On my last visit to NYC I was worried about my hotel choice - but pleasantly pleased when I checked into The Hotel at Times Square, an AppleCore Property. Friendly staff, free continental breakfast, newly refurbished rooms (small but have lots of character and great amenities.) The lobby is cozy & inviting. An ideal location for shopping, dining, museums, etc....46th between 5th & 6th (Little Brazil).My rate $119.00 + tax for a queen bedded room, Memorial Day Weekend. No view, No room service - no problem! At that rate - who cared.

Posted By Sharon on August 7, 2009, 10:08 PM

NYC is my planned trip later this year. Thanks for the great ideas and resources

Posted By Francis on August 8, 2009, 1:37 PM

For a really great sweet treat, I recommend the toasted marshmallow milkshake at Stand4 on East 12th Street in lower Manhattan. They make their own marshmallows, toast them, and mix them into their own homemade ice cream. On an episode of Food Network's "The Best Thing I Ever Ate," Iron Chef Michael Simon named this shake as his favorite sweet thing. In fact, the first time he drank a toasted marshmallow shake, he ordered a second one! I hear that they make excellent burgers, too.

Posted By Joe Routon on August 8, 2009, 2:19 PM

For six years, friends & I have been staying at The Roosevelt, a grand old hotel with fabulous employees who have become like our family; it is truly home away from home. Located at 45th and Madison, it is an easy walk to all the Broadway Theaters, and away from the noise of Times Square. Oftentimes, they offer free or reduced-price breakfast, which we love. Our most favorite person is Tomas, in the restaurant. Ask for him & tell him that the FL ladies sent you! Marcia at the front desk always takes good care of us, also. Prices are not the cheapest in town, but if you want to be treated like royalty, stay here! Some standard rooms are small, but exquisitly appointed with down comforters. Rooms are always spotlessly clean, which is important to us! We've stayed there at least 20 times and love it.

Posted By Roseanne Petit on August 10, 2009, 10:31 AM

I have stayed there many times and it never disappoints. Park South Hotel on East 28th St. between Lex and Third. Rooms are well done and the bathrooms are updated. The best part is the free breakfast. It's like a gourmet meal. well worth the price of the room. The staff is very friendly.

Posted By marcig on August 10, 2009, 10:36 AM

A bit disappointed when we got Club Quarters-Midtown with our Priceline bid-we're more the Holiday Inn type- but turned out to be a great deal. Block and a half from Times Square towards 5th Ave, block or so from 2 subway stations and plenty of food and drink closeby before hitting Times Square. Room was beautiful-lots of chrome and marble but small-as most rooms in NYC are. OK for 2 people not spending much time in the room. Front staff very business like and to the point but helpful when we asked. Got a deal of almost half price for 4 day stay. Would stay again.

Posted By Sandy on August 10, 2009, 10:43 AM

I prefer staying on the Upper West Side, and have found two hotels that we like a lot. The first is the Excelsior Hotel, located directly across from the Natural History Museum and a half block from Central Park. The prices vary widely, but I stayed there last month for $149/night, and received an upgrade to a junior suite to boot.

The other hotel is the Beacon, on Broadway around 80th Street. Good value and large rooms/suites. This hotel is especially good for families.

A great place for lunch or brunch is Isabella's, located at 79th and Amsterdam. Great food, and excellent people watching.

Posted By Richard Frank on August 10, 2009, 11:31 AM

I stayed at the Holiday Inn New York city-Midtown-57th ST. (44Owest 57th street) I thought the rooms were nice, clean, friendly service. And it's close to Columbus Circle and Central Park. Plus we had an amazing view from our room over NY!

TIP: Check out 'Le pain Quotidien'. Very good for breakfast! Try the basket for two! This is also a nice place to pick up a snack for during the day.

The second time, I stayed at Salisbury Hotel (123 West 57th street) This hotel is even closer to Central Park and Le Pain Quotidien. :) Clean and very spacious rooms!

