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

HGLTsuperstar

Sorry for the delay in posting my trip report, and mega apologies for the fact that I’m just going to ramble on for ages but simply, have had pretty crap few years and birthdays have been best forgotten but this birthday weekend was beyond words. I want to go back NOW!
Thank you everyone for all your help and I’m staying on this forum because I have become a NYC bore and only you guys can understand that.
So here’s the report of the newly christened "New York Princess." Believe it or not this is an abridged version!!!
Up at 4 am on Friday morning, needless to say very little sleep the night before. Got to Heathrow and the fun started - Dad and me had designed "Birthday Girl" and "Dad of the Birthday Girl" T-shirts with baby photos on them and everyone commented on them. Just a quick note on VA staff - all lovely from check-in at LHR and JFK and all on-board (to think they get half the pay of BA yet gave us more than double the service) - they spoilt us rotten. On board and as flight delayed by 30 mins, I get invited into the cockpit to meet the captain! Wow! We had cashed in some miles to upgrade to PE and Dad gladly drunk my pre-flight sparkling wine, but I quickly had a vodka delivered as soon as we took off!
I never sleep on flights but I spent most of this flight asleep, only waking to be fed and watered! Love the poser after the meals - "Brandy or Baileys" - in unison came the reply "Bay-lieeees".
Still landed on time and none of the scary US immigration staff on duty - all very polite and welcoming and straight through. Slight queue at taxi rank (and of course taxi guy only spoke at end to ensure his tip) but by 3pm we were sitting in the lobby of the Beacon on West 74th - our room wasn’t ready but nice Chrimbo tree to look at as we waited. Into room and my promised "view" of Central Park led a lot to be desired but otherwise lovely size room, and then knock on door and box of complementary choccies and card for the birthday girl from the hotel. Very comfy beds which, as by now it was 9pm for us, were very inviting but they had to wait - we had tickets for tonight!
First stop was metro station on W 72nd - basically fall down (oops bad choice of words as will explain later) outside the hotel and you’re there. Got the $27 unlimited use tickets so no fiddling about for rest of the trip - then next stop on the no.3 and hello Times Square. Dad was like a scared deer in the headlights! Bit of time to wander and take it all in = WOW!
Next stop was to collect our Lion King tickets. Word of warning - if this is the show you really want to see, then book well ahead. You won’t get returns on the day from the box office or TKTS etc. I wasn’t fancying dinner but Dad was so we went next door to Junior’s - had to wait but speedy and very friendly service. Dad had the seafood platter with the chunkiest chips I’ve ever seen (and I don’t even like chips). I decided to "force myself" to have a slice of the famous cheesecake - had blueberry and I can now say I’ve eaten the best cheesecake in NYC!
What to say about Lion King? My Dad (who usually favours little green men and Jackie chan type DVD’s) has turned into the biggest LK bore ever! Breathtaking does not do it justice. We were in the orchestra and they actually walk past us up onto the stage. Photos not allowed obviously but it was a sight we will never forget.
By 11pm we were almost dropping off so straight back to crash on our comfy beds.
Saturday and getting dressed to the sounds of American morning TV - this is one city that knows how to do Christmas. As well as the decorations and lights everywhere (none of this energy-saving crap here), and everyone who serves us wishing us "Happy Holidays", every advert on the TV says the same. You can’t not be Christmassy in NY. Stepped outside, after hearing the weather forecast saying it was to be the coldest weekend of the winter so far, but pleasantly surprised. First stop was to walk to the Dakota Building - but then got a little confused. We figured we were in the right area but couldn’t see it so asked someone (whenever we got a little lost we asked the first person we saw and no-one told us to p-off, unlike they might back here). Turns out the building right opposite was the Dakota; but nothing to signify its (in)famous place in history so you could walk past without realising that was it. Then into the park - Strawberry Fields, Imagine, saw the horse-drawn carriages and walked down to the South side. Nice bright, clear day and could just