I really appreciate the help. I've been to NYC several times. I often stay at the Mariott Marquis and have stayed at the Algonquin and the Royal Rhiaad (is that how you spell it?). We usually stay in Times Square to have easy access to plays. We certainly don't mind walking--although in March it can get a tad bit chilly for Texans. The subway is fine. We haven't done a lot of subway riding in NYC, mainly because we usually stay close to where we want to go. We like 5th Avenue shopping, but wanted to try something a little different than the deparment stores for the perfect prom dress for the funk queen. Maybe even vintage? I am big on safety and want a minimum of a 3 star hotel. Will pay pretty big bucks for a nice place considering it's NYC. Would love to stay under $200, but considering rack rate is easily $300 for a nice hotel in New York, I'm willing to pay the price. I have bid sucessfully on hotels on Priceline in London, Miami, Phoenix and Orlando.