Well, the airfare is about the same to go to New York as anywhere else (around $200), and we're trying to attend a different regional each year. The students are paying for most of the trip, so I want to make it as cheeeeep as possible.
The students really want to see New York, and I figure the lodging would be cheaper in LI, plus the likelihood of losing a student is diminished

. PLUS there is no date or location yet for the Manhatten regional! Anyway, keep the suggestions coming...we may end up in Manhatten if I can't find a reasonable place on LI.
Thanks!
Eric.