picture sitting out there on a summer evening with a picnic - that’s on the list for next time. As I’m sure you’ve already guessed there will be a next time. As we walked into downtown Manhattan the clouds gathered and we decided it was now time to get some brekkie (we’d been walking for a couple of hours already and it was about 11.30am by this time). So in to a diner for a coffee and bagel (grape jelly on pumpernickel not toasted - New Yorkers don’t toast). Dad had his toasted -philistine! By the time we came out the rain had started so brolly up and off we trotted. We spent the next 5 hours walking and walking - popped into shops as we went, my fave being Macy’s (shop assistant told me to put away my 10% tourist card as she’d rung her 20% card through for me instead!!!). And there is clearly a competition going on as to who can have the most stunning Christmas displays. Huge sculptures of Christmas baubles in the street, and the tree at Rockefeller deserve a mention, as does the nativity scene at St Patricks Cathedral. We headed to TOTR about 4pmish in time for sunset but, before they sold us the tickets, we were advised that visibility was zero owing to the rain. But this was our only time we could fit it in so did it anyway - they weren’t exaggerating, couldn’t see a thing up there but then it started to snow which was a sight in itself and certainly made Dad’s day. Also popped into RCMH box office and managed to get 2 discounted tickets for the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular for Monday afternoon (my birthday day day).
Most of the planning of the trip was done by me (with help from all you of course) but the one thing Dad wanted was a NY Steak dinner so we queued at the Rock Center Caf! at Rockefeller - as we waited the staff came out and passed along Hot Chocolate and Christmas cookies. We finally got in and could see the ice rink from our table - word of warning. The vegetarian options are pants and I chose what sounded nice enough, even though it was an appetizer not an entree. I thought it would be OK given American sized portions; trust me to pick a started that would not feed a flea let alone someone who has the metabolism of a racehorse and had been walking all day. I spent the rest of the night feeling very hungry! And the service was nothing to write home about - all in all an overrated place but live and learn.
By now though Dad was getting a migraine and, given what we had planned for the next day, decided to go back to the hotel and try to shake it off. So I went to see Hair by myself - it was very good but obviously the Lion King had spoilt me the night before. By the time I came out of the theatre the weather had dried up. Did I, as a young, very slightly built female, feel safe walking the streets of New York and riding the subway in the early hours - hell yeah. Would I have felt the same in London - hell no!
If you’re still with me - it’s now Sunday. Up and out onto the no.1 train down to Battery Park. Very bright, fresh day but not as cold or damp as at home. Got off at the last but one stop - Rector Street - and there happened to be a diner, "George’s", right opposite (remember I was famished by now and between 9am and 8pm tonight we were going to be full on the go) so a couple of pancakes and the endless coffee refills later and off we go. Popped into the newsagents before getting back on the train and each had $5 on the NY Megamillions lottery - sadly I won’t be going back over to collect my winnings but it was a nice dream while it lasted.
End of the no.1 train line and off to collect our Liberty tickets. We had booked back in August; today they were announcing no more Crown access tickets available until next February! Yet again another place where photo ID was supposedly required, but not put into practice. However we did have to go through airport-style security before getting on the ferry, and as usual I bleeped going through. Got on the 10.30am ferry and it was packed - standing room only. This was the bit I was dreading. I have travelled on the most ramshackle buses and trains over Asia etc without a worry but I simply don’t do boats. I have been sick on the Isle of Wight Ferry. I was dreading facing the stairs going up the crown having just lost breakfast into the harbour. This was a military operation- took tablet before leaving hotel and wore seabands. Now they may be a placebo effect but I don’t care - they worked. On the ferry back to NYC, when half the people got off at Ellis Island (no offence, but its not a big deal for us to visit