Taxi form JFK to Manhattan

Hi there,

I read here that the taxi price from JFK to Manhattan is about $60. Do I have to confirm this price with the taxi driver or is that a fixed price for the destination?

Thank you.

Nei

Taxi form JFK to Manhattan

It%26#39;s written inside of the cab when you get in

Well it was when i returned to the Airport last March

I%26#39;ll make sure i have $70 in my pocket for my return this march just in case ;o)

Taxi form JFK to Manhattan

Fixed price $45 and then you have to add toll and tip so the total is about $60. If, however, he takes the 59th St Bridge rather than the tunnel you skip the toll - I still always give the driver $60 tho as they prefer to take the tunnel as it%26#39;s quicker.

Price is $45 to and from JFK to/from Manhattan. If there is more than one stop (ie dropping one person off at 42nd street and another at 14th street, or in reverse two pickups) there is an extra charge, even if the stop is on the way. I do as many others and pay $60, if the dirver takes a toll road or not.

Staying in New Jersey while visiting New York

I would like to have some comments about staying in New Jersey while visiting New York.

How is the commuting ? How long did it take to go to New York ? Better to take public transportation or the car ?

Would you recommend staying in New Jersey ? Is staying in New York worth the extra money ?

Staying in New Jersey while visiting New York

www.broadwayfocus.com/nj_nyc/

Staying in New Jersey while visiting New York

Simply saying New Jersey is very broad. There are some hotels in Jersey City right near the PATH trains. PATH is excellent, if the cost savings are significant I%26#39;d say go for it, PATH is just like the subway. Don%26#39;t drive a car into Manhattan if you don%26#39;t have to.

There are also hotels in Secaucus which involve taking the bus to Port Authority. It all depends what the cost savings are. Right now there are some excellent hotels offering great rates in Manhattan. If you are coming in May and you can%26#39;t find anything below say 299 in Manhattan but can find a nice place in Jersey City for 129 then I%26#39;d say definitely do it. If its the difference between 159 in NJ and 169 in Manhattan (January / February off-peak weekends) I%26#39;d say spend the extra ten bucks.

I do not suggest driving in NYC at any time.

If you unfamiliar with streets/locations you will be a hindrance to taxi%26#39;s and those who legitimately have to drive in the City.

Parking would also be difficult and expensive.

Public transportation is the way to go.

If I had my druthers, staying in NYC would be my choice.

Most convenient way to see the city without the hassle of commuting.

Poppa

The pros and cons of staying outside NYC to visit the city have been debated many times before (although frankly I can%26#39;t easily find any of the previous posts on the subject).

Ease of commuting depends on where you stay. The easiest commutes are by train--either a subway from say Queens or Brooklyn or a PATH train (like a subway) from New Jersey. In NJ, that means Jersey City is more convenient than say Secaucus which requires taking a bus. (And some hotels in Secaucus are more conveniently located than others).

Just keep in mind that staying outside Manhattan either means you won%26#39;t be able to go back to the hotel to rest or change for the evening OR you will make 2 roundtrips a day. This isn%26#39;t a bad option if you%26#39;ve got kids with you and won%26#39;t be spending nights out anyway. But if the kids are older and you plan to do things in the evening, the logistics could be a challenge.

Bottom line is there%26#39;s not one answer for everyone. If you spend the extra money to stay in Manhattan, what will that mean for your trip? Shorter trip? No theater? Only you can decide. If you%26#39;re driving down, free parking in NJ in addition to cheaper hotel prices is certainly appealing. How old are the kids and how long is the trip for? Have you looked at the Travel Inn (free parking?)

I thought that you had already booked the Comfort Inn Chelsea for $275.00 per night including breakfast. What sort of deals are you looking at in New Jersey to make you want to cancel that booking? Five breakfasts, minimally, will save you $25.00 per day and commuting from New Jersey to Manhattan will probably cost you more than that.

I would be interested in the deals you are looking at for New Jersey.

Helen in Aus

141

The only place in NJ to stay if you want to visit NYC would be near a PATH train station. The cost is $3 round trip per person and the ride takes less than 1/2 hour. The trains run frequently durring busisness days, and less so at night and weekends, but do run 24/7. Consider the following thoughts: Going to the theater, for an 8 PM curtain time you would have to leave the hotel about 6:45 to get to the theater district in time (more on weekends) If you were staying in Chelsea you could leave the hotel at 7:30. Since there are 5 of you, figure an additional $30 per day for 2 round trips to your hotel and the loss of about 3 hours of time daily. Taking a car is worse and more expensive, as one parking ticket can cost $100 and the traffic rules here are different than everywhere else. Parking lots cost about $30 per day (no in/out privlidges). But if you are driving here from Montreal than you%26#39;ll be paying that anyway.

If you are planning a lot of nitetime activities than the trip back to NJ will not be fun (it%26#39;s safe, but time consuming) but if you save a lot of money it can be worth it.

Where do Up -town and Down -town begin and end?

I%26#39;m travelling to New York in April for the first time and cannot work out where ';up town'; and ';down town'; begins and ends???

Where do Up -town and Down -town begin and end?

Actually, it is much like asking where ';north'; and ';south'; begin or end -- because in Manhattan, ';uptown'; means ';north of where you are standing';, and ';downtown'; means ';south of where you are standing';. To someone at Wall Street, Grand Central is ';uptown';, while to someone on the Upper East Side, to go to Grand Central is to go ';downtown';.

As a general rule, though, if someone said ';I live downtown'; or ';I work downtown'; without any further qualification, I would take that to mean ';somewhere below 23rd Street';, while saying the same thing about ';uptown'; I would understand that to mean ';somewhere north of 59th Street';.

Where do Up -town and Down -town begin and end?

Interesting question. Most NY%26#39;ers would tend to divide the island into down, mid and up town as opposed to just up and down.

If you needed only one street to differentiate between up and down, I%26#39;d sugest it would be either 42nd or 57th Streets, but it%26#39;s pretty much a question of perspective.

Say, don%26#39;t forget Midtown!!!

I may not be right, but I figure around 60th and up to be the Upper East or West Side. 34th to 60th to be Midtown. Lower than 34th to be dowtown.

According to the NYC visitor%26#39;s bureau, ';uptown'; appears to begin at 59th St/Central Park South. Downtown appears to begin somewhere between 14th Strret and 42nd Street -- you be the judge.

www.nycvisit.com/content/index.cfm鈥?/a>

As a former NYer with roots there, I was always taught:

Above 59th is uptown

Below 34th is downtown.

Have fun!

I%26#39;ll second GWB.

34th Street is downtown compared to 35th Street, but no way is it downtown in mentality.

Uptown: Above 59th

Midtown: Between 59th %26amp; 33rd

Midtown South: Between 33rd and 23rd

Downtown: Below 23rd

It%26#39;s so true that every NYer has their own perception of downtown / uptown depending on where one lives...and downtown/uptown seen from the point of where you%26#39;re at to where you%26#39;re going:) As a native, I%26#39;ve always considered anything below 34th as downtown.. from 34th to 59th (or Columbus Circle) as midtown...and uptown from there (although my personal %26#39;uptown%26#39; doesn%26#39;t really begin till around Lincoln Center or even 72nd St!)

