one (expired in 2005), it is 1 duplex, and 3 other apartments. This means it would fall foul of the apartment rental rules, as it has more than 3 units in total. Legality is debatable, but you run the risk of being evicted at any time during your stay, as apartment rentals are illegal in NYC for under 30 days.

As for Harlem, well it's perfectly safe, it has places to live that we wouldn't be able to afford. Personally I'd stick with searching for a hotel.

You're looking to book a bit early though. I know you want to do loads of planning and everything, but offers and deals don't appear this early for October.

Similarly, as I've always said, is your struggle is to get the room config you want, at a price you want.

M

muddymouse

Thanks Mark, I didn't realise that B&Bs/guesthouses could also be problematic - I thought it was just short term apartment rentals that were illegal. I think you're right, I should probably just play it safe and stick to a hotel, would never forgive myself if we all got chucked out on the street!

As for booking time, do you think it might be a good idea to book the Cosmpolitan on a cancellable rate, and then look for a better deal around July or August? At least then I'd have something to fall back on if needed?

greenface

Why wouldnt that ever be a bad idea. No brainer you cannot lose either way .

muddymouse

greenface wrote: »

Why wouldnt that ever be a bad idea. No brainer you cannot lose either way .

Yeah, stupid question really! I'm just being a bit pathetic cos I'm so worried I'm going to mess it up somehow. I've never been out of Europe before so this is a big deal for me. Thanks for your help.

Coming back to add... just booked it for £1094, which doesn't sound too bad to me after some of the prices I've seen, but will carry on looking nearer the date.

M4RKM

If you're happy with the price book it. If you see prices fall, book them before cancelling what you have.

I've done this quite a few times. Sometimes I get a saving, other times, I upgrade my room for the same money as I was happy to pay.

I was staying at the Wythe for my holiday next week, but King & Grove Williamsburg, decided to do a 20% discount offer, so, i've got a better, bigger room, for less money.

Previously, I've had the Smyth booked (right opposite the Cosmopolitan Hotel), in a Queen Room. Prices changed, and I got a King Room for the same money.

ALWAYS book the cheaper room before you cancel the existing booking.
ALWAYS ensure you save the cancellation e-mails, just in case.

M

greenface

Same here i dont chase the cheapest . I set myself a target for a decent stay in a decent place . Then try to upgrade to a better hotel or a extra night etc. .keep your targets realistic . Be prepared to haggle direct with the hotel and watch the prices and times for flights .sometimes you are gaining a full day just with flight times .Have a plan but be flexible with it . Otherwise you will miss the best bits of your break ,the things you didnt know .