Hello All,

I will be in NYC for the first time the last week of September. I know pretty much nothing about the city and its neighborhoods. Will you please advise me on the best place to stay keeping in mind the following:

- I will be at NYU Wagner one late night and am concerned about getting back to hotel safely. Want to stay in a populated area/hotel where I won't have to worry about safety.
- Would like hotel near central park if that makes sense (really want a nice view and being able to have breakfast there at least a couple of times)
- Budget is ideally $250/night tax-included... however, a quick priceline search shows that most Manhattan hotels are in the $350-400/night range during my stay... I cannot figure out why my particular week of visit is so impacted and is driving up prices. Tips on getting a better deal? Considering Airbb but work may not cover.
- Want to see statue of liberty, times square, have a cookie at Levain and some shake shack, eat a real NY bagel, see a bridge or two, and check out one or two neighborhoods.

Thank you for your advice.