Everything & Anything New York City

Lovetotravel

Sleep? Why would I sleep when I've got New York to explore? lol
I don't think I'll bother with a hotel because by the time I arrive/sort luggage, get in/out of the city it'll be time to hit the lounge for breakfast before my next flight.
How much roughly are you talking for LIRR? And how long should it take?

Thanks for the info by the way!

malkie76

Thanks again for the advice. Having looked at dates in November/December there's already little/no availability for using Avios + cash to go Business to NY so think I'll stick with the recommendation of Delta economy comfort for this one and wait for the South Africa trip.

It's a bit early to be searching. Although a few seats are released at 355 days, you'll find easy availability about 6months out. Have a look for earlier months in 2013 to see what I mean. There's also currently a sale on which often sees availability disappear only to reappear post sale

alipops1986

Hello All,

My OH and I are planning a trip to NYC December 2013 - leaving 25th December and returning 29th December, or maybe 30th December depending on prices.

i've been reading this thread and have narrowed the possiblities down to:

Crowne Plaza, Times Square for 4 nights. Virgin flights leaving from Heathrow to Newark NYC. £1268.00pp.

OR

Sheraton New York, Times Square for 4 nights. Virgin flights leaving from Heathrow to Newark NYC. £1280.42pp.

We have had problems before so are keen to book a package holiday incase anything unforseen should occur. Been burnt with companies going under previously.

So the questions are:
- What do you make the of price?
- What do you make of the hotel? We get married in August, so are classing this as our 2nd honeymoon so are happy to spend some good cash on it. [going to Italy after the wedding]
- We want to be as near as possible to the usual touristy destinations.

Any help gratefully received,
Alipops xx

bb69

alipops1986 wrote: »

Hello All,

My OH and I are planning a trip to NYC December 2013 - leaving 25th December and returning 29th December, or maybe 30th December depending on prices.

i've been reading this thread and have narrowed the possiblities down to:

Crowne Plaza, Times Square for 4 nights. Virgin flights leaving from Heathrow to Newark NYC. £1268.00pp.

OR

Sheraton New York, Times Square for 4 nights. Virgin flights leaving from Heathrow to Newark NYC. £1280.42pp.

We have had problems before so are keen to book a package holiday incase anything unforseen should occur. Been burnt with companies going under previously.

So the questions are:
- What do you make the of price?
- What do you make of the hotel? We get married in August, so are classing this as our 2nd honeymoon so are happy to spend some good cash on it. [going to Italy after the wedding]
- We want to be as near as possible to the usual touristy destinations.

Any help gratefully received,
Alipops xx

Hi
Great that you are planning a 2nd Honeymoon - Congratulations!
I would say wait and don't rush in booking it. Continue to price up the packages, I would expect at least 5 nights or more for that price. I also think you could get better hotels too and in Manhattan. As BA dates are not out yet you should also check there too. I love going in December, as its my birthday but wouldn't book far in advance again (did that for the 1st trip - 12 months in advance with Virgin) In my opinion Ba tend to have better hotel choices. Not sure why.

I have a few questions:
What are the flight times?
What class of travel? Economy?
Would you consider staying for NYE too?


Have you priced flights and accommodation separately? I know you say you want a package, but if you buy the flights with say Virgin/Ba, you could also consider booking a hotel which you wouldn't need to pay for until to checkout (usually they have 24/48 hour cancellation policy). I have done this once , also for another trip purchased a good price hotel rooms in advance with another hotel but needed to pay upfront. Out of the two I prefer the 1st option.

Grandad_81

malkie76 wrote: »

It's a bit early to be searching. Although a few seats are released at 355 days, you'll find easy availability about 6months out. Have a look for earlier months in 2013 to see what I mean. There's also currently a sale on which often sees availability disappear only to reappear post sale

Ah ok, that decides it then, I think! Will wait til the summer and see what comes out, then if nothing still available may decide to opt for Delta economy comfort for the cash saving over BA premium economy as it's the leg room I was after. Unless I can persuade Mrs Grandad that it's worth the gamble of just booking premium economy in the summer if no upgrades have shown available and hoping we can upgrade between booking and flying.

bb69

alipops1986 wrote: »

Hello All,

My OH and I are planning a trip to NYC December 2013 - leaving 25th December and returning 29th December, or maybe 30th December depending on prices.

i've been reading this thread and have narrowed the possiblities down to:

Crowne Plaza, Times Square for 4 nights. Virgin flights leaving from Heathrow to Newark NYC. £1268.00pp.

OR

Sheraton New York, Times Square for 4 nights. Virgin flights leaving from Heathrow to Newark NYC. £1280.42pp.

