Hi,

I will be visiting New York from New Zealand August 24-28 for what will be my first visit in 12 years. Needles to say, I'm really looking forward to it!

Could anyone give me some suggestions on a convenient hotel for sight-seeing? I was hoping not to spend more than $150, possibly up to $200 if it's very nice. I looked at the Sheraton Suites on the Hudson which does look great but is a bit expensive at $189 (although that includes breakfast).

I am not a member of any hotel plans so that is not a consideration. Also, I don't mind walking so it doesn't have to be right on top of a subway station.

Thanks for your advice!

Fliar - I would suggest asking your question in the New York City Forum - it is much more active than this forum, and the regular responders there are very knowledgeable about NYC Hotels.

The Sheraton Suites is on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River. Although there are some transit options (busses, ferries, etc), a great deal of the exhiliration and fun of visiting NYC is in walking and moving around the city - IMHO it would be much more of a true "New York" experience if you stayed in Manhattan.

BTW, your travel dates are just before the Republican National Convention, one of the two major American political meetings held every four years - the Convention dates are August 30 - September 2, 2004. Many NYC hotels will be under the control of the political party and of the delegations, but hopefully your dates are just far enough ahead to avoid the arrival of the delegates, and the accompanying visitor saturation and anticipated extraordinary security measures (such as temporary transit shutdowns).

Fliar - I think you'll be able to find a good hotel in Manhattan in your price range. Periodically try Orbitz or Expedia.

You might also want to check out www.morganshotelgroup.com - they've got some pretty nice hotels throughout the city that are generally reasonably priced, although the rooms are generally small.

*Please* stay in New York, not New Jersey - it will make a large difference in your experience.

Thanks people, this is very useful advice

I'll have a look at the websites suggested and if I still have trouble might repost it to the NYC forum (sorry, I didn't realise there was one!).

I am a big fan of the SS in NJ(except for the breakfast, which is pretty bad). The weekend ferry is an inconvenience as a van ride to the ferry sta is required.

During the week, the ferry ride also includes a bus ride. In am & pm, when cabs are unavailable, the ferry bus is there. They will take you most everywhere.

Book the SS NJ as a backup. I think NYC will fill up early on the week you are planning to be there.