Posted By Isabelle on August 10, 2009, 11:57 AM

Little Italy is one of my fav places to visit. And Paesano's on Mulberry is a fabulous little restaurant. This place was recommended by many friends before I made the trip to the city, and it did not disappoint. The food is great, the prices are reasonable, and the service is good. The chef even made a dish for me that I didn't find on the menu. For food on the go, Italian Food Center has the best sausage I have ever eaten. I don't really care for sausage ordinarily but my husband ordered a hot sausage sandwich from this place and I ended up eating half of it. I still dream about having my own, with onions and peppers, when I return to the city.

Posted By TammyC on August 10, 2009, 12:38 PM

For the best croissants, either plain or chocolate, this side of Paris, try Patisserie Claude. It's literally a hole in the wall, located on West 4th Street in Greenwich Village.

Posted By harry malakoff on August 10, 2009, 1:12 PM

ace hotel is new and AMAZING. also lots of nice B&Bs. for example, the abingdon house is lovely; and the larchmont is shabby and small but in a great area.

Posted By joanna goddard on August 10, 2009, 1:19 PM

I was in Brooklyn for about 4 months on business and fell in love the the Morton's Steakhouse there. They have a happy hour from 4:30-6:30 and again from 9pm to close. During the happy hour many of their appetizers are $6 and they have some decent drink specials. I would often make a meal out of 2 or 3 appetizers. The bartenders and cocktail waitresses are awesome.

Posted By Nancy on August 10, 2009, 1:25 PM

Just spent a night at the Belvedere in NYC - one of the best! Very friendly staff and the room had a microwave and frig which was a pleasant surprise for a NYC hotel room. It is on 48th between 8th and 9th - great location! the elevators are SLOW!!! and when you are on the 15th floor it may seem an eternity. There is a great little deli up the street that delivers - the food is VERY good and reasonably priced. I went to get breakfast and brought it back to the hotel - 15.00 for two omelets with potatoes and toast and OJ, definitely can't beat that. We will definitely stay there agin

Posted By Karen Kelly on August 10, 2009, 1:36 PM

Putting the hotel daily price on all the hotels would have made this information helpful.

Posted By Ron on August 10, 2009, 2:13 PM

I'm a New Yorker, but occasionally when I visit family it's nice to have a night out in a hotel. I always just use the name-your-own-price feature at a site like Priceline.com. That way I can identify a neighborhood and star rating, and offer a really low price. If I'm rejected, I try again in a couple of days. The last time I was there I got a room at the Sheraton at 7th Ave and 53rd (just north of Times Square) for $129 (plus tax)!

Posted By Sally on August 10, 2009, 2:30 PM

We love the Met, Central Park, plays, etc. Our new favorite is the Salibury Hotel. Rates can vary, but can be extremely reasonable. The rooms are huge and the suites are twice as big. All rooms have coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave and flatscreen TV. Internet is extra. The location is great, right across the street from Carnigie Hall and with a metro stop on the corner we can get anywhere in any kind of weather.
There is a great Italian restaurant next door.

The staff is very helpful. Downside: Bathrooms are small and the elevator is slow.

Posted By Lynne on August 10, 2009, 3:17 PM

I concur that the Ace Hotel is a good new option. you can still find some cheaper rates. I stayed for $96 a night which i think is never to be seen again as it was still a soft opening. but that being said, this place has an amazing lobby, new rooms, a great staff and will for sure be a hotspot sometime in the very near future. location is a bit boring but its so close to everything.

Posted By bill on August 10, 2009, 3:31 PM

My son and I stayed last weekend (August 2009)at The Jane hotel. VERY inexpensive ($79.00/night). Rooms are the size of a closet, but designed to be comfortable. Shared bathroom down the hall- european style. Great lounge/club attached to the hotel and, of course, walking distance to Chelsea/Meat-packing district/west village. We had a great brunch at the Standard Cafe? Grill? located in the Standard hotel a few blocks north of the hotel. This is right next to the high-line, a wonderful park created from an abandoned elevated train platform. For the truly budget-conscious, this is a good location.

