On Fri, 25 Jun 2004 18:09:00 GMT, wrote:

Amidst all the responses about5 ariports and ground conections, your
question about "Chelsea hotels" has been overlooked.

Do you have a specific hotel in mind or are you asking about the
sutiability of the Chelsea neighborhood for enjoying NYC?

If it's the latter, and while some may not share my opinon, I think
Chelsea is well situated for a visitor. First of all, it as convenient
as any while sparing you the excesive costs of lodging and food in the
popular areas around Times Square where many tourists are moths to its
flame.

Chelsea, depending on exaclty where you stay, is either one or two
subway stops from Times Square but rooms are much cheaper, the
restuarants are better and less expoensive - and it's more of a
genuine New York neighborhood than Times Square.

Finally, you mentioned that you are backpacking - so you may wish to
consider the Youth Hostel on Amsterdam Ave. It is, for travelers in
that budget class, a great bargain, safe and freindly. It's on the
Upper West Side, but in a differnet but also interesting NYC
neighborhood.

For anyone who is interested in contemporary art, there are many
galleries one can visit free in Chelsea -- cutting edge stuff. They
are located (most of them) from 20th Street to 24th Street between
10th and 11th Avenues. You just walk in and browse. Listings
are carried in free publications such as the Village Voice.