Anything & Everything New York (PART 2) - [please search thread before posting]

welsh_cake

Do you think it will be a problem getting into Times Square on New Year from this hotel? Just a bit concerned about the transport issues on such a busy night.

Thanks

M4RKM

welsh_cake wrote: »

Do you think it will be a problem getting into Times Square on New Year from this hotel? Just a bit concerned about the transport issues on such a busy night.

it is the Hilton oppostite the 9/11 ground. Seems to be a bit further out than the other hotels we were looking at though. I think we may go for this.

are you sure you want to be in Times Square on NYE??

1 - you'll be there from about 5pm at the very latest.

2 - you are penned in like cattle, can't move, can't have a drink, can't really go to the toilet

3 - sub zero temperatures.

NYE in NYC is supposed to be amazing, but personally, i'd sit in a warm bar, with a nice crowd of people, and have a great time with drinks, merriment, and watch the ball drop on the big screens that they have..

if however you still want to get to TS for NYE, walk out the hotel, down onto the subway, get the 1 train through to 42nd street, times square station, and you're there in 20 minutes.

the NY subway is the best subway system in the world. regular, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 365 days a year (366 on leap years!), and will get you there no problems... but be warned, i personally don't think that times square is a pleasant experience.


and yes.. the Millenium Hilton is opposite the Freedom Tower Building Site (just to call it's by it's new name!!), but you have a subway stop right outside the hotel, which gives you access to the E train, and a few blocks up, you have the 1,2,3, at Chambers Street, or you can get to City Hall Station as well, which is the R,W trains!!! No problems getting around at all, as different lines serve different parts of Manhattan..

M4RKM

wept wrote: »

You are really near 21st Century shops if you like that sort of thing ( I hated it)

it is a big jumble sale really, which is annoying in itself, nothing is in the right place, and you just gotta root through..

after 10 minutes i'm bored so i normally give up, but this time, i picked up a pair of jeans cheap, and also a really comfy pair of shoes for work.... by that point in was DESPERATE for a pint!!!!

M

greenface

welsh_cake wrote: »

Do you think it will be a problem getting into Times Square on New Year from this hotel? Just a bit concerned about the transport issues on such a busy night.

Thanks

heres my thought on this and ready to be shot down by more knowledgable kin
The hilton (downtown) next to 9/11 is a great hotel transport to times square above or below ground will not be a problem over new year. My problem is you are in the financial district and its christmas holidays You wont be in a ghost town but i can imagine it being fairly quiet there with some shops and restraunts actually closing . This could be a good thing for battery park /ports places that are open etc . But if you want the buzz and hubbub of nyc im not sure . Whats others thoughts

welsh cake i feel i am trying to cherry pick your stay im not honestly/ go and enjoy you will love it remember Manhattan(up to central park) is the size of wrexham aberystwyth or Tenby and times square is the size of the millenium stadium its not that big and half as wide anywhere is good some places are better enjoyhilton to tims square by cab would be less that $20 inc tip imo

welsh_cake

Ok - I am going to try and get a different Hilton closer to everything. I never imagined this would be so stressful. I wasn't bothered about where I went for New Year - it was a colleague that said that " I must" go.

We have been researching this for about 4 week now and have got to the point where I just want to book something.

Thank you all so much for your advice and opinions - you don't know how helpful you have been.

costingbunny_2

welsh_cake wrote: »

Ok - I am going to try and get a different Hilton closer to everything. I never imagined this would be so stressful. I wasn't bothered about where I went for New Year - it was a colleague that said that " I must" go.

We have been researching this for about 4 week now and have got to the point where I just want to book something.

Thank you all so much for your advice and opinions - you don't know how helpful you have been.

I recently stayed at Hilton Embassy Suites which is a bit further downtown than the Millenium and I would say the Mill is better for subway use. We liked the Embassy though cos of the facilities (microwave, lounge, free drinks evening reception and brekkie etc) but the location was maybe not the greatest. I have been to NY before so didnt want to be near Times Sq or owt. There is a new Hilton called Hilton New York at West 53rd & 6th Ave which is a much better location (I think) but is pricey. You might be able to get a deal by checking for specials or get a code but if you want a Hilton this looks better placed and new and shiny!