the immigration museum as obviously it is for Americans), I managed to get a seat looking out and taking in the view - I’m cured! Anyway back to Liberty Island. We did have to show passports to get our wristband for crown access (again, all the rangers very nice) and off we went. Even on the scaffolding inside the statue there were Christmas decorations! Didn’t take half as long as I thought but was surprised when we got to the top - I expected to be able to walk round in a circle but it’s a very small area (fit 6 to 8 max) so having got some great views and photies back down again. Did the museum and the gift shop - beware the fingerprint activated lockers at the bottom, trust me no-one will nick your bag as its so blooming difficult to open the locker back up!
By 2.30pm we were back and heading towards Ground Zero. Not really anything to see as the building site is cordoned off, but it does give you an idea of how much space the towers took and how empty the area now seems. New Yorkers have been through a lot, but they all seem so proud to be New Yorkers and so pleased that we loved their city.
In contrast to Ground Zero, Century 21 is almost right opposite and its mad. Like a huge jumble sale. Didn’t need any new jeans etc but there are bargains to be had but you have to rummage. We both got a few bits but lost track of time in there (really you could spend a whole day in there) and it was not nearing 5pm and getting dark so got subway back towards our next stop - the ESB (we had booked tickets online so if we didn’t do it, then it would have been a waste). We asked the subway guard which exit to take out of the station - "That one over there, go up the stairs, look up and you’ll see it"and he was right. As we approached it we went past the Heartland Bar and Grill on the ground floor of the complex. Now given that Dad had been on at me for over pacing myself (as I always do) and we had hardly drunk in NY because we hadn’t stopped, I decided to declare a cocktail break - he looked relieved. Being a NY Princess I had a Cosmopolitan of course, and it really hit the spot. We decided it would be a nice place to go to next visit for dinner - again friendly staff and fellow drinkers all round.
The queue to go up the ESB was running at about 2 hours so we paid an extra $20 to jump the queue via the Skyride simulation show. Quite fun and beat standing out in the cold for 2 hours - but we still had to queue further up the building. The lift goes to the 80th floor then you have to get out and queue again to go up the final 6 floors to the 86th. Beautiful building though, marble throughout and so clean. Clear night sky and the lights across the city were stunning - shame TOTR hadn’t been as clear.
Now it was my last night as a twenty something and I declared I wanted NY pizza for dinner - at 8pm we finally stopped at Applebees on West 42nd - the veggie patch pizza was in fact the only veggie option so I was sorted, although I did find it freaky that they had the calorie counts on the menu (even on the drinks) - I don’t want to know! Dad recommends the rack of ribs and I can vouch for the Mango Martini as well. Told them it was my birthday (slight exaggeration as it wasn’t until the next day) and the staff sang at me. Lovely night, good food to fill a huge gap by now, and a fun bright atmosphere. Then some shopping. Came across a sports store where I spotted the baseball boots I had set my heart on finding (purple Converse) and snapped them up - losing my glove in the store in the process but never mind. Even though it was Sunday stores were open until at least 9pm, some later. No 4pm closing here! Then my freak accident happened - walking round a corner swinging the carrier bag with my beloved Converse’s in, bag hits against the wall and rebounds onto my leg, corner of show box hits my shin - OW! Lift up my jeans and see red drops - Dad shouts that I can’t pull my jeans down in the middle of West 59th (fair point) so we get back to hotel. Then I do pull my jeans down and have split the skin on my left shin straight apart - dad wants to go the ER but the thought of spending my birthday sitting on a gurney while he phones the travel insurance company was not so appealing so I sent him over the road (the Fairway Supermarket opposite the Beacon is great and open 24/7 but the queues at the checkout can get quite lengthy) for some gauze and micropore tape. And I battled on, with a limp, until we wound up in our local A&e on Tuesday afternoon.
