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Question for New Yorkers (looking for opinions)

post #1 of 13
10/17/08 at 8:34pm
Thread Starter 
Looking for opinions...I have two reservations to choose between two hotels, priced similiarly. One is the POD at E. 51st Street between 2nd and 3rd ave. and the 2nd is the Algonquin at W. 44th near 5th ave in the Theater District (this one is the bigger discount as I got it at around half the going rate, bringing it down to the price of the Pod). Seeing as that this is an Anniversary trip for my wife and I and we want to stay in the nicest area we can afford, are there any pros or cons to these two areas. The Algonquin seems to be more centrally located and maybe better for walking around at night, but not being familiar with the area I'm not sure.

Where would you stay between these two choices of neighborhood and hotel, if you are familiar with them? Is there a major difference between these areas in terms of being close to shopping at the stores that we all like to go to on SF. Thanks for your thoughts.
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post #2 of 13
10/17/08 at 8:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sweisman View Post
Looking for opinions...I have two reservations to choose between two hotels, priced similiarly. One is the POD at E. 51st Street between 2nd and 3rd ave. and the 2nd is the Algonquin at W. 44th near 5th ave in the Theater District (this one is the bigger discount as I got it at around half the going rate, bringing it down to the price of the Pod). Seeing as that this is an Anniversary trip for my wife and I and we want to stay in the nicest area we can afford, are there any pros or cons to these two areas. The Algonquin seems to be more centrally located and maybe better for walking around at night, but not being familiar with the area I'm not sure.

Where would you stay between these two choices of neighborhood and hotel, if you are familiar with them? Is there a major difference between these areas in terms of being close to shopping at the stores that we all like to go to on SF. Thanks for your thoughts.

Depends on what you want to do while you are in New York. The neighborhoods are quite different. POD will be in an area with lots of bars that young people go to - but not hip bars - just drinking establishments and pubs.

Algonquin is closer to 5th ave shopping (quite different than SoHo shopping). Other than that, neither is close to anything interesting. 44th and 5th is awfully close to Times Square...if you want to go that route. Both are quite "centrally" located so that won't be an issue. The hip stuff happens way downtown and the classy typical stuff is all over. If you love 5th ave shopping and Times Square, go for the Algonquin.
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post #3 of 13
10/17/08 at 9:28pm
Thread Starter 
I'm more of a "Men's Clothing" than a "Streetwear and Denim" shopper, so I imagine most of my time will be spent mid and uptown in that regard. Although I plan on going to the West Village to check out Leffot and do some shopping and eating as well. I know we will be going all over, seeing a show at night, just seeing the city etc. so I was really trying to get a feel for the differences in the neighborhoods the hotels are in. As well as the hotels if anyone knows of them. Thanks again.
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post #4 of 13
10/18/08 at 1:11am
Stay at the Algonquin, it has such history and the location is conveinient to so much: Broadway shows, Madison Avenue men's stores, 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center and the unheralded, but oh-so-worthy shops and dining at Grand Central. If you are braving the subway you will also find easy, fast service anywhere else in Manhattan.
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post #5 of 13
10/18/08 at 1:15am
44 & 5th is a nice location when it comes to midtown. Close to Bryant Park and the library, close to 5th ave shopping, close to Times Square but not too close.

I'd clearly go with the Algonquin between these two choices
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post #6 of 13
10/18/08 at 5:54pm
the advantage of 51st btw 2nd and 3rd is that its a little quieter and a little easier to find restaurants that are not tourist traps. The algonquin is a new york landmark, home of the algonquin round table and the oak room, close to the theater district, more subways and with just a little care, you can stay out of the tourist traps. I really wouldn't think twice about it, stay at the algonquin.
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post #7 of 13
10/18/08 at 6:09pm
vinous is right that it's a much quiet area over there, but I agree with Greg. I've never been in the rooms at the Algonquin, but I'd definitely choose it, location-wise, over the POD.
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post #8 of 13
10/27/08 at 1:08am
Algonquin, for sure. Never been but I've heard it's a nice place & used to live a few doors down from there. The area is insanity in terms of crowds, but you also benefit from a sense of place that you can't find anywhere but NY. The POD is also not accessible to as many transit lines.

Quote:
Originally Posted by vinouspleasure View Post
The algonquin is a new york landmark, home of the algonquin round table and the oak room, close to the theater district, more subways and with just a little care, you can stay out of the tourist traps.

Isn't the Oak Room currently moving into the Plaza? Was it previously at the Algonquin, or are we talking about different things?
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post #9 of 13
10/27/08 at 1:13am
I have stayed at the Algonquin and several other hotels on the same block many times. It is a very good part of town being centrally located. Plan to do a lot of Mid-Town activities. If you want SoHo or upper East side, be prepared for a bit of a cab ride.
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post #10 of 13
10/27/08 at 1:14am
I can't imagine "grown ups" staying in The Pod.
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post #11 of 13
10/31/08 at 9:08pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you all for the advice. The Algonquin it is!
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post #12 of 13
11/23/08 at 2:09pm
Probably too late, but see if they'll cut you a deal with a show in their caberet room. The space there sometimes has some really, really good singers. Locals go to see the shows there.
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post #13 of 13
11/24/08 at 1:04am
One advantage of staying at the pod would be that you would be a block away from me. Thats a big plus in my book.
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