Peter Greenberg: New York Hotels
By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2009-03-23
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I'm looking for a mid-range hotel near the theater district in New York. Any ideas?
–Claire, Green Bay, Wisc.
One thing to keep in mind is that New York is consistently among the world's most expensive destinations, and mid-range hotels are priced accordingly. Plus, a location near the famed Broadway area usually adds to the price. All that said, in this economy, hotels are fighting hard for customers. And in a buyer's market, special rates are more easily available than ever.
The Doubletree Metropolitan Hotel is located on Lexington and 51st Street. Built in the 1960s, the hotel was recently restored with modern amenities. Room service, dining, a fitness center, and spa treatments are available. For assistance with what to see in the city, or help with theater tickets, the concierge service runs 24 hours a day. Rooms can range anywhere from $143 to $324 a night.
Forbes named the Shoreham the best new hotel for business travelers in 2005 and the best boutique hotel in 2007. It's located fairly close to the theater district in the Midtown-Times Square area, and the Shoreham is walking distance from Central Park. The hotel offers a long list of amenities, and rooms run anywhere from $179 to $350 a night.
The Wellington is located just steps (well, a few blocks at most) from the main part of the theater district. The hotel is not quite as squeakily modern as some New York hotels, but the amenities are generally in line with what you might expect from a mid-range hotel, with two exceptions—no free Wi-Fi and no dedicated concierge (instead, there's a "theater, sightseeing, and transportation desk" in the gift shop). Be sure to check out the hotel's specials, as there are some offers that might be of interest to you. Rooms run between $150 and $300 a night.
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