Posted By Jackie on August 10, 2009, 3:33 PM

I found the YMCA hotels to be O.K. Bare essentials. FAirly cheep.

Posted By Bill on August 10, 2009, 3:49 PM

Caffe Pepe Rosso is really good and inexpensive in a fun neighborhood (Avenue C at 8th). I randomly found it online and have gone back several times since discovering it in 2006. The prices are truly unbeatable, though you definitely need to make a reservation because it's a tiny little hole in the wall with only a few tables. Get the penne alla vodka - for $8.95, you won't be disappointed!

Posted By JBH on August 10, 2009, 4:17 PM

Hostels are a great way to stay in NYC for cheap! The one with the best value and location is Hostelling International NYC at 103rd and Amsterdam. Rates are $30 and up per person in dormitory-style rooms. There is free WiFi, in-house cafe, and lots of great daily programs and walking tours. Plus it has the largest private courtyard in all of Manhattan!

Posted By Amanda on August 10, 2009, 4:25 PM

For excellent Italian food,I realy like "Tony's di napoli. Sidewalk or inside dining you feel like a New Yorker.Large portions,so you can share.Call for resv. 147 West 43rd Street (212)221-0100 or 1606 2nd Ave. (212)861-8686.
My last visit there I spotted Sean Connery. You never know who you'll see in NY

Posted By Barry on August 10, 2009, 7:14 PM

We lived in NYC for 30 years but retired in NC last year. At Christmas (accidentally falling during the lighting of the tree which I don't recommend) we stayed at the Marriott at 53rd and 3rd. We kept wondering about the price, low by Manhattan standards but we went.

We loved it. Nice rooms, nice staff, right next to the subway and buses. Free breakfast overlooking the city. And if you pay a little bit more, we got it with points) you can have a view of the Chrysler building.

We could not believe how nice it was and now we know why there were so many business and European travelers.

Posted By Tommy McDonell on August 10, 2009, 7:30 PM

Our children live on the Upper West Side and we visit frequently. For a quick and reasonably priced meal at any time, and of almost anything, and a real New York experience, I recommend Big Nick's on Broadway between 76th and 77th. It's neighborhood-shabby, but the food and portions are great and its a real institution with great staff.

Posted By Dick Goldman on August 10, 2009, 8:07 PM

I've stayed twice at the Hilton Garden Inn on 35th Street, just of Broadway- across the Square from Macy's and a short walk from Broadway theaters. Paid $139 by paying for the room in advance. Nothing fancy of course, but clean, with private bath, microwave and fridge, coffee maker. Pick up some OJ, a bagel or muffin at a deli, and start the day with a quick in-room breakfast. Step out the front door, turn right, and you are a few yards from the subway entrance

Posted By Tom on August 10, 2009, 8:16 PM

I like to eat where cabbies eat (cheap, tasty, and democratic). Some of my favorite taxi driver recommended places are:

Punjabi Grocery & Deli, 114 East First Street (between 1st Avenue and Avenue A) - East Village. Fantastic Punjabi food. The black bean stew is amazing, as are the pinni.

Papaye Restaurant, 2300 Grand Concourse (at 184th St.), Fordham - The Bronx. Ghanaian food.

Other good spots:
Han Bat (for traditional Korean food) - 53 West 35th St. between 5th/6th Aves. - Garment District

Chinese Mirch (Indian-Chinese)- the Gobi Manchurian (cauliflower) is extraordinary - 120 Lexington Ave. (Murray Hill)

Posted By Layne on August 10, 2009, 8:23 PM

When traveling with my family of five, finding reasonably priced accomodations in NYC is difficult. The Embassy Suites in the Financial District fits the bill. The over-sized suites work great. Plus, breakfast is free! Although the view over the Hudson was recently blocked by a new condo, this is overshadowed by some other family-friendly pluses. A multiplex movie theater is in the same building. That solves part of a rainy day "what are we gonna do Dad" problem. One of my family's favorite restaurants is also inside the building just up the escalator - Chevy's Mexican. Finally, access to the subway is just around the corner at the World Trade Center. And what kid doesn't love to imagine driving the big trucks and cranes at this monstrous construction site?

