Manhattan parking - am I nuts?

I have done it in the past, as recently as 10 years ago, but I don't think I would do it today. Driving in NYC is very challenging and stressful. The cost of the parking is the least of my issues with it - the cost is obscene, of course - but if driving for this trip makes sense, I would say go for it, but know that NYC has changed a lot in the 20 years since you last visited, there are more restrictions for driving in the city than ever before, and just getting into the city, and then navigating the streets, is a much more difficult thing to do today than it was a decade or more ago...

One caveat: what kind of vehicle are you driving? Be aware that it costs extra to park minivans and large SUVs, and some garages are not really equipped to accommodate larger vehicles because of low ceiling clearance, etc. Most hotels offer guidance on where to park, some will arrange the reservation for you and you even pay for the parking at the hotel, but be aware that you must have a reservation, do not think of simply driving in and finding a space.

Finally, some areas of NYC are easier to drive into and park in than others. Midtown is very tough for both driving and parking, but I found driving around and parking in the area near Lincoln Center to be much easier, and I liked being in that area a lot, and it is easy to get on the subway to get down to other areas of interest like the Broadway theater district, for instance. Where is your hotel, and why did you choose it? To be near something, or someone, or could you hotel in a different part of the city and then rely on taxis and subways to get around?

It would be helpful to know the month of the year and the days of the week. And how many nights in Manhattan. But since Manhattan has a rectangular street plan, it's not ridiculous to plan to drive (just) in and out of Manhattan. Will your vehicle have an "oversize/SUV" charge? Are you thinking (unwise) of leaving some bags in the car, not needed in Manhattan? At peak times, it could take 20 minutes to get the car out. Do you have EZ Pass for the tolls?

Close to zero Manhattan hotels have their own garages; they partner with an open-market garage and mark up the parking $20 a day or more. The few that have a garage tend to be remote or outdated. You may have the option to turn the car over to the hotel valet and not drive again after dropping off the bags. Lots of people use valet garages every day in Manhattan. Will your life be ruined if you get a scratch on your bumper?

The plan to park at the airport is terrible, especially since the taxi can't come into the longterm lot and pick you up at the side of your vehicle.

I would agree with jojo rabbit . so no point in rehashing jojo's comments . The one thing you could take into account is the location of the hotel . Depending on whether or not the hotel is smack in midtown or somewhat around the edges , it might be feasible . Name and location of the specific hotel ?

I have always driven into Manhattan myself when visiting my aunt on Sullivan St. (Soho), but when I do that I always drive in early on a Saturday morning, and haven't had much trouble. At that time I can usually park right there on the street, though I realize that a weekday would be a different situation. Other times, when staying at major hotels, (Such as Westin Grand Central or The W Union Square), it's so easy to pull up and surrender your car to the valet. Yes, it is expensive, but worth it in my view. My policy would be to then leave the car alone and use cabs/busses/subway/Uber to get around. Having said all that, I would say that driving into Manhattan is not something all drivers should do and not for the faint of heart. It is an advanced level of driving. I'm in charge of driving while my wife is in charge of gasping. Drive in or out early if possible, that will help. Ooops - I just realized you say that the hotel does not have parking. Get them to recommend a nearby parking lot and then make sure you know exactly how to get there in advance. Good luck!

Back in the day, my parents drove us on vacation to NYC but we stayed in a hotel on the outskirts in Yonkers and took the commuter train in to the city. Personally I would never drive into Manhattan and pay for parking especially with all the street regulations.

You might want to look at a hotel on the outskirts if you have a car.

To answer some quetions:

I have a Ford Escape. So long as the car does not get severely banged up, I likely wouldn't notice dings/scratches. It has enough of its own already.

I have absolutely no intention of getting the car out while we are there and driving it around, it will stay put until we leave.
Hotel is the Belvedere Hotel 319 W 48th St. This is the one I stayed at the last time (though years ago) and the location was perfect for walking home after shows and easy to get to a subway stop. (Though I haven't booked it yet, so not a big deal)
https://www.belvederehotelnyc.com/
I'm not really excited about staying out further and wasting time getting in and out of the city every day - unless someone has a good place to recommend? Is parking any easier in a different borough if I can get a place close enough to a subway station?

We were in NYC back in July, staying in the Times Square area. It cost us I think about $65-75 each way for the taxi from/to LGW.

There are several garages on 50st between 8av and 9av If you are approaching from the West Side , and aren't attempting it at an inopportune time , 50st runs west to east , so you can avoid getting tossed into midtown traffic . I know you indicated not staying outside of Manhattan , but if you change your mind , there are good options where I live , hotels a ten minute walk to metro north rail , forty minutes to Grand Central . parking rates at the hotel I looked at - $18 / day https://www.google.com/maps/search/manhattan+new+york+ny+parking/@40.7628555,-73.9882559,18z

I have a history of stressing out driving in city centers, but I lived in Brooklyn (and drove into Manhattan regularly) for years. To this day I drive down to the city a few time a year, at least.

First, I don’t think there’s any greater risk to one’s car getting banged up in the city than in a suburban Walmart parking lot.

Second, GPS revolutionized navigation anxiety.

Lastly, the real challenge comes down to attitude (as is so often the case with life in NYC!). It’s a balance of calm and patient with assertive and self-interested that successfully carries you across town.

If you think you can muster the right attitude, I say go for it! And know you can always go around the block again if you have to.

An alternative could be looking for parking at the suburban train station, and taking commuter rail into town. Your hotel choice isn’t super close (but not super far) from the train stations. But parking rules/rates at those suburban lots are a languages of their own, and I only speak a few. I could recommend an area to look at for that based on where you’re coming from and going to.

I drive in Manhattan often. Just have patience, and read the signs as there are new regulations every day. Remember, stay out of the bus/taxi lanes, there are cameras all around. That said, if your garage is closer to the water, say 9 or 10 Avenue, you’re good.
Stan, they would also have to pay the long term parking at the airport which isn’t cheap.

It cost us I think about $65-75 each way for the taxi from/to LGW

How did you get a taxi from London's Gatwick Airport into Manhattan? Did your feet get wet? (LOL)

Frank II - I believe Stan meant LaGuardia. ???