All Things New York & £150 Flight Deals MERGED

sarahjw

Just wanted to thank everyone who responded to my query, the Hyatt Regency on Hudson looks perfect so will try it via priceline or hotwire as soon as I can find some cheaper flights! Hope that there will be some better deals as date gets closer?

eljmayes

Lags wrote:

Enjoy New York, it's fantastic and you won't be disappointed.

Right some good money saving tips. Visit https://www.newyorkpass.com this allows you to pre book and pay for a pass that gets you into lots of the attractions free on production. It comes with a good guide too.

Which airport are you flying into? JFK, La Guardia or newark. Taxis from the airport cost in the region of $50 plus a 15% tip which is very very customary, one way. Another option and cheaper is to use the Shuttle bus service, this operates from outside the airports and buses you into Manhattan, Grand Central station. From there they use smaller vehicles to bus you to the hotel. This costs about $50 return. You contact the shuttle service the day before departure to arrange collection for return journey. Even cheaper still, outside the airports operate bus services (various depends on airport) $2 per person (exact coinage only, no notes or a metrocard) these will bus you into Manhattan where you can then use the subway to where ever, again the subway is $2 per person.

All subway journeys are $2 per person. Metrocards are very useful and can be bought in all subway stations. A ten Dollar metrocard gets you 5 journeys plus an extra one free (6 in all) A good street map is essential

Another good tip if you expect to go along to the Statue of Liberty. (New york pass gets you the ferry and enterance free) This gets you onto the Island and you'll be able to walk around the Statue. However to actually go inside the Statue you need to obtain a promenade Tour pass. These are free but must be obtained prior to going on the day (not available on the Island itself) heres the website you need https://www.statuereservations.com Only so many per day are handed out and have a time zone during the day they must be used.

Century 21 store (opposite ground zero) is a good store. Lots of designer clothes at reduced bargain prices. (New Yorkers use this alot)

Lastly, the hotel we stayed in was 'The Avalon' absolutely first class. 16 East 32nd Street. Which is just around the corner from the Empire State Building (also on the pass free) on 5th Ave. You get a continental Breakfast thrown in which save $$$$$, not many hotels in New York offer this. The location of the hotel is ideal with the nearest subway on 33rd street, which is not 5 mins from the hotel (Subway train 4, 5, 6. line) rate around $160 per night. The smallest room is larger than most UK hotels, so go for that.

Enjoy!

PS: EDIT, The Staten Island Ferry is absolutely free to travel on (this gets you great views of lower Manhattan skyline and The Statue of Liberty) This goes from Battery Park, Lower Manhattan

Personnally I would not use the shuttle bus service at - it takes forever to get to Manhattan and when you are there it can take up to an hour to get to your hotel on another bus. Use a taxi to get from the airport which should get you to your hotel within the hour depending on where you are in Manhattan.

martyfarty69

New York is one of the Greatest cities in the World and I know you'll have a good time, And whatever you do STAY IN MANHATTEN, I made the mistake of staying in an Airport hotel when I was there on a Business trip once and the commute from the hotel ( or anywhere outside of Manhatten ) is a nightmare, especially if they're doing Repair work on one of the Expressways./
I'd have a look at https://www.tripadvisor.com , I stayed at a Great Hotel called the Millenium UN Plaza, which as the name suggests is in the United Nations plaza, gorgeous hotel with great views, think it cost us about $200 a night for 2 people which is very good for Central Manhatten, ( Only took us 20 minutes to walk to Times Square )

Little_John

Ive stayed at the Park Central twice so far and plan to stay there again in December, Its not cheap but its pretty nice and only a few blocks down from Central Park on 56th street maybe 10-15 minute walk to Times square there is a subway station under the street in front of the hotel and it is the yellow line which runs from 5th ave all the way down broadway so you can get to most places without having to change trains, times square, battery park, ground zero. Unless you spend the silly money and stump up for the plaza or astoria then I think most places are similar just with differnt decore.

thomasbentley_2

I would appreciate any tips from the mse community
about visiting new york,
I have seen the previous threads ,
but any other help would be appreciated
Tb

student100

I think you need to ask something more specific...

although as you noted there are loads of old threads covering most aspects... try the search facility.

hollydays

Dont miss central park-theres even a zoo there.

thomasbentley_2

Sorry for being vague!
The link to that one is:-
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=63638&highlight=new+york
There are some good tips but I'm sure you guys have lots of others!
any tips to do with place to eat , places to visit and money to be saved
i.e. acting like a local and not a tourist would be appreciated,
regards
Tb

Spilt_Milk

If you go up the Empire State. Go just before it gets dark - then you can see the city from there in daylight, hopefully a sunset, and then in the dark with all the lights.

Alikay

Use the subway - cheap and easier to understand than the london tube since there are fewer lines. We've always felt safe even at night (before midnight, haven't tried in wee small hours)
Your subway metro-card (you can buy daily or weekly ones-I think even a 4 day one) also covers you for using buses. A bus ride up & down Broadway is great at night!
There are some nice deli-come-supermarkets around. We used one called Fairway which was on Broadway at somewhere around 70 to 75 street. They do lovely food to take back and enjoy in your room after a hard day's sightseeing!
The free staten Island ferry gives great views of Liberty
Macy's gives foreigners (us!) a discount card for 11% at their customer services dept.
The food court at Grand Central Station is brilliant.
Take subway to brooklyn heights and walk back over Brooklyn Bridge - fantastic views! Grab a hot dog from one of the street vendors at the end.