Holiday Inn Express

we had a bunch of family, including grandparents and families with little kids, from various parts of the country stay there last year and it was fine, the hotel itself is adequate, rooms are small but clean and safe, and it was only $129 at that point so it was a good deal

I don't know about bed bugs but I do think it's one of your best bets in the neighborhood. I've had business guests stay and they've said it is fine. You can sometimes find it for $100 on Hotwire but maybe not this busy time of year.
It's a half block from the subway and 1 1/2 blocks from all the restaurants on 5th. If you think the neighborhood is sketchy now you should have seen it 6 or 7 years ago. The street is a little rough looking but it's very convenient to a great area of the Slope.

a little farther away, i've known some people who have stayed at the NU hotel and loved it. it's on atlantic and smith. it's definitely a step up from holiday inn, but it's pretty nice. also nearly brand new.

the holiday inn always looked pretty good to me though...that area looks worse than it is. i actually really enjoy that area personally.

some of the b&b's in the hood are pretty cheap - do a search on this board!

B&B's from Brokelyn:

http://www.brokelyn.com/bed-and-breakfasts-in-brooklyn-under-150/#more-10872

I just canceled my father's reservation at the Holiday Inn based on that post--thank you, lemur!

Anyone have any ideas for a stay in PS? My dad's in his 70s and does not like to walk very far.

Thanks, Mamacita...I checked and I think that even the ones in CG are too far for him. Looks like I'm going to have a very crowded apartment this weekend!

There's also Hotel Le Bleu on 4th Ave and 3rd Street. Not inexpensive by any means, but sounds like it might be convenient for you (and most likely bed bug free).

http://www.hotellebleu.com/index.cfm

We have family from the midwest visiting too, so we understand the driving/walking aversion. If you're worried about their walk, why not set them up at a hotel in another neighborhood where you'd feel comfortable? They could always take the subway back and forth, which will probably get them a shorter walk to see you, right?

One long block away is 5th Avenue with some places to go. But there is zilch on 3rd Ave or 4th Ave in that vicinity unless your relatives like hanging out at gas stations, auto repair places and maybe a small diner.

sadarami, I think you missed the point of "youbetcha's" post..

BTW Where did Olive Garden come into this? Has any member of this board ever said we want one?

I was just pointing out that there was not exactly "zilch" on 4th Ave since I kind of like it down there. Olive Garden reference was lame crack at suburbanites like my relatives who stayed at Holiday Inn (and would probably prefer Olive Garden to al di lah)