Well as the song states, ';Brooklyn is up and the Battery%26#39;s down';

Also - this may be of some interest:

Midtown Manhattan - The exact size of the Midtown area is disputed. Most agree that the core commercial area extends from 40th Street up to the southern edge of Central Park on 59th Street and from Third Avenue in the east to Ninth Avenue in the west, but some take a broader view and classify Midtown as the whole area of Manhattan between 23rd and 59th Streets and between the Hudson and East rivers.

So, GWB%26#39;s answer is in agreement with blurb from Wikpedia.

Hope this helps.

Poppa

POPPA! the song is '; The BRONX is up and the Battery down (Comden and Green, ';On the Town';)

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Tkts ?'s

Is the Times Square location still by the Marriott? What are my chances of getting Les Mis tickets for this Sat. matinee? What else would you recommend? Are the TKTS tickets the least expensive way to go or are they comparable to Theatermania or Broadwaybox also? THANKS A MILLION!

Tkts ?'s

Yes, it is.

I%26#39;d say a very good chance of finding tickets up on TKTS since last weekend was the holiday weekend.

The discounts I%26#39;ve seen were not valid for Saturdays or Sundays so TKTS is your only option if you want to see Les Miz.

Tkts ?'s

I%26#39;d say that tickets at TKTS are usually the least expensive option (you%26#39;ll also save a few dollars on service charges), but the other sources might come close and could (in theory at least) offer a better deal at times. Of course, with TKTS you have to take your chances on availability and seat selection, and you might have to wait in a pretty long line.

The last few times I passed by the lines were very short, it is not prime tourist season now, so you may get lucky.

The other option is to print out the discount offer and go right to the box office, if the discount is available for your particular show and time. This way you can pick your seat %26amp; use a credit card. Cash or travellers checks only at the TKTS booths.

Good luck.

I actually had a problem finding the TKTS booth at the Marriott !!! and believe it or not, a group of about 8 policemen couldn%26#39;t or wouldn%26#39;t help! ';It%26#39;s around here some place'; was all I got. Well, it%26#39;s on the 46 st. side of the hotel just west of the driveway. There was no line when I went at around 1pm last Wed.

Your other option is to go to the South Street Seaport TKTS booth on FRIDAY where you can buy matinee tix for Sat. ;)

Good chance for Les Miz.

You need cash or traveler%26#39;s cheques for the TKTS booth and you save fees vs. buying in advance on the web.

The downtown booth has matinee tickets the day before the performance, so I%26#39;d try there on Friday for the sat matinee.

www.tdf,org for more info including what was up last week.

skin

subway passes

1st time in NY,we have 3 nights there,where do you buy the subway and bus passes,and which are the best to get

subway passes

It all depends on what you plan to do while you%26#39;re here (how many times you%26#39;d use a bus or subway). If you%26#39;re staying in midtown and doing ';the typical tourist stuff'; you may not need to use transportation very much. While on the one hand we say things are all spread out, many of the most popular things are within walking distance of each other. Unless you%26#39;re staying in an out of the way location, I%26#39;d either get a ';pay as you go'; metrocard for $10 (the minimum) which can be used by both of you at the same time and you%26#39;ll get 6 rides on it. You can also add money to it if it runs out.

The other option is if you plan to spend 1 day downtown and you%26#39;re staying in midtown, you might just need transport on that 1 day in which case you could each get a one day fun pass ($7/each) for unlimited rides for a 24 hr. period from the first time you use it.

All subway stations sell metrocards and many small delis/newstands. For more detailed info on the different options and pros and cons look here

http://www.mta.info/metrocard/index.html

subway passes

angel - we always get a regular Pay As You Go MetroCard when in the City.

Last weekend, from a machine in the 18th St subway station, I got a $10.00 card (6 rides), we only used two segments, but as we are in the City often it won%26#39;t go to waste.

Many times visitors leaving NYC will give their partially used MC to someone just checking into the hotel.

I%26#39;ve done that in the UK with London Travelcards.

Poppa

thanks everyone for your replys.

we are staying in the dylan hotel,so don%26#39;t know much about its whereabouts.but at least i know now if we decide to get one.

Subway to Queens? Local advice sought!

Hi all - I鈥檓 looking for some local help on transport to Queens

I鈥檒l be visiting from the UK in March and staying in lower Manhattan and I need to visit Middle Village in Queens (on a week day). I can see from the subway maps that I shall need to take the M (brown) subway line to get there from Manhattan - and that the train only stops at the subway stations in that area during the rush hour - which isn鈥檛 a problem as I don鈥檛 mind an early start.

However, where my plan falls down is on the return journey (only intend to be in the area for a few hours). If the trains don鈥檛 always stop at the Manhattan stations is there an alternative route to use or would a bus be a better option to catch - and if so, which one?

I鈥檇 appreciate any help you can give me - the transport websites/schedules are somewhat complicated :)

Many thanks

Subway to Queens? Local advice sought!

Hi. I found this website

hopstop.com.

It is GREAT!

You can pretty much input where you want to ';start'; from and where you want to ';end'; and it will give you step-by-step directions. You can also input what time of day you%26#39;ll be traveling...it%26#39;s just a great website for peeps like you and me who are completely stumped when it comes to reading subway or bus schedules!

dylan hotel

we are staying at the dylan hotel,not our choice as i won a 3 night stay.can anyone tell me much about it ,is it pretty central to most things?

dylan hotel

It is pretty central. It%26#39;s not far from Grand Central Station. In caseyou haven%26#39;t seen it, there are reviews here

tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60763-d217622-鈥?/a>

You should also click on the line at the top of the page where it says ';candid travelers photos'; to get an idea of the rooms/bathrooms. It%26#39;s an old building that%26#39;s been redone inside. You should have fun. The bar/restaurant in the hotel is nice looking (but expensive--not sure I%26#39;d eat there).

What to do in Queens?

I%26#39;m coming in for 3 short days May 09-12. The first two days we are staying at the Hampton Inn Times Square. On Friday, we will be moving to the Pan American hotel in Queens. We fly out Saturday afternoon from LGA.

So...once we move over to Pan American on Friday late morning/early afternoon...what can we do over in that area of town for the rest of the day, rather than go back into Manhattan?

We are NOT big into museums. Sight-seeing? Attractions? We like food :). Any good bars/lounges to visit in the evening?

Thanks!

What to do in Queens?

If you like food you will love Jackson Hts.

This thread goes into further detail regarding the food in the area.

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60763-i5-k904025-鈥?/a>

The neighborhood mentioned (Jackson Hts/ East Elmhurst.) is where LGA is, and you could actually even walk to Pio-Pio from where you would be. But I would obviously suggest a taxi since you won%26#39;t know the area.

What to do in Queens?

