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

costingbunny_2

carrickally wrote: »

I'm off to the Embassy Suites at the end of the month for a week. This will be our third time, first as a couple, second with a nine month old, this time with a nearly four year old and a month old. I'd thoroughly recommend it, the breakfast is included and great (and you can take a loaded plate back up to your room or pack up some muffins etc for lunch), there's also a manager's reception in the evening with free booze. I don't drink so can't comment on it.

The location is dead on as well, unless you want to be in the heart of the action. There are restaurants around it (Chevy's Mexican, Lily's Noodles, Applebee's American and a Bagel Shop) plus a large cinema on site. The subway is a ten minute walk, there is a bus stop just round the corner and you'll be able to get a taxi pretty well. The WFC is across the street with lunch places and a DuaneReade chemist (a bit like Boots, good selection of snacks and drinks) to help you stock up the minibar/fridge. You can walk down to the Staten Island ferry in about half an hour, likewise across to South Street Seaport. For everything else, subway, bus or taxi are handy.

The rooms are big, we've stayed in the standard suite with a large living room with a table and two chairs, coffee table and two sofas (one is a sofabed) and a sink with microwave and minibar/fridge, plus a safe. No kettle though, only percolator. Same sized bedroom with big kingsize bed, floor to ceiling windows and large cabinet with built in TV. My biggest complaint though is that the walls seem quite thin. Seperate bathroom with a bath with shower, long counter with sink, hairdryer and obviously a toilet!

The concierge service is good, they'll be able to sort you out with things like tickets, transfers and so on. The staff have no problem with you ordering takeaway to your room either, although you'll have to meet the delivery guy at the lobby.

There is also an ice machine with vending machines on each floor.

If you need anything else, give me a shout, I'm searching the thread for handy hints for the end of the month!

thanks for all the info - really helpful. location sound goods as I have stayed at Times Sq before. What is the manager's reception? the free drinks sounds interesting????????

ssepple

Hi,

My Partner, Daughter and I are spending Christmas in New York( much excitement :j)

Wanted to use our mobiles NOT to phone UK but to phone each other in NY if we do separate stuff any time.

Any advice on cheapest way???


Thanks

carcuscrae

markymoo wrote: »

woah.. i've been away from here for a week or so, and people are making things up.... c'mon...

http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/passenger/taxicab_rate.shtml

Flat Fare from John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport:

For trips between (to and from) Manhattan and JFK International Airport, the flat fare is $45.00 plus any tolls using Rate Code 2 on the meter. Surcharges will not be added

so, that is TO THE AIRPORT, and FROM THE AIRPORT, it is $45... not $40... (applies to JFK only!)

Can you tell me how many tolls there are between JFK & Manhattan so I know what extras there are to be paid?

I have just booked a 6 night stay 30/06 - 06/07, got a flight for £259 with AA and staying at the Embassy Suites for £800, I presume the taxi will take me all the way from JFK to the Embassy Suites for $45 + tolls?

Also as I am going to be there for 4th July can anyone who has been there before give me an idea of the best place to go for the Independence day celebrations, assuming NYC do some which I am sure they do.

Thanks

M4RKM

ssepple wrote: »

Hi,

My Partner, Daughter and I are spending Christmas in New York( much excitement :j)

Wanted to use our mobiles NOT to phone UK but to phone each other in NY if we do separate stuff any time.

Any advice on cheapest way???


Thanks

make sure your phones are unlocked before going out... on the first day, grab a cheap sim card, and top them up $10...

then you have 3 NYC phone numbers, not your british ones, on a payg system.. when the holiday ends, put them in the bin!

M

carrickally

JFK to Embassy suites taxi price I wouldn't be too sure about, we flew into there back in 2002 so I'm sure the prices have gone up. Phone the concierge at the hotel and he'll know.

The manager's reception is two hours in the early evening, I've never been down to it but I'm sure it's not like a barroom brawl.

misscomickat

Sunday isn't the busiest night out in NYC. A lot of places close early.

Bar staff can be very rude and unhelpful. I don't get it, as it's a tip based service industry. But I experienced it a few times over the two months I was there.

There are no cheap SIM cards like in the UK - I mean in the UK you can pick up a SIM card for a few pounds. In the US the cheapest one is quite a lot from what I remember - doubtful that it would be worth it just for a short visit. You may have to stick to the age old "arranging to meet someone at a certain time somewhere."

M4RKM

misscomickat wrote: »

There are no cheap SIM cards like in the UK...

Yes there are...

http://cgi.ebay.com/T-MOBILE-TMOBILE-ACTIVATION-TO-GO-PREPAID-SIM-CARD-KIT_W0QQitemZ120325509012QQcmdZViewItemQQptZSIM_Cards?hash=item120325509012&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1308


i wouldn't recommend doing this unless i was 100% sure i was correct

M

misscomickat

mm ok fair enough, just going on what I was told while I was over there.

AutumnDaze_2

Hello again,
This may sound silly, but, what are the public toilets like in NY? I read somewhere that you can use the toilets in police stations...or is that just a wind up?!!!
Thanks for all the fantastic info on here everyone!:T

misslopex

Hi all

Does anyone know what the limits are in brining tobacco back from the US?

Also this thread is fab! loads of fantastic info! Well done everyone, lets keep it going!

Thanks