So onto the final day - Monday and my actual birthday day. Checked out of the Beacon and left our bags there for the day - all in all a very nice, clean hotel and what interaction we did have with the staff (we were hardly there - my view being if you’re in your hotel room while in NYC then you’re doing something wrong!) was fine. Mooched on down to West 51st and the special birthday brunch/last meal in NY I’d been waiting for at Ellen’s Stardust Diner. It was like a scene from Grease and is right next door to the Mamma Mia theatre so if you’re seeing that go there first for dinner. We’ll definitely be going back - they were divine. They all kept coming over to wish me a Happy Birthday and our server certainly earnt her tip. I was drinking Baileys cocktails at 11am - as Dad said "it’s not your birthday every day" and he had the "Rock Hudson" (he was dying to try a Steak and Eggs breakfast) and had 2 slices of perfect Challah French Toast with fresh blueberries and maple syrup. Then Christine, our waitress, came over to our table, gave me a birthday cake candle to hold, lit it, then over her microphone introduced me by name to the whole diner and got these poor innocent Americans, who’d just popped by for brekkie, to sing to me. It was the perfect birthday brunch.
Then we had a bout 2 hours before we had to be at RCMH so all systems go - first stop the Hershey Store and my Happy Birthday message in lights. OK so only $5 but not really worth it as you’ll supposed to get 15mins, but half that time in alternates with them promoting the service. Right opposite is M&M world which is way better. Few souvenir shops later and off to RCMH.
What a gorgeous and huge theatre. Rockettes show was a lot of fun, especially the bit you have to wear the supplied 3D glasses for. What was nice about all the shows is that you’re given a free, small show programme as you take your seats - sure you can buy the big flash one if you want, but the hand-outs are full of all the show details etc so save your pennies.
We had to be back at the hotel about 5pmish so after the show had about an hour left and headed for the NBA Store - I could have spent all day there. Again lovely staff and instead of spending $80 on a Knicks vest, went down to the Junior section and got in a Kids size for $36 so well pleased (see MSE’r at all times).
All to soon in the taxi on the way to JFK - and the one unsavoury character of our trip - the immigrant cab driver - long story but got my own back by paying for the fare by card - he told me that he would now lose $2.50 to the card company - as he’d slammed into the car in front and sent me flying against the dividing screen, and hadn’t even apologised or asked if I was OK, I figured it was a fair trade-off.
At check-in did my "I’m the birthday girl, any upgrades going" routine but, as I knew already, the flight was full. But was given a £10 retail voucher to spend on board courtesy of Virgin Atlantic so well chuffed.
Now I know New Yorkers have a reputation for being rude and obnoxious but they must have all been out of town last weekend as we didn’t see any of them. Had to laugh though when heard someone saying how cold it was - it was the warmest I’ve ever been on my birthday and, from what I hear, a lot better than the wet, windswept weekend you had back home.
Another example of New Yorkers civility came at JFK security, where for once I didn’t set the alarm off. I was still on NY time so it was 8.30pm so still the birthday girl, but though probably best not to use that line on the security guy. Said hello and handed over my passport - he looked at it, looked at me, looked at it again then looked up and grinned "Well Happy Birthday Miss Holly, I hope you had a good day" - it was the little touches like that that I’ll never forget.
At the gate, again tried the "Any upgrades" routine, and the Virgin staff said they had a present for my birthday and gave me two more of the £10 vouchers. Nearly mentioned I’d got one already but shut up and spent £30 on-board on posh make-up I’d never usually get, so thanks for my birthday pressie Virgin!
Determined to stay awake this time and make use of the interactive TV - watched "Time Travellers Wife" (book was better) and again spoilt rotten. As we got off at Heathrow the next morning, one member of the cabin crew said "Bye Birthday Girl" "Well thanks but I’m not anymore" "Never mind, keep it going a bit longer" and judging by how me and Dad are both boring everyone (including you hardy readers who’ve hung onto the end) then I think I am!
OK going to take a breath now and wait for the moans on the length of this post to fly!!!

