Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Culture hounds might come in fall, winter, and early spring, when
the theater and performing-arts seasons reach their heights. During
summer, many cultural institutions, especially Lincoln Center, offer
free, alfresco entertainment. Those who want to see the biggest
Broadway hits usually have the best luck getting tickets in the slower
months of January and February.
Gourmands might find it easiest to land the best tables during
July and August, when New Yorkers escape the city on weekends. If
you prefer to walk every city block to take in the sights, spring and
fall usually offer the mildest and most pleasant weather.
New York is a nonstop holiday party from early December through
the start of the New Year. However, keep in mind that hotel prices go
sky high during the winter holidays, and the crowds are almost intol-
erable. If you'd rather have more of the city to yourself—better
chances at restaurant reservations and shows, easier access to muse-
ums and other attractions—choose another time of year to visit.
Bargain hunters might want to visit in winter, between the first of
the year and early April. Sure, you might have to bear some cold
weather, but that's when hotels are suffering from the post-holiday
blues, and rooms often go for a relative song—a song in this case
meaning a room with a private bathroom for as little as $150. AAA
cardholders can even do better in many cases (generally a 5%-10%
savings if the hotel offers a AAA discount). However, be aware that
the occasional convention or event, such as February's annual Fash-
ion Week, can sometimes throw a wrench in your winter savings
plans. Spring and fall are traditionally the busiest and most expen-
sive seasons after holiday time. Don't expect hotels to be handing
you deals, but you still might be able to negotiate a decent rate.
The city is drawing more families, and they usually visit in the
summer. Still, the prospect of heat and humidity keeps some away,
making July and the first half of August a significantly cheaper time
to visit than later in the year; good hotel deals are often available.
At Christmas, expect to pay top dollar for everything. The first 2
weeks of December—the shopping weeks—are the worst when it
comes to scoring an affordable hotel room; shoppers from around
the world converge on the town to catch the holiday spirit and
spend, spend, spend. But Thanksgiving can be a great time to come:
Business travelers have gone home for the holiday, and the holiday
shoppers haven't arrived. It's a little-known secret that most hotels
away from the Thanksgiving Day Parade route have empty rooms,
and are usually willing to make deals to fill them.
