Getting a deal on a nice hotel in NYC

[dr&momto2boys]

Does anyone have any tips on how to get a good deal on a nice hotel in New York? I'm searching Kayak and other sites for the prices. It's going to be a surprise 2 night getaway for my DH's 40th birthday. He's always wanted to go to NYC. I think we'll stay in the Times Square area.

I'm looking for a great experience. I'm tempted to book the Waldorf just because it's so iconic (but $379/night.) (And not TS, right?) Any other suggestions?

How about just a list of hotels that are in Times Square that are nice or other recommendations? Any help is appreciated. I've never been to NYC either and my DH usually makes our travel arrangements--but it's a surprise so I can't ask for his help!

 

[DizGirl20]

http://www.hkhotels.com/

We stayed at the Library Hotel in March. It's not close to Times Square but the service was impeccable. Check out their sister hotel, Casablanca, via this link. I would not hesitate to stay in any of these hotels and I consider myself a "hotel snob"!

PS: All are highly rated on Trip Advisor

 

[HeatherC]

We usually stay at the Marriott Courtyard Midtown East. It is not directly at Times Square, but within walking distance. The rooms are HUGE by NYC standards and we have always gotten great rates. Check out the reviews on tripadvisor. We have never paid over $160 a night.

You can also try code M11 in the promo code box on their site when checking rates to see if they have any Marriott Reward rates at your time. You can then sign up for free if not already a member.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

DizGirl--
Wow! That's exactly the kind of recommendation I was looking for! When I started to read about it and see pictures I figured the price tag was going to way too much! I got a quote of $365/night though and considering it includes breakfast and other extras and it's beautiful and well located--this may be the winner!

I would like to spend about a hundred dollars less per night. BUT I want a nice experience so I may splurge!

Thanks for the recommendation!

 

[dr&momto2boys]

We usually stay at the Marriott Courtyard Midtown East. It is not directly at Times Square, but within walking distance. The rooms are HUGE by NYC standards and we have always gotten great rates. Check out the reviews on tripadvisor. We have never paid over $160 a night.

You can also try code M11 in the promo code box on their site when checking rates to see if they have any Marriott Reward rates at your time. You can then sign up for free if not already a member.

Awesome advice! Thanks! Now I'm going to have to let my head and heart battle it out!

 

[holden]

The Doubletree Times Square has nice sized rooms. Not sure of the price. Stay away from the W Hotel on Lexington - very small, cruise ship-sized rooms. We wound up at that hotel after bidding on a popular website. Never again!

 

[akcire]

My husband and I love the Kimpton group hotels. I once stayed in one for 150 nights in a year--I can honestly say I think I knew every employee. They have 4 hotels in NYC. One is brand new and near Times Square...since they are just opened they have a special you can also call the hotel to see if you can get a better rate. Be sure to join their hotel stay program if you like the looks of the hotel--they email specials often.

Here is a link to the hotel

http://www.eventihotel.com/

 

[bamor]

Check
www.travelzoo.com there is currently a special at the Millenium UN
and
www.quikbook.com and have a look at the Michaelangelo rates

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Wow! More good options! Thanks! I like the idea of the Kimpton hotels. I'd just like to find a really good deal on it!

 

[Aristocath]

I often stay at the Millenium Broadway. I have found that if I research the hotels on trip advisor, kayak, etc., I can then go to the hotels website to get the best price. The Millenium Broadway is a great location and they run specials on their website.

I also like the Doubletree and the Renaissance. I've stayed at the Marriot Marquis and the location is great but rooms are often overpriced. The Crowne Plaza is the same. Some of the boutique hotels are good, but don't expect luxury. And the rooms are incredibly small.

When are you going? Certain times of year the hotels raise their rates to astronomical heights.

 

[Vacation Lover]

Travelzoo has a deal for $279/night on the Intercontinental in Times Square listed on their "Top 20" section: http://www.travelzoo.com/hotels/new-york/837744/

 

[abmitch01]

I second the travelzoo suggestion, gotten great NYC deals on there and also Kimpton hotels.

 

[acomasdiaz]

I was just there last week and we stayed at the Warwick in 54th. We loved it! I would definitely stay there again and we paid under $300 a night.

