I live in Ithaca, NY, and decided to fly out to Asia from JFK in December.

I'd like to spend a few days there to watch some shows and bum around in Manhattan. Only problem is that the hotel rates are ridiculously high. Any recommendations (hotelwise, know a discount booking website, etc.)? Thanks.

- Pat

Gee, I'm afraid that you just missed this!:

Ian Schrager's new hotel, the Hudson, contains a thousand guest rooms.Please also note that they have had limited rooms available as an opening special at an amazing $95! This IS a truly astounding rate at a prime Manhatttan location.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum94/HTML/002630.html

Yet I'd try the Pickwick Arms!

See:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum94/HTML/001816.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum94/HTML/001957.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum94/HTML/002080.html

If you're relatively adventurous, have you considered a youth hostel?

http://www.hiayh.org/ushostel/mdatreg/newyor.htm

When in December? I'll be in NYC 11/29-12/4, staying at the Portland Square Hotel (W. 47th between 6th & 7th, a block from the TKTS booth). I've never stayed there so can't evaluate, but a friend visited it and sayd it 's not the Hilton but looks fine. And you can't beat their prices: my sister & niece have a double bed w/ private bath for $125 (one person would be $115); my single w/ shared bath is $65. And this is one of the busiest hotel weekends in New York's year: the Days Inn on 8th Avenue was quoting $350/night even six months ahead.

The same company also has the Herald Square Hotel (W. 31st between 5th & 6th); their rates are about $10 less because less convenient. A friend of mine has stayed there, and says it was clean and well-kept up. He'd want something nicer for a honeymoon, but if it's just a place to sleep, shower, and store your clothes this was just fine.

Their websites are www.portlandsquarehotel.com and www.heraldsquarehotel.com

If your trip is after 12/4, can e-mail you with an evaluation. In fact, I'll try to remember to file a trip report, since a few of us on FlyerTalk blanch at paying more than $100 for rooms.

[This message has been edited by johna (edited 10-18-2000).]

A friend of mine swears by the Portland Square, informing me repeatedly that James Cagney used to stay there. I checked out the Web site and walked past it, and it looks fine, pretty basic. If that's what you want, give it a shot.

I've found that www.quikbook.com sometimes has very good rates for high-quality properties (I've seen $150 and lower). It all depends on time of year, no matter who you book with.

Then there is Priceline. Take a look around Sheryl's Web site for insight and experiences.
http://pub4.ezboard.com/bpricelineandexpediabidding

Thanks for suggesting Quickbook.com, but I just checked them. For their lowest category (under $169) they showed four properties: one at each of the three airports (at $129-179), and the W at Union Square (at $349 ). Given the inconvenient locations for the only one that gets even close to our price range, I guess we're still at the Portland Square. Fortunately, "basic" is all we're looking for - we'd rather spend our $$ on theatre, dinners, etc.

I had tried Priceline for my dates over the summer, with no luck up to $150.

[This message has been edited by johna (edited 10-20-2000).]

A good value is the Radio City Apartments (a suite hotel property) on 49th Street (between 6th and 7th). You can't beat the location and a studio apartment is $129 plus tax. The rooms are *very* basic and the telephone system is inconvenient (incoming calls work fine; for outgoing calls you need a phone card, but I never buy one, just use my cell phone). Phone number is 212-730-0728.

On of the best values in NY for Hotels is Manhattan East. The have 8 or 9 very nice hotels in manhattan. Almost every room is a suite with a kitchen.

1-800-me-suite
www.mesuite.com

They also offer weekly and monthly rates.

Thanks for all of the advice. I think I'll give Priceline or Expedia's hotel pricematcher a try. I've been so used to staying at a Marriott or a Hilton for less than $80.00 / night on weekends. Looks like I'll have to stretch a bit -- hope I could get something for less than $150 / night.

- Pat

GOOD LUCK! PLEASE, if you find anything decent, post it here. I go to NYC about once a month, and this month rates have gone through the roof! I can't find anything in Manhattan with private bath and internet access for under $260. Just emailed a res to PortlandSquare, but they say 48 hrs for confirmation! Usually, www.expressreservations.com is great for Manhattan, but even they couldn't help me for 10/24 to 27.

New York City area values this week!

Hilton Hasbrouck Heights ($69/Night* December 19-25)

Hilton New York ($149/Night* December 20-25)

Hilton Times Square ($179/Night* December 19-25)

You can commute via bus from New Jersey, e.g. the Secaucus area, which has thousands of four-star rooms for a fraction of Manhattan's prices.

delete

Just saw a recommendation (maybe in consumer reports travel letter, i don't remember) for the Chelsea Savoy hotel. Singles $99 to $115. It's at 23rd & 7th, pretty convenient to both midtown and downtown and lots of trains. I've only seen the hotel from the outside and it looks fine. They have a website. http://www.chelseasavoynyc.com/