times square is a mess, i would avoid it at all costs. I know its central for some guys using subways but it sucks.

any hotel that does valet parking is going to kill you on the nightly rate. you'll be better off finding a hotel with a parking garage within a block or two and walking to your hotel. if you want to stay in midtown i would look in the 50-60's east or west. plenty of parking lots and hotels in a condensed area, but it will still be pricey to park overnight at a local garage.

My suggestion if you're coming via the Lincoln Tunnel is to park on 41st, off 10th immediately after you get out of the tunnel. If you attempt to drive in, once you hit the 42nd gridlock you're stuck. It's faster walking lol IMO at that rate. Park and walk, especially if you're an out of towner. Then when you're ready to leave, the tunnel is literally out your front door making it painless for you. You're in the tunnel headed home in less than 20 seconds after you hit up the parking valet. If you know where you're parking you can also get some great coupons online cutting your costs, which is always a good thing. Budget $35 a night which to me is a great deal for an overnight in NYC. You pay more in Philly if you can believe that one. You just have to do your research before you show up, that's all. Painless.

But, if you want a hotel with parking in that area. PM me. I've got a great one for you. Easy and painless. Rates are awesome right now too.  

xx kisses

A lot of guys coming in from north of the city or from Long Island will park further out, sometimes in the commuter station parking lot, and take either Metro-North or LIRR into Manhattan.  Unless you've got a ton of luggage for a long stay, the trains aren't too bad (in normal weather) and one bag or duffle isn't too hard to lug to your hotel (or her hotel).  

Metro-North will get you to Grand Central (east of Times Square).  LIRR will get you to Penn Station (south of Times Square).  

I don't know about parking / travel from the NJ side of the river.

Not to mention the traffic and the no turn sign before 6pm on the weekdays.

As someone who is familiar with traveling to and from albany, your best bet would be to take the train in like the previous commenter said. Amtrak straight into the city or even MetroNorth from Poughkeepsie. If you must drive, stay away from Times Square. You can't park anywhere and the traffic is always insane.  

Midtown East is good with hotels and parking within close proximity. And it's pretty easy to get to the FDR from there with less hassle. Midtown West is good too but the construction on 9th Ave (bet 43rd & 50th st) and some of the side streets will make it so annoying.

The west side below 34th St has decent parking garages and easy access to the Henry Hudson Parkway if you're coming thru Jersey.  

You can park on the street on Sundays with no issues. Most garages have Early Bird specials if you park before 10am. You can also check online for parking garage specials......groupon may have some and icon parking may have on their site.

Valet is an automatic $60 and no in and out privilege.

 
Hope this helps!!

 
XOXO
Jada