New York in December - worth the inflated pricing?

[rock86]

Hi all,

We are planning a few weeks in the US of A, and while still a while off booking the trip I wanted to get peoples thoughts on whether the massive price increase for NYC hotels in December is actually worth it.

We'll be first timers and are not taking our little rugrats on the whirlwind trip (thanks to their awesome grandparents - don't judge us ), my wife wants to go in December and although I'm not too fussed about the time of year and would be happy to go then, I just am trying to justify whether it's worth it!

What's everyone's thoughts, worth it and pay the premium, or try to convince the wife to go in a cheaper season?

 

[n7of9]

I went to NYC for the first time over Dec/Jan about 5 years ago. Other than it probably being the worst place to be on NYE, it was unbelievably cold. Our trip to Niagara was cancelled due to bad weather, and I walked away from the Ellis Is. ferry before it even reached us (the thought of being on water on that windy day was unbearable)

Of course YVMM, but we were 3 Aussies and 2 Californians and we all regretted going mid-winter

I'm going back in Oct this year and so looking forward to it, it will feel like a totally different city

 

[get me outta here]

Early December is a lot cheaper than over the ‘holiday’ period, but after Thanksgiving. It can be mildish too, if you’re lucky.

 

[get me outta here]

Compare hotel prices for say Nov 29, Dec 13 and Dec 20 and you’ll see the prices will jump up the closer to Christmas you get. Actually, looking at TA, there is conflicting advice. The Destination Experts on TA can be really good : Cheapest Months to Most Expensive for NYC for hotels - New York City Forum - TripAdvisor

 

[BriarFlyer]

My son and partner went over late December/early January and loved NYC at that time of year. For the festive season trimmings, NYE, sport (they went to a couple of Giants games and Rangers hockey and even a rodeo at MSG). They're not as much into sightseeing as events and food and bars and walking/running the neighbourhoods. Me, as much as I love NYC I'd hate the cold!

 

[Lynda2475]

The best time to visit NY imo is September, the weather is good for walking this time of year and NY is very walk-able with just as much to do outside as there is inside.

The main reason to go in Dec would be to see the Christmas decorations and do NYEs in Times Square, so if you are really into Christmas then go for it, if not then opt for milder time of year (May through Oct).

Going when its warmer means you need to pack/wear less which means you can shop more! Going Dec-Mar risks weather delays.

 

[earlyriser]

If you are willing to wait until Jan 2 and after, I have found that the hotel prices are extremely low.

 

[dajop]

Of course it depends on what you want to visit NYC for. Sure it's nice to have warm weather for your trip to do plenty of walking, but a sunny day is not totally out of the question for December (even though it will most likely be very cold if it is sunny). But if the weather really is bad (rainy) then there's plenty to door indoors in NYC.

For hotel prices, I guess you can only answer that. But if you find a cancellable rate (AAA rate, if RACx or NRMA member), that meets your need - book it now - and there's a chance that the price will come down closer to arrival, NYC hotel prices can jump around (both up and down) closer to the actual date. Also if budget constrained, may be worth considering staying close to a subway on ":Long Island City" that is still close to Manhattan but almost always more affordable.

 

[Mick1969]

I've also found reward nights at Crowne Plaza for New Years Eve to be exceptionally good value, although I believe the redemption rates have risen. When I last looked I could buy and redeem points for less than $300 a night when the cash rate was $1800.

Edit: Misquote

 

[Mick1969]

Duplicate post

 

[Mick1969]

I just had a look, the rates for Crowne Plaza Times Square have increased dramatically, however points are still a good option with the current bonus. $900 USD a night v 60000 points, 3 nights can be had for $1000 USD (80% bonus points, 180000 for $1000 USD, it was a lot better a few months ago).

 

[rock86]

Thanks for all the replies!

I'm not a massive xmas person, but my better half certainly is. I know that she really wants to see the Rockefeller Tree and she does absolutely love decorating our place at that time of year, I think I may be pushing an uphill battle.

I think I have found a few ways where I can hopefully limit it to $400 average per night over 6 nights for some ok hotels - although we may have to change hotel mid stay to achieve that (which I could live with).

But when I first started looking and the prices were at a minimum ~$500/night for ok properties I couldn't believe my eyes, I knew NYC was expensive I just didn't realise it got that expensive for only 'nice enough' rooms.

 

[get me outta here]

I have read that if you look at pricing a hotel day by day instead of say 6 days, the price can be cheaper. Maybe worthing testing.

Don’t be tempted to try AirBnB in NYC, it is illegal for 6 days for an independent place.

 

[amaroo]

NYE is a nightmare and probably best avoided IMO, as mentioned up thread the early NY is a great time for many reasons.. prices will most likely drop if you hold off.

 

[Dave G]

Try the doubletree hilton in Times Square - was awesome value for us in Jan this year. Got to see Professional Bull Riding at MSG, skate at Rockefeller rink, check out central park.
Perfect location for seeing the great white way

 

[Dr Ralph]

I've booked NYC for 2 weeks over Christmas/New years. I used SPG/Marriott points to avoid any increase in cost for that time of the year.

 

[rock86]

I've booked NYC for 2 weeks over Christmas/New years. I used SPG/Marriott points to avoid any increase in cost for that time of the year.

That is what I am targeting Dr, I'm just waiting for hopefully an increased offer in the DJ cards within the next 6 weeks so I can transfer the SPG points before August 1. If there is a 40K DJ Amex offer within that time frame I'll be able to get the majority of nights at somewhere like the Westin just by bonus points and then I'll just purchase the remaining needed points - which won't be a great deal.

But that is relying on some luck in bonus offerings, which is like winning the lotto!

 

[Dr Ralph]

That is what I am targeting Dr, I'm just waiting for hopefully an increased offer in the DJ cards within the next 6 weeks so I can transfer the SPG points before August 1. If there is a 40K DJ Amex offer within that time frame I'll be able to get the majority of nights at somewhere like the Westin just by bonus points and then I'll just purchase the remaining needed points - which won't be a great deal.

But that is relying on some luck in bonus offerings, which is like winning the lotto!

I'd be careful with waiting too long. There's a lot less availability then when I booked in January.

 

[rock86]

I'd be careful with waiting too long. There's a lot less availability then when I booked in January.

Mine won't be until next year unfortunately (or fortunately depending on what way you look at it), our company went public recently so this year for myself has become somewhat of a 'personal' write-off and any plans of holiday's were shelved.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Try the doubletree hilton in Times Square - was awesome value for us in Jan this year. Got to see Professional Bull Riding at MSG, skate at Rockefeller rink, check out central park.
Perfect location for seeing the great white way

How much was awesome value?

Sorry just seeing a lot of references in this thread without supporting $ amounts