Posted By Lawrence J Caldwell on August 10, 2009, 9:00 PM

Blow a bunch of Hilton HHonors points and stay at the Waldord-Astoria for a special occasion with your spouse. Totally worth the heavy hit to the account! My wife adores the attention of the staff here and even more at the dressing rooms at nearby Macy's, Saks, and other big department stores. It's the perfect birthday topped off with an evening on Broadway and a cycle taxi ride back to the hotel. Hardly anyone uses them (okay they are a bit pricey) but encourage your peddler a bit and you will get a nice bit of extra insider tour info as you meander at his pace (if he isn't too out of breath!). In the winter, it's almost as good as a horse-drawn sleighride through the city taking in all the lights and spectacles as you pass Rockefeller Center.

Posted By Lawrence J Caldwell on August 10, 2009, 9:06 PM

Just got back from NYC, stayed for a week at the Embassy Suites in Battery Park City near the Twin Towers' site. It was fantastic. Very close to many subway lines, has TWO great nearby parks with views of the Hudson River and across from an indoor shopping mall with eateries including the 3 restaurants and cinema in the hotel. Of course the best part is the free hot buffett breakfast and the free over-21 beverages in the evening. I got it for $179/night on the Hilton's own website (there was a TravelZoo promotion)and we made out like bandits. I also recommend the City Pass if you plan to do a lot of touristy things like museums and Empire State Building. Gray Line Bus Tours was great for showing us around town since we were there so long we learned great history and got to see a lot.

Posted By Ayanna on August 10, 2009, 9:44 PM

Thank you for all the comments. My family will be visiting NYC in October, and all the info. is quite appreciated.

Posted By J. Mulvihill on August 11, 2009, 3:11 AM

I've been to NYC a few times and had an awesome time eating at some great eats and here's a short list.

For great eats, please try:
*Dhaba in Curry Hill, http://www.dhabanyc.com
Modern designed restaurant with bold, saturated colors from bolts of silk fabrics line the walls that act as your back rest. Excellent food at excellent prices.

*Egg Custard King, 76 Mott St (between Bayard St & Canal St)
If you're ready for a quick snack, you should go here and try different varieties of egg custard. Most egg custards are $0.90 and after ordering one, you can sit, enjoy your custard, and watch Chinese news/dramas. A nice break from walking around!

*Petite Abeille, 4 locations in Manhattan, http://www.petiteabeille.com/
I discovered this sweet Belgian gem with my friends walking around with hunger pangs. I ordered 2 lbs. of mussels and it was delicious, fragrant and it made me want to eat more!

*Danal, 59 5th Avenue (between 12th and 13th Streets)
Charming French place that served a delicious and buttery croissant french toast.

*Sea, 114 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
If you want atmosphere, club music and Thai food, you should go here. The decor is more interesting than the food, but you won't mind b/c the atmosphere radiates trendy. It's definitely a place to check out and be seen.

*DuMont, 432 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
A great neighborhood restaurant that has excellent and reliable execution on your favorite comfort foods. My friends are big fans of their burger and mac-n-cheese, but I'm a big fan of their fish and desserts.

*Kampuchea, 78 Rivington St(between Allen St & Orchard St), New York, NY 10002
Cambodian restaurant in the Lower East Side that boasts fresh, innovative, and mouth-watering Cambodian dishes. My favorites were the Crispy Pork Belly and the specialty noodle soups. To me, this is comfort food at its best.

Posted By Sherry on August 11, 2009, 3:25 AM

It is cliche by now, but you have to go to Rocco's (Greenwich Village on Bleeker) to get Italian pastries.

