[thereuare]

The information below is my own impression of each zone (as defined by Priceline). For the most part, location isn’t as important (except perhaps for Lower Manhattan) as it is in other cities as transportation options are plentiful and convenient throughout the city. You shouldn’t overly concern yourself with what area you’re staying in (IMO), but the descriptions below are designed to give you the “personality” of each zone and somewhat of a better idea of what each area has to offer. The most popular zones tend to be Midtown East and Midtown West.

It is YOUR responsibility to make sure the boundaries of the zone you’re bidding on haven’t changed since this was written (3/28/03). If you have any questions or would like something clarified, please ask by posting to this thread, as this way it will benefit someone else down the road who has the same question.


Lower Manhattan: this area covers the lower tip of Manhattan, just about the entire area South of Canal St. This is not the best location for a tourist as it’s out of the way from “the sights of mid-town” and the theater district. Although a fast taxi/subway ride to other areas, there <generally> are better choices in NYC. The main tourist attractions in this area include South Street Seaport and Battery Park (which is where you can catch the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and the Staten Island ferry).

Midtown East: this area begins just north of 41st St and extends north to 54th St.; and runs from 5th Ave toward the east river. This is generally a good choice for tourists who are interested in sightseeing and going to the theater, but don’t want to be in the heart of Times Square. Grand Central Station is in this zone, so subway transportation tends to be pretty convenient. Pretty busy during the day mid-week, but gets a little quieter in the evenings and weekends.
(Editor’s note: if you stay in this area I HIGHLY recommend Essa-bagel (51st St and Third Ave) for breakfast one morning, one of the best bagels in NYC!)

Midtown South: this area almost goes river-to-river, and begins just south of 41st St and ends roughly at 25th St. The Empire State Building is in this zone, as well as Penn Station and Macy’s. Mostly business oriented area, and gets quiet at night.

Midtown West: this area covers a grid from 42nd St to 55th St, and is bound east/west by 5th Ave and 8th Ave. This area is in the heart of Times Square and the theater district. Some people find it too crowded and filled with tourists, but others love the action and the proximity to the theater. Restaurants (especially at hotels) can get pricey in this area, but there is a wide assortment of ethnic and less expensive restaurants along 9th Ave in the high 40’s/low 50’s.

Upper Eastside: this area begins at 62nd St and continues as north as 92nd St, running along Central Park and avenues east of the park. This area is more residential and might be good for someone that wants to “live” like a New Yorker for a weekend. This is not a good choice for someone that wants to spend a lot of time on the upper west side since getting to the west side via public transportation can be a bit of a hassle. There are quite a few ‘neighborhood’ bars throughout the area and on the weekends the streets are likely to be crowded.

Upper Midtown – Central Park South: this area covers the lower edge of Central Park. Tends to be very upscale area and is good for somebody on a shopping spree. Lincoln Center is in this area as well. Other than that, pretty non-descript, except maybe to say that it’s pricey.

Upper Westside: begins at 62nd St and goes as north as 96th St. It borders Central Park and a few avenues west of the park. This area (like the Upper Eastside) is fairly residential and ideal for somebody looking to not act like a tourist. As well, there are a lot of restaurants and bars in the area and a few museums.