NYC hotel near Broadway

[drinkme]

DH is going to take dd13 to NYC during Spring Break to see some Broadway shows. I'm planning the trip for the 2 of them, and I know NOTHING about NYC. Would anyone please give me some tips on planning? Like, which airport to come in? And what would be a good hotel for them to stay in? It doesn't have to be a cheap hotel, but I really don't want to spend a crazy amount either. I'm assuming they don't want to rent a car, and it would just be easier to take taxis everywhere.

Also, do I get their theater tickets before they go? Or can the conceirge get them once they get there.

See, I need lots of help!!!

TIA!

 

[WVMomof3]

We just went over Thanksgiving week and stayed at the W in Times Square. I thought it was a great location. It was just a few blocks to the Wicked theater. I think it depends on which shows you plan on seeing if you need to buy in advance. We bought our wicked tickets in advance and it seemed like their was few seats to pick from when we did get them. But we were a party of 11, I would guess just 2 would be easier to get. Sorry can't help you alot, it was my first trip and only stayed one night. Too short! We rode the train in to Penn station and took a cab to the hotel. Could have walked from there, but didn't want to with our luggage. Only like $9 for the cab with tip. I have to say, a father/daughter combo might not want to stay at the W though, the bathroom/bedroom frosted window walls left little to the imagination!

 

[Donnainnj]

There is a lot of information on the Cruise boards about NYC because of the Disney Cruises leaving from there. you might want to look here
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2704317
Happy Planning!
Donna

 

[Monkeyfeet]

We just came back from a wonderful stay in the DOubletree by Hilton in Times Square.

It is literally right in Times Square.

We have also stayed at the Belvedere which is about 3 minutes from TS. We liked it there as well.

 

[elf]

I think the Yotel is cool it's a bit different, take a look at the pictures. It's three block walk to Times Square. To be right in the thick of things the Marriott is very nice. I haven't stayed at the Marriot it's out of my budget, but I know people who have it's nice and right next to the Hershey and M & M stores. I also stayed at Sheration Times Square it's a few blocks but close. I had points from the Starwood Card, not a beautiful hotel but nice enough in nice area also.

My dd's around your dd's age she loved Loved Wicked, wants to see it again. (I recommend that your dd's see's the Wizard of Oz, makes it more fun). Also the Lion King is wonderful. Haven't seen Mary Poppin's but that looks good as well.

I loved Mama Mia but would Not recommend for Father /Daughter trip. The inuendos might make them uncomfortable. Great for Mother Daughter though.

Forgot: Don't rent a car. It will be cheaper and easier for first timers to do taxis and public transportation. Especially if they stick to that area where there is so much to do anyway. The shows I mentioned you definately need to purchase before hand Wicked and the Lion King are popular, especially during Spring Break order as plans are settled if you choose eithr show. Mary Poppins not as popular but during that week you might have a issue, so I'd say ordered those before hand as well.

 

[lauracitawita]

Another vote for the Belvedere. It is within walking distance to Times Square and all the shows and very reasonably priced.

LaGuardia is the closest hotel to Manhattan.

Have fun!!!

 

[Sagginit]

for air ports you have three: JFK, Newark, and La Guardia. all three you can take a taxi. i know JFK you can take the subway directly into the city, with Newark you can take NJ transit to penn station (33 & 7th i believe). taking trains vs cabs all depends on how light you are travelling. chances are your DD won't be able to lug a suitcase up and down the stairs at the train stations.

as for shows it depends on what you want to see. playbill has a newsletter and if you sign up they will email you weekly deals/specials. something like wicked may be hard to get at a deep discount and you want to buy in advance for good seats. phantom/ mama mia/ chicago and a few others are often at tkts in times square for 30-50% off.

i would recommend wicked, mary poppins, lion king, and phantom. i never stay at a hotel since i live right outside the city but yotel is very cool looking and there are a ton of others in times square.

 

[prncess674]

Price is a relative concept. What do you consider "cheap" and what do you consider "crazy expensive" in terms of hotel. Also remember that many hotels that are on the cheaper end only have one queen bed so be sure to look at the number of beds, not just number of guests when comparing hotels.

