Hotel Rec near Theater District

I will be traveling solo to the city Feb 7-11 to see several plays. Two shows are in the central Theatre District, and the others are in Brooklyn (BAM), and the Linda Gross Theater on 20th near 8th.

While I may visit some museums during the day, I%26#39;m primarily interested in being within easy reach of the theaters and getting back to the hotel easily afterwards. (Obviously, BAM is out of the way in terms of lodging. I read about the BAMbus that has a pickup at Park Ave/41st.)

I would prefer not to stay close to Times Square, and am looking for a less busy location. I%26#39;d like something nice, in the $250-350 range, that%26#39;s charming with character rather than snooty. (Which I probably can%26#39;t afford anyway!) I%26#39;ve looked through the list here on TA, and nothings jumping out at me. The Iroquois looks nice, maybe too pricey. I was hoping someone would have a rec for somewhere cool and more off the beaten path if that exists near the Theatre District! An added plus would be a nearby traditional diner or deli that%26#39;s casual but tasty.

My questions are:

1. Hotel recs based on the above criteria

2. Any classic diner/deli recs near the hotel

3. Has anyone tried the BAMbus and is this the best way to go to BAM?

Thank you in advance for any advice.

Hotel Rec near Theater District

The Iroquois is one of my favorite Manhattan hotels, especially for a single woman traveling alone (if that describes you) who wants to stay in/near the Theatre District; fine service and you can feel quite comfortable having a nightcap in the non-rowdy bar there. The standard rooms are compact, but the higher classifications of (larger) rooms are well within your price range for those dates: e.g., a 300-sq ft Executive King room will run you an average of about $235/night.

You might like the Casablanca -- the large lounge area, Rick%26#39;s Cafe, is a nice ';homey'; bonus there and it%26#39;s a bit more off the beaten path. But prices right now seem to be starting at about $300 for those dates. And check the most recent TA reviews; when I was last there, the din of new construction on the street did disturb sleep.

Hotel Rec near Theater District

It might not be exactly what you want but I think the location of the sofitel is good. You have St Andrews very close decent food. Not Diner but good.

Other wise try www.menupages.com when you pick out a hotel. Sorry can%26#39;t help you with the Bam bus.

www.Sofitel.com

http://standrewsnyc.com/photos.html

other wise try

www.hopstop.com - for distances and distance with walking bus, train and subway and taxi . Will help you decide hotels.

Check out Quikbook and Travel zoo for specials.

Check out The Empire. Haven%26#39;t stayed, but reviews look good. On West Side, easy access to subway to theaters. Great restaurants within walking distance.

BAM is very easy to get to on the subway, as it is serviced by numerous lines:

http://www.bam.org/view.aspx?pid=245

Iroquois is a classy joint without the snoot factor.

Also, for cool you might like Room Mate Grace and

Mansfield which include great breakfasts and

well located for theater district and subways.

Millenium Broadway...where I proposed to my wife. Great place. You overlook TimesSquare directly. MTV building is straight down.

The Sofitel is a fine hotel; my problem with the Manhattan property is that it seems to me to be more ';corporate';, less personal (or personable) than its sisters in, e.g., Washington, DC or Philadelphia.

Thanks for the all the replies so far. I%26#39;m checking out the suggested hotels. Room Mate Grace looks very cool, but maybe more for the under 30 crowd. The Iroquois is sounding like a safer bet.