So I think that the Wife and I are going to be taking a trip to New York City in Mid November (gotta love mid week banking holidays).  Neither of us have ever been.  As such we have no idea where to stay or for that matter what we should aim to do while there.

 

Right now we have nothing reserved scheduled, although it does look like we will be flying CLE to LGA as they have the cheapest flights. 

 

Other than that I am looking for recommendations from all you wonderful people about what we HAVE to do, should do, and should avoid. 

 

Also looking for a recommendation of where to stay.  Not looking for anything super swanky, but a quality place that we can enjoy, and puts us around most things.

 

Ok...and go!

• What are your ages?
  
• Interests?
  
• What type of hotels do you like?
  
• What type of restaurants do you regularly patronize?
  
• Do you want to see only the city or do you want to see NJ (cough) and Westchester as well?
  
• Do you want to party while in NYC?
  

 

Hotels which are already uber expensive will be more expensive as hell and its Train week and Boutique and Hotel/Restaurant convention week in NYC.

 

Is there anything about NYC that you've read that you would be interested in seeing?

• What are your ages?
  
• Interests?
  
• What type of hotels do you like?
  
• What type of restaurants do you regularly patronize?
  
• Do you want to see only the city or do you want to see NJ (cough) and Westchester as well?
  
• Do you want to party while in NYC?
  

Hotels which are already uber expensive will be more expensive as hell and its Train week and Boutique and Hotel/Restaurant convention week in NYC.

 

Is there anything about NYC that you've read that you would be interested in seeing?

 

Ages: 27

 

Interests:  Anything really, I know that doesnt help much.  History, Architecture, Probably a couple museums, Long Walks in the Park (ha had to add that).

 

Hotels: We aren't really big on the type of hotel.  Also, have not had much/any experience with any Boutique or High End hotels though.

 

Restaurants: Haven't been out in a while, but have a general disgust of chains.  We do enjoy Brewpubs quite a lot.  Really want to try a lot of ethnic places. 

 

Other parts of the City: Are there areas in NJ worth seeing??  Probably stay in Manhattan for the most part, unless there is something that just has to be seen.

 

Party:  Are you offering to take us out for a night on the town MTS?? ;) We certainly don't as much as we used to (sucks getting old) but im sure a night or two would be spent out late.

 

I already wasn't expecting anything cheap, but now your telling me I should just give them my Bank acct #??

 

Also, while we will likely go over to Times Square, we wont be doing any Shows there.  We are doing the Broadway Series here and not sure that we will want to go while there as well.  Obviously going to Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Empire State Building and Central Park are must do.  but really not sure on much else.

Some tips no matter what you end up doing.

 

IF you are driving, plan on parking your car when you get there....or even parking somewhere in Jersey and taking a train into the city.  You will not want to drive in NYC.

 

If you are flying try to get the earliest flight in the day you can.

 

I dated my wife long distance to/from NYC for 2 years before she moved here....out of the 50 flights we took back and forth 2 of them were on time.  The earlier the flight the more likely it is to be on time (or even close)

 

the best airports for going to Manhattan are LGA and JFK, (these are fairly close to the same, uptown LGA, downtown JFK) then EWR, unless you want to spring for the helicopter ride to midtown. 

 

If you want minimum time/minimum hassle take a cab or a town car from the airport.  If you are on a budget (and don't have a ton of luggage)  I can tell you how to get there using the Bus/Train.  The "shuttle" buses are the worst of all worlds if you ask me.

 

There is no way you can do close to all the stuff you are going to want to do in 3 days.  Sunday should be a light traffic day in getting to the airport, which means Cleveland at rush hour....Traffic on Thursday will make you happy you live in Cleveland

 

Don't try to do too much.  Have COMFORTABLE shoes, you will walk/stand a ton. You will NOT be happy if your feet hurt.

 

Get a subway map

 

print this out or order one from the MTA

 

http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm

 

For the most part the number of people walking on the street will rival what you see entering/leaving a major sporting event in Cleveland.  Do NOT stop in the middle of the sidewalk to look at a map, look up at the buildings, text on your phone, or after you figure out you need to be going the other way.

 

Frommer's is a decent place to start with what to do.

 

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/newyorkcity/0021020791.html

 

Pick 1 "major" thing to do per day....and have a bunch of little stuff to fill in with IF you have the time.