 

[Kitzka]

The marriott marquis is right in the heart of times square and is close to 99% of the broadway shows.

A rental car won't be needed. if your DH and DD are uncomfortable taking the sunway from the airport (Laguardia, JFK or Newark are all about the same distance away) then they can take a cab from the airport to the hotel. If they are going to be doing primarily the shows while in NYC then they can walk to most in about 15 mins or less from the marquis or any of the hotels mentioned further in this thread.

In terms of tickets-are there any shows she HAS too see. (like wicked or something)then i would buy tickets now. That way they have an idea of what they are seeing on what night/day.

Are they only doing broadway shows? are you looking at musicals? My DD is 13 and her fav current shows are:

Godspell
Wicked
Anything Goes
How To Succeed in Business without really trying (if you are going in Feb Nick Jonas will be the lead)

A few shows are closing at the beginning of Jan so I won't recommend those but new shows should be opening soon.

What a fun trip!

Lara

 

[mjkacmom]

I've used broadwaybox.com for tickets. I'd get them in advance, especially if you are going to more popular shows (Wicked, Anything Goes...). You do not rent a car to see NYC - most of us in the nearby suburbs take public transporation in (parking is expensive). I think I'd fly into LaGuardia, then Newark, then JFK, but if one option is cheaper, take that option.

 

[Mickeyluver37]

The first time we went I used Priceline or Hotwire (can't remember) and got the Paramount hotel, which I don't recommend. The location is great, but the rooms are extremely small! It's just a wierd "boutique" NYC hotel.

We've also stayed at the New York Palace concierge level, which was fabulous, and a great location, walkable to Times Square but not right in the heart of Broadway like you are looking for.

Both times we drove, because it was cheaper than taking trains from MD and parking was ~$45 day, but you don't even have access to your car, nor do you need it. If I was flying in, I wouldn't rent a car.

 

[krcit]

The Doubletree Times Square is great. It has suites.Anywhere in Times Square is fine location wise. I would advise checking tripadvisor after you narrow down your hotel choices. Also, like a pp said, a lot of NYC hotels have 1 bed in the rooms so you want to make sure of that. I would book asap because spring break will book up fast. What are the dates you are looking at? I just got an email about special rates at the Affinia Hotels through March.

 

[ilovejack02]

Just got back stayed at Hampton Inn 8th ave . We were very pleased free breakfast and only a block or two at the most from Broadway.

 

[beansmom]

my favorite place to stay in Manhattan is the Beacon Hotel (it's around 86th and Broadway). A bit farther uptown than TIme Square but it's very nice, convenient to the subway and just a short cab ride to Lincoln Center (we do the Met now and then). Across the street is a Fairway Market and a fabulous deli called 'Citarella'.

The Beacon gets my vote.

 

[Figmificent]

Can't speak for airports or hotels because NYC is a day trip for us but 1. Do not rent a car. Driving in the city is nuts. Walk, cab or subway are all options but I would not drive unless you live in an equally crazy city. As far as tickets, by in advance. Having your heart set on a show and not being able to get tickets would stink. I recommend Wicked and Mary Poppins myself

 

[a742246]

Stay in the Times Square area hotels. I loved the MUSE but there are many hotels (hotels.com etc)to choose from. For Broardway shows, sign up for Broadwaybox.com,
Wicked , Lion King, Memphis, Phampton of the Opera are all fabulous, again
there are many to choose from. I would pick a high production long running
show to start.
There are so many "musts" to do that they will have a great time.

 

[cornflake]

Don't stay in Times Square. You'll... be in Times Square. It's just a disaster.

The Beacon is nice, it's on 74th and B'way though - two blocks from the train, which is one stop from Times Square. There's also the On The Ave. hotel in that same area, the Library Hotel is very nice, there are a bunch of nice hotels down in SoHo to check out...that's an awesome neighbourhood, great to walk around (as is the Upper West Side, where the Beacon and On The Ave. are), shopping, restaurants, and Times Square is really accessible from everyplace - you just don't want to spend any time there. You want to get in and get back out.