M4RKM

The hilton (downtown) next to 9/11 is a great hotel transport to times square above or below ground will not be a problem over new year. My problem is you are in the financial district and its christmas holidays You wont be in a ghost town but i can imagine it being fairly quiet there with some shops and restraunts actually closing . This could be a good thing for battery park /ports places that are open etc . But if you want the buzz and hubbub of nyc im not sure . Whats others thoughts

doubtful that shops and restaurants close... but i've not been around that time of year, and at least if it is quieter in the evenings, you're gonna get a better nights sleep that more midtown locations, which the noise is just unbearable at any hour of the day..

i stayed at the affinia 50 last time in NYC, 3rd Avenue, 50th Street kinda area, and however nice the hotel was, i just hated the LACK of normal NYC things around me..

i would have been fine if it were my first trip, but, there wern't any decent deli's nearby, i had a mcd's around the corner, but hell, i can get a mcd's at home... the bars were overpriced and aimed at tourists, and there was no life at all..

i then went down to tribeca for my last nights stay, and wow, it's so different down there, the restaurants actually want you in there, and let you sit by the bar and eat, rather than have to sit at a table, the bars have friendly people in them who are local, and that is what gives you a buzz about new york, rather than been surrounded by fellow brits, australians, and south africans..

maybe it's just me.. but i go to new york to be in new york, not be surrounded by british people, and drink overpriced beer. I go where there are a good crowd of locals, and good beer/food at good prices.

the subway is excellent and can and will take you anywhere in new york city, for $2. less if you use it enough and have a weekly pass. Just because it looks "far away" from somewhere doesn't mean it is! http://www.mta.info is your friend, and you can look at the timetables of different subway trains, and you'll see that they are every couple of minutes during the daytime..

the 1 train is every 5 minutes. You can get on at Chambers Street at 10.07am, and get off at times square at 10.20am that is 13 minutes for the journey, which is around 4 miles away. Also, the subway runs a standard service on New Years Eve, and then a Sunday Service on New Years Day!

Manhattan is rather small, it is is about 13 and a half miles long and 2 and a half miles wide. that includes right up to the top of central park..

personally, you need to book somewhere, where you're going to be happy. If you're unsure you're going to use the subway, then you need to book somewhere that is nearer midtown. If you're happy to use the subway, then you can stay anywhere, and hopefully realise when you get there, that lower manhattan / tribeca are great places to stay...

M

Lady_S

markymoo wrote: »

it is a big jumble sale really, which is annoying in itself, nothing is in the right place, and you just gotta root through..

after 10 minutes i'm bored so i normally give up, but this time, i picked up a pair of jeans cheap, and also a really comfy pair of shoes for work.... by that point in was DESPERATE for a pint!!!!

M

Now, I would disagree with that.

The shop is in sections, separated into men's and women's and then again by designer which is listed generally on the top of the stands.

There is stuff out of place, but I think that happens in any shop which is as busy as century 21. Not sure where else you would find a DKNY leather handbag for $30.

However, would also suggest you have a look at Loehmans on 7th avenue ( I think) and Filene's Basement in Union Square. They are fantastic for bargains too.

LouBlue

markymoo wrote: »

it is a big jumble sale really, which is annoying in itself, nothing is in the right place, and you just gotta root through..

after 10 minutes i'm bored so i normally give up, but this time, i picked up a pair of jeans cheap, and also a really comfy pair of shoes for work.... by that point in was DESPERATE for a pint!!!!

M

Reminds me of TK Maxx, which is why I never shop there.

I don't go to NY to shop.....I'm weird like that as well.

ninestonecreature

Murray hill east suites or Times square Crowne Plaza.....arrrggghhhh help.

I have been given the choice of any hotwire hotel of my choice due to the room I originally booked being cancelled because the hotel failed to open in time. I KNOW that two of the hotels for certain are the two above.

I'm travelling with another adult and a small child......what should I do, I know it all depends on what area you want to stay in, but to be honest, Im not too sure, been before, not toooo bothered about staying in that area with a 6 month old!!!