I need to go to New York for 5 nights and would like lodging suggestions

I have 5 nights coming up later this month in New York. Generally I stay at the Boutique rooms on the top of the Westside Y and it is reasonable and the location across from Central park and basically across the street from Lincoln Center and a few blocks from Whole foods it has worked for me but This is going to be a different sort of Trip . I am open to suggestions. It will be a trip of Jazz nights and daily sightseeing>Any suggestions appreciated.I will be traveling with my sweetheart who has not been to NY before>We are going to take a big bite of the Apple>Not so important to spend a bundle in a room as we will be active the whole trip.Thanks in Advance. Something clean , comfortable an w a good location would be wonderful.

If you have or had any military affiliation, you might check this place out at 283 Lexington Ave. Soldiers', Sailors', Marines', Coast Guard and Airmen's Club.

Walking distance to Times Square for $160/night double occupancy for their VIP room with a queen bed. Cheaper options are available too, but you have single beds. Community bathrooms in all cases. Also, it's a walkup, no elevators.

I stayed there 16 years ago and my daughter got a kick out of how small the rooms were.

I would liken it to a small non-chain European hotel.

There are a number of cheaper options in Queens, a short subway ride from Manhattan. These often have fantastic views of The NY Skyline ,as well.

There is no secret hotel with great rates in the heart of the city. You have to pick location or opulence and either compromise on one or the other or pony up the buckaroos. No way I'd stay in a place with shared bathrooms.

Last time in NYC, I stayed in a hotel way downtown last year. South of WTC. Nice hotel and wasn't expensive by NYC standards but it's a bit a schlep for you everyday to get to midtown. But if you want to save money and want a nice room for not a lot of moolah, you'll have to schlep.

That's pretty much it. The further from Times Square, the cheaper it gets,as a rule. The good news is the subways run 24/7 so its a matter of how many stops you are willing to abide, and how far a walk to and from the subway.
I just moved from NY and spent about half my nights in Queens, the rest further East on Long Island. If you have any questions about neighborhoods, I'd be happy to help via pm.

Just remembered, we have good luck staying at Club Quarters hotels in the City. Sometimes you can get lucky and find some decent prices on hotels down by Wall St., especially on the weekends.

With all respect to Billy, you should stay in Manhattan and breathe all of it in. I had a NE cruise a few years ago and I stayed at a boutique hotel across the street from Central Park. I was upgraded to a suite, although it was somewhat of a joke. The place still had an incredible bar. I'm sorry but I don't remember the name of it. Manhattan was incredible and I want to go back there. Spend the extra dollars and enjoy it.

If he can afford it, I agree, but hotels in Manhattan can be crazy. Five nights can run close to $2,000, or more.
Having an idea of his budget would make it easier.

My wife and I stayed at the Park Lane Hotel (Central Park South area) last year. It is a couple of doors down from the Plaza Hotel. The location was great and we were able to walk or subway virtually everywhere.

They also offer a Hospitality Reception each evening of your stay (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.), including assorted snacks, wine, beer, bottled water and soft drink. Unlimited wine and beer along with things like pizza, wings, meatballs, cheese,fruits, veggies, etc.

The hotel was very clean and we would return as it is priced really nice for that area. Check for specials on their website-

Park Lane

I picked dates at random, checking in March 28th for five nights and the cheapest room was $2068. It is a great hotel and location if that's in his budget.