Hotwire Hotel: August NY Trip

[WItourist]

We are planning a first time trip to NY and the East coast August 6 - 13. Have a cancellable reservation at Westin Times Square for $$$$$$. Would like to stay in the city for 3 nights and then possibly take a train out of the city, rent a car, and head north as far as Maine. Back to NY on Saturday to fly out of LaGuardia.

Looking for suggestions on:

Hotel stay in NY August 6, 7, 8. (As first time tourists, might we want to be in Mid-Town Central?) Are we best off with a 4* or better? I'm most comfortable with Hotwire -- any suggestions? We already have tickets for Wicked and a Yankees game. Has anyone tried the Big Apple Greeter? Was it time well spent?

Would the Metro North be our best bet for getting out of the city? We're thinking about taking it to New Haven, CT., and then renting a car?

How bad will traffic be from there? Can we reasonably get as far as Portland, ME in one day without completely stressing out?

This country mouse would be most grateful for help in planning this trip - we are traveling with our two teens - 16 & 18. Want to make it extra special for them.

WI Tourist

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

For starters, how many rooms were you planning on getting (one room for the four of you or two rooms?) What is the rate you have for the Westin?

[WItourist]

We're looking for 1 room with 2 double beds - were quoted $299.

Thanks.

[thereuare]

With Priceline you can't specify a room with two beds, and in NYC it is very possible to get a room with only one bed which can't accomodate a roll-away cot. You can take the risk if you want to, but i wouldn't recommend it.

Hotwire does allow you to search for up to quad occupancy, but there is nothing worthwhile coming up for your dates. You could get 2 rooms for about the same $300/nite you're seeking, but i imagine you're looking for something cheaper.

I think your best option is the Beekman Tower where you can get a 1BR suite (it's the size of a NYC apartment) for $183/nite which has one bed in the BR and a pull-out couch in the Living Room (you'll still need to search the above link for only 2 adults in the room, but the configuration is as stated). The reviews are excellent and it will provide you some welcomed extra space in the room that you otherwise wouldn't have in a standard room.

Let us know if the above works for your or if we can help further.