Priceline Hotel: 3* NYC (MTE) Crowne Plaza UN

[sarazilla]

Hello,

I will be @ the Crowne Plaza UN this weekend, 12/11-12/15 ($205/night via Priceline in mid-september) I haven't seen this property mentioned much, has anyone on this board had any recent experience there? And any recommendations for nearby cheap/moderate priced eats?

Thanks much-

[thereuare]

Is this still 3* rated and MTE zone?

I'll try to think of some area (as well as some easy subway rides) cheap eats and post back later tonite.

[sarazilla]

In Sept this was a 3 star ME property per Priceline. Looking on some other websites today though I see some list it as a 4 star?

I have used Priceline twice now, and fortunately I found betterbidding beforehand, it has been a great resource!

[thereuare]

Here are some food ideas in the area (or easy to get to via mass transit):

Breakfast:

Ess-A-Bagel: 51st and Third Ave - one of the best bagels in the city. Counter service but they have tables there too which you can bring your try to and sit. I would go early in your trip as you may just return another day!

Jackson Hole: 35th and Third Ave - likely the best burgers i have ever had

Blockheads Burritos: 34th and Third Ave - this is not a 'blow you away meal' but it's a recent find of mine... from 4pm-7pm (7 days a week) they have an early bird dinner: margarita, choice of burritto, and dessert of rice pudding or flan... an incredible $11.50/pp. This deal used to be amazing, but last time i was there (last week) they started a $3 margarita promotion which they said would last thru the cold months... so now no longer a reason to get the early bird (or arrive early) if you're not interested in the dessert options. The food is very good (not excellent), but the $11.50 price tag made this a HUGE bargain

Chinatown: take the 6 train - plenty of inexpensive food everywhere. Many like the downstairs location fo Wo Hop (on Mott St) and for noodle soups, wontons, etc my wife and i like a <dirty> hole in the wall called Wonton Garden (bad service, if they're crowded they may seat somebody else at your table with you (but in NYC this can be fun)... but the food is good and cheap)

Pizza: John's on 44th St near Seventh Ave - good pizza (and Petes-A-Rolls but stay away from the entrees). A great sit-down pizza place as the atmosphere is great since it's inside a converted church

Katz's Deli: lower east side - not cheap for a deli, but cheaper than a 'real' meal, and a sandwich should leave you plenty full for most of the day

[sarazilla]

Thanks thereuare, I appreciate it. If you ever need the same in Seattle let me know!