Nice and in a quiet neighborhood and other New York City, NY Hotel/Accommodation Reviews

I tried on Priceline to pay under $100 for a 2 star or better hotel next to the touristy areas of NYC without much luck. I finally got this hotel in Murray Hill which is a little off the beaten path. The nearest subway stop is Grand Central Station which is a good 3-4 blocks away. However, now that we stayed there I was glad for the quiet of the neighborhood after battling tourists in times square and central park all day. You felt like you were going home rather than a hotel. We had a king size bed and an extra little couch and table in our room and even a little kitchen (thus the 'suites'). That came in handy when we ordered in dinner to our room from a nearby restaurant. We had no problems with the front desk and the doorman was great at hailing cabs for us. I would recommend this hotel.

Unique Qualities: No pool, no restaurant, no parking garage, but this is New York, what did you expect? Outstanding charactaristic would be the size of the room - large for NY and the attentiveness of the staff.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$80-120  » Currency Converter
Address: 149 E 39th St, New York, NY 10016
Directions: On 39th, closer to 3rd. Walk from Grand Central down park, turn on 39th.

We were looking for a hotel in NYC that would fit four people comfortably, have reasonable rates and not be in a far away or scary neighborhood. We found that in the Travel Inn. Unlike most NYC hotes, I think most (if not all) the rooms have two double beds. It looked kept up with newer furniture and fresh wallpaper and carpets. There is a diner nearby for breakfast as well as a bagel place right next door. The subway at Port Authority (A,C,E line) was less than three blocks walk, and even though there was no doorman, we had no trouble hailing a cab. The only issue we had was that we couldn't figure out the air conditioning and the room was warm. We slept with the window open and heard sounds of the traffic all night. I would recommend this place if you want a decent, clean hotel close to things but easy on the wallet. I think it was $120 per night, which divided by four isn't bad. Especially since I couldn't get anything decent in that range from Priceline and on Priceline they don't even guarentee space for four.

Unique Qualities: Don't expect a ton of amenities. They had average 2 star type stuff like an iron, blowdryer, shampoo, soap, etc, but nothing fancy. Regular type blankets and towels. Sort of on the par of a Hampton Inn. However, they had two very nice extras - free parking and an outdoor pool.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$20-40  » Currency Converter
Phone: 212-695-7171
Address: 515 West 42ND Street
Directions: Its like two doors down from the corner of 10th and 42nd. From Penn Station take the A,C,E uptown one stop and walk from Port Authority over 42nd towards 10th. From Times Square walk West on 42nd three long blocks.
Website: http://www.thetravelinnhotel.com/

I traveled here on business, my company has an arrangement with Hilton, so the price was not an object. I had a king bed room in the corner with a view away from times square proper, and it was actually quiet considering you are basically on top of one of the loudest, and by all standards the flashiest, intersections in the world. I would have to say though, that being in between madame troussault's wax museum and a giant movie theater would not normally be my first choice of places to sleep. If I had wanted to see a broadway show or eat at a chain restaurant, I would have been all set, but I prefer the more subtle sections of town. I had to walk several blocks to locate some smaller NY restaurants, and I didn't ever find what I was really looking for in that regard. The room was nice and comfortable with the amenaties you would expect at that price. Nice bed linens, big pillows etc. All in all, I think next time I will request a hotel in a section of town where I don't have to elbow tourists out of the way to get in the door.

Unique Qualities: Thick bathrobes in the closet, better quality shampoos and a TV guide was a nice touch. They also had free internet via either dial-up or ethenet connection.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Address: 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
Directions: 42nd between 7th and 8th ave.

We needed room for four for a girls weekend in NYC. I reserved a suite at the Stanford for $199 a night. Later when some other girls decided to join us, my friend reserved a normal double double room for $189. The double double was small and had no real windows which made it a little creepy. However, the suite was huge with big windows and lots of room for us to all hang out in. The rooms were clean and even though it wasn't luxury - it was definately one of the largest I have ever stayed in in NY. It was definately a great value. The block of 32nd between 5th and 6th is called 'little korea' but it's pretty much like any other block in wonderfully diverse Manhattan. The staff was helpful in suggesting restaurants and other amenities in the area. The only thing I can complain about is that when my friend was having a gall bladder attack and we needed to get a ride to the emergency room the doorman asked a "car for hire" that was sitting outside how much they would charge to get us there. We were quoted $25 which I laughed at because I know that a cab was going to cost around $5 seeing as the hospital was only 6 blocks away. It kind of annoyed me that the doorman involved himself in that. There are a lot of tourists that don't know how cheap the cabs are and may take them up on it and I don't think that is a good way for the doorman to treat the guests. Especially since it was an emergency.

Unique Qualities: Even though I didn't take advantage of it - they had a commplementary breakfast in the restaurant on the second floor and if you don't eat there - you could grab baked goods at the bakery /deli that has a door off the lobby. The outstanding characteristics I have already mentioned - large suites for the price and a central location. One block to Penn Station (Amtrak, LI Railroad and a major subway hub) one block to the Harold Square subway station and great shopping within walking distance (including Macy's).

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Phone: (800) 365-1114 or (212) 563-1500
Address: 43 West 32nd Street
Directions: From Penn Station walk out the 7th Ave exit and go East on 32nd. From Grand Central take the 4,5,6 one block downtown to 33rd Street and walk West to 6th and 32nd.
Website: http://www.hotelstanford.com/
Other Contact: stanfordhotelny@hotmail.com