The PanAm on Queens Boulevard is within walking distance of two rather large malls both also on Queens Blvd. The first mall has a Target Store, Daffy%26#39;s (clothing store), Best Buy (electronics), DSW (discount shoe store) and an Outback Steakhouse. The other mall called the Queens Center Mall is much bigger and it has a Macy%26#39;s, Banana Republic, JC Penny , GAP, Foot Locker, Bath %26amp; Body, Express, Club Monaco, Forever 21, H %26amp; M, Armani Exchange, Lane Bryant, Model%26#39;s, Swatch, Urban Outfitter and dozens of other small shops and eateries. Still further down Queens Boulevard is also another complex with a SEARS, Marshalls, and Old Navy among it%26#39;s anchor tenants. You could also take the Q60 bus whicvh runs along Queens Boulevard if you don%26#39;t like to walk.

You%26#39;ll be close to The Queens Center, a decent shopping mall, by NYC standards. It just expanded about a year ago.

http://www.shopqueenscenter.com/

If you go early in the day, how about a trip to the Panorama at the Queens Museum? (Closes at 5pm). Perhaps from the Pan Am Hotel, you can just get a taxi or have the hotel call a car service to take you to the museum? This is one of my favorite things about NYC, and a must for repeat visitors.

It is a scale model of NYC featuring every single building in the city. (As I like saying...Every. Single. Freakin%26#39;. Building.) Tiny airplanes fly out of the tiny La Guardia airport and the lights dim for nighttime views.

';The Panorama occupies 9,335 square feet. It includes miniature cars, boats and an airplane landing at and taking off from La Guardia Airport. There are more than 895,000 individual wooden or plastic buildings on the model; 25,000 were custom-made to approximate major landmarks such as skyscrapers, colleges, museums and major churches.';

Here are some pics:

queensmuseum.org/education/鈥ano-sum.html

Here%26#39;s what it looks like if you could stand in it:

www.queensmuseum.org/information/mission.htm

Re: dining/nightlfe

You%26#39;ll be equidistant between two small scale ';nightlife'; areas: Long Island City/Hunter%26#39;s Point and Forest Hills.

Forest Hills:

If you take the R or V train further INTO Queens, AWAY from Manhattan, the last stop is 71st Ave-Continental Ave - Forest Hills. (10 minutes) Stay in the middle/front of train. Exit the SOUTH side of Queens Boulevard. Walk one block AWAY from Queens Boulevard and you%26#39;ll be on Austin Street. This is ';the strip'; of Forest Hills.

This area was one of NYC%26#39;s very first upper class suburbs, so it has a mix of city and suburb feel to it. It%26#39;s also one of the highest-rent areas outside of Manhattan, so even though it%26#39;s Queens, prices are lower than Manhattan, but higher than they should be, IMHO.

It%26#39;s kinda downscale-upscale. E.g. there%26#39;s a restaurant called The Wine Gallery that%26#39;s been around since the 1970s, but all the wines are Concha y Toro, Yellowtail, Woodbridge, etc.

But, the highlights of Austin Street are:

The 5 Burro Cafe - a fun yet cramped Mexican Restaurant,

Rouge - a tasty French bistro, off Austin St on 70th Road.

Piu Bello Cafe - an Italian gelato/pastry/cappucino place, young crowd.

Austin Thai - delicious Thai at great prices (below ground).

The Irish Cottage - local pub that%26#39;s been around ';forever';.

I%26#39;m more familiar with F.H. since I grew up nearby and hung out a lot there as a teen.

Long Island City/Hutner%26#39;s Point:

This is one of NYC%26#39;s latest and newest hot neighborhoods. It is a mostly working class and industiral area with ex-factories and storage buildlings where restaurants, bars and performance art troupes are popping up like mushrooms on a wet day!

A couple ways to get there:

Take the V train TOWARDS Manhattan - but DON%26#39;T GO INTO Manhattan. Get out right before at 23rd ST-Ely Ave.

Or take the R or V TOWARDS Manhattan to Roosevelt-Avenue-Jackson Heights. Switch upstairs for the #7 train. Take it TOWARDS Manhattan - but DON%26#39;T GO INTO Manhattan. Get out right before at Vernon Boulevard-Jackon Avenue station.

Sorry I can%26#39;t give exact walking directions, but the idea is to get to Jackson Avenue. There is a small growing strip there of restaurants and bars. There%26#39;s a nice Thai restaurant called Tuk-Tuk, and a couple of Italian places (can%26#39;t remember names.)

You can walk to the water to get GREAT views of the Manhattan skyline!! You%26#39;ll see people walking dogs, teens skateboarding, etc, so mellow but not dangerous.

You%26#39;ll find more specifics at these websites:

http://www.licnyc.com/

鈥bout.com/od/longislandcity/Long_Island_Cit鈥?/a>

鈥bout.com/od/鈥unters_point.htm

In addition to those areas, and the food-fest of Jackson Heights, you can also try Astoria, but it%26#39;s a pain to get to, intra-Queens.

Astoria has lots of Greek cafes and restaurants, and busy streetlife.

Thanks for the tips so far...what about a bar and/or lounge that is nearby the Pan American to go to on Friday evening?

Are you guys big beer people..? Astoria has the Beer Garden, which is like one of those old time beer temples, with long tables and such. (Kinda like in National Lampoon%26#39;s European Vacation.)

In the springtime it%26#39;s wildly popular because it%26#39;s outdoors, particularly on a friday evening. Even though I%26#39;m not particularly into beer, I have been known to throw back a pitcher or two when there. It%26#39;s quite fun.

You can cross Queens Boulevard and walk down the street a little to the left of the hotel to Albion Avenue. Just set off the street off QB is the enormous Chinese restaurant, East Manor (79-17 Albion Ave, eastusa.com/). You can have lunch there (all you can eat dim sum is a big local favorite). It is an gigundo size place with an interior waterfall, quite spectacular.

For dinner and Friday night action, you could go to a place that is just a year old a block or two away from the hotel, Nuves (nuvesnyc.com/). It is the most ';Manhattan'; style place in the area. It serves tapas and has a lively crowd on Friday and Saturday nights.

For a beer and sports on TV, Bill%26#39;s Post Time, 86-34 Broadway.

We are defintely ';beer'; people. Just want somewhere fun to spend some time in the evening, maybe with some music...live, preferably. Not into dancing or anything, the more laid-back the better.

Here is the website for the Beer Garden...

http://www.bohemianhall.com

It%26#39;s extremely laid back, basically it%26#39;s a bunch of people drinking beer by the keg, and then in the summer time they fire up a grill and serve Burgers, Hot Dogs, French Fries, etc. It fills up very quick after work hours on Fridays during the warm weather months.

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Most prolific poster on Tripadvisor.

Just minutes ago, Adamhornets posted his 11,000th post on Tripadvisor over on the London forum. A prolific and laudable achievement insofar as most of his posts are hugely informative about London and his work is a labour of love.

NY Whiz is about to produce post number 17,000 on the New York forum within the next few days. This figure will also have been achieved over a remarkably short space of time. Who has produced the most posts on Tripadvisor ? NY Whiz ? Or is there someone else out there who has even more posts to his/her name ?

