Manhattan Hotels Booked With Cautious Commuters

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Manhattan Hotels Booked With Cautious Commuters
12/16/2002 08:39 AM
By: NY1 News

Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst, Mayor Michael Bloomberg advised Sunday. With talks on a transit strike continuing into the night and the threat of a strike still looming, that’s exactly what plenty of New Yorkers did.

“I've packed for a week, but hopefully I won't be here for a week,” said one of the many locals checking into Manhattan hotels Sunday night, to be closer to work if subways and buses stop running.

On Friday the Metropolitan Hotel in Midtown did not expect to be at full capacity. But it sure was by Sunday.

“I’m performing at the ÎChristmas Spectacular’ at Radio City, and we have a show tomorrow morning,” said one guest checking in. “I live in Harlem, so it would be impossible for me, if a strike does happen. So I and some of the dancers are checking in here tonight. The show must go on.”

The same holds true for hotel employees, who were offered rooms for the night to make sure guests were served.

Even though it meant packing a bag and heading out over the weekend, some commuters staying at the hotel said it was by far their best option.

“Most people are trying to carpool, and others are getting their bikes out of storage” said another commuter turned visitor. “But I just think that tomorrow that means they’re all going to be late for work, and I’ll be on time.”

Their prudence may not have been rewarded Monday morning, as contract talks continue, but the threat isn’t gone yet.

- Jill Scott