Village Break

Where to stay in NYC for Christmas?

My husband is coming home from Iraq before Christmas and I wanted to surprise him with a Christmas trip to NYC. I have never been there and wanted to know where the best areas to stay in NYC were. I think it would be best if we were in short distance of maybe Time Square or any other suggestions? I want to visit somethings that a person "has to" see while in NYC. So hotel areas? Restaurants? Sites? Shopping? As much advice as possible would be perfect!!!!

Public Comments

1. EDITED (I remembered a few more things) -
   
   
   
   If I were you, I would book the hotel as soon as possible. NYC is tourist galore during the holidays.
   
   
   
   While you're here, make sure to visit the X-mas trees at Rockefeller Center and Lincoln Center. You may also want to stop by and look at the store windows which are made up in holiday themes (Macy's, Disney Store on 5th Avenue, and Lord & Taylor). While on 5th Avenue, take out your camera for the floating snow flake that lights up at night. It's right before the entrance to Central Park literally above 5th Avenue. Ice skating is very popular here during this time of year. There are skating rinks in Central Park, Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park (free for Bryant Park).
2. prob too late to book for this xmas
3. i used to live there i was born there you guys should go to rokafella center and go ice skating then go to time square and go see the tree
   
   http://www.marriotus.com/newyorkmarquis.html
   
   http://www.hudsonhotel.com/
   
   http://www.nycparamount.com/
   
   http://www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumnewyork/index.html
   
   
   
   christmas is the best time you should also go see the statue of liberty i went its awesome
4. My friend, depending on your budget, may I recommend the link below.
   
   
   
   Good luck
   
   Native New Yorker
5. You can try subletting. There are some really great affordable places to sublet in Manhattan.
   
   
   
   Craigslist is a great starting point:
   
   
   
   http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/sub/906652930.html
   
   
   
   
6. I checked today 2 hotels at Christmas (when I go) 12/25-12/29 for instance, $199 a night, one a boutique hotel, The Stay Hotel, also $199, the new Hampton Inn on 35th w/ breakfast (I'd choose that one, with some dates at $159).
   
   
   
   Also as far as what to do, from another answer of mine:
   
   Met Opera, $20 tickets are available before each show, check website for info; metopera.org Feinstein's at the Regency always has great shows, I have seen his Christmas show twice, great but spendy, The Rockettes Christmas show is great, don't waste your time at that 1/2 price artixs booth, it wastes hours of your tourist time, just go directly to the box office of what you want to see, I got tickets for the last Raul Esparza play for less than $20, it doesn't matter where you sit, most of the theaters are pretty small.Also, the Met. museum of art, Central Park, of course, the Statue of Liberty/ Ellis Island tour, the Cloisters (upper west side, same day admission w/ a met museum ticket), Cafe Taci, where they sing while you dine; Saturday nights, lots of fun; http://www.caffetaci.com/ lots of fun bars in all parts of town, depending. other ideas, check tripavisor.com also has good user reviews on hotels and restaurants. Check there before you check in; lots of dumps in NYC.
   
   
   
   Also, please thank your husband for me for his service to this country.