Everything & Anything New York City

johnnyroper

Going NYC in October and need to book car from hotel back to JFK.
I know manhattan traffic can be bad from last time I went just wondering how long people allow to get back to airport.
Flight is with AA at 8.25 in morning so realistically want to be in airport around 6.00 what would be the best time to book car for? Staying at mave hotel on Madison avenue if it makes any difference.

northwest1965

Ingsy wrote: »

Have re-done our itinerary, can someone give it the once over please?

Fly out saturday 9th October to JFK, land at 13.30. Staying at the Cosmopolitan in Tribeca so should be there by 4?

Saturday afternoon - Brooklyn bridge (photos etc), Staten Island Ferry (hopefully at sunset which seems to be about 18-18:30), China Town / Little Italy for a mosey round and some food.


Monday is Columbus day, so hopefully that won't affect things? - Empire State (probably fairly early to get everything else in!), Grand Central Station, Some of the parade up fifth avenue, Bloomingdales, back to Rockefeller centre for sunset tickets (18:00ish), then possible ice skating.

Thanks very much!

We go a few days before you. Its our 1st time but you seem to have a lot planned for Saturdayaft/evening. Wont it be too much bearing in mind jet lag?

What happens on Columbus Day? Is it a parade?

kelda_shelton

Jacquiesce wrote: »

Please do not rent an apartment from here. Vacation rentals like this are illegal in NYC. You may end up getting thrown out of the apartment and have nowhere to stay or it could be a scam. Please have a look at the forum and FAQs on Trip Advisor. There are a couple of apartment like hotels that are legal and they are mentioned in the forums.

Jacqui -

Thanks for the info.

I looked at this when it was mentioned some time ago. And it often depends on whether the apartment is part of a co-op.

Homeaway is a huge company that has advertised during the superbowl commercials and stuff.. my friend used a branch of this company just 2 months ago in NYC with no problems.. from what i understand using this company (www.homeawayrentals.com) & its various branches is NOT illegal and perfectly safe.

I deliberately booked the apartment I'm staying in through my credit card - so if its a scam - which I doubt having done a fair bit of research- we'll get our money back.

In the meantime see... the bill if it passes is effective from may 2011.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2010/jul/23/subletting-bill-holiday-rent-us

I'll be in NYC on 22nd of this month - I can report back on my success with the aprtment if anyone wishes me to?

loulou_1984

Jacquiesce wrote: »

I don't want to panic you but its not something I would risk. Have a read on Trip Advisor and maybe ask their advice. I would try and get somewhere else booked and get my money back. Even if you don't get scammed or thrown out it is illegal..

We spent hours looking for hotels/hostels etc, and unfortunately came up with really bad results and very expensive - apparently the week we're going is when lots of people go to NY, then drive up to New England - something to do with Fall. The apt was $175 a night which was about the same price as a one star hotel. There are cheaper options out in Brooklyn, but we preferred to be in a safe/central area - especially as we don't know NY.

northwest1965 wrote: »

They dont get good reports on the TA site

Oh dear! I've spoken to one person who went and loved it, maybe I'll have a read of the reviews - thanks!

northwest1965 wrote: »

Yeah they are illegal, do you have an address? If so post it on TA site and see if any of them know if its even a legit building

I do have an address - thats a good idea, thanks!

loulou_1984

I posted on Trip Advisor and got some responses already - one not particularly polite one.

The general consensus is, don't do it.

Jacquiesce

kelda_shelton wrote: »

Jacqui -

Thanks for the info.

I looked at this when it was mentioned some time ago. And it often depends on whether the apartment is part of a co-op.

Homeaway is a huge company that has advertised during the superbowl commercials and stuff.. my friend used a branch of this company just 2 months ago in NYC with no problems.. from what i understand using this company (www.homeawayrentals.com) & its various branches is NOT illegal and perfectly safe.

I deliberately booked the apartment I'm staying in through my credit card - so if its a scam - which I doubt having done a fair bit of research- we'll get our money back.

In the meantime see... the bill if it passes is effective from may 2011.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2010/jul/23/subletting-bill-holiday-rent-us

I'll be in NYC on 22nd of this month - I can report back on my success with the aprtment if anyone wishes me to?

You may be lucky in that you don't get scammed but I think that just because the company is legal doesn't mean that every property they advertise is. As far as I was aware it has been illegal for a while and this bill is just to enforce it more and clarify the rules. I may be wrong but I have read on Trip Advisor and NYC news sites about a recent crackdown on these illegal apartment rentals so its not something I would risk..
I will also be in NYC from 22nd :j Hope you have a good trip!

northwest1965

kelda_shelton wrote: »

Jacqui -

Thanks for the info.

I looked at this when it was mentioned some time ago. And it often depends on whether the apartment is part of a co-op.

Homeaway is a huge company that has advertised during the superbowl commercials and stuff.. my friend used a branch of this company just 2 months ago in NYC with no problems.. from what i understand using this company (www.homeawayrentals.com) & its various branches is NOT illegal and perfectly safe.

I deliberately booked the apartment I'm staying in through my credit card - so if its a scam - which I doubt having done a fair bit of research- we'll get our money back.

?

I wouldnt base the fact that they advertise during superbowl as being legit. There are companies that advertise on TA and they arent legit!
I hope you are lucky, the hassle of worry and then finding accomodation while I am there would really take the edge of my holiday, plus if you need more accomodation, booking off the street will cost so many more $$$$'s

M4RKM

kelda_shelton wrote: »

I'll be in NYC on 22nd of this month - I can report back on my success with the aprtment if anyone wishes me to?

No. Discussion of things illegal is not allowed on these forums. Just because you wish to break the law, shouldn't mean that you can encourage others to do the same to save a few pounds.

kelda_shelton wrote: »

In the meantime see... the bill if it passes is effective from may 2011.

The new bill is effective from then, but that does not mean the old bills (plural, as there are multiple ones), are not valid suddenly, and it is legal to rent apartments for under 30 days

Think about an apartment block and the fact that when you live there, you will know your neighbours, maybe not by name, but by face. Do you really want strangers in this block, trapsing in and out, maybe leaving the door open, and anyone can wander around, these are people that have not applied for a home in the block, a process that you had to go through yourelf. There are laws in NYC about Coops, and these groups own apartments, then they vet, along with other residents. If somone sublets, then it has to be within the terms. If not, it is illegal.

I've gone on about this before, and I understand that accommodation is expensive, but to ignore laws, just to save money is one argument I had far too much on here, and is one reason why I've not posted anything in nearly 9 months, because I get bored of repeating myself.

northwest1965

loulou_1984 wrote: »

I posted on Trip Advisor and got some responses already - one not particularly polite one.

The general consensus is, don't do it.

They're a pretty good bunch over there. Invaluable with their advice. Have you got your money back through paypal? I believe you can get it back with them cant you? Perhaps if you give a budget and dates we can try help you get somewhere.

M4RKM

northwest1965 wrote: »

Have you got your money back through paypal? I believe you can get it back with them cant you?

The beauty about paypal is that you can get your money back for PRODUCTS. An Apartment rental falls under a SERVICE, and is not covered. If the apartment exists, (and bear in mind, homeaway.com and vrbo.com will NOT vet and check apartments to make sure they actually exist, or are legal, as these companies are commercial entities and are just a listing service), then you would have to argue with who you booked with to get money back. Also, if you even ask if they are legal, of course they are going to say yes...

M