Hotel Recommendation, Please

We looked in tNYC for spring break but didn't go for various reasons; however, we've been before, and I can say that you get what you pay for -- if she is seeking a cheaper option, they will be farther out and in less safe areas. Another person mentioned Hilton Garden Inn and we have had very good stays with that chain in several different locations. I wanted to note that their stress will be MUCH reduced if she does not drive at all and does not take a car! Are they driving all the way from Missouri to NYC? I wouldn't. Unless they are going to other destinations outside NYC and eastern PA I would fly and then use trains and subway etc. when there. Driving in NYC is a nightmare and the parking will cost her a fortune, even if it's "in" the hotel, plus she will have the constant worry about the car being broken into (has happened to a couple of people I know, even in "nice" areas of the city).

She should check Tripadvisor.com and read reviews but only if she can mentally weed out the very bad ones and the suspiciously glowing ones. The reviews do help if you ignore those that are clearly grinding an axe or by a person with unrealistic expectations. She might have waited a little too late to get a decent hotel in the city; she could look at hotels in New Jersey --we stayed in NJ a few years ago and took a bus into Manhattan every day, very easy and parking at the hotel was free and the bus wasn't expensive. It dropped us in the very center of the city!

First of all, I'd edit the title of this to specify New York. You'll get more replies from people who know the area.

I always use a name hotel or go through AAA travel service since it's free to members. They do all the work and their rating system lets you know what kind of service level you're looking at. When we traveled with our teens, we got connecting rooms. But now there are so many suites available with separate bedrooms and a small kitchen (or a continental breakfast), I'd go that route to keep Grandma relaxed and make breakfast cheaper than a restaurant. You can also keep snacks which is important for teens. (Buy their own - don't use what's in the hotel - too expensive).

New Jersey or anything within striking distance of NYC can be expensive or not so much. When my husband and I went to NYC the last time, we stayed in a suite in a major chain we found on Priceline or Hotwire (I forget which) but it was just over the Connecticut border and we had a car. There was parking on site.

I think it's great that she's able to take these teens on this trip. They're old enough to be self-sufficient, and everyone has cells phones so it's not a problem if they get separated. New York is just as safe as any other city.

We have stayed at the Essex House and have found it to feel quite secure. I'm not sure about parking, though. We have never had a car when we've visited NYC. The Essex House is right on Central Park South, and the room we stayed in had a spectacular view of the park. I stayed at the Surrey a few times on business and found it to be very nice (and a bit smaller). It's on the Upper East side.

We (myself, husband, son (9) & daughter (12)) went to NYC last summer and stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square (address - 790 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York, 10019): http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/new-york/hil...

The hotel was nice enough, a pretty typical Garden Inn. We've stayed in better but we've also stayed in worse. The location was perfect for what we were planning to do though. It's about a mile from the Lincoln Tunnel. There is a parking garage on the same block right next to the hotel. If I remember correctly, the hotel has an agreement for a slightly discounted rate, but the garage is not owned by the hotel.

The location is great for walking. We walked almost everywhere. It's about 2 blocks from Times Square and 1 block over from Broadway. If they have any interest in seeing any shows, a lot of theaters are within a few blocks of the hotel and the TKTS window for discounted theater tickets is in Times Square. We even walked to the Central Park Zoo. Hell's Kitchen is only a couple of blocks away as well. There is a subway station 1 block away. We took the subway to the 9/11 memorial, but we walked everywhere else.

My husband was very concerned about safety before we left, but he started to relax pretty quickly. Our biggest concern ended up being that we were afraid that the kids would get separated from us in some of the more crowded areas, but it never happened.

How long has the trip been planned? Reservations were not made at that time.

Does she need parking if she is on a tour?

Years ago, when hubby and I were in NYC we stayed at a lovely quaint hotel called the Salsbury. I have no idea if it is still there. We did not have a car. It was across from the now gone Russian Tea Room. The rates were reasonable.

The last time I was there, we stayed at the Waldorf and it is a wonderful place but can get pricey. We had a car take us to the hotel from the airport and we used the double decker buses for transportation to all of the sights while we were there. I paid about $40 each for a ticket that was good from the time of our check in until we left and that worked out great.

Check the Hilton and Marriot families of hotels.

I hope you find something that fits your needs. My daughter was 10 when were went and we did a lot of walking and never felt unsafe.You are talking about 2 18 yr olds. I wouldn't be too concerned with safety, they should be able to be self sufficient.

Any of the big ones in Times Square are fine. Even the Boutique ones are great too. She will be fine. Examples:

Millennium TS
Westin
Marriott Marquis
DoubleTree
Paramount
W

There are a million to chose from.

Also, try www.timessquarenyc.org for suggestions.

Try priceline. They allow you to choose the number of stars, the amenities, and the area.

I have used them often and just booked a room to San Fran through them.

If she doesn't like using the Internet, she can call them in the morning and they will filter everything for her.