Most prolific poster on Tripadvisor.

Why does it matter? I think it%26#39;s great that these people are able to help the rest of us out...but it%26#39;s in no way a competition. I think everyone that helps is great!

Most prolific poster on Tripadvisor.

It IS a big deal!

Instead of %26#39;knocking%26#39; such a distinguished accomplishment perhaps your time would have been better spent finding out a bit more about Manhattan!

The people who regularly contribute are certainly not asking for recognition, I know Adam isn%26#39;t, however it was good of Insightful to make known his milestone.

If it weren%26#39;t for both of these prolific and knowledgeable posters, this and other Forums would be so much drivel.

Cheers, Adam!

Poppa

It%26#39;s me. After a million posts the odometer turned back to 000000 and I had to start anew.

Boy, Poppa, you just love to be a little mean to people, don%26#39;t you! Sorry I don%26#39;t know as much about Manhattan as you do...seeing as I have only been there one time for a few short hours and didn%26#39;t get to see much of anything. My husband has been there a few times...not to mention driving a semi into NYC a few times, and we have looked at all sorts of maps to get a better idea of where everything is and what we want to do. I still like to get info from others, and to see if they think we have enough time to see what we want to see. Believe me...I am grateful for those on here that help out so much, I just don%26#39;t see why it is a big deal who has the most posts. NYWhiz%26#39;s posts are always very informative...but not everyone who has a ton of posts are actually helpful. People could just be on here making post after post complaining about others lack of knowledge, rather than being helpful. ;)

Umm....don%26#39;t mean to be a buttinski here...but I don%26#39;t think anyone was mocking the experts for their number of posts...I believe they were congratulating them.

The last sentence....Or is there someone else out there who has even more posts to his/her name ?....to me, that sounds like their saying, lets see who can beat who. Maybe it%26#39;s just me, and I am entitled my opinion. This is the internet, and it is hard to know just what someone means without reading the tone in their voice or reading their body language. :)

It%26#39;s a factual question. No more, no less. Some of us are curious about such things. Others are not. Obviously, the number of posts is also important to the people who run Tripadvisor or, otherwise, they would not count the posts. I%26#39;m not so superficial as to suggest that ';he/she who posts the most is the best poster.'; In the final analysis, the substance of the posts is of fundamental importance.

I think the most important thing about this website is the capacity of its posters to recognise the diversity of the views it triggers. And it would be interesting, at least from my perspective, to know who posts the most and exactly what motivates them in their endeavours. So, for example (as I explained in my earlier post), Adamhornets posts are a public service and he derives the endorphin benefit of giving generously to people who want to find out about London. Is it really so strange that some of us would like to know about the factors which produce prolific posters ? it%26#39;s certainly interesting from the perspective of an understanding of human psychology.

It%26#39;s also great entertainment to get different views on different things. :)

giCarr, Poppa was right -- it IS a big deal. The people like NYWhiz who spend a great deal of time and effort to help others deserve the recognition. And to criticize someone who notes their efforts (in a way that I certainly read as intended to be a compliment), or to suggest that the thousands of posts made by people like NYwhiz might just be useless complaints. --. well, what can I say...

Gicarr03, Gotta agree with Poppa. The fact that someone has the time (especially in a city as busy as NY!) to spend helping that many people is great. The fact that they receive NO compensation makes it pretting incredible. I can%26#39;t imagine giving that much of my time helping others. I%26#39;m just glad that these folks are not as selfish as I am. I do agree with you, that using the internet in place of face to face communication can make it difficult to understand tone of voice and true meaning of others. In this particular case, it appears you found the posting stats less impressive than the rest of us. Thats all.

Scott

Visit Brooklyn!

Newly updated Brooklyn Tourism web site

http://visitbrooklyn.org/index.html

Visit Brooklyn!

I hope i don%26#39;t bump into the Kid from Brooklyn

*Shakes*

skin

In doubt between 3 hotels, looking for suggestions

Hi,

I%26#39;m coming to Manhattan for the second time from Feb. 17 to Feb. 21.

I got my plane tickets last friday, and started looking for some hotels.

I made a reservation in the Milford Plaza for 580$ for the four nights, which I thougt was a great price, but have since then come across the not-so-flattering reviews of the place on this site.

So I%26#39;ve started looking for antoher place to stay, and so far I%26#39;ve come up with 3 candidates.

Best Western President - about the same price

Park Central - about 700$

Shelburne Murray Hill - about 700$

Any suggestions on which is the most value for money of these three?

The first priority is that the room has to be clean. I would also like it if the room is not too much outdated.

Or have you got some suggestions for other hotels in the same price range (600$-750$)? Or should I stick to my reservation at the Milford?

I%26#39;m also planning to come over for thanksgiving (21-25 nov). I booked a room at the Wingate Inn for 680$ for four nights, any comments on that place? The reviews seem promising, but I would love to hear some other stories as well.

Thanks for your time,

Jan

In doubt between 3 hotels, looking for suggestions

Plug your travel dates into affinia.com. The Beekman Tower, Eastgate Tower, and Shelburne Murray Hill are nicely priced. I believe the Shelburne is lower than your $700 figure on the affinia site.

Also, there are some terrific deals these days on travelzoo.com. A lot to choose from in your price range.

In doubt between 3 hotels, looking for suggestions

Hi Voyagereuse, and thanks for your reply.

One thing that I did not mention, and perhaps should have, is that all the prices I mentioned are including taxes. The price for Shelburne Murray Hill is the one from affinia.com, but with taxes added.

I also checked out your other suggestions, but to me it seems that the cheapest rates are almost always to be had at the hotel website itself.

For example, when making a reservation from travelzoo via expedia for Park Central, I get a rate of 872.66 $.

That same room, booked through the hotel website with their winter promo, costs me 704 $.

Would you think that Park Central or Shelburne Murray Hill are worth the extra 120$-130$ compared to the Milford?

Thanks again,

Jan

The only hotel out of those three I%26#39;d consider staying in is the Shelburne the rest get pretty consistanlty bad reviews.

I%26#39;ve just been on Travel Zoo and they have the Beekman Tower for your dates including taxes for $652.39

Just checked it out and that is a great rate.

Wanted to be near Times Square this time because my GF already made up the itineraries for the 4 days we%26#39;re there, and they all start from there.

A quick glance at the map shows that the closest subway line is the green line at 51st %26amp; Lexington, is that correct?

What would be the easiest way to get to a large subway junction from there?

Planned visits are downtown %26amp; SSSP, Broadway between CP %26amp; TS, Guggenheim %26amp; Skyscraper Museum, 5th, Park %26amp; Madison ave, and probably some other stuff I can%26#39;t remember.

Thanks,

Jan

I also found the Mansfield for 780$ including taxes.

Any ideas on that one?

Thanks,

Jan

There is a shuttle at Grand Central Terminal that takes you to Times Square.

