Blumie

The La Quinta Inn that I referenced in my earlier post is $126.50 for the nights of 11/12 to 13/12, and $150.67 for the nights of 8/12 to 11/12. I can't see paying extra to be at the Indigo unless you have a particular desire to be in that part of Brooklyn. In fact, I think the location of the La Quinta is far superior for a tourist visiting Brooklyn, since it's in a residential area as opposed to a downtown area. Both locations are extremely convenient to Manhattan.

octr202

If you're willing to cross the rivers (Hudson or East), look into hotels around Long Island City (Queensboro Plaza) area. I've stayed there several times, and while it's not anything spectacular to look at, you can get some very good rates on very new hotels with close access to the subway (E, M, R, N, Q, G and 7 trains all within a short walk). I've stayed at the about 1-year old Hilton Garden Inn twice, and a quick check just now showed it as low as ~$135 per night. There's also a brand new Courtyard as well as a few others. It's just a few stops on several of those lines to midtown, and the G provides access to Williamsburg and beyond in Brooklyn, without the extra fare of using PATH from New Jersey.

gbs1112

I am looking at accom in NYC around same time and checked this out. I don't think so. It is three or more blocks to the subway and on Google maps street view it looks very industrial and lacking most of the appeal of a decent vacation home. Also, I would be worried about walking those blocks at night, maybe that is a misconception, but 'safety first'.

octr202

Huh? The entrance to the the station is across the street (Keap St) from the hotel. The G and L stations are named differently but are connected inside.

FlyDUS

Thank you! I stayed at the HGI in Long Island City which was good. Could also be an option. Would you prefered this option over Jersey's Double Tree?

octr202

The main advantage to staying in LIC/Queens Plaza area is if you're using the subway to travel around the city. Staying in Jersey City means paying separate fares to PATH to cross the Hudson, then the MTA subway fare around NYC. If you'll be using public transit, I find LIC cheaper in that sense (also easier, since the subway lines through the area will typically provide easier connections to most areas you might want to visit). LIC stations are only a few stops away from Midtown.*

I'm a dedicated public transit user when in NYC, but if using Uber/Lyft/Taxis you should have faster and easier trips from LIC as well.

I've never stayed at the DT in Jersey City, but found the HGI to be a perfectly nice hotel for my needs. It's only about a year old so in nice condition as you know. I like it much better than the Fairfield Inn about a block away - one nice feature is the HGI's soundproofing is much better, keeps out the noise of the elevated subway lines!

*If you're looking to make most economical use of the subway, remember that if you expect to make at least 13 trips (boardings through the turnstiles) on the subway, buy the 7-day pass! I've saved money even on 3-4 day trips if we're really roaming the city!

FlyDUS

Wow!! Thank you so much for providing all that helpful insights. This FT forum is awesome. You guys provide so much value to the community and share it in a nice and friendly way!

Cheers

gbs1112

Apologies - I looked at their Queens Property. Checked out the correct address, area still looks pretty crummy on google maps. Crummy but it is indeed cheap.

Blumie

It's a great and very safe area with lots of restaurants, bars and music venues close by. No, it's not the most attractive block in the neighborhood, but that doesn't translate to unsafe.

FlyDUS

Hello once again,

thanks for all the shared info - this is very helpful!

I have now managed to get two options which I have put "on hold", i.e. booked fully-flex :-) Maybe you can help me with the final decision.

1) DoubleTree Hotel Jersey - I have booked that for ~ 190 USD p.N. (Hilton Gold status)
2) Staybridge Suites Timesquare - I have booked using IHG points (no status)

So my way of thinking is: The Double Tree looks a bit more "upscale". Status should get me free breakfast and maybe a room with Manhattan view. However I would need to get there by train. The Staybridge is much more "in the center". However I do not know about the quality - the reviews look nice though. Would you have any advice? At the moment all other hotel prices I find are crazy :-/