DONT STAY AT HOTEL HABITAT ON 57th.

one of ian schrager's hotels ... eye pleasing, but form doesn't follow function ...

http://www.morganshotelgroup.com/

Yeah, I believe there used to be a bargain rate room at the Hudson. Something like $99/night, but i might be wrong.

a few weeks back I stayed at the Hilton, it's on 5th avenue between 53rd and 54th. The location is great - you're in the middle of everything, and right around the corner from the folk art museum, MOMA, lever house, etc, and David Child's new creation at columbus circle - oh, and central park.

If you stay in one of the top floors (I stayed on 42) you have access to the concierge level, and there's hours desvoures (spelling?), breakfast, and refreshments throughout the day. The building is decent, not great, but I'm speaking from the perspective of location.

It'll cost you though, it was around 300/night... I would imagine lower floors are less though.

.
the paramount is a quirky-cool modern place... 100-170$ when i was there

.the regency on park is a nice 'mature' joint, close to central park,
with a great hotel bar that draws an ecletic mix ...a bit pricier though, 200's if i remember...

There's always the much-maligned Surf--er, THOR down on Rivington.

what things are you coming to NYC to see or do...because if you are coming for your first visit and you want to see all the "tourist" sites, I would recommend Midtown...or if you are familiar with the city, pick a neighborhood that you do not know very well...a great way to learn more about any city. Most friends that come here and stay near their "destinations" always talk about how much it added to their trip to have their hotel so convenient. hope you have a great time...NY at Christmas time is really beautiful.

my ex-roommate stays at a place in chelsea that i believe
is somewhat cheapish...and it's full of art and all kinds of
quirky..it's on 27th i believe between 5th and 6th?...sorry
i can't remember the name..but it's really noticeable cause
it's red and has these hornlike projection light fixtures on
the outside..

ok the name is the Gershwin and I guess it's more of a hostel/hotel..
but i think it's far more intersting than your typical choice in nyc

http://www.hostels.com/en/availability.php/HostelNumber.804

here
http://www.cnn.com/2004/TRAVEL/12/01/expensive.martini.reut/index.html

larslarson - I think the one you're thinking of is the Carlton Arms (now "Ye Olde Carlton Arms"). It's kind of a fire trap, but relatively cheap and definitely worth the experience:

www.carltonarms.com

(click on the rooms button to see the art)

oops...sorry, didn't see your second post about the Gershwin. Carlton Arms is in the same area though - E 25th St.

marion,
no this is not our first trip....we have seen all the tourist stuff many times over......we're looking for a hotel that when we wake up on xmas morning, we don't feel like tourists in some bland hotel room.

mnesikles : for a nice four star hotel that is definately interesting, check out the maritime on west 16th. i stayed there during a job interview and i was most impressed. the rooms are cozy and enjoyable and there is a great lounge/bar downstairs. http://www.themaritimehotel.com/