Finding lodging in the Big Apple

A family place in Manhattan

Q: Can you recommend any Manhattan lodgings that would accommodate two adults and three kids?

I'm hoping to find something in April for a couple of nights that wouldn't bust the budget!

— Larry, Seattle

A: It's tough to find anything economical in Manhattan for that many people — and I assume you want to avoid getting two hotel rooms since that becomes ridiculously expensive for a family.

A Midtown hotel is the most convenient location for tourists; phone the hotel directly to see if you can put five people in a room/suite since some hotels limit even a suite to two adults and two kids.

Two hotels to check: The Bedford Hotel has suites with a separate bedroom and kitchen, www.bedfordhotel.com, and the Residence Inn Times Square has rooms with a king bed and sofa bed plus a full kitchen (and a free breakfast buffet also is offered), www.marriott.com.

With five, the Marriott room would definitely be cozy and your kids would need to be little enough to not mind sharing the king bed. In April, prices start at around $300 a night at each hotel.

One hotel that might easily accommodate the family (for a higher price) is the Doubletree Guest Suites, in the heart of Times Square. Some of its two-room suites have a separate bedroom, with two double beds, and a living room with a sofa bed. Rates start around $450 a night (less if you book a no-refund-allowed rate).

For some stories on Manhattan hotels, including chain hotels that can be good value in high-priced New York, go to seattletimes.com and search for "Manhattan and chain hotels."

You also could look online at craigslist and other sites for short-term vacation rental apartments, but it can be hard to know what you're getting and to avoid the scams and crummy places.

To get more information on New York accommodations, see the city's tourism Web site; hotel deals posted there sometimes include a third night free and discounted Sunday nights stays: www.nycgo.com

— Kristin Jackson, Seattle Times

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