Especially, especially, stay away from the Marriott in Times Square, it's a death trap, someone is always getting killed or mysteriously flying out of the windows of that sucker. It's a trashy mess.

As for shows - if there's something specific she wants to see, book now. If she just wants to see some shows - go the TKTS route, it's fun. They can take the train down to John St. (Do not go to the TKTS booth in Times Square) in the afternoons and pick up tickets from whatever's available at the booth for that day for like half price.

As for travelling, always fly into Laguardia, it's closest and simplest. DO NOT rent a car.

To get here from the airport you can take a cab (not too expensive from LGA) or the big blue shuttle and to get around the city, you can take the train, buses and cabs. Don't limit yourself - train is fastest.

Also, plan some out-of-the-way stuff. See Columbia University, take the Staten Island ferry, tour the Tenement Museum, go see what's at BAM, etc.

For tourist stuff to do - the MET, do go to Central Park, do go to the Empire State Bldg. (as late at night as possible, they're open nice and late), Wollman Rink, you can eat at Serendipity's, heh.

Stay away from - Statue of Liberty, WTC (unless it specifically means something to you), Rock Center (unless you just go at like midnight to peek at the tree, do not attempt to skate there), etc.

 

[Janepod]

I always have good luck at the TKTS booth in Times Square - even on a Wednesday in the summer. Get in line by 9:45 and you will be walking away from the booth by 10:15 with half price tickets in hand. (And they always have Mary Poppins and Spiderman tix, but NEVER Lion King - that always sells out in advance.)

I always take visitors to Central Park, the Met, MOMA, Guggenheim, Tenement Museum, and the tram to Roosevelt Island. I have lots of restaurant and shopping recommendations too if you are curious.

 

[krcit]

Don't stay in Times Square. You'll... be in Times Square. It's just a disaster.

The Beacon is nice, it's on 74th and B'way though - two blocks from the train, which is one stop from Times Square. There's also the On The Ave. hotel in that same area, the Library Hotel is very nice, there are a bunch of nice hotels down in SoHo to check out...that's an awesome neighbourhood, great to walk around (as is the Upper West Side, where the Beacon and On The Ave. are), shopping, restaurants, and Times Square is really accessible from everyplace - you just don't want to spend any time there. You want to get in and get back out.

Especially, especially, stay away from the Marriott in Times Square, it's a death trap, someone is always getting killed or mysteriously flying out of the windows of that sucker. It's a trashy mess.

As for shows - if there's something specific she wants to see, book now. If she just wants to see some shows - go the TKTS route, it's fun. They can take the train down to John St. (Do not go to the TKTS booth in Times Square) in the afternoons and pick up tickets from whatever's available at the booth for that day for like half price.

As for travelling, always fly into Laguardia, it's closest and simplest. DO NOT rent a car.

To get here from the airport you can take a cab (not too expensive from LGA) or the big blue shuttle and to get around the city, you can take the train, buses and cabs. Don't limit yourself - train is fastest.

Also, plan some out-of-the-way stuff. See Columbia University, take the Staten Island ferry, tour the Tenement Museum, go see what's at BAM, etc.

For tourist stuff to do - the MET, do go to Central Park, do go to the Empire State Bldg. (as late at night as possible, they're open nice and late), Wollman Rink, you can eat at Serendipity's, heh.

Stay away from - Statue of Liberty, WTC (unless it specifically means something to you), Rock Center (unless you just go at like midnight to peek at the tree, do not attempt to skate there), etc.

I have to disagree about not staying in Times Square. The OP's dd is 13.....she will love being right in Times Square!! At least my daughters do. We have stayed right in TS and right outside of it and they much prefer being right in the heart of it all. Where are you hearing about all these deaths at the Marriott? I live in NY and watch the news every morning and evening but don't recall anything like that.

 

[Tricia's mom]

I live on Long island.. When I want as little overnight in NYC I like to stay at the staybridge suites times square. GREAT HOTEL. close walk to broadway and all times square attractions ..and SUBWAY...Breakfast is also included in your stay. Staff is Very Friendly !!! and the price won't break the bank..the best part is the hotel is just about a year old ( very clean) worst part.. elevator is a bit slow in the am