New York December time

Next time I'm over I'm avoiding Times square. Stayed at the Manhatten @ Times Square and The New Yorker (across from Madison Square Garden), and perhaps aiming for Lower East Side next time (lots of nice bars and restaurants) or Upper West Side (think a few bars at least).

Times square is chain restaurants and irish bars, and, like you say, its like Picadilly circus...

Anyone else got a favoured area which isn't around Times Square?

Anyone else got a favoured area which isn't around Times Square?

I'd vote for Chelsea/Greenwich Village.

Jonathan

Anyone else got a favoured area which isn't around Times Square?

I'd vote for Chelsea/Greenwich Village.

Jonathan

2nd that

I agree staying in Chelsea / Greenwich Village is great (and my preference) but for many Times Square is better as more central for all the tourist sights, especially if it is a first time visit.

But wherever you stay, getting out and about is the way to best enjoy NYC. I love all the neighbourhoods with their distinct feel and character.

Could never live their though- after a week I am craving the prace and quiet of rural Devon!

Anyone else got a favoured area which isn't around Times Square?

Just to throw in a different approach -- transport in NY is easy and cheap. You can get around easily -- walking around Manhattan is great fun and an excellent way to explore. So find a great deal at a nice hotel and prioritise that. I've stayed all over the island and think that the quality of accommodation is more important than the area (provided you're not going too far uptown). E.g. I often stay downtown -- often quieter and cheaper than other spots and you are ideally positioned for the subway.

Having said all that, in my view Times Sq is really awful so I think you are wise to avoid it!