<p>Hello! I am planning my auditions at Unified in NYC. I was wondering if anyone knew any good/cheap hotels that are close to the AMA building? I just cant seem to find any! Thankyou! If you could supply a website that would be amazing! Thankyou!</p>
<p>Cheap hotels are tough to find in New York. We've stayed at the Herald Square Hotel-which was pretty reasonable and near 34th street. We had reservations at the Porland Square hotel for some auditions. The price was very reasonable. We had the reservations as a back-up for weather, as we live in Philly and ended up taking the train up for the day- so can't comment on the hotel itself, but it was very near to times square.</p>
<p>We are finding that it is no longer possible (or it is nearly impossible) to book a hotel room in advance without having the entire cost immediately charged to a credit card, and without losing at least one night's deposit if it turns-out you have to cancel, even with notice ... </p>
<p>Same thing with the airlines ... most airlines are now charging outrageous fees to cancel or change flights in advance. US Air now charges $150 to cancel or change a flight, and they charge an additional $100 for the privilege of applying a previous US Air credit (i.e., on a cancelled flight), toward a current purchase, bringing the total 'change fee' to $250. </p>
<p>And if you wait until your audition dates and times are confirmed before booking (as we are trying to do ... ), the prices will only go up ... </p>
<p>This is making the process of booking flight/hotel accommodations for auditions more stressful than it needs to be, but we are trying to make it through and keep the focus on the auditions themselves ...</p>
<p>I understand that the current economy is making things hard for everyone, but I really wish the airlines would invoke 'student traveler' rules that are a little less restrictive than the general travel rules for canceling/changing flights ...</p>
<p>blackbelt, "cheap" is all relative in New York. :) You won't find a truly cheap hotel there. If you can find one for $200, you're doing well, as hotel prices in the city have increased dramatically in the past couple of years. And they were high to begin with! Here is an article that I bookmarked when a similar discussion was taking place here on CC last year. </p>
<p>A</a> Ranking of Seven Hotels for Under $200 in New York -- New York Magazine</p>
<p>The Courtyard Marriott and the Hampton Inn are both within easy walking distance to the Unifieds site. There are dozens and dozens of hotels in the Times Square area but it will be tough to find many around $200/night. There are also several taxes which will be added on to whatever price you'll be paying. One other hotel in the center of that area that I have known many people to choose is The Edison. I just did a quick search on their site and it looks like there are some rooms available in early February for a base rate of $229, which is a great price. Best of luck to you!</p>
<p>Keep checking Expedia. I was able to book the Paramount (right across from the AMA) a few months ago for some special "I Love NY in 09"non-refundable promotion for $157/nt. Since I didn't know exactly when I would be there other than Fri-Sun I went ahead and booked Thurs-Sat nights at that rate. Now I added Emerson on Thursday and NYU to Monday so my choices are add the same hotel at $269/nt. for Wed and Sun or move hotels to a closer destination to Chelsea Studios for the other days. Either way atleast I saved on 3 nights. I notice Expedia runs specials sometimes, so just keep checking.
Also, does anyone know anything about the Holiday Inn on 6th Ave. or the Comfort Inn on W. 25th St? They both seem really inexpensive and very close to Chelsea Studios.</p>
<p>Pohsmom, I know a couple of people who flew into the city for open calls who have stayed at the Comfort Inn near Chelsea Studios and they've been happy with it. The only complaint I recall hearing was that the noise from a nearby club was bothersome at night. I would not bother changing hotels for one night if I were you. I haven't heard anything recently about The Paramount but I do recall some fairly negative comments in a discussion here of Unifieds hotels last year. I recommend that you maybe check a site like TripAdvisor and see if there are any recent/current reviews, if you have not already done so.</p>
<p>A friend recently told me about the white house hostel in the Bowery. It's $30 a night.</p>
<p>Hotwire currently has three-star hotels in Times Square for that weekend for 144.00. You don't know the name or location of the hotel until you pay - but they would all be within walking distance of the AMA building.</p>
<p>The Hilton Garden Inn on 8th Ave. is only a block away from the AMA and is "relatively" (!) inexpensive. It's 179.00 if you pay in advance for that weekend (already went up from 159.00 just last night....!) - about 189.00 for a refundable reservation. It is a comfortable, recently renovated hotel. </p>
<p>And also close to the AMA building are the Radio City Apartments on 49th near 7th - right now about 160-170.00 a night depending on how many beds, etc. Nothing fancy - but they are quiet and having a kitchen is nice. And the location is great.</p>
<p>I sent a PM to BlackBelt, but here's the same message to all: I run a travel web-site, and have access to some very acceptable hotels that list for under $200. In addition, I lived in NYC for many years and I'm personally familiar with a lot of the hotels and neighborhoods, so would be happy to give recommendations. It's not appropriate to post my web-site on this discussion board, but if you PM me I'll be happy to send it to you and/or help with hotel or plane reservations.</p>
<p>The NY Mag article is, unfortunately, now out of date regarding price. They do have a good suggestion, though -- you can stay in the Jersey City area for much less, and it's only a short cab-ride away from midtown.</p>
<p>I noted that the linked article was from last year. Rates likely have gone up for some of those mentioned but I do know that a friend of one of my Ds stayed at the Pod fairly recently for a similar price. He was not too impressed with it, though. </p>
