NewYork travel tips

Halcyon · 22-10-2008, 13:37

Has anyone been to New York ?

I'm thinking after a load of relationship problems looking forward to a holiday might do me some good.
I'm looking at spending 5 days in New York and wondered if anyone had any tips for accomodation.
Flights seem to be about Â£350. Don't know if that is good or bad, I've never been translantic.

But the price of hotels is crazy! I'm being quoted well over Â£1500 which for me is way too much.
I'd like it to be maybe Â£100 a night if that is at all possible.

Anyone know where to go or what to avoid ?

Many thanks for your replies.

SMHarman · 22-10-2008, 15:45

Flights
Those numbers look about right. You should be able to get non-stop for that, though you are at EMA not LHR or LGW. If you need to change AirLingus can be a benefit as they do immigration in Dublin so you get out of the airport in NY quickly.

This is a good article that could help you.
http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/10/12...pagewanted=all

Hotel Chelsea is mentioned there, as is the option of renting someones vacant apartment, you use their apartment while they are on vacation!

NYC hotels are hideously priced.

Also take a look at Jersey City / Journal Square it is on the PATH line into the city which runs 24/7 and rates are cheaper.

When you over? I'll buy you a

Osem · 22-10-2008, 16:09

With the Â£ at a 5 year low against the $ my tip would be stay at home

http://uk.reuters.com/article/busine...49L1XX20081022

dalboy · 22-10-2008, 16:19

I am going to NYC first time in December

We paid about 360 for flights and we are staying in a hostel type place (I wouldnt normally but everywhere else was so expensive and this was a bargain at Â£100 each (sleeps 2 in the room) for 6 nights! More money for shopping!

PM me if you are interested on where it is as I dont have it to hand. Its East of Central Park and if you are looking just for a place to crash and your on your own I would highly recommened it.

My other mates are staying a glorified hostel and are paying about 260 each which I think is pointless.

Paul · 22-10-2008, 16:23

If you are going soon then it may be down to time of year, you know our American friends do enjoy their halloween, thanksgiving, Christmas, New years etc. Any vacation in or around a date that impacts on an American holiday or "event" will be massively more expensive than an out of season break.

Halcyon · 22-10-2008, 16:46

Thanks everyone for your helpful replies

I'd be going during the February half term hopefully. So around the 13th February 2009.

joesnake · 22-10-2008, 20:29

Try Red Roof Hotels. They have decent rooms and the one in Manhatton charges about $139 a night in February

bayonet · 22-10-2008, 20:51

Was there in 2000 stayed at The Ramada Milford Plaza just off Broadway but not the best. Don't go to Liberty Island go to Ellis Island instead, better trip. It's a fast and furious holiday. Don't get ripped off by the horse drawn rides in Central Park. Hotels are more expensive food wise look for local cafes there's so much choice you'll take most of the holiday just to order food.

Charlie_Bubble · 22-10-2008, 20:56

When I went on a short break to New York I stayed across the river in New Jersey. You can easily catch a bus across to NY and the costs are a lot lower. I did have the added incentive that I was going to watch a game at the Giants Stadium.

**Matt D** · 22-10-2008, 21:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halcyon

Anyone know where to go or what to avoid ?

Mrs D & I went for a weekend break a couple of years ago.

Loved it

Recommend...

The Empire State Building - obviously. Amazing view from the top.

Staten Island Ferry - good view of the Statue of Liberty (don't think there's much point visiting Liberty Island itself, as the Lady herself has been closed since 9/11).

Carnegie Deli - MMMMMMMM...

Ground Zero

Hmm. Also Central Park, Times Square, etc.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art ("The Met") & the Museum of Modern Art ("MoMA") are both meant to be very good. We missed out though, as we stupidly left it until the Monday to go see them, not realising that museums close on Mondays...

And a trip to New York is not complete without pancakes, bacon, & maple syrup for breakfast... sounds like a weird combo, but it works...

PeteTheMusicGuy · 23-10-2008, 10:49

The price of flights sounds about right. I cant really suggest any hotels as i normally stay with a mate but I will ask her and see what she suggests

SMHarman · 23-10-2008, 16:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halcyon

Thanks everyone for your helpful replies

I'd be going during the February half term hopefully. So around the 13th February 2009.

Feb 16th is Presidents day and that week 16-20 is a school holiday over here so be aware that could affect accomodation prices.

---------- Post added at 11:03 ---------- Previous post was at 10:53 ----------

I'll add thoughts inline...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt D

Mrs D & I went for a weekend break a couple of years ago.

Loved it

Recommend...

The Empire State Building - obviously. Amazing view from the top.
The top of the Rock which has opened since then (I think) is also good. Shorter queues and better views as it is an open view rather than the suicide barriers.
Staten Island Ferry - good view of the Statue of Liberty (don't think there's much point visiting Liberty Island itself, as the Lady herself has been closed since 9/11).
True but Ellis Island and the whole immigration thing is worth a visit. If you go there from liberty state park (in Jersey) where the old train terminal is (path to Pavonia/Newport - walk a block west and then light rail to the park then a bus into the park (easier than it sounds), not Battery park you will save yourself the headache of the security line in Battery Park.
Carnegie Deli - MMMMMMMM...

Ground Zero
Yes - the view from the office! They are above ground on the building now!!!

Hmm. Also Central Park, Times Square, etc.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art ("The Met") & the Museum of Modern Art ("MoMA") are both meant to be very good. We missed out though, as we stupidly left it until the Monday to go see them, not realising that museums close on Mondays...
Also realise if you are on a budget some of the museums are suggested donation - not admission fee. So if you are spending the day there you sould support the arts and make that donation. If you are there for 20 mins to see one thing then maybe the suggested donation is a little high.

And a trip to New York is not complete without pancakes, bacon, & maple syrup for breakfast... sounds like a weird combo, but it works...

Some great eats all over the place and all sorts of good prices if you know what you want. Brunch at the Essex on Essex and Rivington on the Lower East side and a wander around that area is great.

Remember NYC is a collection of villages and to explore it like that. You will have more fun that way.