The Beekman and Shelburne aren%26#39;t in Times Square but you should have no problem getting where you need to go. The city is very user-friendly that way. There are subways, buses, cabs, feet.... Either would be much nicer than the Milford.

I never heard of the Wingate Inn.

Jan

The Milford Plaza is without doubt the worst hotel I have stayed in. I stayed in cleaner hostels in Manhattan.

I stayed in the MP in November 06 my review can be seen on this site.

The dirt mould and blood on the curtains was disgraceful.

did you look at the edison hotel, cheap cheerful and clean as I later learned.

Ed

Check out applecorehotels.com. They have 5 reasonably priced, reliable, midtown hotels and all include an expanded continental breakfast. The Comfort Inn Midtown and Super 8 are very close to Times Square.

ny hotel

trying hot wire for first time for 21/2* hotel, choices areHoliday Inn Express, AmeriSuites, Country Inn %26amp; Suites, anyone know if clean and safe? for 2/24 weekend

ny hotel

Where???? There is no Amerisuites in New York City nor is there a Country Inn %26amp; Suites in NYC. Sounds like some place in NJ.

In case you don%26#39;t know, there%26#39;s a page at betterbidding.com that lists all the Hotwire hotels and helps you identify them based on amenity icons (like business center etc.) If you are just 2 people, I wonder why you%26#39;d use Hotwire instead of bidding on Priceline which is always cheaper. If you%26#39;re more than 2, I understand.

If you can%26#39;t find reviews of hotels, then something is wrong b/c most all are listed on tripadvisor. ;)

ny hotel

I%26#39;ve just checked on betterbidding and there%26#39;s an Amerisuites in Secaucus, NJ. But if you%26#39;re coming to visit NYC, you really don%26#39;t want to stay in Secaucus. I don%26#39;t know where the Country Inn is. There are 2 Holiday Inn Expresses in Manhattan, both get good reviews but I don%26#39;t think either are 2/5 star hotels. They%26#39;re nicer.

WHY are you picking 2.5 stars? Why not tell us your budget and your dates and # in your party so we can help. What you%26#39;re doing doesn%26#39;t sound like the best option to me.

me and my daughter are going in time sq area spend about 150 for hotel.

First, looking on quikbook.com, the Shelburne Murray Hill, a VERY nice hotel (with suites for rooms with kitchens) is $314 plus tax for 2 nights, Fri/Sat night Feb 23/24. While it%26#39;s not right in Times Square, it%26#39;s very central (near Grand Central Station). If you book that%26#39;s, it%26#39;s cancellable.

Your other option is to try bidding on Priceline. Assuming you%26#39;re willing to share a bed, bid on Priceline ONLY 4* hotels in midtown WEST (no other area).

Here%26#39;s a way to do it if you don%26#39;t know how (I%26#39;d prefer you read betterbidding.com or biddingfortravel.com for help but if you can%26#39;t)

%26gt;Bid 4* midtown west for $112/night if no luck

%26gt;add upper west side (there are no 4* hotels there-this is what is known as a free re-bid) and bid $116 if still no

%26gt;add upper east side (again no 4*) and bid $127 if still no luck, wait 24 hrs. and start bidding again. Start at $116 and work up to whatever price you%26#39;re comfortable with. Remember all these prices do NOT include tax which is another 15% so if you want to pay $150/night total, you really want a room for $130/night--not easy to do in Times Square in a decent place unless you use Priceline.

The Today Show

Does anyone know how early you need to arrive to be in the ';front'; rows of the Today Show? Our family our four is coming to New York this weekend and we leave on Tuesday. Before we leave we thought it would be great to have a shot at being on tv...(Our kids are 10 and 13) Any input would be greatly appreciated!

The Today Show

Depends on the season and the day - it%26#39;s easier to get up front mid-week and not on a concert day, so Friday is usually out.

We%26#39;ve been and walked up front when the show is in progress.

Winter months are usually less popular.

The show airs at 7:00 so if you want to arrive early, I reckon 6:30AM would do you well.

Poppa

The Today Show

I was there in May of last year and tried to go, but by the time we got there it was packed. I would say you%26#39;re better off getting there by 5:30. Some people get in line even earlier, if it%26#39;s a concert day or there is a big name guest, they will start lining up the night before.

I%26#39;ve had friends who have gone, and they say the people with the nicest looking signs have a better chance of getting on camera, so make sure you take a good one with you, or make it while you are in line.

Have fun!

I was there by 5:30 and there were already lots of people surrounding the rail (even though no one big was performing outside). I went when it was extremely cold, so people ended up leaving fairly quickly, and we made it to the front row.

well you probably will not want to try this but it worked for me. We went a couple of years ago in May, on a Friday and James Taylor was in concert. well we were in the very back I was trying to catch up to my husband and kids and I fell face first onto one of those metal gates they have. Well that got us right up front to see James Taylor and I was on tv with ice and a huge black eye!!!!! Plus I was pg at the time!! very embarrasing!!!!

database

Sundays in NY

Hi i am planning my next trip to NY already and will probably spend a full Sunday in the City (usually flying home that day!).

Are shops still open, Times Square still buzzing on Sundays?

I mainly visit to grab some great shopping bargains!!!

Sundays in NY

Of course. We%26#39;re capitalists here in NYC. Even some (most?) liquor stores are open on Sunday now.

Sundays in NY

Everything%26#39;s open on Sun. but some shops open later than on other days. For ex., Macy%26#39;s opens at 10am on other days but at 11am on Suns.

Some stores open later (e.g. 11 AM) or may close earlier (e.g. 5 pm)

Market! Help!

During my last visit to NY last Nov (06) we frequently passed a market, i%26#39;m pretty sure this is the market filmed in S拢x in the City (episode with Sarah Jessica Parker) about 42nd Street? 6/7th Avenue?

Can anyone tell me more about it??

Thank you

Market! Help!

A market at 42 st? I don%26#39;t thinkso. I think you mean Whole Foods at 14th st. Or do you mean the outdoor market at Union Square?

Market! Help!

I%26#39;m pretty sure Whole Foods 14th Street opened post-SATC.

There used to be a place on West 42nd that was broken into separate stalls of people selling jewelry, t-shirts, clothes from India, paraphernalia, etc. Camden Lock Market type stuff. Could that be what you mean?

What kind of market? There used to be some s*x markets (videos, peep shows, paraphernalia, etc) lining that stretch of 42nd street, but that may have been before SATC.

Still need lodging advice

We have narrowed our choices for president%26#39;s weekend to stay at either the Roosevelt Hotel or the Affinia Manhattan; can anyone give us advice about these hotels? Why is the Roosevelt so far down on the list? Our rate is $400 total for two nights.

Thanks

Still need lodging advice

The Roosevelt is an older hotel where many of the rooms haven%26#39;t been updated much. I prefer the location of the Roosevelt and the public areas seem grand but the rooms at the Affinia Manhattan will be newer, probably nicer and you%26#39;ll probably have a small kitchen at the Aff. Man.

