New York accomodation. I'm so overwhelmed

[HEPolicy]

My best friend and I have made a rash last minute decision to head to NY in mid September and I just don't know where to begin.

I've wanted to go for decades but because we're going so soon, have no time to plan and lots of the hotels are booked.

Advice on here is avoid Times Square, and Mid Town. So that leaves Soho/downtown I guess?

We could do a package with BA or Virgin; anyone recommend a good package company for New York?

I'm treating her to the accommodation and can essentially spend as needed but don't want to waste money . Only real requirement is we need a room with two beds, or a suite.

Help! Please!

Sunnyside - find an AirBnB

We stayed at the knickerbocker on the edge of Times Square and it was excellent location and beautiful rooms.

To add, if money was no object I'd stay at the Mercer in Soho, just because I've always wanted to stay myself

We stayed in The Conrad, which is very close to the world trade center. It was so quiet and nice, and we felt very safe walking around there. We booked through BA and got 5 nights plus flights for cheaper than the 5 nights would have been alone booking direct. It's worth waiting for one of their sales if you can.

DD has just got back, and they stayed near Times Square. She was horrified by the amount of drug addicts/homeless people on the streets and said they didn't feel safe coming out of their hotel at night. They ended up changing a lot of their plans as a result.

I like midtown and Murray hill as above. For your first visit I'd avoid doing something like staying in nj or Brooklyn etc. We have been a lot and last trip stayed in an air bnb in Harlem. Felt fine to do that as we already knew how to get around easily, where we like etc.

We have stayed in the Royalton Park Avenue a couple of times and enjoyed it.

We stayed here. Def recommend:

www.newyorkerhotel.com

Practically all short term lets to renters are illegal in NYC and the five boroughs.

Went with my Mum and son before covid hit.

We stayed in the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, 37th Street (between 5th & 6th Avenue). My Mum wanted to be very central, so whilst it's not far from Times Square, it is near (Times Square is maybe 46th Street?)

Found it useful to be central as we split our days doing areas of New York as opposed to just wandering around aimlessly. Close to Empire State Building if you want to go, get an early morning booking to avoid the queues. Loads of places to eat close by and everywhere is walkable from there, although we did get the subway back from Brooklyn quite late, there is a station really close and loads of buses.

Sorry to add to your options, but we thought the place was lovely, the staff were helpful etc :)

I've stayed there too. Would stay again. Literally on top of Penn Station, steps from Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building and Macy's.

I stayed at the Sheraton in Times Square when I went in 2019 and found it a great location to get to everything with no issues at all. But I’m in London all the time for work so to me New York was just like a dirtier London with a few more beggars. I can imagine if you aren’t used to a built up area like that it may be a shock.

At the risk of stating the obvious most US hotel rooms have 2 x double or 2 x queen beds, so you might not need a suite (but don't let me stop you )

We stayed at the Conrad Downtown near One World Trade Center. Great location and fab hotel.

All the rooms coming up say one bed only unless we pay more, though I expected two like on tv!

I live in London so the noise and crowds no issue, but have read a lot on here about NY not being safe increasingly since covid, including not being around Times Square after 6pm and not using the metro and everything has declined so much.

Is that really true to anyone who has been recently?

Ive really struggled to find a room with 2 queens in new york ( 2 doubles seems the norm) - I need queens as the dc bunk together on trips like this to save money.

Get an Airbnb - much better value.

Are you on fb op? There's a good group called nyc the place to be where you can get a good sense of all the stuff you are asking about there

I went in April with two of my teens and stayed at Hyatt grand central. It really was central. Walking distance to most places and well connected by subway to most places

For all you recommending hotels have you costed any up recently. Prices have rocketed and some of these are £400-500 a night now.

Well the OP said she could spend 'as needed' in her first post, so up to her to price check I suppose.

The Shelburne has two queen beds. 4 of us adults stayed there in April - loads of room as you get a little kitchenette too.

I went in February 22 and stayed at the Moxy. It's a great location, but the rooms are tiny.

Previously stayed at the Hilton Doubletree and that had 2 beds, as did the Waldorf Astoria on a previous visit.

I've always booked flight + hotel with BA. February cost £530 pp (2 of us).

Safety wise, things have changed. I'm actually just back from a holiday where we met some New Yorkers who spoke at length about worries in Manhattan. I can honestly say, I didn't feel unsafe at all on any of my visits. I have always stuck to the main areas but have definitely been out after 6pm!

Have the best time!

Virgin over BA any day

Book an Airbnb in Brooklyn, was the best experience even though I've stayed in Manhattan other times

we stayed at the riu Manhattan hotel by Times Square. It was a big hotel - we were on the 37th floor. The room was small but did the job- 2 double beds and bathroom. We came back last week- we were with our 2 primary aged kids. Felt no less safe than in any other big city. It is hot and busy but bustling, lively and fun. We had the New York pass that meant we were able to do a lot. I loved the edge and the one World Trade Center was also really good. If you want to go up the Statue of Liberty a bit you have to book which you didn’t use to so watch out for that. It’s not expensive but does need to be booked. Doesn’t really matter if you don’t though because you can still get a good view and photos. We got great pizza at a place called joes pizza too.

Yes @HEPolicy
I met a guy from queens who advised me not to travel to NYC right now

This despite having been 5 previous trips

He said crime levels are off the scans, subway as unsafe as 1980s

Airbnb is illegal in all 5 boroughs