NY trip - airport hotel and taxi?

themaccas

We're 6 weeks from going to NY and just wondering if anyone could help with the following, I have spent this morning doing a search which has answered most of my queries, however there are a few things I was wondering if I could tap into MSE'ers experiences of the following:

We are flying out from Heathrow and have about a 2.5 hour journey to get there, flight leaves at 2pm, thinking about staying in a hotel at the airport overnight, is it worth the expense to save a worry free journey to the airport on the day of flying?

We are flying into Newark and there are 5 of us including a 3 year old so will be getting a taxi, is it worth booking a taxi or will there be plenty of taxi's able to transfer 5 of us to our hotel?

Are airport lounges worth the money?

Thankx

richardw

Is your journey to Heathrow by road or rail?

HighVoltage

When you come out of Newark, there are planey of taxis available. You just queue up and tell the controller wheer you are going. They will tell you the price, so you get a fixed price for the journey plus any tips and toll fares. Luggage is normally $1 per bag. However, I'm not sure what the maximum number of passengers they carry (i.e. if you can get a MPV taxi) as I've normally travelled alone.

For the lounges, it depends on which airline you travel on. If its Continental, don't bother, not much food. If its Virgin, their lounges are excellent, you can get meals, haircuts, massage, entertainment for kids (xbox, playstation etc). I don't know costs, as I've had them included (flew to US on business class). If it was my own money, I would not bother, sit outside, get some overpriced food air side.

themaccas

We are going by road to Heathrow (using tesco clubcard vouchers for parking). I think and MPV taxi from Newark to Manattan will be best for us. I am rapidly coming to conclusion that use of the airport lounge will not be the best use of our money (£72 for use of Holideck at terminal 4 for the 5 of us could get 10% cashback trhough quidco so would be £65). We like the idea of staying overnight at Heathrow before departure but need to weigh up cost v stress factor!!
Thanks for you input

LB1985

If you are flying out of Heathrow T4, the Jury's Inn hotel is relatively nearby and quite reasonably priced.

docij

We normally stay at the Heathrow M4 Travelodge either Eastbound or Westbound. Cost £59 a room. Cheap and cheerful.

http://www.travelodge.co.uk/make_a_booking/?ref=200701071

LittleJo

Hi,
I got a shuttle bus into Manhattan, but if you go to the Ground Transportation desk they will sort you out trasport in at a good rate.
Newark airport departure boards are different, they are sorted alphabetically
rather than times of departure!
Jo

themaccas

Hi Littlejo that sounds good, so would be able to sort a taxi out for us?

GlennTheBaker

themaccas wrote:

We are flying out from Heathrow and have about a 2.5 hour journey to get there, flight leaves at 2pm, thinking about staying in a hotel at the airport overnight, is it worth the expense to save a worry free journey to the airport on the day of flying?

Definitely, in my opinion. I flew from Heathrow in October last year and stayed at the 4* Sheraton Skyline hotel the night before. I booked it via a 'Name Your Own Price' bid on Priceline and paid around £44 inc tax. It was nice to be already 'there' the night before our flight and not have to worry about traffic on the M1 or whatever.

If you have any questions about booking a hotel via Priceline, PM me and I'll be happy to help.

PS I'm jealous!

themaccas

Wow that's a good deal, GtB, I'll have alook at Priceline.
Thanks

blindman

themaccas wrote:

Wow that's a good deal, GtB, I'll have alook at Priceline.
Thanks

This handy guide might help