Manhattan's Upper West Side - a Great Alternative to Staying in Times Square

Many visitors to New York City stay in Times Square simply because they've heard of it and don't know any other location to ask for a hotel. The Upper West Side of Manhattan is a terrific alternative. Whereas Times Square is noisy, expensive, crowded and hectic, other areas of Manhattan are quieter, prettier and relaxing by comparison. As a New Yorker, I only go to Times Square when I am going to the theatre or for occasional shopping trip. The big pluses to the Upper West Side are: it's close to Central Park and many major museums, there are many choices for reasonable priced food and it's much less crowded. The transportation is great and you can be in Times Square in fifteen minutes. You can walk to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lincoln Center or The American Museum of Natural History. Here are some of my recommendations of places to stay and eat in the neighborhood, where I actually live. The Upper West Side is defined as the area from West 59th Street to West 96th Street, bordered by Central Park West and Riverside Drive. I have included the subway lines to the following hotels, but buses also run along Broadway (take the M104) or Central Park West (the M10). You must have exact fare or it's better to buy a Metrocard which can be used on both buses and subways. You buy these at machines in subway stations with either cash or a credit card.

HOTELS:

Hayden Hall Hotel (117 West 79th Street, telephone (212) 787-4900, website: www.haydenhall.com) This intimate hotel isn't fancy but it's popular when tourists, especially Europeans. It's just steps away from the Natural History Museum and Central Park. It's clean, there are private baths and it's a really wonderful option in the budget price range (rooms are under $150 a night). Subways: take the number 1 train to 79th Street or the C train to West 81st Street. Both of these subway lines go directly to Times Square.