 

Ellis Island/Statue of liberty.

 

Top of the empire state building

 

Broadway Play

 

Rockefeller center

 

MOMA

 

Canal St

 

Little Italy

 

ANY kind of food you could possible think of...the only food NYC does not do well in my opinion is Bar-B-que, something to do with pollution laws if I remember correctly...cant run smokers.  Please for the love of god do NOT eat at the Hard Rock or TGIF.

 

Rangers/Knicks game.

 

Live music.....too bad CBGB is gone.  but there will be almost every flavor of live music somewhere in that town.

 

The possibilities are literally endless.  If you try to do "too much" you wont be happy doing it and will need 4 days to recover from it.

 

 

 

 

 

There is so much to do in Manhattan that unless you know of something compelling you have to do in Jersey I would stick to Manhattan..that goes for Brooklyn, the Bronx or Queens for that matter.

 

Ground 0 is a construction site, so unless you have a desire to see heavy equipment and iron workers I don't think it will be worth the trip.  I did go when it was a smoking hole in the ground, but that was because I was in the city with a buddy of mine who is a fireman.

 

I found Ellis island more compelling than the Statue of Liberty (and you kind of go past it on the boat on the way) especially if any of your ancestors came through there, you can literally spend a whole day there.  I think you can combine the 2, but plan for a whole day for these 2 things.

 

I put in your dates on Sidestep.com and there were a bunch of "decent" hotels at 125-150 a night.  The Waldorf is $429.

 

This is the place we had for our wedding guests  $275 a night.  It was near to where we got married, it might not be a good location for you.

 

http://www.thirtythirty-nyc.com/location-map

 

I would figure out what you are doing before picking a hotel...It wont help you to end up way uptown if your activites are going to be centered around time square  or being in the financial district if you are spending all your time at the museums.

 

go here

 

http://www.mcsorleysnewyork.com/home.html

 

You order light or dark and get em 2 at a time.

 

Always loved eating here

 

http://www.bltsteak.com/

 

And hanging out here

 

http://www.pjclarkes.com/

 

I always make sure I bring back on of these for my mother

 

http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/juniors_cheesecake/Juniors_Cheesecake_Home/Our_Restaurants.php

 

As a bonus they have a location in Grand Central Station which you should put on your list of things to see.

There is so much to do in Manhattan that unless you know of something compelling you have to do in Jersey I would stick to Manhattan..that goes for Brooklyn, the Bronx or Queens for that matter.

 

Ground 0 is a construction site, so unless you have a desire to see heavy equipment and iron workers I don't think it will be worth the trip. I did go when it was a smoking hole in the ground, but that was because I was in the city with a buddy of mine who is a fireman.

 

I found Ellis island more compelling than the Statue of Liberty (and you kind of go past it on the boat on the way) especially if any of your ancestors came through there, you can literally spend a whole day there. I think you can combine the 2, but plan for a whole day for these 2 things.

 

I put in your dates on Sidestep.com and there were a bunch of "decent" hotels at 125-150 a night. The Waldorf is $429.

 

This is the place we had for our wedding guests $275 a night. It was near to where we got married, it might not be a good location for you.

 

http://www.thirtythirty-nyc.com/location-map

 

I would figure out what you are doing before picking a hotel...It wont help you to end up way uptown if your activites are going to be centered around time square or being in the financial district if you are spending all your time at the museums.

 

go here

 

http://www.mcsorleysnewyork.com/home.html

 

You order light or dark and get em 2 at a time.

 

Always loved eating here

 

http://www.bltsteak.com/

 

And hanging out here

 

http://www.pjclarkes.com/

 

 

Thats what we began to realize, that we should start figuring out what we Have to do, Need to do, and Want to do then find a hotel that is the best fit.

 

Also, we are planning on flying (and getting the earliest flight there, I think around 8:20am) and taking PT into the city.  Is it worth it to pay for a 7 day pass even though we'll just be there for 4 days?

I've been living back and forth between NYC and Cincinnati for the past 4 years, half of my time in each one.

 

I have had lots of friends come visit with really similar questions.  From my experience, the Statue of Liberty is overrated unless you get tickets early enough to go inside and up to the top (buy online, months in advance!).  If you can’t get the tickets to go up, skip it.  You can stop by Ground Zero, and walk a few blocks down to Battery Park and see it from there.  The Skyscraper Museum is also right between the WTC site and Battery Park.  You could add a Canal St. visit to the trip, and see all you need to see “downtown,” in half a day. 

