[THREAD CLOSED - SEE PART 2] Anything & Everything New York

Robhone_NY_2008

blindman, phatbear.

Appreciate the comments... to clarify:

Hotel: Location is a priority, and I thought Sofitel seemed reasonable for what you get - it also gets favourable reviews on these forums?

Flights: Why not BA? The reason for this choice was for the upgrade potential (know some-one who should be able to help) (and the flight times max'd our time in NY) but these factors won't out-weigh finding a better flight else-where.

Overall price: What's a reasonable price to do the trip at this time of year?
I know it could probably be done for £600 per person if we flew by zoom and stayed in basic accomodation, but I'd like to make it a special trip.

Regards,

phatbear

Just had a quick looky looky on expedia and flying with northwest airlines and staying at the sofitel would save you £185 each, or £170 each with KLM,plus the potential for quidco.

Looking at the location it looks ok, you'll be close to times square and the rockerfella centre, i suppose location is a personal thing, a lot of people prefer to stay down in greenwhich etc for a more "authentic " feel of NY however i prefer to be near to the theatres and shops etc.

I know what you mean about wanting to make it special, however the things you do there will make it special not the bed you sleep in, mrs phatbear still raves about me getting her name up in lights on broadway for her 40th birthday, hell it only cost $5 but its the experiences you will remember when you come back.

all the best

the bear

blindman

Robhone_NY_2008 wrote: »

blindman, phatbear.

Appreciate the comments... to clarify:

Hotel: Location is a priority, and I thought Sofitel seemed reasonable for what you get - it also gets favourable reviews on these forums?

Flights: Why not BA? The reason for this choice was for the upgrade potential (know some-one who should be able to help) (and the flight times max'd our time in NY) but these factors won't out-weigh finding a better flight else-where.

Overall price: What's a reasonable price to do the trip at this time of year?
I know it could probably be done for £600 per person if we flew by zoom and stayed in basic accomodation, but I'd like to make it a special trip.

Regards,

Hotel:
I agree with phatbear in that you do not need a deluxe room in a 4* to enjoy NYC.

Sofitel location looks OK.

BA
Their CS sucks :eek:
If you stand a good chance of an upgrade then go with them.
Have you looked at pricing the flight + hotel separately?

Price
A reasonable price to me may be a budget price to you.
It is an expensive time to visit and unless you are stuck with those dates I'd arrive about 1 week earlier.
Obviously it all depends on why you are going to NYC. The Xmas decorations start to go up\on at about your dates.

phatbear

Another thing ive just noticed is the soitel had slipped to 4th in manhattan, looks like its on the decline I would look elsewhere lol.

all the best

the bear

Robhone_NY_2008

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

I will continue to look around.
Top Cash back seem to do a 10% deal on Expedia hotels, as well as the American Express Cash back card.... should take £150 off the bill.

M4RKM

i'm coming out of retirement to do some shouting..


LOCATION IS NOT IMPORTANT AT ALL

Manhattan island is 2.3 miles wide, and 13 miles long.

However, the areas of manhattan that most tourists visit, is 2.3 miles wide (ok, i'll include the whole width), but from the middle of central park, to the bottom tip, it is about 7 miles long.

the subway is fast, runs 24 hours, and taxis are cheap.

Location doesn't mean a thing!

M

LouBlue

markymoo wrote: »

i'm coming out of retirement to do some shouting..


LOCATION IS NOT IMPORTANT AT ALL

Manhattan island is 2.3 miles wide, and 13 miles long.

However, the areas of manhattan that most tourists visit, is 2.3 miles wide (ok, i'll include the whole width), but from the middle of central park, to the bottom tip, it is about 7 miles long.

the subway is fast, runs 24 hours, and taxis are cheap.

Location doesn't mean a thing!

M

Couldn't agree more. :beer:

I understand if you haven't been before, you think you have to stay near Times Square etc...I did when I first went 7 years ago, but this year, when I stayed in Greenwich Village, I saw the whole of Manhatten, very easily, but had the added pleasure of each time I left my hotel or went back to it, had a lovely relaxed place to wander round and get a real feel of NY.

hammy_the_hammer

if someone was visiting London would you insist that they really should stay 2 minutes away from trafalgar square ?
people get a bit fixated by times square .....they've got a great subway system and to experience manhattan fully you'll need to travel about it anyway

greenface

Admit we stayed a spit from Times Square and only been once. I think getting a sense of direction and a focal point is important for a stanger in a strange town and if lost (it can happen if you cannot see beyond the huge buildings around you)gives you hope to ask for basic directions.
We traveled as a family inc a child and a teenage wheelchair user we never used the subway or bus once in the 9 days we stayed in Manhattan never even went to see how accessible it was.With the exception of a minicab to battery park and a horse around central park we walked everywhere. For instance we walked from Times Square (-) Strawberry Field a walk that would take most people 30 minutes to do with comfort (even pushing a wheelchair)and a 10 min subway bus cab etc we did it in around 2.5 hours as the (-) was the best part of the journey. Thing we would miss underground and speed past on the road

Another plus from the middle of central park to the Bottom tip Times Square is roughly middlish. I agree dont need to stay there but you can see the attraction for doing so My next visit we can choose other decent hotels we spotted in other areas get a better rate ,set our agenda and maybe even try the subway. By the way it was mid Feb 07 and the temp was 7 below

greenface

dont know if this is allowed as it isnt advertising as such .Just one hour of a beautiful morning in a beautiful city. If im wrong slap my fod and send me packing.
Enjoy..

http://www.dailymotion.com/se/featured/video/x5dp2q_6-am_shortfilms

short film of daybreak