On quikbook.com you can get a one bedroom suite (!) at the Shelburne Murray Hill (another Affinia hotel) for $365 plus tax for 2 nights (Sat/Sun) or $297 for a studio suite. If it%26#39;s for Fr./Sat night the prices are a bit more but I%26#39;d still prefer the Shelburne location/hotel to the Aff. Manhattan or the Roosevelt. For Fr/Sat I see a price of $398 for the Affinia Dumont which is also (imo) nicer than the original options.

There%26#39;s a special for the Millenium Broadway on travelzoo also good for your dates.

Still need lodging advice

Thanks for the quick response!! We tried the Millenium yesterday but couldn%26#39;t get that reservation. Just tried to make one at the Shelburne, but the website is down and we need to call back. The difference is that the Roosevelt would be two beds and this will be a bed and a sofa bed for the kids. We are not familiar with this location but are looking forward to exploring somewhere new. Any suggestions you have are more than welcome.

I forgot you were bringing kids. ALL the prices I quoted were for 2 people so it%26#39;ll be more. But for SURE go with a one bedroom suite if you can. Make sure to check prices between affinia.com vs. quikbook.com. I see the Affinia website is ';down'; but PHONE or do something but get the one bedroom suite. You won%26#39;t be sorry. You%26#39;ll get 2 tvs, some privacy....You could book on quikbook.com and then cancel once you get thru to Affinia. ;)

I%26#39;m a bit confused; which Affinia are you recommending here? The Shelburne or the Affinia Dumont??

You may want to try The Comfort Inn Chelsea located at 18 W. 25th Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue. This is in a relatively quiet safe area adjacent to beautiful Madison Square Park and convenient to several subway stops. This is an older, small hotel that Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn`s parent company) recently bought and renovated. What you`d want is one of the family suites that are actually 2 bedrooms, 1 with king bed, the other with 2 double beds and a shared bath. On President`s weekend these are going for $233 per night with AAA discount or Internet rate (comfortinn.com or 800-228-5150). The rate does include an expanded continental breakfast which ads to the value for a family. The rooms aren`t fancy, but are compact and nicely maintained. There`s a tv in each bedroom, coffee maker, iron/ironing board. hairdryer, and refrigerator. The staff here is genial and helpful too. Check out the tripadvisor reviews.

I%26#39;m saying I like the location of both the Shelburne and the Aff. Dumont better than the Aff. Manhattan and I think any of them are better for 4 of you than the Roosevelt.

Thank you so much for your tips; we have now also booked rooms at the Shelburne Murray Hill for a great price. The only rub is that my husband still thinks that The Roosevelt is better located (closer to trains, Theatre district, etc.) We just need to plan our trip a bit more and figure this out. Neither of us are familiar with the Murray Hill neighborhood; are there some fun local eats and stores available or is it mostly residential?

skin

New York Hotel

We are visting New York for 5 days in April and need to find an Hotel, preferably central, with rooms near the ground. My wife is claustrophobic so will not travel in lifts. Windows must be able to be opened as well!!

5 or 4 star.

J in UK

New York Hotel

Most if not all hotels especially of 4-5* calibre will have elevators and doubt any have rooms on main level/floor...have you considered a B %26amp; B?....there are many wonderful ones located in brownstones that would be airy and a short walk-up a flight or 2 ..you can plug in B%26amp;B for a search and many will come up. After researching a few for amenities/location, you can always re-post with your choices for opinions:)

New York Hotel

I thought I%26#39;d answered this before but my post seems to have disappeared.

the Giraffe hotel is known for service. Many of their rooms have small juliet balconies so windows that open are actually doors. have a look.

tripadvisor.com/ReviewPhotos-g60763-d99762-r鈥?/a>

The other idea is to stay in a guesthouse/inn without an elevator. Wymanhouse.com

1871house.com

countryinnthecity.com

are some of the nicer ones.

Do you realize stars are about amenities (business center, fitness center, restaurant etc.) and NOT ';niceness';? Some 3* places are nicer than some 4* places. So when you ask for 4 or 5 *, it%26#39;s the bigger places with lots of bells and whistles. Most of these are big and the lower floors are used for ballrooms, conference rooms etc. since they save the upper floors for rooms (with views).

question about east village hostel and Webster Hall

HI,

I%26#39;m going to NYC soon for a gig at Webster Hall and i *think* i found a good hostel nearby the venue called ';Jazz on the town';,it%26#39;s in the East Village.

How will i get back to the hostel after the show is done late at night?Is it a safe walkable area to and from Webster Hall?

Thank You,your help is really appreciated!

question about east village hostel and Webster Hall

The distance is certainly walkable. I don%26#39;t know the area well enough to say whether it would feel ok. Do you know about the website hostelz..com for reviews?

You might want to check out Second Home on Second which I think is a bit closer.

question about east village hostel and Webster Hall

Yes it%26#39;s very safe, that area is alive and kickin at night well into the wee hours.

nywhiz,i looked into Second Home on Second Ave and it%26#39;s a much better place than the hostel but i don%26#39;t think i%26#39;d be able to afford 90+ a night,so i have to stick to the crap hostel :(

I looked at mapquest and the two places seem close but far at the same time,i don%26#39;t know.What i%26#39;m most concerned about is getting lost at night.

Thanks for your help!

Don%26#39;t worry, they are very close together.

Webster Hall is on 11th Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues.

When leaving Webster Hall, take a left out of the building. You will get to 3rd Avenue where you will take another left. When you hit 14th Street, take a right and you have 1 more block until your hostel, which is located on the north side of 14th Street between 2nd and 1st Avenues. It is much closer to 2nd Avenue.

All in all, it%26#39;s a 4 block walk...5 if you count the inter-avenue stretch as 2 blocks. That%26#39;s about a quarter mile.

The neighborhood will still be very busy (notice I don%26#39;t even ask when you%26#39;ll leave). The neighborhood is always busy.

On your walk home, for another drink I recommend Beauty Bar (14th Street between 3rd and 2nd Avenues), if you want a drink and a manicure, or Crocodile Lounge (14th Street between 2nd and 1st Avenues), if you want a free pizza for each drink you order.

Don%26#39;t be concerned about getting lost. You%26#39;ll make 2 turns on the whole journey. Plus, you%26#39;ll be quite a distance from any regularly dangerous spots.

website host

A Steakhouse in New York - help needed

Coming over for a long weekend next month and want to go to a quality Steakhouse whilst here. Any suggestions welcomed.

There is one that I was recomended in Brooklyn, but I can%26#39;t remember what its called.

A Steakhouse in New York - help needed

That would be Peter Lugers, and that would be my recommendation.

www.peterluger.com

Cash or their own credit card only, FYI.

A Steakhouse in New York - help needed

Peter Luger serves excellent porterhouse steak and if you are all about steak this is a treat. Don%26#39;t expect much atmosphere or other steak options, it%26#39;s portherhouse and that%26#39;s it. Don%26#39;t bring vegan friends or seafood aficionados. Do bring cash. For more info visit peterluger.com. Reservations a must. If you can%26#39;t get a good dinner time, try lunch.