 

I suggest going to Top of the Rock instead of the ESB.  It’s more of an open observation deck, the view is prettier, and the experience is a lot smoother, in general.

 

As for restaraunts and bars, check online at Yelp.  It’s easy to search for exactly what you’re looking for there, be it a specific neighborhood or type of food.  As for ethnic food, I suggest you go to Queens.  The best Thai food I’ve ever had is a place called SriPraPhai in Woodside.  If you’re feeling really crazy, head a little deeper into Queens to Flushing, and you’ll feel like you’re on the other side of the planet - awesome ethnic food and atmosphere.  Anyways, my plug is for Queens in general, especially Astoria or Flushing.  There are also some cheaper hotels in Long Island City, just across the East River from midtown (2 minute subway ride away).  The neighborhood isn’t so great, but the location is.  It’s also on the way between LGA and Manhattan.

 

As for bars, if you’re a beer lover I can help.  I generally spend my time at beer bars or dive bars, I’m not sure if that’s what you’re looking for while you’re visiting!

 

You can just load the MTA card with money.  It will be deducted each time you use it.  Similar to how Chicago works. 

 

Unless you get some other benefit  by buying a 7 day pass such as discount museum fees OR you plan on riding so much the cost difference is negligible.

 

I think the fare is $2.50 per ride...MTS can probably give you the current rates.  If he wanted to be a hero, you could send/give him money and he could pre-buy them for you since I don't see how you can buy them online.  ONE place the RTA has it all over the MTA.

 

Start with the Frommer's they have NYC in 1-3 days...with what to do each day, adjust accordingly for stuff you don't want to do and insert stuff you do.

 

They do a pretty decent job of grouping/ordering the stuff coherently.  They also have corresponding maps, which makes it easier to figure out what a good substitute might be.

 

 

 

Ksonic, must have missed the reloadable aspect of the MTA card when I was looking earlier.  That is def what we will be doing.  As long as MTA didn't use the same company to do their UI for their machines then I think we can purchase them when we get there (RTA's IT people really need to take that UI behind the woodshed and do the honorable thing).

 

I'm starting to play around on Frommers and it really is helpful.  But I do like inside information, such as the SoL recommendation. 

 

Ram, I am a Beer lover (so is the Wife, one of the reqs) so help away.  Also I'm not trendy so likely the bars you recommend I will like more than if I were to go to some of the hot spots.

As there are 15 kids in my house right now, I'll ask for suggestions.  There are some NYC Virgins among them. My 9 year old nephew leaves no stone in NYC unturned.

 

The kids are at this very place (I didn't even know about) at this very moment.  This should be high on your list.  ;)

 

One day unlimited cards are $8.25, or if you load it with money each ride is $2.25.  You’ll probably take more than 4 rides per day, so I would suggest you each buy three one day unlimited cards.  I’ve had busy days when I’ve taken the subway 8 times. There are machines in every stop, and they’re pretty easy to use.  They take credit/debit cards and cash.

 

As for beer bars, there are a few in the East Village/LES that I frequent.  My favorite is called Burp Castle, it’s small, quiet, has a decent crowd, but is laid back and tame – you can actually have a conversation without music blasting.  If the place gets too loud, the tradition is for everyone to start “shushing.”  A few blocks away is a placed called Key Bar, it’s a little bit rowdier and more crowded but has buy one get one free happy hours! Burp Castle is a few doors down from McSorleys, which was recommended a few posts up. 

 

McSorleys, Burp Castle, and Key Bar.  There we go three mid day bars.  I'm done the wife can plan the rest.

I strongly suggest purchasing a weekly unlimited metrocard as you may not spend the entire amount, but sightseeing, hoping on/off buses and trains, and making the newbie mistake will cost more than the fill as you go card.

 

Family members always buy weekly cards even if they are not here an entire week as they use the subway/bus to go everywhere.

Queens has the best ethnic food.

I found great deals at hotel 31 and hotel 17. http://www.hotel31.com/  I like both a lot but now it has been a couple years since i stayed at either. You can check out current reviews on tripadvisor (which i like for hotels but not restaurants).

I have many times but don't like to stay around time square-too touristy, or midtown-too boring and business-y or the upper East or West side-too residential IMO. Lower Manhattan has the most character. the best pastrami sandwich in the world is at Katz's deli on the LES.

