NYC area peas - I'm looking for safe areas for hotels

I'm not sure when you're planning to go, but check out Radio City Apartments just off Times Square. I've stayed there a few times over the years, and it's pretty reasonable, very central, and was always clean and safe. Getting available rooms is always the problem, they tend to be booked well in advance. (At $178 a night, this is not surprising!)

We did an Air BnB across the river in Weehawken, NJ. We paid about $120/night, had an entire apartment in a beautiful neighborhood overlooking Hamilton Park and the Hudson River, and were ten minutes by bus from Times Square. It was literally perfect and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

I have stayed many, many times for less than $200 a night over the years. Dd used to go to a ballet school in NYC and we would stay over performance weekends (Wed or Thurs through Sun, several times a year). If I find a good rate, I'll also stay if I am going to be there late at night and want to do something the next day too.

I often get a hotel in the Financial District when staying over a weekend. The prices can drop down much lower, depending on the weekend. Have paid as little as $130 a night at the Double Tree in the Financial District, very close to two different subway lines too. Looking at my old emails, I've gotten that rate through Expedia and AARP in the past (it was $135 last December).

I've also stayed in Jersey City many times, right by the Newport PATH station. Very quick ride into Manhattan. Not a big deal. I've even stayed in the Bronx at a cute little boutique hotel, the Opera House Hotel, that would be a fortune if in Manhattan. It was built into the original Bronx Opera House. Super cheap and bigger rooms than one would expect in NYC plus continental breakfast. Most people staying there each time we've been there were from Europe.

It really varies greatly by time of year, but I have also stayed in midtown, esp midtown west for $150-160 as well, all using something like Expedia. Most booked at the last minute.

melissa

That Bronx opera house hotel looks amazing and is coming at $109 a night.

I might plan a trip.

Just an FYI on airbnb - many short term rentals are illegal in NYC, so research carefully before you book one to be sure you don't have any problems during your trip.

I always stay at Hotel 414 in W46th St because it's reasonably priced for NYC. Great central location (6 mins walk from Times Square) near the Theatre District and lots of restaurants etc. It's a small inn rather than a chain hotel so doesn't have all the fancy facilities that others may do but suits me perfectly.

414hotel.com

I mostly travel alone and have never had any issues staying here.

Ha!

ETA: And yes, your place sounded perfect!

I think fall is a popular time to visit, so it could be just normal rates. 

If you haven't already looked at the Tripadvisor forums, give it a try. If you post with specific dates, budget, and any additional information like where you plan to visit in the city, people can give suggestions. 

Good luck!

If you can't find lodging in NYC, come visit us in the beautiful Hudson Valley. Lovely this time of year.

I've stayed in the Home2Suites in Long Island City, and it was nice, felt safe, and was close to the subway (which is just one stop from Manhattan).

We've also stayed in the Salisbury Hotel, which is a fantastic location, just a couple blocks south of Central Park and a 15 minute walk to Times Square, with subway access on both ends of the block and a grocery store right across the street. The downside? It's decorated like your grandma's house. They're converted apartments (so huge rooms!) owned by the chrurch next door and, while clean, haven't seen an update since the 80's. I'll happily take dated decor for the huge rooms and great location, though.

Both of the hotels above will accommodate families of five--which is always my challenge.

I've got a suite at the DoubleTree Times Square booked for $230/night in Jan. I would think you could get a smaller room close to $200. I can't comment on this one, since I haven't stayed there yet.

My sister lives in Manhattan and was gone last year for a month in Dec and Jan. they had 4 sets of family/friends staying in their place. They made sure everyone knew that we were not paying to stay there.