As far as I can tell, that video interview part of the process is new.
As far as the type of info you really asked for...
I've heard there is a Holiday Inn around the corner from the studio with good rates, but I don't remember where that is.
When you're there, on Columbus (the same street as the studio), there is a good pizza shop. If you were standing at the ABC building and looking across the street at the Starbucks, cross the street and go right on Columbus. The pizza place isn't too far from there. There is also a great deli on the opposite side of the street as the pizza place.
Remember that you are in one of the richest zip codes in the country, so everything is expensive. For a good sit-down meal, I would suggest walking up to Hell's Kitchen, that's about the best prices for food in Manhattan. Again, starting at the ABC studio and looking across the street at Starbucks, go to your left on Columbus. Columbus becomes 9th Street (Streets go east/west, avenues go north/south--the island is many miles long, but only two miles wide east/west). when you get into the 50s on Avenues, find a place that you think will have good food and you'll probably be right.
If you want to see Times Square, take Columbus/9th to 42nd and turn left. After Times Square, walk North on 5th to FAO Schwartz and the Apple Store.
If you need anything else, ask Carrie for my email, I'll get in touch.
