Hotwire Hotel: 4* New York City (Midtown East) Grand Hyatt New York

[lolamei]

Hi - I am traveling Mar 29-Apr 1 for a trip with 3 adults and a nine year old to see Lion King and do touristy NYC stuff. We want to be close enough to walk and get around easily. I am looking at a Midtown East 4* for $286 (I am hoping that is 2 doubles based on my 4 people?) and based on the amenities I think it might be Grand Hyatt? This Hotel features the following amenities:

Fitness Center

Restaurant(s)

Business Center

High-Speed Internet Access

Tennis Nearby

Would it be better to go for than or to go for the known on the "standard rate side" which has the DoubleTree Hilton Times Square South for $260 a night?

Thanks for any feedback! I appreciate your site - very helpful and I did click through up at the top :)

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

The Grand Hyatt would be my best guess for this one as well.

Assuming correct, between this and the Doubletree, a case could be made for either as i don't see a clear winner between the two. The Doubletree is newer (and really good chocolate chip cookies for the nine year (old the adults too ;) ). However, although it can get mixed reviews (the size of the rooms vary greatly which i think is part of the reason for the mixed reviews) and it's very business oriented which given it's size doesn't lead t a lot of personalized service with doormen or employees remembering your name and things like that, i've always liked the Grand Hyatt. The location is right on top of Grand Central so you're able to access the subway and begin your joureny with out ever having to really venture outside (good in case of inclement weather) and there are a lot of retail shops in the area. With a 9 year old it's likely a 15 minute walk to the heart of Times Square (or can take the Shuttle (train) or the 7 train... or one of the two MTA busses that passes right by the front of the hotel).

The area around the Doubletree is a bit 'industrial' with many of the storefronts being 'wholesale only to the trade' type stores whereas around Grand Central it's a bit more retail stores and restaurants that serve the local 9-5 business community.

Hope that give you enough information to make a decision based upon the needs of your group.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

Let us know what you decide and how it goes or if we can be of further help.

[lolamei]

Went for the $286 rate and it was the Grand Hyatt! Your advice was most helpful.

[AaronJB]

Congrats on your success. :)

Very nice win for this NYC property! Glad you are looking forward to your stay.

Thank you for sharing your win and please use the site's PRICELINE or HOTWIRE links to start your purchases and searches.

Enjoy your stay.

[thereuare]

Some quick tips for this area (with a child):

You're also near my often recommended Ess-A-Bagel (Third Ave at 51st St) which has one of the best bagels in the city, makes for a nice, and relatively inexpensive, breakfast among local NYers.

Jackson Hole Wyoming on Third Ave at 35th St one of the best burgers in the city. It's a diner-esqu feel type of place, and the 9 year old will not likely be able to finish these monster, yet still very juicy, burgers.

The food court area inside Grand Central will have a little something for everyone, ranging from a kids sandwiches to oysters or crabcakes and is just easy with no waitress, added expense of a tip, splitting the bill, etc.

Enjoy your stay.