<p>I think people need to determine what their budget is and then do their research accordingly. I'm sure that there are some hotels where a $200 room is a possibility. Some will be fine, some will not be. Maybe a search for the discussions that took place here on CC with last year's NY Unifieds attendees. I'm not sure how many of them are still around but getting a few opinions on the hotel of choice is a good idea, particularly in NY. TripAdvisor usually has a good array of recent reviews. Finding a hotel as close to the Unifieds site as possible is a good idea. Within walking distance is ideal, in my opinion, if you can find a decent hotel in your price range. Jersey City has some fine options but, depending on your schedule of auditions, being closer is probably a better idea. A couple of other advantages of being within walking distance are - being able to head back to your hotel room to freshen up if you have a long enough break in your auditions, and, the other is, obviously, being in the theatre district. Many who attend Unifieds in NY take advantage of the opportunity to see a show while in the city. </p>
<p>One comment about hotels in the city, there is probably a larger range in levels of acceptability in NY hotels than anywhere else. Having lived there a couple of times, for several years, and having visited three or four times a year in the intervening years, I've seen lots of people think they've found a bargain and who have then been very disappointed when they actually saw the room that they booked. It's important to find the best spot possible at the price you can afford. You want a hotel that will make it possible for a good night's sleep prior to your student's auditions. </p>
<p>One additional comment. Each year there seem to be a few students who come to CC looking for accomodation information who will be travelling to Unifieds alone. For kids in this situation, one suggestion I'll make is the Big Apple Hostel. It's a well-run, well-kept hostel in a great location. I personally know many students who have stayed there and who return regularly. Clean, safe, rodent and bug free(a big issue in NY), and inexpensive. Dorm style is about $40/night and private rooms ~$125. It's a popular spot so the earlier you reserve the better.</p>
<p>Big</a> Apple Hostel</p>
<p>Another hotel very close to Times Square that often will have deals is the Milford Plaza. It's kind of a tacky place and the rooms are miniscule, even by NY standards. However, if you're on a really tight budget, it might be worth a look. The Edison, though, in my opinion, is the best inexpensive option, both for the quality of the actual hotel and for the excellent location. Its legendary coffee shop is a good place to eat, too.</p>
<p>One that I know has been discussed in previous years is the Marriott Residence Inn which is on Avenue of the Americas, so a bit further but still easily walkable. It's nice and occasionally you can get a very good rate. Typically, their usual rate is around $300/nt. but I know a few people who have been able to get good deals. The rooms have a kitchenette which is a nice feature. It's worth a look.</p>
<p>For those who will be looking for this year, feel free to ask here about hotels you're considering. I know that there are several of us here, onstage and myself included, who should be able to give you some reliable advice. Audition time is stressful enough without worrying about your hotel being problematic in some way.</p>
<p>I can't add anything helpful to what you folks have already posted, other than BRING MONEY! Geez we went through it fast that weekend, mostly trying to keep my kid from being nervous and to keep her in good humor.</p>
<p>After a bit of searching, I found one of the threads from last year.</p>
<p>I wonder if the Crowne Plaza has decided on a discount for this year.</p>
<p>We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn. I remember that I was able to get coupons for two free breakfasts daily at the restaurant next door (which was GREAT). I don't remember if I got those coupons with a senior citizen discount (believe me, they NEVER card you when you say you are 62) or because I joined the Hilton Honors point system. You should look into that b/c the breakfasts were great and the hotel was fine and extremely close to the auditions.</p>
<p>Just so you should know--I am WAY SHY of 62! Always ask for the senior citizen discount at hotels. Believe me, they NEVER card you.</p>
<p>A quick hotel update for those who are attending Unifieds in NYC: there was a fire this week at the Park Central Hotel. I don't know how much damage there was, if any. If you happen to have reservations at that hotel, I suggest you give them a call to see if there could be a problem.</p>
<p>I've stayed at the Roosevelt Hotel (across from Grand Central Terminal) for a ACDA/Honor Choir Convention. It was perfectly fine (small rooms, of course), and handy to the subway and trains. It is about 4 short blocks and 2 long blocks from the Unifieds. I just checked the price for that weekend, and a queen room is $195. and for two double beds $235.</p>
<p>We stayed at the Crowne Plaza where the auditions were with the AMA discount. I expected a terrible room at that rate. The room was gorgeous with a view of the river. Not all the auditions were in that building but it was a great location especially since we planned to see a couple shows.</p>
<p>The Crowne Plaza has just undergone a total renovation. It's lovely! I stayed there last week and the service was, as always, impeccable. I'm not sure if there's a special rate this year for Unifieds, but if so, it's a fabulous place to stay.</p>
<p>I sometimes stay at the Park 79 Hotel on 79th and Columbus. Rooms range from $109 (shared bathroom) to $189 per night. It is a small hotel, close to the subway. the rooms are small, but comfortable and clean. The staff is very friendly. It is not luxurious, but very nice. I have stayed there 2 or 3 times.</p>
<p>KatMT, I don't mean to sound ignorant, but on this one I am!!! What do you mean by shared bathroom. I have experienced that in England, but not in US. Do you mean almost dorm like, with a loo down the hall? Just wondering!</p>