 

I have always found the unlimited Metrocard the best deal by far. but I go all over the place. Some of the cheap, interesting entertainment I like is the Comedy Cellar for great stand up and pop ins by comedy stars, and the Upright Citizens Brigade for improv. Both venues get you into neat neighborhoods (NYU/Village and Chelsea)

For Statue of Liberty, take the Staten Island Ferry (it's free) which passes it quite closely on its trip over. Best view you can get.

 

Then, just get off and right back on the boat. Staten Island has nothing for you, but a free boat trip (plus you can buy beer on board) is worth the views of the statue and the skyline.

Definitely bypass the observation decks on the Empire State Building if you're crunched for time. Top of the Rock has an equally amazing view and the lines are no where near as atrocious.

here's a recent article from the New York Times about new hotels here that are deemed "affordable." I've walked past some of them and they look really nice. Of course, what's "affordable" in NY terms and what's really affordable are entirely different things! http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/20/travel/20hotels.html

For Statue of Liberty, take the Staten Island Ferry (it's free) which passes it quite closely on its trip over. Best view you can get.

 

Then, just get off and right back on the boat. Staten Island has nothing for you, but a free boat trip (plus you can buy beer on board) is worth the views of the statue and the skyline.

 

I did that. It's amazing that people didn't seem irritated about waiting so long for it. It was supposed to come every half hour but we waited more like an hour. You can't complain when it's free though! People going to Staten looked worn out from work and everyone from Staten going to Manhattan were dressed up in club-wear ready to party! Granted, we went pretty late at night.

here's a recent article from the New York Times about new hotels here that are deemed "affordable." I've walked past some of them and they look really nice. Of course, what's "affordable" in NY terms and what's really affordable are entirely different things! http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/20/travel/20hotels.html

I love the nytimes, except for their "budget" travel pieces. Their so called budget prices are on my high end. I would not get to travel as much as I do if I considered those prices inexpensive

See the Highline, it's more unique/interesting than Central Park, IMO. Underneath it on Little W 12th St. is a new, overpriced ($8/beer) biergarten which is at least worth a look, due to the unique space. While in the (relative) area, go to John's Pizza on Bleecker St. (cash only) for a great, affordable representation of NY Pizza.

Honestly, go to Prospect Park in Brooklyn before Central Park, if you have time.  It is easily the best large park in the city.

I've been to New York city several times, and am always looking for quirky things to do.

 

Here are a few suggestions:

 

Stuff to do / Places to check out:

 

I second the recommendations for Flushing (though its really far, on the other hand you can also get to see the old worlds fair stuff on the way there, I'd recommend taking the Long Island Railroad to get there for $2 then going back on the trains and stopping by the park if you go).

 

Also in agreement about the highline.  Its well worth a look.

 

Union Square - This place is way cooler than Times Square in my opinion (though you absolutely have to see Times Square at night all lit up.)  Generally there is always something going on here, I've seen concerts, weird performance art pieces, skateboarders showing off tricks, break dancers, chess players, political protests and even a farmers market here.  I think this is the coolest square in New York at least for people watching.

 

If you have the time/money (its expensive) check out these guys' Bicycle Tours:

 

http://bikethebigapple.com/

 

 

Beer/Alcohol - Radegast Hall in Brooklyn - this is a place that looks like it was a Beergarden from the 1800s, it would be right at home on Vine street in Cincinnati before that area became a slum.  Plenty of fantastic German beer, pretzels, and sausages (they even have a grill!).  http://www.radegasthall.com/

 

For something a bit different check out Sake Bar Decibel in the East village.  Its this underground Sake bar, has kind of the feeling of a seedy bar, but the selection and variety of sake and Japanese alcoholic beverages is staggering.

 

http://www.sakebardecibel.com/

 

See the Highline, it's more unique/interesting than Central Park, IMO. Underneath it on Little W 12th St. is a new, overpriced ($8/beer) biergarten which is at least worth a look, due to the unique space. While in the (relative) area, go to John's Pizza on Bleecker St. (cash only) for a great, affordable representation of NY Pizza.

