Everything & Anything New York City

bb69

malkie76 wrote: »

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!

Never been first class, but I must say business class is wonderful... If only I could do it all the time!

Katykat

Making our first trip in April. We have flights and hotel booked, now we are planning our itinerary. Obviously because its our first time we want the usual touristy things. Staying in Holiday Inn 45st/5th ave. i've been looking at the Citysights HoHo tours and one that appeals is the All around town with Empire SB observation deck for $71 (48 hrs). The pickup in M Toussards seems convenient and the itinerary seems good. Anyone done this one? Is it good value? Are there any pitfalls? Is there any better tour?

bb69

Katykat wrote: »

Making our first trip in April. We have flights and hotel booked, now we are planning our itinerary. Obviously because its our first time we want the usual touristy things. Staying in Holiday Inn 45st/5th ave. i've been looking at the Citysights HoHo tours and one that appeals is the All around town with Empire SB observation deck for $71 (48 hrs). The pickup in M Toussards seems convenient and the itinerary seems good. Anyone done this one? Is it good value? Are there any pitfalls? Is there any better tour?

Hi
I have never taken a HoHo bus tour, just a personal preference. Found it exciting finding the landmarks and planning the day out myself. I much prefer Top of the Rock to the ESB. Is that $71 each?

I do however recommend the river taxi tour to see Manhattan from the water.

M4RKM

Lovetotravel wrote: »

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!

Getting from the airport to Manhattan will take around 1 hour. Airtrain is $5, and LIRR off peak is around $7.

The Subway is cheaper at $2.50 for a single ticket, or $2.25 if you get a metrocard, and load at least 2 rides on it.

You can't check in your luggage (if it isn't checked through to your destination), until 4 hours before your flight, so you may have to pay to store it at JFK. At Terminal 4 there is a left luggage facility.

M4RKM

Katykat wrote: »

Making our first trip in April. We have flights and hotel booked, now we are planning our itinerary. Obviously because its our first time we want the usual touristy things. Staying in Holiday Inn 45st/5th ave. i've been looking at the Citysights HoHo tours and one that appeals is the All around town with Empire SB observation deck for $71 (48 hrs). The pickup in M Toussards seems convenient and the itinerary seems good. Anyone done this one? Is it good value? Are there any pitfalls? Is there any better tour?

HOHO is NOT transportation. Get a single loop, get a lay of the land, and use standard buses or the subway for a cheaper way to get around town. $29 for 7 days NYC Subway/Bus is far far cheaper than 1 day on a HOHO guided tour.

Empire State is an iconic NYC Attraction, get there first thing in the morning to avoid the queues, and pay on the day, don't do the skyride as it is pants!

Pitfalls? Yes, Madame Tussauds is a pitfall, it isn't anything to do with NYC, and is overpriced, and just meh!

An alternative to an overpriced cruise, is to get the East River Ferry, which is only $4 each, and goes from Midtown to the financial district.

M

M4RKM

mellymeepmeep wrote: »

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.

Well, it looks like that there is zero saving by being under 26. Kayak is showing flights for £430 with 1 change from MAN for some random dates I plugged into it.

As for your accommodation. Manhattan is central, and for someone your age, I'd look elsewhere than the Times Square/Hell Kitchen destination. I'm thinking areas like the lower east side, is much better for nightlife, and character, and just use the Subway to get around. (it will only take 10 mins to get to Times Square!)

Also, you do realise that booking an apartment (regardless that it is on airbnb), is illegal in NYC, and the only accommodation you should look at on airbnb is the "private room", rather than the "complete apartment".

You could end up evicted, or on the street if there are complaints about hotel rooms in residential buildings.

Please don't break the law....

M

malkie76

Empire State is an iconic NYC Attraction, get there first thing in the morning to avoid the queues, and pay on the day, don't do the skyride as it is pants!

I'd recommend paying in advance, and paying a little extra for the queue dodging tickets. They take you straight to the front of any queue, and in my experience there are rarely others with the same tickets.

I wouldn't ever go first thing in the morning as the sun will be low which makes for poor views, and terrible photos. Far better to head there at mid day for the best views and stunning photos

M4RKM

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

Manhattan IS central. Just because a map makes it look like there is more around Times Square, doesn't mean you need to stay there. There are tourist attractions all around Manhattan, and you NEED to use public transportation to get around. The Gansevoort is in a much nicer, more vibrant area than anything around Times Square, and the hotel is much more individual than the massive corporate entities.

Grab a MetroCard, and travel via Subway, you'll get to places in no time!!!

malkie76

bb69 wrote: »

Never been first class, but I must say business class is wonderful... If only I could do it all the time!

I totally agree - the problem is once you've been at the front you don't want to go back to economy. I'm fortunate in that my employer pays for business flights for work, earning me enough points for first class tickets on holiday. Coupled with a BA Amex 2-4-1 this becomes very easy!!

Katykat

Mmm, I'm not comfortable using the subway in a city where I have never been before, thats why we decided a tour was better. I'm fine on the London subway because I have visited a few times. The $71 is each, but I have now found another one thats cheaper at $59 and its valid for 3 days. I think there would be drawbacks with any way we choose, but at least this way we wont have to carry much cash as its pre paid.