Everything & Anything New York City

Philippa36

penypincher wrote: »

Century's cosmetics doesn't discount on the USA $ RRP, however, they used to (not sure if they still do) issue a credit voucher for your next instore purchase (can be used the same day, $5 or $10 depending on amount spent), thus, effectively giving a discount. I think it has something to do with fixed prices for this kind of merchandise. When department stores, like Macy's, offer storewide discounts, it usually EXCLUDES cosmetic/perfume purchases, I believe due to the fixed prices.

I bought both cosmetics and perfume in Century 21 in April and didn't get any vouchers or discounts for my next purchase!

northwest1965

Philippa36 wrote: »

We were stuck in NYC for 6 days - we flew with KLM (codeshare with Delta) and we got nothing at all. Neither did any of the other people who were stuck in the hotel with us.

I wouldn't expect to get anything from the airline if you're delayed.

I wonder how that works then if you book a package with Virgin Holidays but they use Delta or Continental (from B'ham) and you get stranded? Would Virgin have to pay your accom until a flight can be arranged bearing in mind the airlines are non EU

gregg1

Philippa36 wrote: »

Yes, its cheaper over there compared to over here - but the prices are generally the same for cosmetics/perfumes etc. in all the large department stores there. They don't discount them in Century 21 like they do the clothes.

Well we checked the prices against those of the big stores. On a number of occasions the Century 21 price came in quite a bit cheaper than it did in Macy's or Bloomingdales. Daughter also got some Dior make up in Century 21 which again was the cheapest we found of any of the stores we visited in NY. Would certainly recommend trying Century 21 for perfumes and make up before going to the big stores - it worked for us!

costingbunny_2

northwest1965 wrote: »

I wonder how that works then if you book a package with Virgin Holidays but they use Delta or Continental (from B'ham) and you get stranded? Would Virgin have to pay your accom until a flight can be arranged bearing in mind the airlines are non EU

Yeah, this was my thought, if it is a package deal, does the operator (ie, Virgin) look after you? Otherwise, why buy a package deal rather than a DIY deal?

johnnyroper

costingbunny wrote: »

Yeah, this was my thought, if it is a package deal, does the operator (ie, Virgin) look after you? Otherwise, why buy a package deal rather than a DIY deal?

no matter what airline they use your contract is with virgin holidays so i would like to think you would be treated the same as if on Virgin flight.

debtfreein2007

Hello!
I know there is a real tipping culture in the States but as a frugal traveller I'm wondering if you would tip in non-restaraunt/taxi situations.

I was wondering if people would tip fruit cart vendors or street cart vendors? What about chinese takeaways in which I collect the food? I don't want to seem rude!

Thanks for any advice

northwest1965

debtfreein2007 wrote: »

Hello!
I know there is a real tipping culture in the States but as a frugal traveller I'm wondering if you would tip in non-restaraunt/taxi situations.

I was wondering if people would tip fruit cart vendors or street cart vendors? What about chinese takeaways in which I collect the food? I don't want to seem rude!

Thanks for any advice

Always tip the taxi drivers. You dont tip takeaways unless being delivered. Dont forget to tip the maid aswell

greenface

taxi ---restraunts---- porter ----maids---concerge

---

just about what you would tip in the uk and lets be honest have you thought about tipping in macdonalds or tescos not me either (although i give the barmaid a tip for 20 seconds work but never the checkout girl in Asda for 5 minutes "hard work") I gave the bloke on the door of our hotel $10 last time thinking he will remember us and sort us out if we needed owt. never saw nor needed him again . Went to bb kings and speaking to a girl on the sales desk was very interesting and informative (did i say pretty) gave her $20 for a badge costing $8 and told her to keep the change wasnt until daughter informed me i tipped her more than it cost.

karie

Hi there
My boyfriend and I are planning on going to New York for 7 nights, from October 30th to November 6th.

I am making my way through this thread... some great info but so much still to read!
However... the price of accommodation is scaring me - I know you get what you pay for and all that, but there must be some decent budget accommodation in NY?

i was thinking about $100 per night for a room with a bathroom... but it seems unlikely...
any tips?

karie xx

debtfreein2007

Don't be afraid to stay in Queens, plenty of hotels are on the Subway line. Try Days Inn, Long Island City. I have booked it for £450 for 7 nights in June Subway line is 2 mins away, 15 mins to the centre of Manhattan.