The Belvedere

When I traveled to New York City for the U.S. Open, I wanted to explore the best of Manhattan by night, after spending the day watching Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer dominate the tennis courts.

The Belvedere Hotel is one of my favorites hotels of any in the world. Not only is it affordable ($200 per night +/-) but it is located in the heart of the theater district, walking distance to Times Square and many other popular destinations.

Highly recommend this one if you're heading to NYC and want to experience the best of NYC without spending a fortune. Rooms are beautiful, quiet and staff is friendly.

I stayed here in febuary 2008 during my stay in New York City coming after reading hotels about how the hotel was small and the staff unfriendly. I can only assume these reviewers have never been to Paris. As far as small goes, its 12 stories and the bedroom's so tiny that it can fit two queen sized beds in with room for a desk area and on-suite. Small indeed.

However I was most impressed, and this might have been my naivity as a first time visitor to the States, with how helpful and nice the staff were. Specifically the doormen who insisted on getting a taxi for me rather than I going outside into the snow and doing it myself. Little touches like that make it a much nicer stay.

Pleasentries aside, the price is also pretty good for Manhatten and the hotel is located only a couple blocks from Broadway, more specifically Times Square.

So if your in NYC, I suggest giving it a try. If you can stand the tiny rooms, of course.

We stayed there one night on July 4th to see the fireworks. The location is very good, right off the street where there are so many shops and restaurants. The service people are very nice and polite.