Saturday, August 04, 2007

There are few streets as famous as Broadway in New York City. The Theater District, also known as the Great White Way, has about 20 landmark theaters. Whether you choose the newest smash hit or want to see a smaller, lesser-known Off-Broadway show, there is no experience quite like Broadway!

There are many different ways to buy tickets for a show. You can buy tickets in advance at Ticketmaster or Broadway.com. Your hotel's concierge can help you get tickets, especially to that very popular show. You can also buy tickets for same-day performances at the Times Square Theatre Center (TKTS) booth at 47th Street & Broadway. The downside is that you have to wait in line, but you will generally save 25-50% off the full ticket price (there is a $3 per ticket service charge). Available shows are posted on marquees outside the ticket booth, and change from day to day, as well as during the day. The TKTS booth only accepts cash. The official TKTS website: http://www.tdf.org/programs/tkts/

Rush and standing room only tickets offer another opportunity to see shows at bargain prices. Rush tickets are generally available either when the box office opens or a few hours before the production starts. Rush tickets are usually about $20-25 each. Sometimes a student ID is required. Many times, box offices will only accept cash as payment for rush and standing room only tickets, so be prepared. Call the box office for the particular show you'd like to see for information. Talkin Broadway also maintains a listing of rush and standing room only performances and guidelines: Talkin Broadway

If you are headed to a Broadway show in New York, CRSHotels.com has the perfect hotel for you, whether you prefer to stay in the heart of the Theater District, or a short walk away in a quieter location. The Portland Square Hotel New York is a long-time theater hotel, serving both Broadway fans and cast members. Hotel Mela New York is a new luxury boutique hotel ideally located in the Times Square and Theater District area. The Wellington Hotel New York and the Hotel Edison are located right in the middle of the bright lights of the Broadway Theater District. And the Mansfield Hotel is a historic beaux arts boutique hotel in the preservation district.

If you prefer to get away from the hubbub and bright lights, but still want to be close to Broadway, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Fifth Avenue shopping, choose the classic elegance of the Bedford Hotel New York in the quieter Murray Hill area. Stay at the New York Helmsley, a world-class hotel in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and enjoy the legendary martinis at Harry's New York Bar (onsite at the Helmsley). Or, choose the Shoreham New York, a sleek, modern sanctuary around the corner from Fifth Avenue, and stroll past designer boutiques like Gucci, Fendi, Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany and Co.