Everything & Anything New York City

M4RKM

I've put things with numbers, as it is easier to respond.

1 - You normally can get $2 off a ticket by picking up a leaflet at your hotel, or outside TOTR itself. Prebooking isn't recommended especially because of weather.

2 - no clue, have you searched and found a price yourself?

3 - statuecruises.com are not the best, they are the ONLY ones that go to the Statue of Liberty. No discounts really.

4 - 30% off ain't a bad deal....

5 - Erm, they're free. They're not going to pay you to pay your respects. Reserve online.

M

The_doon wrote: »

Hi

I have narrowed it down for my trip and I am looking to do the below, any advice on cheapest online prices would be appreciated.

1. Top of the Rock
2. SATC tour
3. Statue of Liberty - (previously read statuecrusies.com are the best)
4. Radio City Xmas Extravaganza (discount code SAVE24 takes 30% off full price ticket)
5. 9/11 Memorial

TooClumsy

M4RKM wrote: »

Take enough to last you the first day. I wouldn't even take $500, I normally take $200, which is enough for taxi, lunch and evening meal.

You will get the BEST rate possible by using the MetroBank card (sorry KarenG, your advice is wrong), and you will get a BETTER rate than the currency cards. If you didn't know, MetroBank is a zero fee, zero loading card.

TD Bank looks nearly identical when you walk in to a MetroBank, so you'll feel right at home. I've never had any issues or ATM or transaction charges and it is by far the best way to get money abroad.

M

Thanks M4RKM, I haven't actually opened an account yet-in the processing of changing my name with the banks, will do it very soon as there is one on Tottenham Court Road so will pop in after work.

The MetroBank card that you are referring to is a debit card right..? (just to clarify) I've read on the MB website that they give a Mastercard contactless card, so the card will always find the best rate-thats very reassuring

We already have $120 cash, so I guess we can just top that up-dont know why we didnt think of going cashless-is this for tips also do you think? Just because tipping is a way of life there and as we are going for 15 nights-this will be a significant amount of our budget.

I guess I didnt think that it would be ok using the card for small purchases like in a sandwich shop for example-but if most places have a card machine, then this is definitely the "safest" way to go..

madcal87

Has anyone stayed in the Financial District before? Can get some good deals in the Hilton Double Tree down there?
How hard is it to get to the big lights of times square etc etc?

M4RKM

TooClumsy wrote: »

The MetroBank card that you are referring to is a debit card right..? (just to clarify) I've read on the MB website that they give a Mastercard contactless card, so the card will always find the best rate-thats very reassuring

We already have $120 cash, so I guess we can just top that up-dont know why we didnt think of going cashless-is this for tips also do you think? Just because tipping is a way of life there and as we are going for 15 nights-this will be a significant amount of our budget.

I guess I didn't think that it would be ok using the card for small purchases like in a sandwich shop for example-but if most places have a card machine, then this is definitely the "safest" way to go..

OK. MetroBank do debit and credit cards. I've had both in the past, but have closed down my credit card with them (trying to become debt free, getting there!). The card doesn't find the best rate, it uses the direct Mastercard rate from here - mastercard.com/global/currencyconversion/index.html - this is without any loading, no fees, and is always better than prepaid cards, or getting cash in advance. An example of this was just this weekend. I was in Amsterdam on business, I got 1.18 to the £ on euros using my debit card. My sister went to the Post Office, and got 1.10 on some cash.

So, in the US, I have never ever tried using the contactless technology, even though it is called the same, there are some differences between the way our accounts, and the US accounts are run, but I might try it next time if I get the opportunity. Most places just swipe, hand the card back, and you sign.

You'll still need cash, I normally have around $100 in cash, bar tabs / evening meals I pay by card, grabbing a coffee in the morning, cash. Most places do have card machines, even in Williamsburg where I hang out a lot, so in Manhattan it should be even easier, there may be a minimum, but hey, that happens in the UK too.

Tips. Yes, tips are part of the culture there, the price you see is for the food, you have to pay for the service via a tip. Around 15-20% for food, $1-$2 per drink at a bar (I normally tip more first round), and so on and so forth, you can tip on a card, it's very normal these days.

