Visiting NYC with parents- questions!

[moonshake]

There are already a few NYC threads here, but I had to start another one because of my peculiar situation.

I'm visiting NYC Aug 11-15 with my parents. It's my first trip to NYC and my parents' first time in the US. This is going to be the last leg of a 3~week US tour. I'm hoping fellow FOTs in NYC have some tips for me.

I already have the plane tickets but I haven't booked a place to stay yet. I'm looking for a cheap motel around NYC. I'm on a very tight budget so I'm trying to plan for something that isn't too far from the essential attractions but is still cheap. It could be some place just outside of NYC- I'm clueless as to what that would be. This is where I really need help.

This trip is for FOT parents so it's mostly going to be touristy places. I will have 3 full days to show them around, but we don't want it to be hectic- maybe one or two sites a day. What should we try and catch in 3 days in NYC?

One last thing, should I rent a car?

Thanks!

[gravy boat]

As an alternative to a hotel, I've had relatives stay in people's homes that they rent out from craigslist.  This is becoming more common, and is usually much, much cheaper than a hotel.  The plusses, besides cost, are you get some ameneties of home like a kitchen, coffee machine.  The downside is no personal service.
Go to the "vacation rentals" link at craigslist. 

I'd say do not miss a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge or a visit to the Met Museum of Art -- have a drink in its rooftop garden among the Rodins and you get a great view of Central Park from there.  There are so many great things to do. It really depends on you and your parents' interests.  I would avoid the tourist trap of the tour busses and would choose a cruise around the city instead.

Do not rent a car.  Impractical and expensive.  Taxis are plentiful.

Have fun. 

[JamesU]

I second the Brooklyn Bridge. Walk across and then go down into Brooklyn Heights. There's a little ice cream place shaped like a lighthouse right by the base of the bridge. I've taken my mom and some cousins there and they all seem to think its amazing. Grimaldi's is down there too if you're in the mood for famous pizza (and huge lines). Once you're over there you can check out the Brooklyn Heights promenade or the park under the Brooklyn bridge for some pretty awesome Manhattan views.

[Forrest]

I hear that the Statue of Liberty and Times Square are amazing! Also, grab a burger at Planet Hollywood and treat yourself to a shitty, insufferable Broadway show.

Wow. Maybe it is time to move.

[moonshake]

Thanks for your responses so far.

I'm checking out craigslist and some economy hotels that were suggested on metafilter and I'm realizing that maybe it's a little too late to find a cheap deal.

I'm still following this thread so, please share your tips.

[senorcorazon]

A co-worker had her family stay at a B&B in Jersey City that was really quick into the city: http://www.bandb2.com/ -- it looks pretty weird from the website but they liked it and are from Holland. So maybe their standards are different? We also recently had a lot of people in town for our wedding and recommended the Gershwin (http://www.gershwinhotel.com/) but some of there lower-end rooms can be depressing. My mom had great luck renting a place for a week on the upper east side (http://www.a1vacations.com/rental-home/p177127) -- in many cases renting an apartment can be cheaper if you're staying a few nights and have enough people to split it. My mother-in-law got a fantastic rental house a block from the subway in Fort Greene (Brooklyn) and I think that was from an online service too.

I can get you and yours into a certain museum for free, no fuss -- PM me. I'm also putting together an event on the 12th that might be of interest -- again, PM me on that.

And yes, DO NOT rent a car. Get a subway pass.

SHAMELESS PLUG: My wife edited this: http://www.amazon.com/Fodors-York-City-Full-Color-Guides/dp/1400019478/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1216313487&sr=8-1
But here's a chat transcript with her giving away some tips, for FREE: http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2008/02/26/AR2008022601487.html