Need input asap. Where should we stay in NYC? Times Square or Central Park or other?

[Carpe Diem]

I need some input. I found an apartment in Hell's Kitchen on 47th (I think, 2 blocks from Times Square.) This is through airbnb, a rental of an apartment. The person has very good feedback and is a super host award recipient.

 

Should I book this place? Is this a good area or would we rather be somewhere else? Three kids 7-15.

 

Thanks!

[Michelle in AL]

We drove through Hell's Kitchen, it seemed very nice from what I remember. Times Square itself is much too busy to stay in directly IMO, but Hell's Kitchen is very close. I like the lower east side of central park for closeness to the zoo, and art museums. If you plan on mostly seeing a Broadway play, eating, and staying the Times Square area then choose that one. If you're more interested in the museums maybe Central Park.

 

So glad to see you're doing well! Wishing you all the best!

[Catwoman]

What's the address? (You don't have to give me the exact address, but something like W 49th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues would be enough.) There are safe parts of Hell's Kitchen, but there are other parts where I wouldn't want to be at night with my kids. Also, if there's not a 24 hour doorman in the building, pass on it. If you want to PM me the exact address, I may be able to tell you exactly which building it is, and what it's like.

 

Generally speaking, I would choose a hotel in midtown over an apartment in Hell's Kitchen any day of the week.

[Dandelion]

DH and I stayed at the Hampton Inn Manhattan/Times Square North (on Eighth at 51st) last October and were very happy with our stay. It was very conveniently located to everything. http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/new-york/hampton-inn-manhattan-times-square-north-NYCMTHX/index.html

[Donovans4]

From what I have read on Trip Advisor, apartment rentals in NYC are illegal, except in very specific (lon term rental) situations. There are plenty of stories of people who rent aprrtments, only to arrive in the city and find that the apartment doesn't actually exist. Please do lots of research before you put any money down on an apartment rental.

[gingersmom]

What's the address? (You don't have to give me the exact address, but something like W 49th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues would be enough.) There are safe parts of Hell's Kitchen, but there are other parts where I wouldn't want to be at night with my kids. Also, if there's not a 24 hour doorman in the building, pass on it. If you want to PM me the exact address, I may be able to tell you exactly which building it is, and what it's like.

 

Generally speaking, I would choose a hotel in midtown over an apartment in Hell's Kitchen any day of the week.

 

I agree.

 

I would also be worried that they are illegally using their apartment as a hotel room.