I would still encourage you to carry some cash, it's probably easier to budget.

M4RKM

madcal87 wrote: »

Has anyone stayed in the Financial District before? Can get some good deals in the Hilton Double Tree down there?
How hard is it to get to the big lights of times square etc etc?

I've stayed in Tribeca a few times, and that's walking distance to Financial District. Plenty to see and do down there, and head up to places like Soho and Greenwich Village. It's much quieter, easier to get around. It may be very quiet at the weekend.

That said, it has great subway connections. With the Financial District being right at the southern tip of Manhattan, it narrows, and a lot of the lines (which run north to south) run through there.

You have the 1/2/3/4/5/N/R/J trains all within around 5 minutes walking distance fro the hotel, which means it is super easy to get around. The 2/3 run express, and will take you to midtown in around 15 minutes.


M

greenface

madcal87 wrote: »

Has anyone stayed in the Financial District before? Can get some good deals in the Hilton Double Tree down there?
How hard is it to get to the big lights of times square etc etc?

very very easy but its not just the "big lights" you want when you goto New York . Times Square is great and fun and all things touristy new york has to offer . The finacial district is very quiet at weekends but thats not a bad thing either . Lots to see and do around the finacial district too. you will love it . enjoy NYC

bb69

...And it's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright
Bright lights and the big city belongs to us tonight....

Love that song! lol

TooClumsy

M4RKM wrote: »

OK. MetroBank do debit and credit cards. I've had both in the past, but have closed down my credit card with them (trying to become debt free, getting there!). The card doesn't find the best rate, it uses the direct Mastercard rate from here - mastercard.com/global/currencyconversion/index.html - this is without any loading, no fees, and is always better than prepaid cards, or getting cash in advance. An example of this was just this weekend. I was in Amsterdam on business, I got 1.18 to the £ on euros using my debit card. My sister went to the Post Office, and got 1.10 on some cash.

So, in the US, I have never ever tried using the contactless technology, even though it is called the same, there are some differences between the way our accounts, and the US accounts are run, but I might try it next time if I get the opportunity. Most places just swipe, hand the card back, and you sign.

You'll still need cash, I normally have around $100 in cash, bar tabs / evening meals I pay by card, grabbing a coffee in the morning, cash. Most places do have card machines, even in Williamsburg where I hang out a lot, so in Manhattan it should be even easier, there may be a minimum, but hey, that happens in the UK too.

Tips. Yes, tips are part of the culture there, the price you see is for the food, you have to pay for the service via a tip. Around 15-20% for food, $1-$2 per drink at a bar (I normally tip more first round), and so on and so forth, you can tip on a card, it's very normal these days.

I would still encourage you to carry some cash, it's probably easier to budget.

Thanks M4RKM! You cleared up lots of "niggles" in my head.

The tips, yup we fully understand its part of their economy so it just is what it is. From what I have heard, the service in the US is apparently much better vs here and the tips are probably the reason why.

Anyone going to be in NYC in the run up to Xmas? (have you made your intineraries yet..?)

madcal87

Hi, Thanks for everyone help on the Financial District.

Does anyone have any experience on this hotel:
http://www.manhattanhoteltimessquare.com/ You can join the club and get decent discounts.

The_doon

1 - I will look out for that.


2 - SATC tour looks to be $46 everywhere but if you go via TravelZoo the tickets are $34 (not available on Saturday tours).


3 - ah...right cool.


4 - use voucher codes TZOO1 or SAVE24 to discount the tickets via the radio city website only.


5 - fair shout.

M4RKM wrote: »

I've put things with numbers, as it is easier to respond.

1 - You normally can get $2 off a ticket by picking up a leaflet at your hotel, or outside TOTR itself. Prebooking isn't recommended especially because of weather.

2 - no clue, have you searched and found a price yourself?

3 - statuecruises.com are not the best, they are the ONLY ones that go to the Statue of Liberty. No discounts really.

4 - 30% off ain't a bad deal....

5 - Erm, they're free. They're not going to pay you to pay your respects. Reserve online.

M