Hotel Suggestions

[laura is broadway]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 1:34pm

Though I have been to New York many times, I'm planning a trip in June that is going to need to be a lot cheaper. Usually I fly, and stay at either the DoubleTree or Renaissance in times square. However, this time we're driving, and I was wondering if there is a hotel where I could park my car? (I've never driven before so I seriously have no idea). I'm trying to find a cheap hotel that is in walking distance of times square, and that is relatively nice. I've searched a little bit and found good things about The Pod and Portland Square, but I'm not sure about sharing bathrooms? Also, there are 4 of us going, so it'd be cool if there was a room we could all share... really whatever is cheapest! Thanks for any advice!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 1:51pm

1. The pod is quite clean and inexpensive...but the two cheapest rooms do indeed have shared bathrooms. They are very clean, and 3 or 4 to a floor so waiting is seldom an issue. HOWEVER, they don't have parking and they don't have rooms for more than two. They have single beds, bunk beds, full size and queen. But they are cheap enough that two rooms still might only be 75 bucks apiece or less/night.

2. The cheapest hotel I know about IN Manhattan that has FREE parking is the Travelodge. I've never stayed there, but free parking is a HUGE plus.

3. Another option might be to stay in Jersey. The Sheraton at Weehaukin (I think) has free parking. There is a ferry that goes from practically thier front door to Manhattan. Then in Manhattan, there are shuttle busses that bring you to various areas around the city for free. (and back)

[laura is broadway]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 3:21pm

Thanks! After talking with my friend, I think we've decided we might just try and find cheap air fare. She's driven before and said it was miserable.... (We're in South Carolina) and with gas and everything it might not make much of a difference.... Does anybody know?

And the Pod looks really cool, maybe getting 2 rooms there would be good.... Are there rooms that are perhaps a little more expensive that don't have shared bathrooms? And if so, how much? I know these threads can be kind of annoying, so I really appreciate any advice! :)
Updated On: 5/10/09 at 03:21 PM

[CapnHook]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 3:32pm

I'm from NC and it's cheaper to fly with a group of 1-2, but with a group of 3-4 you really have to do the math. The biggest variable is always the plane ticket.

I usually fly JetBlue out of Raleigh, NC to JFK. However, there have been cheaper tickets with other airlines.

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 3:43pm

In the past, I have had luck with The Milford Plaza, The Best Western President, and Room-mate Grace.

Also, if you look on certain websites such as expedia, orbitz, travelocity etc. they have deals as well. I hope you have a great trip!

[BlueforBroadway]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 7:08pm

I like the Edison on 47th. It's very convenient to Times Square and many theaters. Reasonably priced, too. I drove to the city once and used their parking and it was 33 bucks a day. I won't drive again though. Flying is just as cheap and saves a lot of time.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 7:18pm

In the pod, the double bed and queen bed rooms indeed have their own bathrooms. Remember the rooms are TINY.

The thing BESIDES cost to consider is your time. How long will it take to drive. Are any of you good driving into the wee hours of the night with the others sound asleep? Or will you stop along the way at a hotel anyway? How about driving home when you are already exhausted from many late nights?

The pod is much cheaper DURING the week than the weekends, so your price will vary greatly depending on WHEN you are there. I wouldn't wait TOO much longer to make your reservations though.

Tip: I will often START looking at expedia prices and then visit the hotel's website directly before booking. I can't tell you how often it's been cheaper that way.

I booked a trip in August last week at the Milford. Since it was so far ahead, we got 30% off the rooms making it comparable with staying at the pod PLUS you cannot beat the location. Not the most up to date or beautiful rooms, but clean and convenient.

[jessica0414]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 7:24pm

The last time my friend and I stayed in New York (my first time there!) we stayed at the Pod. Our room was bunk beds with the shared bathroom and I found it to be no trouble at all. We were seeing shows every night and out all day so really the size of the room (it really is quite small) wasn't an issue since we were barely there anyways. It's also one of the cheapest options we found, great for students. I highly recommend it, especially if you are going to be doing lots and lots of sightseeing and activities during the day and into the night. If it helps, we liked it so much that we are staying there again on a return trip in a few weeks!

[jennamajig]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 7:50pm

You could always book a hotel and try Priceline's "Name your own Price" closer to the date you're traveling. You can bid by city section and my friend and I have stayed in very nice hotels at a fraction of the price because of it. We stayed in a 4* hotel one summer for about $130 a night; this last Feb was stayed in a 4* Hilton for $110 a night. I've also gotten through Priceline: the Paramount on 46th and a very nice Holiday Inn Express (at 37th, I believe). You have to, however, be prepared to take what they offer and they charge your credit card then and there, no cancellations.

It is hard to get a bargain there until closer to the date, which is why I book another hotel at the best price I can (most hotels let you cancel your reservation until 24 hours before your stay). If you're curious, visit http://biddingfortravel.yuku.com/ for some great tips.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/10/09 at 7:54pm

Why have I never thought to do that? Make reservations that you CAN cancel but continue to look for cheaper rooms? Genius.

[BrianS]

Posted: 5/11/09 at 12:03am

I second the priceline name-your-own-price thing. you can pick the star rating and neighborhood. I just did it when my family came to visit and got them right in the theater district for $100/night.

[DefyGravity777]

Posted: 5/11/09 at 7:23am

Instead of using a hotel why not use a hostel if you are already looking at hotels with shared bathrooms. The Big Apple Hostel is on 45th St a few steps from the heart of Times Square. Its $40 a night and all four of you can stay in the same room. The bathrooms are SPOTLESS and it's the cleanest hostel I ever stayed at.

The Cosmopolitan in Tribeca is a nice cheaper hotel also. I stayed there for $100 last month. The subway is literally right outside the door and only a few minutes from Times Square. The neighborhood is nice and quiet also(Well more quiet then Times Square). HotelConxions.com have good deals on rooms also.

[Mamie]

Posted: 5/11/09 at 9:34am

I always check Hotels.com weekly specials as well as any other deals that might come up. When I spot one, I book it (because it can always be cancelled later). Then when I'm within a few days of the trip I also use Priceline to name my own price. I'll start with something ridiculously low and then go up incrimentally until I get a hit. If I can't get anything, I haven't lost anything. If I do get a hit, I just cancel the first reservation. The most its ever cost me is $25 service charge.

As for coming up from NC, have you considered driving to DC and finding parking there? I can't remember how long you said you were going to stay but you can get a Chinatown bus to NY for around $20 - $25 and you aren't burdened with a car. Just a thought.

[broadwayjim42]

Posted: 5/11/09 at 9:46am

Check Travelzoo.com from time to time. The pickings are a little slim right now but I booked a room at the Best Western Hanbee near Chinatown for $119 a night for late July.

I also use Priceline frequently but always have a cancellable backup just in case.