I would say the Highline is more of a novelty than Central Park, but both are equally interesting, though for a first time visitor Central Park would be a must, but it's easily doable if you visit the Metropolitan Museum (also a must for a first time tourist), since it's located in Cent. Park (which of course is only possible to see on a limited basis in a short time since it's 843 acres). But if you visit the Highline, don't miss Chelsea Market directly underneath, between 15th and 16th Streets, and then just proceed a few of blocks down to Greenwich Village, and east to Washington Square Park (but watch out for those bratty, spoiled NYU students! lol). I would also recommend Chinatown as a must-see.

I hate China Town and Canal St. It's one big tourist trap. Our entrees in Chinatown were like 6 bucks each and there were four of us but somehow our bill ended up being like 120 bucks. They must have charged us like 8 bucks for each of the beers and like 4 bucks for bottles of water or something. Not to mention the restaurants are extremely dirty; at least the ones I've been to. If your wife gets food poisoning or upset stomach (highly likely) you'll never hear the end of her b!tching. I really liked Liberty View in Battery Park. They have Chinese food and even though it was expensive as hell, it wasn't any more expensive than the dirty place in Chinatown we ate at. If you're going with your wife, Liberty View would be a great place to take her then you guys can take a romantic stroll or whatever along the esplanade directly to the Staten Island Ferry which is conveniently right next to the subway that will take you back up Manhattan.

here's a recent article from the New York Times about new hotels here that are deemed "affordable." I've walked past some of them and they look really nice. Of course, what's "affordable" in NY terms and what's really affordable are entirely different things! http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/20/travel/20hotels.html

I love the nytimes, except for their "budget" travel pieces. Their so called budget prices are on my high end. I would not get to travel as much as I do if I considered those prices inexpensive

 

As they point out, average is $238.  Prices are high all over Manhattan.  I have stayed at these "boutique," trendy hotels and it makes me feel like something out of the "Nuuni" sketch on SNL.  Clear shower doors, shower right in the middle of the (only) room, can't even turn around in front of the toilet. 

Ok, while everyone is praising the virtues of MTA and taking the subway around town, the wife brought up a good point in that most of the interesting things in the world are above ground.

 

She went to San Fran not that long ago with family (all girls, cousins and aunts) and they did a Hop on Hop off sightseeing tour.  Apparently this was a bit of an unexpected hit with everyone. Looking for NYC there seems to be a couple of places that have 48hr privileges, which would eliminate our need for a week long MTA pass and (hopefully) provide interesting facts about the surroundings that us Tourists would enjoy.

 

The Downtown Loop:

Stops include Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown, Financial District, Battery Park (departure point for Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island ferry), South Street Seaport, Times Square, Rockefeller Plaza, Radio City, United Nations, 42nd Street, St. Patrick.s Cathedral & Fifth Avenue.

 

Anyway, what is everyone's thought on these? 

Empire State Building - get a photo of it but go to Top of the Rock for the observation deck. WAAAY shorter lines.

 

Greenwich Village - definitely pay a visit.

 

SoHo - definitely pay a visit. If your wife likes chocolate, take her here - it's not cheap but just buy a truffle or three and she'll be verrrry happy http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/boutiques

 

Little Italy - not what it used to be.

 

Chinatown - worth a visit I suppose.

 

Financial District - a few things worth a visit, notably architecture.

 

Battery Park (departure point for Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island ferry) - worth a visit but I would pass on visiting the Statue; takes too much time

 

South Street Seaport - from what I remember, touristy schlock.

 

Times Square - touristy schlock but you have to go once to say you've been there, done that. I've developed pedestrian rage there (seriously - big crowd of

people, the stupidest thing you can do is STOP in the middle of the sidewalk, or not keep your eyes forward).

 

Rockefeller Plaza - definitely worth a visit. There's a Heartland Brewery (chain but oh well) there if you need an afternoon nip.

 

Radio City - snap a photo as you go by, unless you're seeing a show.

 

United Nations - snap a photo as you go by.

 

42nd Street - you'll likely walk on it anyway.

 

St. Patrick's Cathedral - snap a photo and if it's open, sneak a peek in.

 

Fifth Avenue - lots of shopping, higher end stuff is by Central Park.

 

In general the Hop on Hop off buses are a pretty good idea/deal IF the weather is going to be co-operative.  No one wants to sit up top in an open bus in sleet.  Or like my sister did, in August when it is 94 with 90% humidity.  They get you around to most of the touristy things you are looking to do.

