Everything & Anything New York City

tonymc

AllyS wrote: »

Looking at August (maybe too hot, altho have been to Aus and temp was fine for me 30's), October or maybe New year, but I am guessing New Year will be mega money.

We visited last August for 6 nights and although it was hot (up to 33 degC) during the day, we didn't find the heat or humidity too much of a problem.

With regard to hotels, we got what we thought was a good deal on the Distrikt Hotel for £135/night. Location on 40th St West opposite the Port Authority Bus Station, but we had a room on the 27th floor which gave us a clear view over. Only a short walk to times square and subway station at the end of the street.

josie

Wazlett wrote: »

Thanks for that info Josie. The tentative date for tree lighting is 28th, but I guess this won't be confirmed until much nearer the time. Hopefully flying back on 30th will give us a chance to see it the day after the ceremony and we may well take your advice and watch it from the comfort of our room on 28th!

Is the Macy's Parade much the same in terms of crowds or is it possible to get a view somwhere along the route?

Thanks again

Crowds very heavy for that, but obviously as it follows a route there is more opportunity to see it along the way. Be prepared to stand for a long time, tho!

bb69

KK22 wrote: »

Keep the deals coming! Having a look on quikbook now!

Sign up for travel zoo nyc too, they have regular hotel, entertainment deals etc too!

josie

sjpkgp wrote: »

Hello New york thread, Just booked a trip to New York with my two teenagers for end of March. I have a couple of questions, but mainly about getting from JFK to our hotel called the Conrad Hilton near World Trade Centre. Kids love the train, but bad travellers in the car, so prefer not to get yellow taxi or shuttle bus. We arrive into JFK at 8.30pm. I have tried to fathom the Transit system from the airport and it seems we need to change at Howard beach and then go into Manhattan, but it seems Howard Beach is just outside the airport. We travel light, and I have been to NY once before and found the metro/tube thing OK (i.e. not dangerous) but it is going to be late in our terms (about 2am). I am wondering whether to get a proper car (will be fine as long as traffic is not stop/start) or attempt public transport ? Money is not that much a consideration as getting there in one piece ? Grateful for any help, thanks, sal x

I'm not quite sure how 8.30pm landing time translates into 2am, or do you mean equivalent of 2am UK time? You'll be fine getting the subway. We always do that from JFK and as you say change from the airtrain to an A or C train. Even coming back isn't too much of a hassle with luggage and easy to do, plus cheaper than a taxi

I can't find your hotel on Google Maps on the description you've given, but I'm sure you can have a look and just plan your route ahead, so you probably get off at Chambers St and then know how many blocks to your hotel. HTH

josie

ixia wrote: »

Hi looking for some advice. I am a new york virgin and going at the end of March I have a visa card but looking at Martin's table may cost me a bit if I use it over there. I usuallt take all currency with me on my hols but don't think that's a good idea.

My question is will they take mastercard just as readily as visa as the best card looks like the halifax mastercard for taking away on hols. I was going to apply for it but just wanted some advice first. Thanks.

Greenface- thanks for the info on the restaurant.

I'd either go for the Halifax one as mentioned or the Post Office one. You'll be able to use both without any additional charges. We got a joint PO one for travel abroad and keep it purely for that as we go away a few times a year. We hardly take any cash wherever we go - just enough for tipping and use the card for everything else, even a coffee in Starbucks. There might be the odd diner for breakfast that doesn't take cards, but it's pretty rare.

I've never been sure about pre-paid cards as feels a bit like carrying wads of money around to me, although I guess you can probably cancel it as easily as a normal credit card? I wouldn't bother with travellers' cheques as you'll have to faff about going to a bank to cash them in and incur a charge in the process. Plenty of time to get your choice of card applied for.

Savvy_Sue

josie wrote: »

I wouldn't bother with travellers' cheques as you'll have to faff about going to a bank to cash them in and incur a charge in the process.

We found we could use travellers cheques to pay for things, including breakfast one day.

[Deleted User]

Normally when I visit the US, I get a calling card and can get great rates for dialing the UK at something like 2c a minute.

Visiting NY soon and staying in hotel. I've heard you need to be careful of extras added.

In general, would I be charged a fee for dialing a toll free 1-800 number from a hotel phone?

y2afuk

Where can u buy tixs to go to the top of the statue of liberty? I heard u need to book well in advance. Thanks.

tonymc

y2afuk wrote: »

Where can u buy tixs to go to the top of the statue of liberty? I heard u need to book well in advance. Thanks.

I'm sure the statue itself is closed for refurbishment until later this year. Tickets can be bought at this website - you need to book Crown Access tickets in addition to the ferry tickets (it was only another $3pp when we went). Please note that other tour operators do provide a tour to Ellis Island, but tickets to go up the statue to the crown, when reopened, can only be bought through the above link.

When we visited last August, we booked our tickets in April, and by June there were very few dates left for our time in NY as they limit the number of people who can go up the statue each day.

tonymc

sjpkgp wrote: »

Hello New york thread, Just booked a trip to New York with my two teenagers for end of March. I have a couple of questions, but mainly about getting from JFK to our hotel called the Conrad Hilton near World Trade Centre. Kids love the train, but bad travellers in the car, so prefer not to get yellow taxi or shuttle bus. We arrive into JFK at 8.30pm.

You would indeed have to get the Airtrain to Howard Beach, then the Subway to your hotel. Have a look at this article (scroll to "Public Transit") which gives details on how to get from JFK to lower Manhatten.

Line A from Howard Beach should get you fairly near your hotel - a map of the subway can be found here, and a general guide to using the Subway (which we found extremely useful on our first visit) can be found here.

One thing we found when using the subway was that you could only use a credit/pre-paid card for two tickets at a time, and that the maximum change given from notes/bills was $6, so you would need to have some small value bills with you (unless you are planning to buy a multi-day ticket).

HTH.