Cat 5 outside NYC
 

Hello, I have a Cat 5 to use up and will be visiting my daughter at NYU soon:) we wanted to leave the city for a night or two - I've found the various Marriotts, (Stamford, etc and the Westchester and NJ hotels) also studying the Metro North maps for access - any advice appreciated on recommended properties close by (nice lounge) and easiest access on trains, etc. We're not familiar with outlying areas, and would love to see somewhere new? (also is the Renaissance Westchester indeed on 30 acres ? sounds relaxing) Thanks very much (also would consider the Courtyard Edgewater to use up the cert if nothing else is easily accessed) thanks!

I would think NJ hotels (RI in Meadowlands or CY in Edgewater) would be better than going north. Just compare the local transportation options - it seems both have bus to the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

From there, take the subway to NYU.

Or, if you can get to Hoboken via NJ Transit, you can take the 33rd Street PATH train to 9th Street and walk to NYU (assuming Washington Square Campus).

It's pretty simple to get to Westchester or CT on Metro North. The Stamford Marriott is walking distance to the train station; I'm not sure if the Renaissance in White Plains or the Marriott has a shuttle from the stations; most likely they do. There is also a RI in White Plains that I believe has a shuttle, but is also walking distance to the White Plains station.

If you're flexible on your lounge access requirement, the CY in Stamford is also walking distance to Metro North, and the Tarrytown SHS has a shuttle.

The Renaissance is a nice property, but it isn't near anything, unless you have a car rental or Uber/Lyft. The Stamford properties are really the only ones where you could take in some sights/activities without transportation.

The Stamford Marriott is nice and close to the train station. Not sure if still a Cat 5. About 45 minutes train ride to midtown. Nice lounge food when I stayed there couple of years ago.

I have never seen the CY in Stamford being a Cat5. For some reason, their room rates and rewards redemption always seems higher than the FS Marriott. Maybe things have changed.

I guess I'd believe the Renaissance Westchester is on 30 acres. But a lot of that is probably parking lots and the fact that there's really a couple buildings. It is certainly in a nice area though, but not really walking distance to anything

If you are comparing the RI to the Courtyard in Meadowlands/Seacacus........go for the RI. The Courtyard has an Outback steakhouse on one end and an Italian chain (Carabbas?) on the other where Bazookas used to be. After a few hours you will start to get food cravings from the smells depending on what end you are on. The RI is fairly new and has better rooms....that dont smell like steaks and/or pizza. Both are in the Meadowlands plaza with lots of food choices and bus stops walking distance.

Cant help you if its 'bus convenient' to your destination.

I am also wonder if the downtown Newark CY would be a good choice. Yeah, downtown Newark sounds scary but the immediate area seems nice and it is a few blocks to PATH Train at Newark Penn (which supposedly is not in a great area). It seems the it would be more frequency and cheaper to get to NYC than NJ Transit?