As someone who lived in NYC for 10 years, Central Park is great and has more charm than Times Square. However, its more of a walk. CP area will be nicer but I'm not sure I'd do it.

When we go back, we actually do stay close to Times square and kind of enjoy the craziness of it. Your kids will be fascinated at how it looks like daytime in TS even at midnight. Times Square is so much better than it used to be.
I love it.

What part of Central Park? It's like 50 blocks. I prefer CP south to Times Square and at that age they can walk to TS easily.

We stayed at Le Parker Meridien near Central Park recently. Great location, nice indoor rooftop pool, and great brunch in the lobby at Norma's. Rooms are fine. It's a Starwood property if you're a points person.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As I said on another NYC thread, we recently stayed in the Hilton Times Square and loved it. One minute we were in the frenzy and excitement of Times Square, and then the next moment, ah, we were in an oasis of calm. Best of both worlds.

+1

We recently stayed at the hilton Times Square and loved it . You are staying in the hustle bustle of Times Square but the hotel is incredibly serene and quiet. Liked it much better than marriott marquis

Not the OP, but I just checked the Hilton Times Square for three mid-week nights in June and got a rate of almost $2,000 including breakfast and parking. Major sticker shock!! Looks as though it might be a little bit cheaper for a weekend, but still, wow! Any tips on how to find a better deal beyond the obvious online travel sites or is this just what it is?

Try airbnb.com!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As I said on another NYC thread, we recently stayed in the Hilton Times Square and loved it. One minute we were in the frenzy and excitement of Times Square, and then the next moment, ah, we were in an oasis of calm. Best of both worlds.

+1

We recently stayed at the hilton Times Square and loved it . You are staying in the hustle bustle of Times Square but the hotel is incredibly serene and quiet. Liked it much better than marriott marquis

Not the OP, but I just checked the Hilton Times Square for three mid-week nights in June and got a rate of almost $2,000 including breakfast and parking. Major sticker shock!! Looks as though it might be a little bit cheaper for a weekend, but still, wow! Any tips on how to find a better deal beyond the obvious online travel sites or is this just what it is?

I also hate Times Square. It's wall-to-wall people and there is really nothing nice about it. Every time I'm there, I seriously wonder about all the people standing in line to eat at Bubba Gump's Shrimp House and the other crappy chains there.

You can stay near Central Park and take a cab down to TS, then once you've had enough, hop in a cab back.

I hate Times Square so I would stay anywhere else. "Central Park" is pretty vague though.