In Manhattan there are many fine steakhouses including but not limited to:

Keen%26#39;s (Old New York place, quality steaks)

The Strip House (Sultry bordello red, but good steak)

Del Frisco (Home of the double eagle)

Spark%26#39;s (Clubby feel but awesome steaks)

BLT Steak (The cool and hip steakhouse with great side dishes)

Porter House (In the Time Warner building, steak with a view)

Churrascaria Plataforma (Brazilian Rodizio, all you can eat prix fixe)

Been to The Strip House and BLT Steak...and I second either one, great steaks, different atmospheres.

A favourite of mine is Gallagher%26#39;s

www.gallaghersnysteakhouse.com

BLT is my favorite, but Craft is excellent for steak too.

sparks steak house...great steak...and lobster/shrimp...a little pricey but worth it...my husband and i were there a couple of weeks ago and relly enjoyed it...

Peter Luger in Brooklyn is the standard by which all other steakhourses are compared and is just great. But, as above, BLT Steak is my current favorite in Manhattan because the menu selection is somewhat wider and the side dishes are superb.

Del Frisco%26#39;s gets my vote. Very consistent each time I%26#39;ve been there.

Del Frisco%26#39;s is the annual treat a friend gives me for my birthday each year, and it is a fine place to be a carnivore. However, Peter Luger is such an institution it is certainly worth the trip to Williamsburg -- I would recommend Luger, then, as much for the experience,and the unusual ambience, as for the truly fine steak.

But as noted by others (and it can%26#39;t be said enough) bring CASH -- they don%26#39;t take any credit card but their own.

I, too, recommend Peter Luger%26#39;s (www.peterluger.com). What a great steak! Also, casual dress is ok there.

New York Palace

Thanks for everyone%26#39;s advice on a honeymoon hotel! I think we have now decided on the Palace.

Does anyone know of websites which allow you to book rooms here other than the standard double?

I have had some good quotes on the double from booking sites and have also contacted the hotel who have offered me a reduced rate.

In relation to the standard/delux double however, I am still cheaper bookingt hrough another site. Should I let the hotel know this and see if they reduce rates further?

Thank you

New York Palace

Definetely! You have nothing to loose and chances are they%26#39;ll meet the rate...wouldn%26#39;t that be grand:) Enjoy!

New York Palace

Thanks. I emailed them and they offered a further reduction. It doesn%26#39;t quite meet the other quote but is fairly close.

Now I just have to decide if its worth the extra money for the other grades of room!!

Anyone any advice?

I%26#39;ve never stayed at the hotel but if you want to give more details about your choices (which rooms, diff in price-what the other website is etc.) I%26#39;d be happy to give an opinion.

I don%26#39;t see a ';standard'; room description on their website. It goes from deluxe rooms to executive club to towers. So do YOU know the diff b/w standard and deluxe? If you don%26#39;t how can you make an informed decision. Ask them. Here%26#39;s what they list

newyorkpalace.com/accommodations/deluxe.html

Sorry I think the deluxe is the most ';standard'; they have :)

So the difference b/w the deluxe and executive appears to be the floor you get (executive is higher) and use of the executive lounge where there%26#39;s breakfast etc. But it%26#39;s unclear whether the breakfast/snacks etc. are FREE in the lounge or whether you pay for them. If you don%26#39;t know, ask. Without knowing the diff. in price it%26#39;s impossible to give an opinion.

The difference in the Towers is a 100 sf. larger room which a a good size more space.

Whatever you decide, make sure they know it%26#39;s your honeymoon and hope you get an upgrade.

And within each room class I believe there is also a supplement for west vs. east facing rooms, as the western view is considered the better view.

Thanks for all your help. I think we are going to go for a Towers deluxe room. It is quite a bit more money but hopefully it will be worth it.

That%26#39;s great news. I think you will have a very special New York holiday/honeymoon and doubt you%26#39;ll be disappointed. But in the unlikely event you are, don%26#39;t forget to post it here!

Either way, no doubt I%26#39;ll bore you all with my photos, reviews and stories when I get back (if I have any money left to fly home! lol)

priceline

if i only wanted to stay in time sq area could i use this for 2/24 weekend? only want to spend about $150 for me and daughter or is there a better way?

priceline

I%26#39;ve answered you on your other thread. If you bid on Priceline, bid ONLY 4* hotels (imo) and only midtown west if TS is where you want to be.

priceline

The first thing to do is to become an educated consumer and price hotels in the Times Square area. You can do so by checking the hotels%26#39; own Web sites or check through expedia on trip advisor. This will give you an idea of what hotels you are dealing with and the rates for your stay.

Priceline does not have a Times Square desgnation, only midtown west and that includes hotels not in Times Square such as the NY Hilton which is located near Rockefeller Plaza. Is that okay?

Are you okay with the possibility of only getting one bed in the room? If so, you can give priceline bidding a whirl.

Plug your travel dates into regular priceline (not the name your own priceline feature)...this will give you an idea of what hotels are likely going to be available if you go with the name your own price option. Are they okay?

If so you can give priceline a whirl. Keep in mind once you buy it your credit card is immediately charged and there are no refunds. That%26#39;s why it is a good idea to know what prices are first before bidding so you don%26#39;t overbid. Priceline does tack on a service fee.

If you want to spend only up to $150 for midtown west you could bid as follows: (For now just try the 4* level)

Bid 4*, MTW, $120

if rejected, bid MTW and UES, $130

if rejected, bid MTW, and UES, and UWS, $140

If rejected stop and reassess.

Bidding 4* on UES and UWS is called ';free rebidding'; because there are no 4* hotels in those zones, so in effect you are getting free rebids on midtown west.

For a lot more priceline information check ou the New York board on betterbidding,com, they also have hotwire info. which could be another option for you.

Didn%26#39;t see that other thread when I responded. Can we keep the same topic on one thread, makes it easier.

thankyou ,now i understand

thankyou again,i did priceline how you told me and got sheraton 4 * for 155.. cant wait

$155 for the Sheraton is a good price! Enjoy your stay!

Taxi cost

Would it be possible to let me know how much and how long a taxi would cost travelling from Central Park to The River Cafe, Brooklyn?

Taxi cost

It%26#39;s not a flat rate so price and length of time depends on time of day, day of week. Central Park is a big place. If you mean the south end of the park (around 59th st.) I%26#39;d guess $15 +/- and 20-30 mins. but I could be off.

Taxi cost

Taxi fares in New York are based on the distance travelled and the length of time spent idling in traffic (both calculated acording to a set formula by the cab%26#39;s meter), along with certain surcharges based on time of day and day of week. As whiz noted, Central Park is large -- two and half miles long, and a half mile wide. Obviously, such a distance beween points just along the Park would have a significant effect on the fare. Without any more information, then, it is impossible to give you an answer.

It cost us about $50 from our hotel which was by Central Park to River Cafe, but that was using a car service from our hotel.

Otherwise, have a look at this site

http://www.nyccabfare.com/

Distance from south end of Central Park to the River Cafe is about 5 miles. A taxi will cost about $13 to $15, more if you get stuck in heavy traffic

skin

Best skating place for beginners?