Beetle_lover

I read all that glad you had an awesome time!!


What's this about getting your birthday put on the hersheys sign thing?? How did you find out about that? Do you just do it when your there?

Thanks

thatsfabulous

Thanks for your report.

You go lots of freebies for your birthday in new york, I think I will go for my birthday in May. The hoilday will pracically pay for its self in freebies and discounts:rotfl:

What did you think of the Sky ride? We thought it was a total waste of money tbh wish i'd read reviews off TA before however didnt know we would be going it was my friend that wanted to go on it.

Ellis Island has never interested me either not really my thing however after going to Liberty twice and not getting off at Ellis on my thrid trip my friend wanted to go so a reluctant me said ok. I cant tell you how much I enjoyed it, it was really good and its more interesting to us i think as the majority of immigrants were British and Irish.

thatsfabulous

Beetle_lover wrote: »

I read all that glad you had an awesome time!!


What's this about getting your birthday put on the hersheys sign thing?? How did you find out about that? Do you just do it when your there?

Thanks

Is it in times sqaure they do it?

American Eagle has recently opened in Times Square, they have a '15 seconds of fame' where with any purchase you go downstairs and they take your picture ( just show them receipt) and your picture then goes up in Times square outside AE. Its really good and FREE!! I had it done you can put a message up with your picture too.

HGLTsuperstar

Don't want to offend anyone about Ellis Island, but everyone is so quick to jump when I said I didn't fancy it. I totally understand its importance and history but, as I sadly don't have any American ancestors (would be handy to have family over there) it just doesn't appeal to me and I didn't have enough time over there as it is.

HGLTsuperstar

The Hershey Store is on West 51st I think, and you just go in, pay $5 and they put the message up there and then. But, to be honest, it looks better on their website where you can have a practice display - really nothing to write home about.

chrispyphillips

Can I ask a question of one of the more seasoned NY visitors please?!

I myself have been twice (best city in the world) and am going back next April. For my stay this time, me and the other half have decided that we want to stay in an 'apartment' as we want to do our own cooking and sample some of the foods New York has to offer. We looked at a lot of websites and had even contacted someone offering an apartment overlooking the Empire State Building who priced us up the week. I then stumbled across info (starting on this web page) that the practise of sub-letting private apartments was illegal in NY and quickly put the brakes on my grand plan!!

So, I'm still in the market for accomodation, but am not sure of where to look. I know Radio City apartments are legit, but is there a list of others I could look at. I had a look around for some, but I have no idea now whether they're the real deal or not. Is there an official body or affiliation I should be looking out for on websites?! I'm finding some that are lovely and within budget but am worried that they aint legal!

Anyone able to offer me a choice of places to look at, or a website where i may find them all?

Thanks

bb69

chrispyphillips wrote: »

Can I ask a question of one of the more seasoned NY visitors please?!

I myself have been twice (best city in the world) and am going back next April. For my stay this time, me and the other half have decided that we want to stay in an 'apartment' as we want to do our own cooking and sample some of the foods New York has to offer. We looked at a lot of websites and had even contacted someone offering an apartment overlooking the Empire State Building who priced us up the week. I then stumbled across info (starting on this web page) that the practise of sub-letting private apartments was illegal in NY and quickly put the brakes on my grand plan!!

So, I'm still in the market for accomodation, but am not sure of where to look. I know Radio City apartments are legit, but is there a list of others I could look at. I had a look around for some, but I have no idea now whether they're the real deal or not. Is there an official body or affiliation I should be looking out for on websites?! I'm finding some that are lovely and within budget but am worried that they aint legal!

Anyone able to offer me a choice of places to look at, or a website where i may find them all?

Thanks

Hey I went last year 26th Dec-2nd Jan and we stayed at the Marmara Manhattan http://www.marmara-manhattan.com which is at E 94th street and 2nd Avenue... (not sure if link i have pasted works but you can google it)

A little way out from all the action , but truly they were lovely sleeping facilites, bathroom with kitchen and living room too.. lovely. Apts in a hotel complex.

