chawk12

I'll be arriving at EWR on Friday night at 6:30pm and departing Sunday afternoon at noon. Since time is limited, of course I'd like to maximize my time on Manhattan (ie: leave early and return to the hotel late at night), but since accommodation is so expensive I'm open to alternatives.

Currently on Priceline's express deals, I see 4* accommodation at NY's Financial district to be about $121 USD/night + fees

My next alternatives, are hotels near EWR at 3*, $84/night, or downtown Newark, 3*, $74/night via Priceline's express deals.

I've read that the EWR airport area is generally very safe, whereas downtown Newark is a hit or miss depending if you use good judgement. I'm tempted to stay at downtown Newark and pay the $5.50 to and from NY Penn Stn while saving a few bucks on the hotel stay, but I'll probably be back late on Fri/Sat night.

Is it worth it to save the few bucks and stay in Newark?

TIA

Out of my Element

For $40 or so more a night I'd definitely stay in NYC. Save a ton of time commuting to and from the city on such a short visit.

sbm12

For what you're describing IMO no. But that's a timing thing, not a safety one. Figure 30ish minutes each way minimum commuting. And trains are less frequent later at night.

SJC AA

If you do stay in Newark, you should certainly take PATH rather than NJ Transit. The NJ Transit schedules are abysmal on the weekends, and you can easily wait 50 minutes for a train.

buckeyefanflyer

I have usually stayed at the Newark Airport Marriott right on the grounds. Book in advanced have got a rate close to $100.00. Never stayed downtown EWR.

UKtravelbear

I had some friends who did the 'let's stay in Newark and save some cash' thing and the regretted it.

They lost shed loads of time each day in just getting into Manhattan and the places they wanted to see and they also lost any flexibility of just popping back to the hotel to drop off shopping or to have a quick rest etc.

chawk12

Awesome, thanks for all the feedback!