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

M4RKM

have you asked in the New York Thread, at the top of this forum?!

no?

I'd suggest you ask in there, as they are very helpful!

quickstepqueen

I have just got back from my first trip to New York and i wanted to say a HUGE THANKYOU to everyone, especially Markymoo for all the hints, tips and advice given so freely on this thread.

I had an amazing time. There was so much to see and do that I am definitely going to go back, funds allowing.

I stayed at the Grand Hyatt on East 42nd street next to Grand Central Terminal. Before going I had an idea of some of the things I wanted to see and do. However I went with the open mind of going with the flow, and in an afternoon, I often found myself just wandering the streets of Midtown Manhattan and seeing what came along. I think to stick rigidly to an itinerary in New York would be very tiring.

Did lots of walking so if this is your plan take a comfy pair of shoes. Unfortunately, we had persistent rain on our first day which changed our plans but that was kind of half the fun of seeing what was out there. We met with a friend who took us to the MoMA (musuem of modern art.) This wasn't actually on my itinerary for this occasion but I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend to others.

To bore you all, I queued for tickets at Times Square TKXTS booth on 2 occasions. On a Friday afternoon I didn't arrive until 3.20pm so had approx 1hr 25 to wait. On Sunday afternoon I arrived at 2.40pm and got my tickets at 3.20pm so better. Apparently queues for Saturday matinees are the worst. There are other tkxts booths in both South seaport and brooklyn but I was told they don't always have the wide choice available.

I got tickets to the New York city ballet for $49 (incl fee) with very good seats. And Sunday we saw Chicago which cost $145 (incl fee). Chicago still expensive but cheaper than full price and we had seats in the orchestra. Thoroughly enjoyed both.

I too would second the recommendation of TOTR. It was relaxed, only $20 per adult, great views of Central park and the Empire State building. Highly recommend.

In New York I felt very safe. I took the usual precautions as I would in any city but didn't hesitate to jump on the subway and find my way around. My OH was astounded at my confidence of using the Subway alone and also of wandering the streets. I found it SO easy to walk around New York, particularly Midtown manhattan with the grid system.

We also did Times Square just about every night because we loved the buzz and excitement of wandering around. We took the Staten Island Ferry and wandered around Battery Park. Of course I managed very easily to find Macy's, and my now favourite ever shop Century 21st!!

The whole trip was such a buzz. Delta were great with us, kept us informed of delays etc and the flight was fine.

I am so grateful to everyone for all the help. This thread has been my lifeline in organising my trip. It gave me the essentials I needed to know and because of the research, I feel I was able to enjoy my trip even more.

gingababe

markymoo wrote: »

Of course we can recommend a place to stay with 2 children, but, you may balk at the prices, so the best thing to do, is let us know what your budget is, and then we can recommend somewhere accordingly.

M

I am sorry I have taken a while to get back to you, as I was trying to work out a budget, I do love to get a bargain, but I have to say roughly $300 a night.????

Thanks
Ginga

lorweld

Guys can you take a look at post #1557 and perhaps help Flamingo with his/her query. Ye may have missed it as I've just merged it. Many thanks in advance

M4RKM

Flamingo wrote: »

Hello!
Just wondering if anyone has any experience of booking with https://www.bestatnewyorkcitybreaks.co.uk (best at new york city breaks) - either good or bad reviews.
They seem to offer good prices compared to other sites but i've not heard of them. Any help would be great.
Thanks in advance

Honestly.. I've never heard of them, and they've not been mentioned on this thread at all...

Let us know what deal you can get, and doing it DIY style might be cheaper.. so dates, hotels, flights etc..


M

M4RKM

gingababe wrote: »

I am sorry I have taken a while to get back to you, as I was trying to work out a budget, I do love to get a bargain, but I have to say roughly $300 a night.????

Thanks
Ginga

Plenty of choices, I'm sure there were some posts already a page or so ago, giving you choices, and i'm going to throw in the Cosmo, which is my choice of hotel in NYC....

HGLTsuperstar

Read on another site (inferior to this one of course!) of a $25 7-day travel pass which covers buses, subway and the shuttle b/w Times Square and Grand Central Station. Sounds a good deal (even though we're going for 4 days it'll be worth it especially at night) - is it too good to be true? If it's genuine, where can I get one, ideally before going so can get it delivered to hotel or printed off on-line.

Flamingo_2

markymoo wrote: »

Honestly.. I've never heard of them, and they've not been mentioned on this thread at all...

Let us know what deal you can get, and doing it DIY style might be cheaper.. so dates, hotels, flights etc..


M

Hello
We're looking to travel on 30th Nov for 4 nights. I've looked at booking flights and hotel seperately but the flight were over £1000 each as we're not including a saturday night (looks like a business trip).
I've found a deal for 4 nights, flying with Virgin LHR - JFK & staying at the New Yorker Hotel for approx. £550 each. Seems to be the best i can find.
If anyone can make any suggestions of websites etc to check i'd be really grateful

M4RKM

if you're not staying a saturday, then the costs will be skyhigh, I'd be amazed if that website can get your holiday booked for £1100...


M

phatbear

HGLTsuperstar wrote: »

Read on another site (inferior to this one of course!) of a $25 7-day travel pass which covers buses, subway and the shuttle b/w Times Square and Grand Central Station. Sounds a good deal (even though we're going for 4 days it'll be worth it especially at night) - is it too good to be true? If it's genuine, where can I get one, ideally before going so can get it delivered to hotel or printed off on-line.

You're after a 7 day metro card and they are a bargain if you intend to use public transport a lot, when you consider a one way subway ride is $2 you will easily do your money.

You cant get it delivered to your hotel and you cant print them off you just need to pop to your local subway station and buy one, simples!!!!