Planning to surprise my wife with a trip to NYC. She's never been and I haven't been in years. What are the best areas/hotels to stay? Where should I stay away from?

scott06 said:

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Where should I stay away from?

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New York

In all seriousness I went to NYC 3 times between 1998-2005 and have zero desire to go back.
If Never been, wife wants to go then I get it.
Where you stay depends on what you want to do what you want outta the trip.
If just doing the touristy stuff go ahead and be touristy and stay in Manhattan. We did stay in Times Square one trip, wife just wanted do all the tourist things and see the city so that's what we did

Haha I love when people make hating NYC a personality trait.

I go 4-5 times a year. My favorite hotel is Essex House. If you're intending to do most of the first-time visitor stuff in and around midtown, the location is perfect. I've also stayed at The Bowery and loved it, it's just not as convenient to the touristy stuff.

I also keep Renaissance Midtown and The Lexington in my regular rotation. They're not really "special" hotels, but good locations and reliably comfortable and well maintained.

In my opinion, the best way to plan is to figure out a rough outline of what you're going to do, and then search for a hotel based on that.

Planning on taking her to see the touristy stuff, some nice restaurants, a broadway show, etc. I looked at Essex House last night. Thanks for the info!

Stayed a the Warwick a couple years ago. close to central park, close to subway, close to times square, and close to 5th av, upper east ave. I thought the location was fine. Old school, classic hotel. No complaints and affordable.

Essex House is a good pick if you want to be near touristy stuff for sure.

My other favorites:

Bowery Hotel (you're welcome for the rec, AgLa)
Casa Cipriani
Mint House 70 Pine - no service like a typical hotel but the rooms are full apartments, so much more space. Great restaurants in building as well.
The Beekman (esp if you can book with Hyatt Points)

Other nice spots I've seen recommended a lot:

Equinox Hotel
Langham Hotel
Fouquets
Crosby Street

scott06 said:

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Planning on taking her to see the touristy stuff, some nice restaurants, a broadway show, etc. I looked at Essex House last night. Thanks for the info!

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Stayed at Park Central a few years back. I think it would be perfect for this type of trip. It's on 7th ave between the Park and the theater district. Walk a couple blocks north, you're in the Park, a few blocks south you're in the theater district but far enough away it doesn't feel like you're staying in Times Square. Pretty easy walk to mid-town attractions like Rockefeller Center or to check out Grand Central.

Sheraton Midtown is overall my favorite- stayed at JW Marriott Essex house last trip in Oct - there was construction in the restaurant so it was weird & confusing where to get breakfast- room was very nice though.

Yes, thank you! Ended up staying there when I went last month and loved it.

On my last trip we stayed at 1 Hotel Central Park, which is at the corner of 6th Ave and 58th St. So technically it's a block away from Central Park, but still a good location in Manhattan. Just down the street from the Plaza.

There's a great steakhouse across the street called Quality Meats.

Soho Grand

Awesome location, very close to subway and cool AF. When we stayed there we sat at the bar with Halle Berry, shared a happy hour with Anthony Michael Hall and stood behind Jon Bon Jovi at the concierge.

Mandarin Oriental right off Central Park on the UWS for a special occasion.

The Beekman is great but it is down town. The Walker in the west village. If need more room and in midtown the Andaz Fifth ave.

Laying in bed at the Tempo Hilton Times Square right now after a long day. Been here three nights and headed to check into the St. Regis tomorrow for the 2nd half of the trip.

Tempo is nice enough and super close to Times Square so it's very convenient. Looking forward to the St. Regis!

What's your hotel budget?

My family stayed at the renovated Park Lane Hotel on 59th and had one of the best park views I have ever enjoyed.

I like the 59th Street area, as you are roughly in between the mid-town and museum options and a reasonable walk from Times Square. Being right on the park is great as well.

For me, when I'm in NYC I stay at the Marriott Marquis at Times Square. In my opinion, it can't be beat for location, bars and the lounge. Walk everywhere and tremendous people watching

I'll put in a recommendation for Hyatt Centric Times Square. Reasonably priced, nice rooms, tall hotel with great views. They have an awesome bar on 56th floor with fantastic patio and views. Central to everything and just a block from Times Square but is far enough away to be quieter and easy to get to. Also pretty easy to redeem using Hyatt points at a great redemption rate.

We always like the Beacon hotel on the upper west side. We lived nearby so it's a favorite to see old haunts but it's an easy walk to Central Park, Natural History Museum, Columbus Circle. Times Square and other tourist areas are just a few stops away on the 1/2/3.