We have had problems before so are keen to book a package holiday incase anything unforseen should occur. Been burnt with companies going under previously.

So the questions are:
- What do you make the of price?
- What do you make of the hotel? We get married in August, so are classing this as our 2nd honeymoon so are happy to spend some good cash on it. [going to Italy after the wedding]
- We want to be as near as possible to the usual touristy destinations.

Any help gratefully received,
Alipops xx

I have had a quick look on Virgin Holidays (I'm always looking for my next bargain )
I have seen the following, If I was booking a holiday these are the types of hotels to grab my attention initially before reading reviews:

These are for 5 nights (25th-30th). I haven't checked flight times though. I prefer to get there as early as possible and leave early evening, maximising the last day as much as possible.

70 Park Avenue Hotel £1122pp

Omni Berkshire Place £1196pp

The Carlton £1196pp

Gansevoort Park Avenue - £1256pp (I have stayed here and its fab. For me, great location and lovely hotel with Roof Top pool - amazing to swim in December overlooking the Empire State Building!!)

What are you looking for in a hotel?

mellymeepmeep

Hi everyone, been reading this thread as me and my husband have decided to book a holiday to New York. We're looking to go in April for up to 5 nights but we're actually totally flexible with the dates, I honestly don't have a clue what a bench mark price for flights would be if someone could advise me what is a good deal/what isn't? Currently the best price I've found is £458 (flying out from Manchester) through STA as we're both under 26.

We're booking somewhere to stay through AirBnB which is saving us quite a lot of money, we're not fussed with hotels! Currently looking at staying in the Hells Kitchen area as it seems to be "central" but also from the descriptions somewhere with a bit of character.

alipops1986

bb69 wrote: »

I have had a quick look on Virgin Holidays (I'm always looking for my next bargain )
I have seen the following, If I was booking a holiday these are the types of hotels to grab my attention initially before reading reviews:

These are for 5 nights (25th-30th). I haven't checked flight times though. I prefer to get there as early as possible and leave early evening, maximising the last day as much as possible.

70 Park Avenue Hotel £1122pp

Omni Berkshire Place £1196pp

The Carlton £1196pp

Gansevoort Park Avenue - £1256pp (I have stayed here and its fab. For me, great location and lovely hotel with Roof Top pool - amazing to swim in December overlooking the Empire State Building!!)

What are you looking for in a hotel?

I'll be honest - I do want us to be somewhere central but I would also like a "wow!" factor about it - i've checked out the ones you've suggested and the Gansevoort & Omni have caught my eye. Will have to wait until BA packages are out to compare the prices a bit more - but for 5 nights, that is definitely a better price.

Alipops x

malkie76

Grandad_81 wrote: »

Ah ok, that decides it then, I think! Will wait til the summer and see what comes out, then if nothing still available may decide to opt for Delta economy comfort for the cash saving over BA premium economy as it's the leg room I was after. Unless I can persuade Mrs Grandad that it's worth the gamble of just booking premium economy in the summer if no upgrades have shown available and hoping we can upgrade between booking and flying.

Just as point of reference - I booked returns in first class last September for November flights. I've just booked business class now for flights in March. Easy to get the dates I wanted - it's the only way to travel! Point is that I found availability at shorter notice!

bb69

alipops1986 wrote: »

I'll be honest - I do want us to be somewhere central but I would also like a "wow!" factor about it - i've checked out the ones you've suggested and the Gansevoort & Omni have caught my eye. Will have to wait until BA packages are out to compare the prices a bit more - but for 5 nights, that is definitely a better price.

Alipops x

Hi again

Central to everything is difficult in NYC due to the length of Manhattan.

Personally, I really like staying in between 29 and 34th Street (Park Avenue, Lexington Avenue, Madison Avenue etc.) - Murray Hill area - its near to Empire State Building, Macy's, Just off 5th Avenue for the rest of the shops. Rockefeller Centre, Bloomingdales, Central Park, Union Square and Soho are walkable not close, but if you like walking its lovely, and that is my favourite part of seeing the city.

You can easily hop in cab, take a bus (I use the buses all the time if too tired) or the subway.

Yes do wait for Ba prices, potentially you could also get a similar price for 6 or 7 nights too with either Ba/Virgin (or other.. lol) and the WOW factor hotel too. Or if you consider leaving boxing day it can make a difference price wise.. That's when we go.

I love the Gansevoort. Staff were nice and rooms quiet and decent size, continental breakfast was included. But the pool was the winner which will have me returning there again if I can get a good price or similar price as I did last year!

Let me know if you have any questions, happy to help

Edit - Also if you wanted to push the boat out and time it right you could get a great price with premium economy or maybe club class if there are offers.. trust me it can be done!