 

http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/serendipity-3/

 

I have 1 word for you-----Frozen Hot Chocolate.

Marriott is running a promtion right now, says you can stay for $189...in Queens. But they have other rates around/under $200.  "Book Online, or call  1-800-228-9290 and quote promotional code D52."

I would skip the hop on/hop off buses, but that might just be me.  The nice thing about Manhattan is that it's pretty compact, so if you decide you're going to focus on only one chunk of it on a given day, you can cover it by foot- assuming you're of average fitness.  So, for example, spend a whole day south of Houston: walk around the financial district/Wall Street, maybe Ellis Island or the SI ferry, and DEFINITELY walk across the Brooklyn Bridge if the weather is even close to decent.  Then at the end of the day, walk north to see Chinatown if you're interested, before hopping on the subway back to your hotel.

 

On a second day, you might focus on Manhattan between Houston and 42nd (Greenwich Village, Union Sq (best on MWFS when the green market is out), Grand Central, southern midtown).  And on a third day, see an art museum or two (no more than two to keep your sanity), Central Park and northern midtown.

 

For a smaller museum that is much less exhausting than the Met but consistently has awesome special exhibitions (in addition to its collection), I'm a big fan of the Neue Gallerie on E86th and 5th Ave. http://www.neuegalerie.org/museum.  It focuses on late 19th century/early 20th century German/Austrian art.  I'm kind of through with cramming in encyclopedic collections, so really enjoy its narrow focus.  It also has a great cafe that is a perfect lunch or afternoon coffee stop.

 

Just accept that you won't see even all of the "must sees" on one short trip and resist the compulsion to cover tons of ground if it will come at the expense of enjoying what you are able to see.  Have a great trip!

hey!

 

because you have never been i would defiantely rec staying and spending your time in manhattan. there is plenty to do and you can always come back and expand your horizons later after you have the basics down.

 

dont worry about transportation, get metrocards in any subway station and top them up in any station as needed. getting a weekly unlimited card isnt a bad idea if you dont want to bother. also remember transfers ie., subway to bus are free.

 

contrary to popular opinion hotels do not have to be expensive, but you should book early. you can get great places from $25 and up...really! for ex., there are hotels like the larchmont in the heart of the village or the jane in the west village for $125 bucks. of course there are a few quirks like shared bathrooms and bunk beds in the latter but if you dont mind that go for it. there are also plenty of small hotels like the chelsea inn and the abington guest house for two examples that are very popular. point is you dont have to get stuck in the travelocity/hotels dot com/etc. big corporate hotels ringer if you dont want to.

 

since you are beer fans i have to insist you hit up my second home aka the blind tiger ale house. its awesome. no worries there is pretty much a craft beer bar in every neighborhood so you wont go thirsty!

 

lastly i would definately agree that you go for top of the rock over empire for views and the staten island ferry over the tour ferry in battery park (definately stop in the skyscraper museum if you go down there and the american indian museum is nice too, both are small quick sights).

 

oh and i have no opinion about the open air tourist buses, they can be a good way to see a lot and save your feet, but its kind of like watching a tv documentary over actually being here, so make sure to get on and off a lot. if you want a kind of nice easy walk you could just walk down broadway from lincoln center or columbus circle and see a lot and get on and off the bus anytime you like. my fav square along the way is madison, it has its own mini-skyline. have fun!

 

^ I second Madison Square Park.  I spend a few evenings per week there, I think it is the most aesthetically pleasing spot in the city! :)

So we are going to be staying in the Manhattan Centre Hotel, just off Rockefeller Plaza.  Wonder if anyone has stayed there and/ or had any thoughts on the place.  What sold me was it's central location.  Everything else was further south or east than I wanted to be.  Plus when being a true tourist it helps tremendously to be in the center.

 

I am still torn on a MTA 7 day pass or pay as you go.  it would appear that in order for the 7 day pass to be worth it 14 trips by transit would have to be taken.  well really only 10 trips as we will use up four going back and forth from the airport.  maybe I just answered my own question.

So we are going to be staying in the Manhattan Centre Hotel, just off Rockefeller Plaza.  Wonder if anyone has stayed there and/ or had any thoughts on the place.  What sold me was it's central location.  Everything else was further south or east than I wanted to be.  Plus when being a true tourist it helps tremendously to be in the center.

