Everything & Anything New York City

Duckyduck

Ganga wrote: »

Thanks Duckyduck,richardw and SW17 for the info/replies.As a NW virgin we are doing a lot of research, i know there are cheaper hotels but as we are both over 60 we do enjoy a bit of comfort but our priorities are a good clean hotel in a safe area.
A how long is a piece of string question,what sort of spending money will we need for a week in NY.
We will probably have breakfast in a diner,a snack for lunch and go to a bar for drinks/eats at night.
i have not even thought about a " must do list " for sightseeing but will obviously do the usuall suspects,ie ESB,Statue of liberty,central park etc
We are not into fine dining or art museums.
Thanks again for info/help.

Any of the chains hotels will be clean and safe, Long Island City looks a little rough around the edges, but anything in Manhattan will be a safe location (though you may wish to avoid a couple of blocks of 9th Ave +-42nd street - not unsafe just has a number of homeless which can be intimidating of you're not used to it) nothing wrong with choosing to stay in a plush hotel, but the hotels on your list are luxury hotels which is why you were getting such high prices for your 1 week trip.

Your right about spending money, but given the exchange rate and factoring in tax and a 20% tip, if you budget the same amount you'd spend in the UK then you probably won't be far off, though you'll get much bigger portions on the other side of the pond.

As for getting a pass for the attractions definitely make a list of what you want to see/do first, then compare it to what the pass offers and see if it's worth it. A lot of people fall into the trap of buying the pass then going to the things offered in the pass to get their money's worth, when really they'd have been better off without it.

I really like the Staten Island Ferry - really good views and it's free! Might be duplication of you want to go up the statute of Liberty, but if you just want to see it then could do the ferry instead.

Ganga

Duckyduck wrote: »

Any of the chains hotels will be clean and safe, Long Island City looks a little rough around the edges, but anything in Manhattan will be a safe location (though you may wish to avoid a couple of blocks of 9th Ave +-42nd street - not unsafe just has a number of homeless which can be intimidating of you're not used to it) nothing wrong with choosing to stay in a plush hotel, but the hotels on your list are luxury hotels which is why you were getting such high prices for your 1 week trip.

Your right about spending money, but given the exchange rate and factoring in tax and a 20% tip, if you budget the same amount you'd spend in the UK then you probably won't be far off, though you'll get much bigger portions on the other side of the pond.

As for getting a pass for the attractions definitely make a list of what you want to see/do first, then compare it to what the pass offers and see if it's worth it. A lot of people fall into the trap of buying the pass then going to the things offered in the pass to get their money's worth, when really they'd have been better off without it.

I really like the Staten Island Ferry - really good views and it's free! Might be duplication of you want to go up the statute of Liberty, but if you just want to see it then could do the ferry instead.

The hotels that i have listed are all on the BA Holidays web site,the reason we are looking at these is that we need to get from Newcastle to New York and BA do flights on that route,looked at going from Newcastle vie Amsterdam or Ireland and both coming out more expensive.We could have got cheap flights but on inspection some had THREE flight changes on the route so a bit of a no-no.
It is acase of putting the whole package together ie cost of flight/hotel package and add on spending money for eating and visiting and see if we can justify spending probably £3000/4000 for a one week holiday allthough at our age we will prob not get the oppertunity again to see the Big Apple.
Thanks for all the help,much appreciated.

richardw

It appears some sale fares to NYC may be loaded already.

Ganga

richardw wrote: »

It appears some sale fares to NYC may be loaded already.

Thanks richardw,i have been busy last few days so not had a chance to look but will get round to it soon.
One thing that has come up when talking to freinds who have been to NY is that most of them recommend a 5 day visit as they think that 7 days is to long,this will bring the price down also if only staying five days if we purchase a NY Pass we would only need a three day one so again cheaper.Thanks again for all the help/info.

Ganga

Has anyone stayed at or know the following hotels.

The Fitzpatrick Grand Central

Westin New York Grand Central

Any info will be most welcome.

Ganga

I have tried to apply for ESTA,s for my self and my wife,started on my own and hit a brick wall:
they are asking for thing like:Point of entry -we do not know which hotel yet
Employment details we are both retired
is there a guide that helps you with application?

phatbear

Ganga wrote: »

Point of entry -we do not know which hotel yet

Once your application is approved the address you will be staying at is one of the few things you can change after you have your esta, so pick one of the hotels you are considering and fill that in, then once you have booked a hotel, and assuming its not the one you put on your application, update the details.

Ganga wrote: »

Employment details we are both retired

The application form asks if you have a current or previous employer, so assuming prior to retiring that you worked, you just fill out your last employers details.

Ganga

phatbear wrote: »

Once your application is approved the address you will be staying at is one of the few things you can change after you have your esta, so pick one of the hotels you are considering and fill that in, then once you have booked a hotel, and assuming its not the one you put on your application, update the details.



The application form asks if you have a current or previous employer, so assuming prior to retiring that you worked, you just fill out your last employers details.

Thanks for quick reply phatbear,it also asked for my parents names,i hope they do not want to speak to them as if they do it will have to be through a medium as they have both passed on:rotfl:

FBaby

We stayed in Long Island City. Nothing fancy, but it was only 10 minutes away on the subway from the main things. I know if I went again, I would probably stay there. Don't think I would be that bothered paying double prices just for being in times square.

Wondering if we were at the same place at the same time! I too stayed in a hotel on Long Island and am so pleased we did. 10 mns walk to the subway station (and hotel drop off if we wanted!), and only one stop to 5th Avenue. Hotel was nice and comfy and so much cheaper. Will no doubt stay there again in the future. And yes, it did get extremely cold!

Ganga

Well have finally bit the bullet and booked to go to New York!Flying 2nd March out of Newcastle with connection at Heathrow and the on to JFK Airport.
Staying at the Roosevelt Hotel,in upgrade from Cosy one bed to Superior Room,
6 days,2 people £1,244.77 including all taxes etc.
Have got esta.s thanks to phatbear,s advise,insurance arranged.
Will deffinately be back on this site for more help and info prior to travel.