Everything & Anything New York City

Raymondo111

Hi,

We are off to NYC on the 17th March 2015 for 6 nights, staying at the Hyatt Times Square, this is our 3rd trip so have done most of the usual touristy visits to ESB, TOTR etc but this time fancy doing something a bit different. Firstly, will probably get either a taxi or private car from JFK after having some awful journeys via shared minibus transfers, I have seen Carmel spoken about a few times, are they any good and how do they compare to a Taxi costwise? Secondly, my daughter fancies a Helicopter ride over the city, can anybody recommend a Company/Operator? when I Googled there were a number of Companies offering trips but all seemed to quote an additional fee of $35 to just enter the heliport, is this correct and would my wife be expected to pay it even though she will not be flying.
We will definitely be buying the MTA weekly tickets as the last time we walked nearly everywhere and ended up shattered and said we wouldn't do it again so will map out where we want to go this time and look for nearest Subway stations and take it from there. Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

greenface

Firstly the hyatt x sq is a great hotel in a fab location right next to grand central station . stayed there in 2010/or 11 thanks giving . .we walked everywhere always do when on a city break . you can buy a preset amount of journeys over a few days . saving a few dollars .

Butterscotch-

Newbie to the thread. Going to NY for a week in April. Been going round in circles looking for a hotel. Think I have narrowed it down to 3 choices (more than I expected to be paying!) and was wondering if prices are likely to change much?

elflaede

Butterscotch- wrote: »

Newbie to the thread. Going to NY for a week in April. Been going round in circles looking for a hotel. Think I have narrowed it down to 3 choices (more than I expected to be paying!) and was wondering if prices are likely to change much?

If they're cancellable, no deposit rates, and you're happy with them, book whichever one you most prefer or all three if you want and just keep an eye out for any deals between now and your trip. At least that way you'll have something booked and won't be affected if the prices go up and you can always change your mind.

jackieblack

greenface wrote: »

Firstly the hyatt x sq is a great hotel in a fab location right next to grand central station .

The hotel next to Grand Central is the Grand Hyatt, (we've also stayed there) on 42nd st.

The Hyatt Times Square is on 45th St

Butterscotch-

That's the reason I'm asking. It is more expensive to book cancellable rooms but I'd do that if there is a chance it would get cheaper. If it's likely to get more expensive I'd book the prepaid cheaper rate just now.

elflaede

Butterscotch- wrote: »

That's the reason I'm asking. It is more expensive to book cancellable rooms but I'd do that if there is a chance it would get cheaper. If it's likely to get more expensive I'd book the prepaid cheaper rate just now.

Maybe if you list the hotels and prices, people would be able to tell you if they were a good deal or not? Also, if you ask and give those details on the TripAdvisor NYC forum, they are generally very good at giving hotel advice.

michele-p

I was told I was mad to book my hotel room 12 months in advance, I did on a cancelable rate, and booked anyway, and now that hotel has doubled the prices for the same week in June! Unless you get a Priceline type bargain, I think the prices only seem to go up. But I'm no expert!

becominganobsessivesaver

I'm between 2 hotels (both booked on cancellable rates), the Best Western plus hospitality house (midtown east) or the hotel Beacon (upper west side). We're a family of 4, youngish kids, first trip to New York. We're staying for 5 days. We want to go to the empire state, hop on hop off bus, TOTR, AMNH, MOMA, Intrepid museum and circle line cruise. Both hotels are the same rate for a 1 bed apartment, but the best western includes breakfast (although cereal and juice will be fine!)

Which would you go for?

Sedge123

Hi, Going to New York for the first time in March and have lots already planned. The last thing to book is the empire state building. Hubby is keen to go up at sunset but I'm thinking that this would be the busiest time of the day. I'm wondering if its worth buying the tickets to jump the queue?
This is probably the only time we will do NY and so I want to do the ESB the best way.
Any advice would be gratefully received.