Our 1st time to NY we didnt find the distance a problem at all as we were up early so a taxi ride or a bus journey was very quick.. Also getting back in the evenings was really quick as we were going away from all the traffic.

We booked with virgin as a package. Would stay there again!
If you would like any pics PM me and more than happy to show you some.

Good Luck

twinkler

Hi all

Im desperate for some assistance/advice fom all you kind NYC travellers.

Last year i booked a surprise visit to NY for my hubbies 30th birthday (tomorow)

Long story short, our flight to NYC was cancelled yesterday by Delta Airlines due to weather (all other airlines flew), they re booked us for a dfferent flight this morning - when we went to check in we found that they had cancelled this flight also as the cabin crew had been transfered to another flight, we were then given a third flight with a conection flight in Ireland which was also cancelled due to over booking!

Im am so upset - we were put up for 2 nights in an airport hotel - offered no food or drink, (had to pay for our own - £9 for two drinks!) no representative of delta available to help either.

We visited the airport 4 times to arrange the new flights - each time having to pay £16 for the shuttle to and from the airport.

We were eventually sent home this afternnon and told to call a 0845 number to arrange a reschedule of flights. We were assured we could go onto any flight providing seats available. Others at the airport were offered flights with other arlines and upgrades to get them to JFK, we were not as we have children and could hold on to fligh later next week (despite staying at heathrow for 16 hours on the first day and after arriving there again at 4am this morning)

Ive just called Delta and have been offered a flight for the 30th Dec - 2nd January. There is a flight from Heathrow which they wont let us have as its business class and we booked coach. The flight we could accept is from Manchester (3 hours from our home)

Im now struggling to find accomodation over there. Our origional hotel is fully booked and we have lost our money ($600). Ive also lost money from our car parking (£60) and tranfers (£65), not to mention the totr tickets i bought also.

I desperately need to find a hotel for the 30th Dec - 2nd January thats not too expensive as we have spent most of our travel money.

Our origional hotel was Hotel 373 on 5th avenue

Can anyone help me find somewhere or offer me some help? im desperate

Thank you

bb69

twinkler wrote: »

Hi all

Im desperate for some assistance/advice fom all you kind NYC travellers.

Last year i booked a surprise visit to NY for my hubbies 30th birthday (tomorow)

Long story short, our flight to NYC was cancelled yesterday by Delta Airlines due to weather (all other airlines flew), they re booked us for a dfferent flight this morning - when we went to check in we found that they had cancelled this flight also as the cabin crew had been transfered to another flight, we were then given a third flight with a conection flight in Ireland which was also cancelled due to over booking!

Im am so upset - we were put up for 2 nights in an airport hotel - offered no food or drink, (had to pay for our own - £9 for two drinks!) no representative of delta available to help either.

We visited the airport 4 times to arrange the new flights - each time having to pay £16 for the shuttle to and from the airport.

We were eventually sent home this afternnon and told to call a 0845 number to arrange a reschedule of flights. We were assured we could go onto any flight providing seats available. Others at the airport were offered flights with other arlines and upgrades to get them to JFK, we were not as we have children and could hold on to fligh later next week (despite staying at heathrow for 16 hours on the first day and after arriving there again at 4am this morning)

Ive just called Delta and have been offered a flight for the 30th Dec - 2nd January. There is a flight from Heathrow which they wont let us have as its business class and we booked coach. The flight we could accept is from Manchester (3 hours from our home)

Im now struggling to find accomodation over there. Our origional hotel is fully booked and we have lost our money ($600). Ive also lost money from our car parking (£60) and tranfers (£65), not to mention the totr tickets i bought also.

I desperately need to find a hotel for the 30th Dec - 2nd January thats not too expensive as we have spent most of our travel money.

Our origional hotel was Hotel 373 on 5th avenue

Can anyone help me find somewhere or offer me some help? im desperate

Thank you

So sorry to hear that
Whats your hotel budget?