 

I am still torn on a MTA 7 day pass or pay as you go.  it would appear that in order for the 7 day pass to be worth it 14 trips by transit would have to be taken.  well really only 10 trips as we will use up four going back and forth from the airport.  maybe I just answered my own question.

 

Unless you've paid for your hotel, I would strong suggest moving. STRONGLY.  When our office was in Rock Center we wouldn't book staff coming in there!

 

Just get the 7 day pass.  TRUST ME.  You'll need it.  You'll need it to ride the subway & bus.  NYC is a walking city so you may take the train to one place, walk to another, hop on the train somewhere else.  In addition, like every NYC first-timer, you're going to enter the subway going in the wrong directino you want at least once.  Lastly, I'm sure you wont be taking cabs, as they are slower than the trains and more expensive.

Agreed.  Get the 7 Day Pass.

yeah the weekly metrocard would be much easier, then you dont have to even think about it. unless you want souvenirs you could give it away to someone else to use when you leave. ps - if you go to grand central be sure to stop in the transit museum annex and pick up a metrocard holder while you are there - that will make you look like a local when you pull your metrocard out of those!

 

one more thing -- aren't you flying into laguardia? if so i would strongly recommend you not waste time taking public transportation to and from laguardia. definately take a cab. quickier and easier plus you will get some pretty cool views. if you get stuck in midtown traffic just get close then get out of the cab and walk the last few blocks to your hotel.

 

 

 

So we are going to be staying in the Manhattan Centre Hotel, just off Rockefeller Plaza. Wonder if anyone has stayed there and/ or had any thoughts on the place. What sold me was it's central location. Everything else was further south or east than I wanted to be. Plus when being a true tourist it helps tremendously to be in the center.

 

I am still torn on a MTA 7 day pass or pay as you go. it would appear that in order for the 7 day pass to be worth it 14 trips by transit would have to be taken. well really only 10 trips as we will use up four going back and forth from the airport. maybe I just answered my own question.

 

Unless you've paid for your hotel, I would strong suggest moving. STRONGLY. When our office was in Rock Center we wouldn't book staff coming in there!

 

Just get the 7 day pass. TRUST ME. You'll need it. You'll need it to ride the subway & bus. NYC is a walking city so you may take the train to one place, walk to another, hop on the train somewhere else. In addition, like every NYC first-timer, you're going to enter the subway going in the wrong directino you want at least once. Lastly, I'm sure you wont be taking cabs, as they are slower than the trains and more expensive.

 

Well, it is paid for.  Basically it came down to there and The DoubleTree Metropolitan.  Based on the Trip Advisor reviews, and that this is more central, I choose there.

 

Ok looks like the 7 Day Pass is going to be what we go with. 

 

So is a cab or shared bus the best way to get to Manhattan from LGA?  I had been looking at transit, but that is a lot of running around (makes you realize how nice it is to have transit right to the airport).

Take a taxi.

yeah the weekly metrocard would be much easier, then you dont have to even think about it. unless you want souvenirs you could give it away to someone else to use when you leave. ps - if you go to grand central be sure to stop in the transit museum annex and pick up a metrocard holder while you are there - that will make you look like a local when you pull your metrocard out of those!

 

one more thing -- aren't you flying into laguardia? if so i would strongly recommend you not waste time taking public transportation to and from laguardia. definately take a cab. quickier and easier plus you will get some pretty cool views. if you get stuck in midtown traffic just get close then get out of the cab and walk the last few blocks to your hotel.

 

 

 

 

I'm going to disagree here.  As a person who takes the M60 bus right to the airport I'll say that is the most convienient.  How is it quicker and easier?

• They walk out of the terminal, take the M60 across to the Q/W train and ride to 49 Street and walk a couple blocks over. 
  
• Or they take it across 125 Street, like I do, and get off at St. Nick and take the B or D train to Rock Center. 
  

 

I do this on a regular basis.  Granted I'm in Harlem and taking the M60 is more convienient and not a hassle.   