Posted By Sharon on August 11, 2009, 8:35 AM

Just got back from a long weekend in NYC. We stayed at the Hudson Hotel on 58th, close to Columbus Circle. I would recommend it, especially for those who have come to see NYC and not to sit in their hotel room.

The hotel is very trendy, but the surroundings are nice and the staff was wonderful. The rooms are smaller than others I have encountered in NYC, but we also paid a pretty small price ($100 through Priceline).

Posted By Jodi on August 11, 2009, 10:35 AM

I second the vote for the Hilton Garden Inn on 35th Street. Stayed there four days for my birthday. Got it for $89 a night on Hotwire! Beautiful rooms -- not big, but comfy and clean with nice bathrooms. Free breakfast was great -- there was even hot food on occasion. Free hot chocolate and coffee were much appreciated, too, as it was cold when we went. And we could see the Empire State Building out our window (it's right around the corner). Times Square area is walkable from here, but there are lots of other shopping options closer by on 34th Street, including Macy's.

Posted By catie on August 11, 2009, 12:53 PM

I spent a few days in NYC this past January and was pleasantly surprised by the Amsterdam Court Hotel on West 50th (I think between 7th and 8th). The location was perfect for theater-going and close to the subway, but I was able to walk to nearly everything I wanted to do (even though it was only 3 degrees)! The lobby was a bit shabby, but the staff were very nice and the coffee room off of the main lobby was comfortable and warm. The rooms are SMALL - but clean and well appointed. My room literally only had room for the bed and a little shelf that held the alarm clock and lamp. Bathroom was nice, though. Rates are in the low $100's.

Posted By Sarah on August 11, 2009, 7:36 PM

Thanks for this 'roundtable' of first hand experiences dedicated to discovering hotel accommodations in NYC that have proven both desirable and budget wise. A big assist for those of us who relish our visits to the Big Apple for cultural events and Broadway entertainment!

Posted By crosier on August 11, 2009, 8:10 PM

Can anyone help with inexpensive hotels Oct. 30 - Nov. 2nd, 2009? The NYC Marathon is Nov. 1 & seems hotels charge a lot more during this time.
Thank you.

Posted By Colleen Gordon on August 13, 2009, 7:57 PM

I used to live in NYC, and here are three unbelievably cheap restaurants, within a few blocks of each other in the East Village in lower Manhattan:

Odessa - 119 Avenue A - open 24 hours, across from Tompkins Square Park
Huge portions, bottomless cup of strong coffee, musts are the challah French toast, pierogies, and blintzes.

Khyber Pass - 34 St. Marks Place
Afghan food, cozy and romantic atmosphere. Try the asheh keshida - silky wide noodles with a yogurt, butter, and sauteed garlic sauce. All the food is delicious!

B & H Dairy Luncheonette - 127 2nd. Avenue
This place has been around for a looong time! Tiny, a real hole in the wall with character - sit at the counter and you'll have more fun. Great soups, challah bread, latkes.

Posted By Mary on August 14, 2009, 3:25 AM

The restaurant I go to every time I'm in NYC is La Bonne Soupe (55th between 5th & 6th), near Rockefeller Center. It makes me nostalgic for when I studied abroad in France. Good, simple, authentic French food. The prix fixe soup menu is a good deal, esp for dinner.

Other places where I like to eat:

Kum Gang San - 32nd & Broadway in Koreatown. Korean bbq restaurant that's open 24 hours, though lunch is the best value. It has a waterfall inside with a grand piano perched above it!

Alice's Tea Cup - the 81st & 3rd location is a cute place to stop for lunch, a snack, or afternoon tea if you're at the Met. Long menu of teas, fresh-baked scones, yummy sandwiches.

Old Town Bar (18th between Broadway & Park) - Laid-back historic pub near Union Square with reasonably priced burgers and sandwiches. Great atmosphere, diverse crowd, and a beautiful original mahogany and marble bar from 1892.

