Need Recommendations for Stay in East Village (New York, Union: how much, hotels) - New York City - (NY) - City-Data Forum

WikiAdam · 07-23-2009, 01:19 PM

I am going to be in town in mid-October for an event in the East Village and need some recommendations for those in the know. I have never been to New York before and was wondering if some of you that are more versed with the city than I am could offer some suggestions on what to do in the area? Any favorite restaurants to hit or sights a newcomer must see?

I don't mind taking taxis to get to a destination, but I'd prefer not to travel too far, as I have no idea how much a typical NYC taxi ride costs! (Incidentally, how much do you pay for your typical taxi ride?)

Also, I need suggestions for a good, clean, not-too-expensive hotel in that area. Anyone got a favorite?

tpk-nyc · 07-23-2009, 01:52 PM

The East Village is jammed with restaurants, bars and boutiques. Far too many to list.

The cheapest hotel probably is the The GEM Hotel-SoHo (which is on Houston Street and used to be a HoJo but is now run by Choice Hotels (The GEM Hotel). It was built in the last five years and is basic but clean. The East Village proper doesn't have many hotels but nearby neighborhoods do (Lower East Side, SoHo, Union Square, West Village).

For something more high-end you could try the Hotel on Rivington (Hotel on Rivington). Very hip and trendy.

Hotel prices are really in flux right now. Formerly expensive places are offering great deals. It pays to shop around. The price difference between a high-end and mid-range room is not what it used to be. Use Quikbook (Quikbook Hotels: Discount Hotel Reservations - New York and Other Cities). It allows you to make a reservation without prepaying; that way you can find the best deal.

Cab fares are based on distance so it depends on where you want to go. I live in the East Village and it's less than $10 to Chelsea. About $12 to $15 to Times Square.

WikiAdam · 07-23-2009, 02:16 PM

Yikes, you're right about there not being many hotels/motels in the East Village, and the ones that are there aren't particularly cheap. I think I'm probably going to have to look outside that area for less expensive accomodations, maybe even Priceline it.

You mentioned the Chelsea neighborhood. Anything cool in that area? Favorite restaurants?

john_starks · 07-23-2009, 02:24 PM

if you're heading west to chelsea. might as well go an extra few blocks to the hotel gansvoort for some killer views of lower manhattan on the roofdeck. there's no charge to go up there. but drinks will run you some $$$. nurse a cocktail or 2 and take in the sights..

Hotel with Swimming Pool | Gansevoort | Manhattan, New York

tpk-nyc · 07-23-2009, 02:30 PM

What's your budget? Right now there are a lot of places for $150 to $200 but that's unusually low. Looking at prices in the fall, they appear to be going back towards traditional levels, say $250 to $300. A year ago I would have said anything under $250 was a bargain.

WikiAdam · 07-23-2009, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tpk-nyc

What's your budget? Right now there are a lot of places for $150 to $200 but that's unusually low. Looking at prices in the fall, they appear to be going back towards traditional levels, say $250 to $300. A year ago I would have said anything under $250 was a bargain.

I guess I underestimated "cheap" in NY. I'd love to be able to find a room somewhere in the $100 - $150/night range, but perhaps I was being unrealistic! Being relatively close to the event taking place in the East Village may make this even more difficult than it has to be, as I'm sure there are much cheaper neighborhoods in the city.

In any case, how's the Chelsea restaurant scene? Any favorites?