 

^ yeah granted you are in harlem indeed - you get off the bus and you are home! they have never been here before and you got them going unfamiliar places and lugging luggage up and down and all around. laguardia is an opportunity for an easy and scenic cab ride. and i'm gonna have to call gayman on you too mts, obviously you have no idea what its like traveling with your spouse. actually thats my biggest reason for suggesting he take the cab lol!  :laugh:

^ yeah granted you are in harlem indeed - you get off the bus and you are home! they have never been here before and you got them going unfamiliar places and lugging luggage up and down and all around. laguardia is an opportunity for an easy and scenic cab ride. and i'm gonna have to call gayman on you too mts, obviously you have no idea what its like traveling with your spouse. actually thats my biggest reason for suggesting he take the cab lol!  :laugh:

 

Dude, my nephews and neices take the bus.  They're kids.  Most of the kids that came with over a weeks worth of luggage had never been to NYC.  They got right on the bus with my neice.

 

Save the cab money and spend it on a nice meal!

That bus can be really crowded depending on what time you take it.  I always take a cab from LGA, although I live about 5 minutes away from there so it’s only about 8 bucks.  If they each have one bag, it’s be easy enough to take the bus, and switch to the train (I would suggest hopping on the N/Q in Astoria rather than going to Harlem, the Triborough can take awhile sometimes).  The cab is going to be 2-3 times faster, I think, and worth it if they are carrying any more than two duffle bags.

Most kids haven't had an opportunity to develop a princess complex. If raised right, they mostly accept doing what they're told as normal and correct. Wives? Hmph.

 

I've seen enough of my friends totally "schwipped" to imagine how that might work.

 

I agree with the cab, unless it's breaking the bank. Then go ahead with the bus.

 

EWR would be easier with a train to Penn Station (or a cab with less traffic), but that's neither here nor there at this point.

^ yeah granted you are in harlem indeed - you get off the bus and you are home! they have never been here before and you got them going unfamiliar places and lugging luggage up and down and all around. laguardia is an opportunity for an easy and scenic cab ride. and i'm gonna have to call gayman on you too mts, obviously you have no idea what its like traveling with your spouse. actually thats my biggest reason for suggesting he take the cab lol! :laugh:

 

Dude, my nephews and neices take the bus. They're kids. Most of the kids that came with over a weeks worth of luggage had never been to NYC. They got right on the bus with my neice.

 

Save the cab money and spend it on a nice meal!

 

yeah kids. who got off directly in front of your apt. oh yeah and you were not with them. doesnt apply.

 

like i say you have no idea about traveling to new places with your spouse lol!

 

Most kids haven't had an opportunity to develop a princess complex. If raised right, they mostly accept doing what they're told as normal and correct. Wives? Hmph.

 

I've seen enough of my friends totally "schwipped" to imagine how that might work.

 

I agree with the cab, unless it's breaking the bank. Then go ahead with the bus.

 

EWR would be easier with a train to Penn Station (or a cab with less traffic), but that's neither here nor there at this point.

 

You don't know my neice or my cousin's girls  ;) .  They are full fledge Eastside Heights Princesses' to the 10th power!  One of the reasons they came to NYC to help their girlfriend buy her first pair of Louboutins.

 

If you want a real NYC experience, you must take the MTA NYC Transit!  :P

they'll have plenty of time for colorful nyc transit experiences after they get here and get settled haha!

 

Interestingly enough I will be in NYC too in November, but will be toured around by a freind who lives in Hartford, but used to live in Hoboken and worked in the Empire State Building.  He claims to really know Manhattan. 

 

We are going to take Metro North from New Haven into Manhattan.  But for overnight....not sure.  He says stay in Hoboken or Jersey City since its cheaper.  But I wonder about conveninece (waiting for a PATH train or ferry).

 

For staying in Manhattan for a place with history/charcater.... I wonder what you all know about the Chelsea Hotel.  I know its famous in Rock History, and actually would be interested in staying there.  Any opinions or intel on the place?

 

 

^ I'll just say, if you stay near a PATH station in Hoboken or JC, it's basically like staying a subway stop or two from Lower Manhattan. No big deal.

 

Hoboken is nice, JC is kinda...meh. Good Indian food, though, in JC's Little India. Hoboken looks a lot like a fully gentrified Over-the-Rhine.

jeffery ive stayed in the chelsea hotel before and also been inside other rooms there a couple other times over the years. my opinion is its great. huge rooms, kitchenettes and the balcony view over w23rd is cool. definately do it if you want to.

 

i would also rec you stay in manhattan over jc or hoboken, there are plenty of relatively inexpensive places. for example, another one i really like is the vanderbilt ymca near the united nations. its great because its cheap as hell, super clean, full of international visitors and you get to use all the ymca gym facilities as well.