 

[Praise2Him]

My DD and I stayed at the Casablanca in December for her high school graduation trip. It was not cheap, but it was fabulous! I'd stay there every time I go if I could afford it!

 

[Bren's Mom]

If budget is important, I'd consider Priceline and Hotwire...if you can be somewhat flexible about the exact property. You can certainly just go 4*+.

Try reading at betterbidding.com and biddingfortravel.com to get an idea of what hotels might participate, the areas, and what prices people have been getting.

We had a lovely stay at one of the W hotels a few years back using PL (or Hotwire, I forget which) for less than $100 a night.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

I apppreciate all the help! I was almost ready to book the "secret sale" at quickbook.com for an unknown hotel in NYC. I don't know if the site has a glitch right now or what? It won't let me enter dates to book anything.

I'll keep researching.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

I ended up booking the "secret sale" on quickbook for $159. *biting nails* I won't find out until tomorrow where I booked. *crossing fingers* The description was "a new boutique hotel on the west side of Times Square." I hope I didn't go wrong here!

Anyone want to help me make my itinerary for what to do on our short trip?

We're just going Thursday afternoon and coming back Saturday morning. (Leaving our three kids with Grandma is a big change--We always travel with them!) Thurday is DH's 40th birthday so we should go somewhere good for dinner. It doesn't have to be fancy food though. My DH loves touristy stuff! It's his (and my) first trip to NYC!

What should we do Saturday! We obviously need to see Times Square and I would think we'd see the Statue of Liberty. I know there's a bunch of other stuff we should see/do too. But what's the best plan? A guided tour? We did that in LA years ago and loved it. Please help!

 

[Freyja]

I went through Priceline (Name your price) last year in June when DH and I went alone to NYC. We got the Grand Hyatt by Grand Central Station for $110 per night (5 nights). I highly recommend trying out Priceline, I´ve used them for London too with excellent results.

 

[bamor]

OP
Keep us posted on the hotel! The Intercontinental is new...hmmm
Check www.menupages.com and look for restaurants. I'll keep thinking about a good restaurant for dinner. For Times Sq, look in the West 40's and 50's.
All of Times Sq is touristy!

For a killer breakfast/brunch check out the menu for Norma's in the Le Parker Meridien.
Thursday you could explore Times Sq, Rockefeller Ctr (go to the Top of the Rock), dinner and a show. Check www.broadwaybox.com for discounts.

Friday:
How about breakfast at Norma's, walk through Central Park, Metopolitan useum of Art (suggested donation). You can take a pedicab tour of CP.
You could then take the subway downtown and explore Chinatown, Little Italy, Soho, the Village in the evening? or take the subway to the Staten Island Ferry and travel roundtrip (free) for a great view of the Statue of Liberty.
www.hopstop.com will help with subway and walking directions.
Have a great time

 

[dr&momto2boys]

I went through Priceline (Name your price) last year in June when DH and I went alone to NYC. We got the Grand Hyatt by Grand Central Station for $110 per night (5 nights). I highly recommend trying out Priceline, I´ve used them for London too with excellent results.

I tried Priceline, making offers for $130 and $150 but got nothing. That's when I got impatient and tried my luck on quickbook.

OP
Keep us posted on the hotel! The Intercontinental is new...hmmm
Check www.menupages.com and look for restaurants. I'll keep thinking about a good restaurant for dinner. For Times Sq, look in the West 40's and 50's.
All of Times Sq is touristy!

For a killer breakfast/brunch check out the menu for Norma's in the Le Parker Meridien.
Thursday you could explore Times Sq, Rockefeller Ctr (go to the Top of the Rock), dinner and a show. Check www.broadwaybox.com for discounts.

Friday:
How about breakfast at Norma's, walk through Central Park, Metopolitan useum of Art (suggested donation). You can take a pedicab tour of CP.
You could then take the subway downtown and explore Chinatown, Little Italy, Soho, the Village in the evening? or take the subway to the Staten Island Ferry and travel roundtrip (free) for a great view of the Statue of Liberty.
www.hopstop.com will help with subway and walking directions.
Have a great time

Thanks for the great resources! I was just searching for tours. I really like your suggestions and we'll try to do most of the touring on our own.