Everything & Anything New York City

bluenoseam

I used Expedia for my trip to New York in 2009 without issue & was happy enough to do likewise for my trip this year as well - but it should also be said that I'm not exactly "travel agent" type of traveler. (Solo travellers are well aware of the fact travel agents aren't necessarily always the best option for us!)

As for insurance, I'm going to be a hypocrite, I'd suggest booking ASAP - I know I "stalled" with mine a bit but ultimately that's more an indication of my willingness to take calculated risks! I certainly wouldn't leave it to the last kick though, I just dealt with mine this week 7 weeks prior to leaving & even that's last minute to me.

19lottie82

I'm going to NYC with my DH for a 3 nights at the start of December :jWe have never been there before and we are currently looking for somewhere to stay........ but it all seems so overwhelming!

Our top budget is £500 for the 3 nights, which after looking online, doesn't get you much in Manhattan!

Can anyone suggest some alternative areas, with good transport / atmosphere? As long as there is somewhere we can eat drink in the evenings and a subway station nearby..... although obviously we are only there for 2 full days, so don't want to be too far out?

I'm also looking at airbnb, if anyone has any experiences? (but would prefer a hotel tbh)

Thanks!

PeacefulWaters

Don't worry too much about subway. Walking is the best way to see NYC.

The trade off for location and price is, typically, distance from Times Square. The nearer you are the more expensive it is.

We stayed on 57th Street and were quite happy walking down a different numbered Avenue each day to get to the tourist spots. It was handy for Central Park too.

In my head I've worked on £200 a night room only but early December does look expensive right now. If flights haven't been booked yet see what the airline offers if you combine flight and accommodation.

Econo Lodge near Times Square is £579 on Hotels.com for three nights I looked at in December and includes basic breakfast, wifi and bottled water. Judging by recent reviews it provides you with what you need - a room to sleep in.

You won't want to waste time in your room when you're awake.

19lottie82

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

Don't worry too much about subway. Walking is the best way to see NYC. If flights haven't been booked yet see what the airline offers if you combine flight and accommodation.

Econo Lodge near Times Square is £579 on Hotels.com for three nights I looked at in December and includes basic breakfast, wifi and bottled water. Judging by recent reviews it provides you with what you need - a room to sleep in.

thanks for the reply PW

re the subway I just meant to get in and out each day (if need be for a cheaper hotel) , rather than travelling about, if that makes sense.

looking at airbnb you can can a lovely wee studio for about £120 a night, so I'm considering that as an option as well.

19lottie82

looking at this? is harlem safe enough, or not?

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/4204496?checkin=04-12-2015&checkout=07-12-2015&guests=2&s=cb-f

PeacefulWaters

A lot of Airbnb options may not be legal in Manhatten. This from their own site:
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/support/article/868

Newark airport hotels and getting the train in daily might be an option. I'd find it restrictive though and eating into precious tourist time. Same applies to other outlying areas. Personal choice though.

19lottie82

Found a hotel which seemed like a good deal (and fab location), so just booked

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g60763-d5039880-Reviews-Courtyard_New_York_Manhattan_Chelsea-New_York_City_New_York.html

£531 for 3 nights inc all taxes (but 8% quidco cashback!)

Please tell me I did the right thing!

PeacefulWaters

19lottie82 wrote: »

Found a hotel which seemed like a good deal (and fab location), so just booked

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g60763-d5039880-Reviews-Courtyard_New_York_Manhattan_Chelsea-New_York_City_New_York.html

£531 for 3 nights inc all taxes (but 8% quidco cashback!)

Please tell me I did the right thing!

You did the right thing.

Use google maps to find a TD bank ATM nearby. No charge for cash withdrawals there.

Get the right plastic lined up (such as Halifax Clarity Card).

Who are you flying with?

SW17

19lottie82 wrote: »

Found a hotel which seemed like a good deal (and fab location), so just booked

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g60763-d5039880-Reviews-Courtyard_New_York_Manhattan_Chelsea-New_York_City_New_York.html

£531 for 3 nights inc all taxes (but 8% quidco cashback!)

Please tell me I did the right thing!

A good choice. Don't know the hotel, but the area is fine and easy to get to everywhere else. It may seem odd, but November and early December weekends (if you are there at a weekend), are absolute peak season in NYC as it is traditionally when everyone goes there for shopping trips. Rates are not likely to go down over this period.

19lottie82

Thanks people

We are flying with Icelandair - Got some cheap tickets...... £350 return from Glasgow.

And I have my Halifax Clarity card at the ready :j

Never been to NYC before so will need to do lots of research / planning to make the most of our short trip