Recommend a hotel

That's the best time to hunt. What is your move-in date, and what are you looking for?

On the hotel, define "absurdly expensive".

If you'll be alone, are very low-maintenance, and would rather be able to do an affordable search with less time pressure (i.e. come for multiple search weekends), consider http://www.larchmonthotel.com/ ... but know what you're getting ... "European Style", as they say: eensy little rooms, almost all with shared hallway bathroom, in an old historic building.

If you're with someone else, and are Americans without Darvon, you'll probably kill each other in that sort of hotel setup.

No idea what's the norm in NY, less than $200 a night?

Btw, I haven't even found anything yet, so no move in date. However, I'm hoping to actually do the purchase this trip, and have everything ready by spring.

The cheap biz hotel is the Sheraton Four Points in Chelsea, but it's pretty no frills.

Nicer,although further north, is the London in the mid-50s.

Happy to help with your apartment search if you don't already have an agent. No idea where you're coming in from but I do a fair amount of relos, especially from LA.

ali r.
DG Neary Realty

The Sheraton isn't your only option in Chelsea anymore -- McSam has been busy.

You have the Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, Wyndham, Doubletree, Indigo -- and others between six and seven above 23rd. Serviceable and decent as a regular american hotel. Attract a lot of basic tourists -- and centrally located. Yes, they can sometimes be had for less than $200 per night, but you will need to shop around -- i suggest going directly to the websites for the best deals.

i took a look on expedia, put in 1/29 as arrival night, five or so nights. limited to four star hotels, many at or just above the $200 a night mark, including two kimpton hotels, the new eventi (at $230) and 70 park avenue. even the waldorf astoria (granted, not a downtown hotel) was around $240. i was surprised.