Dim Sum in Chinatown is a bargain and a fun experience. I've been to Golden Unicorn at 18 E. Broadway. Other places might be less touristy, but I appreciated the English translations on the carts.

Posted By Virginia on August 15, 2009, 12:55 AM

I live in the area and have been to quite a variety of restaurants. These are a few of my favorites:

-Highline (835 Washington St at 12th St) They offer a great selection of Thai food (AWESOME pad thai dishes). Great place to order a variety of dishes to share with a table.

-Jadis (42 Rivington St) Tasty French cuisine at a tasty price (quiche, sandwiches, salads and a selection of meat and cheese). Wonderful little spot for a couple or small group. The wines here are superb! (A true "local" spot for New Yorkers.)

-Mole (205 Allen St) Authentic Mexican food (guacamole made to order at your table). Excellent burritos and margaritas. Happy Hour 4-7 everyday with $5 margaritas, $3 drafts, & $5 guac/chips or quesadillas.

-Tia Pol (205 Tenth Ave btwn 22nd & 23rd) Hands-down, the best Spanish food I've ever had. They offer a selection of hot and cold tapas (dishes to share) including: patatas bravas with a mouth-watering aioli sauce, fried chickpeas, chorizo with sherry, spanish tortilla, tomato and fava bean purees and a selection of Spanish meats and cheeses.

-'Inoteca (98 Rivington Street @ Ludlow) A bustling little Italian jewel in the Lower East side, this place offers a selection of cheeses, salads, paninis and bruschettas AND a descent sized list of wines by the glass. Great atmosphere for a lighter meal.

-Le Pain Quotidien (many locations throughout city) For those on the go, this is a great stop for a quick bite. The menu includes delicious breakfasts to suit any set of taste buds from eggs to belgiun waffles. For lunch and dinner, salads and sandwiches. Always on the menu are the fresh daily breads and tartines.

Posted By Christine on August 17, 2009, 4:55 PM

I am in NYC 3-4 times a year and like to stay near Central Park and Columbus Circle -- close enough to Lincoln Center and Broadway shows, but safely away from the noise and congestion of Times Square. My favorite hotel there is Park Central Hotel, a large hotel with reasonable prices. Rooms are large for NYC and very pleasantly appointed. Service is OK. I've actually paid as little as $89 for a room there but usually in the $150-$180 range, still a bargain for the City. Carnegie Hall is across the street and there are many good places to eat nearby, especially Pain Quotidien for breakfast and lunch.

Posted By Glenn on August 17, 2009, 6:37 PM

Some fave places to eat in NYC:

Central Park Boathouse -- good, fresh food, especially the seafood, and a gorgeous setting. Ask to sit by the window!

Rosa Mexicano -- great Mexican food, including the best guacamole ever. The service is also great.

Sarabeth's at the Whitney -- especially the breakfast choices.

The MoMA also has a good cafe. It's mostly Italian food. Good paninis.

Had an awesome burger and dessert crepe at Bar Breton.

And lots of good choices at Chelsea Market.

Posted By Michelle on August 31, 2009, 3:45 PM

We love the Belvedere - 48th near 8th - great location, personnel are great, near a great bar that has very affordable happy hour from noon until ?, deli at the corner has great take-away food. Only downside - the elevators are painstakingly slow, but the added touch of fridge and microwave in the rooms are a bonus in NYC and the rooms are an OK size. My daughter and I actually had room to walk around. We will return there again and again!

Posted By Karen Kelly on September 10, 2009, 4:32 PM

The Upper East Side, especially Second Avenue between 79th and 96th Streets, is full of Italian,Asian, Mexican, Middle Eastern and American restaurants. This neighborhood offers a variety of prix fixe brunches and almost every place has a daily happy hour. Very good for the budget-minded and great for people watching.

Posted By ulle trautvag on November 16, 2009, 11:57 AM