Where to stay in NYC?

[Gray Matter]

Last night DH was telling me about his upcoming travel plans, and our middle son, who was eavesdropping, said, "Please, can't you take me with you?  Please?  I just want to be with you."  It was heartbreaking.  DH travels too damned much (but that's another entry).

So I said, "Why not?  Why don't we all go?"  Five minutes later, I'd booked our flights to NYC in December using frequent flier miles (the impulsiveness might have had something to do with the fact that we'd just gotten home from checking out the new local craft brewery--yum). 

Now I'm trying to figure out where to stay.  I've been to NYC several times, but never with kids or my MIL (who is visiting and will come with us).  I've used Hot Wire with success, but really like the idea of having our own little place with a kitchen, a walk-up or some such thing, rather than a hotel room.  Has anyone had success using VRBO in NYC?

Any advice on neighborhoods?  Safety matters, charm matters (prefer brownstone to high-rise), and relatively close to something worth seeing, though I know we'll be using public transportation a lot to get around.  And not too expensive.

Thanks!

[boy_bye]

Try looking for an airbnb in Park Slope, Brooklyn. It's the brownstoniest cutest neighborhood in the city. Very safe, lots of families, close to Prospect Park, lots of restaurants, and only 1 train ride to Midtown (assuming that's where your husband will be working). Other great Brooklyn neighborhoods include Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, and Prospect Heights.

If you want to stay in Manhattan, you'll likely pay more and also have less space. But check out the upper west and upper east side on airbnb, there might be something cute there, too.

Queens is worth a look, too -- I think it's the most diverse county in the whole country! Jackson Heights is lovely, full of bustle and great Indian food. Astoria is another great neighborhood. Both are quick trips into the city.

Have fun! I love NY and am happy to offer suggestions! (Natural History museum for sure! Your kids will go nuts for it!)

[dude]

Pretty much anywhere in Manhattan and Brooklyn is very safe these days.  Yes, check the areas in Brooklyn already mentioned (I lived in Park Slope for 6 years, Bay Ridge for 2).  Also, Fort Green and Flatbush areas are now very nice.  Everywhere in Brooklyn is reachable by train (well, Red Hook is still a bit isolated, but it's also a great neighborhood).  Highly recommend the Brooklyn Museum and Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, but also do get around and explore the neighborhoods on foot.  Also, the new waterfront park area underneath the Promenade in Brooklyn Heights is amazing.

[thirtysomething]

We live in Jackson heights in queens. It's safe and easy (#7 train, 30 minutes) to get to the city. A few friends have used airbnb to stay in our neighborhood with good results. There us a lot to see (for free or quite cheap) in NYC. Best of luck.

[Jouer]

My wife and I found a small one-bedroom in SOHO on VRBO that we loved. Pretty decent price too - way cheaper than hotels anywhere in Manhattan. I'm sure you'll find what you need on VRBO or AirBnB.

Chelsea and Gramercy are pretty brownstonie. If you can get a decent place for a decent price near Union Square, there is a great open air market there. It's nicely centralized as well....you can walk to downtown or all the way up to Central Park, if the child and mother-in-law are up for it. 

[NYCMiniBee133]

I would use AirBnB. If you have a tolerance for being outside the city center, the neighborhoods others suggested are great (i.e. Astoria/Jackson Heights  are on the E line which is great or areas in Brooklyn). When family comes I put them up in an AirBnB in Manhattan proper because the price differential isn't worth it to me as they need a little more hand holding.

[boy_bye]

Suggestion of not a place to stay but one to visit -- The Highline park. It's magical -- a beautifully planted park above the hustle of the city -- 100% car free! If you go during the week it's less crowded.

[Gray Matter]

Thanks for all of the great suggestions--I can't wait for our trip, though I can tell we're going to run out of time and won't get to see nearly all that we want.  I love NYC--used to travel there with some regularity for work--but haven't been in 10 years or with kids.  It'll be fun to see it through their eyes.  I am particularly excited to take my oldest to Cloisters--he's a Medieval history geek.  And the Natural History Museum.  And Highline Park.  And Central Park.  And...and...and...

Lhamo--we'll be landing late morning on December 12 and and leaving early morning December 15.  It would be AWESOME if you're in the city during that time!!

I'm off to check out airbnb.  Just wanted to say that MMM is my go-to now for pretty much any question I have about anything.  :-)

[Mortgage Free Mike]

Well, in December rates will be very reasonable. I recently went. I stayed in the Times Square area for a good deal. I used Hotwire. There are generally cheaper hotels (nice ones) in Midtown East. You might need to take the train to where you want to go, but that's only a couple of bucks each way. Enjoy NYC!