Ask Dr. LJ: New York hotels.

[saxikath]

So it looks like I'm going to be in NYC for a couple nights in May for a business trip. The closest hotel to the event is -- surprise! -- the Brooklyn Bridge Marriott, but that's not one of our "company preferred hotels," so the rates are higher. (And may I just say, NYC hotels have scary room rates, judging by what's showing up on our corporate travel site!)

So: Anyone know anything about Flatotel (W. 52nd) or the Hotel Mela (W. 44th?) How long would it take me to get from either of those (or anywhere in that area -- there seem to be lots of hotel options in midtown) to Livingston St. in Brooklyn?

Comments

[otherwise-nyc.livejournal.com]

Don't know anything about either of those hotels, but will check with a friend who stayed on 32nd Street at a hotel that they said was fine.

Would estimate 45 minutes to get from midtown to Livingston Street. Won't spend all of it on the train, but that gives you a little wiggle room for how often trains arrive, and then you'll have a little walk from your train to Livingston Street.

Let us know when you're in town, maybe we can get dinner!

[zenala.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, the only one of those I can vouch for is the Brooklyn Marriott, since I've stayed there... It's a Marriott, and like Marriotts, is predictably nice.

As for getting to Brooklyn, once you're on the subway, you're on the subway, and getting from midtown to Brooklyn is relatively straightforward. I concur with the above time estimate, having done the reverse staying with my cousin in the Park Slope area of Brooklyn.

[ennirol.livejournal.com]

Both of those hotels look very lovely. They're both Times Square-ish, so keep that in mind when you're deciding whether to stay there - the touristiness of the area can be a boon or a hell. That Flatotel is a block and a half from my office!

I continually find it odd how difficult it is to find nice lodgings (for a reasonable price, let alone inexpensive) in Brooklyn. My parents stayed in a Cobble Hill B&B once, but other than that, they've tried to find places in Brooklyn and ended up choosing Manhattan hotels each time.

[cazique.livejournal.com]

Midtown hotels, I'd agree with about 45 minutes. Depends on what subway you're near, though, and exactly where you're going. Obviously feel free to email offline for ny-specific advice, though you've got no shortage of NY-based LJ friends.

You should seriously consider petitioning to stay at the Marriott - it's literally a 5 minute walk from Livingston Street (net of the east-west variation on Livingston), and you could make the case that it gives you much more time to keep up with work, or whatever, if you don't have to give up 3 hours to commuting. Also, more convenient to the airport - a little bit if you're flying into LGA, much more so if JFK.

Curious - what brings you to Livingston Street? You'll be a 5 minute walk from my apartment (again, net of the east-west walk) so would be great to get together if everything (work, infant, etc) works out. (and what dates? i'll probably be gone April 30-May 3.

[stellavision.livejournal.com]

Awww, you're getting to Brooklyn right as I'm leaving it!

I too would push for the Brooklyn Marriott if you can get it -- way more convenient. I used to commute from Brooklyn (literally two blocks from Livingston Street) to W. 52nd and it was about 40 minutes, maybe a little less during rush hour. But the Marriott, you'll be mere steps away. And I can send you the Brooklyn guide I've already started drafting for next year's tournament, if you'd like some restaurant recommendations.

[rubrick.livejournal.com]

I dunno, a flatulence-themed hotel just doesn't sound like a good idea to me.