New Years + reasonably priced + pretty central = sold out by nowt, most likely. I checked a few of the Manhattan Hampton Inn ((moderately nice, moderately priced hotel chain) locations and they are all sold out for Dec 31. Most of the New Jersey ones were also full.
A bit late now to get in but try The New Yorker. Just accross from Madison Square Garden, a block from Macy's and a short walk to the Empire State Building. Recently refurbished, try there.
The Royal York hotel in our own 'old York', Yorkshire, why bother to go all that way when absolute luxury is on your doorstep, we go there every year from dec22 to jan4, brilliant, and such excellent value for money, food excellent, staff brilliant, service second to none and so genuinely friendly. We have stayed in most of the best hotels all over the world but the Royal York surpasses all. Prudentia xxx
I stayed at the Roosevelt which was pretty handy for Time Sq but looks like that is booked up for NYE though not surprisingly for any decent city hotel.
They could look further out though travel should be taken into account if they are going to the main event (or near it) in Time Sq as it is likely to be a nightmare getting anywhere and taxis likely to be expensive, especially with tipping on top. It may well also be bitterly cold so this should be considered as if they are not staying close by, they may well need to wrap up very warm.
We stayed at ThirtyThirty hotel on East 30th Street.
It was quite cheap, very basic and very small room but very close to lots of sights, such as Times Square, Empire State, Grand Central Station etc.
Plus, literally over the road from the front entrance (10 seconds walk) was a great little bar, restaurant called "The Crooked Knife" which is known as one of NY's hidden gems. Google it, great homecooked food and a brilliant, friendly atmosphere (I do believe it's owned by an Irishman.)
Last time there, stayed here and very nice indeed.....central and near everything. Availability goes very quickly this time of year, so if spaces i would book damn quick. Hope they enjoy NY, jo90 :0)
We stayed in the Wolcott hotel a few years back, it was nothing special but was clean and comfortable and central, and included a continental breakfast. Try ringing them direct for better prices than on the internet
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We stayed at Morgans hotel on Madisson avenue near to Grand Central Terminal and the Empire State building. Nice art deco style hotel, reasonably priced and a continental breakfast is included in the price which is a bonus for NYC.
We stayed at the Pensylvania on 34th street, opposite Madison square gardens. Very clean, theres a bar/restaurant there too. (it was a few years ago though)