Hubby really wants to go skating next week and while the thought of it terrifies me, I am bringing him to two musicals so fair%26#39;s fair.

We plan to go early on a weekday morning, but to which one. Rockefeller, Wollman or Bryant Park? It%26#39;s not an issue of the cost really, more which one is less intimidating for someone who%26#39;s never skated before.

Best skating place for beginners?

Maybe Chelsea Piers is best, as it is not so crowded plus it is indoors so that bad weather won%26#39;t be an issue.

Best skating place for beginners?

As someone with a couple of nightmarish memories of childhood ice skating with my family (actually, I call it ';falling down over and over, having black %26amp; blue marks for a couple of weeks and achy ankles';), I decided to re-visit the horrors of the rink, recently, 40 years after my last experience.

I donned the oldest pair of jeans I could find (they actually had duct tape on them) and I went to the rink resolved to fall alot but have a good time. Fortunately, I had the good sense to take a private lesson and, wow!, what a difference. Over the 30 minutes, I did not fall once and I learned the basic principles that I never knew about.

After the lesson was over, I continued confidently on my own for another 30 minutes (no ';fall downs';) and today, I skate forward and backward, straight and in circles and can stop (something you NEED) when I want to.

My recommendation: take a lesson first and then enjoy your time with your husband. Believe me, if I can do it, you can do it!!

Have fun!

I hadn%26#39;t been skating for 20 years and am truly useless but decided whilst in New York, in the winter, it had to be done.

We (my 2 teenage brothers, mum and myself) went to the Wollman rink and had a fantastic time, we went late afternoon on a wednesday, it was busy but not overly crowded and there were so many people there that were as bad, if not worse than me that I didn%26#39;t feel intimidated/silly etc.

We had a fantastic time and Central Park is such a fabulous setting I, personally, wouldn%26#39;t have gone anywhere else.

Just a personal note, my 15 year old brother, who had never even seen a pair of ice skates before took to the ice like he was born on it and ended up leading ME around!!!!

If the weather is nice I%26#39;d go to Wollman Rink in Central Park. I never liked Rockafeller Center because if you%26#39;re a bad skater like me, you%26#39;ll feel like your skating before the Olympic Commitee with all the spectators. They even have a restaurant The Sea Grill with a bird eye view of you hanging onto the rails and falling on your but. No thanks !

went to look at both. visually both stunning, size wise no comparison woolman way bigger. rockefeller quite small and cramped. in central pk you are out in the air!

I haven%26#39;t skated there, but the Bryant Park rink is said to have the best music of all the rinks. It%26#39;s also very convenient. Only thing is, you need to check and make sure it will be up next week. They will start getting ready for fashion week soon and will have to take the rink down before then.

Bryant Park closed on1/17/07 to get ready for Fashion Week.

I skated at Wollman over Christmas and it hadn%26#39;t been 40 years or so....Scared to death, but really wanted to share the ';experience';of it with my kids. We had a blast and am proud to say I didn%26#39;t fall once. Its a big rink and the more experienced skaters know how to avoid flailing skaters....have fun!

dinner/drinks suggestions pre /post theater

Looking for a couple of dinner suggestions pre theater for wife and I.

She is not a big steak eater but open to all other ideas. Would like something more couple oriented (kids aren%26#39;t with us on this trip).

Some place where we could get a drink or two before and after the show would be great also.

thanks

dinner/drinks suggestions pre /post theater

Would help to know which shows (or locations--ie 40%26#39;s or 50%26#39;s) and budget. Are you looking for upscale/nice or ????

dinner/drinks suggestions pre /post theater

we are going to see the scene on friday night and avenue q on saturday

a couple off people have suggested Joe allens and osteria al doge.

That price range of 15 to 25 for main course is good. I really like a good atmosphere

I haven%26#39;t been to Osteria al Doge recently but don%26#39;t like the sounds of some of the reviews on menupages.

menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp鈥?/a>

Near the Scene, I%26#39;d try West Bank Cafe or Le Madeleine or a bit further, Tintol if you like tapas. Joe Allen is good basic American food. If you want Italian, Orso right next to Joe Allen is very good and Roberto Passon on 9th ave., a bit further away from your theaters gets raves here and elsewhere (you MUST book any of these in advance). If you%26#39;re going after theater, Chez Josphine can be fun with live music. Also, if you go to Joe Allen or Orso, Don%26#39;t Tell Mama is across the street and has a fun piano bar for a drink. Danny%26#39;s skylight room is on the same block and also has music and a bar.

If you%26#39;re looking for some place without music, the lobby lounge or the bar at the Algonquin hotel (44th st b/w 6th %26amp; 5th) is a classic. The bar at the Royalton across the street is more hip.

We went to Joe Allen and thought that the atmosphere was great and the food okay. We had a really good time there.

Jennifer

I like Rachel%26#39;s on 9th Avenue.

http://rachelsnyc.com/_wsn/page2.html

I am not sure if you were looking for an elegant place or a pub...but when in NYC last summer with 3 friends for our 40th bdays, I made them swear we wouldn%26#39;t go to any chain rest. or bar nor even Hard Rock..anything that we could %26#39;do%26#39; elsewhere.

Well, I finally gave in one night after seeing Mama Mia (we got backstage after striking up a conversation with one of the actor%26#39;s dad) any way...we left by the stage door with a few of the actors and guess where they were headed (and invited us)??? To Applebee%26#39;s bar just down the block! Once I agreed to give in and go, we had a blast, had an awesome bartender and ended up chatting with the actors THEN meeting a few comedians from the comedy club there too, one was a side character in Click movie and the other one was a regular on Punk%26#39;d. NO, not Ashton.

I didn%26#39;t think I was a celebrity watcher, but I admit we had a great time and from then on I was willing to go into any rest. or bar, as that is where the actors and locals hide from us tourists..

So, don%26#39;t ever discount a fun evening at Applebee%26#39;s in NYC.

enjoy!

Rockefella (Top of Rock) or Empire States Building or Both?

Hi there.

Going to New York in February and want to get a birds eye city view.

Heard Empire States Building has a queue of about 3hrs for the 102 Floor Tickets or you can purchase the 88th Floor Tickets online. Is it worth queing for the 102th floor tickets or getting the 88th floor tickets before we go?

ALSO. The Rockefella Centre View (Top Of The Rock). Whats the queues like? Is it worth getting tickets in advance. Should we do both Empire States and Rockefella or just one? If so whats the best view/least queue and best times to go?

Was thinking if doing both of them 1 evening 1 day. Which way round do people suggest?

Many thanks....

Rockefella (Top of Rock) or Empire States Building or Both?

';Queue%26#39;s';

I did the two last March and walked straight in although the ESB was in the evening.

Did the Rockfella in the afternoon so this time around i may swop them around

Rockefella (Top of Rock) or Empire States Building or Both?

ESB is the classic skyscraper most of my out-of-town friends wouldn%26#39;t want to miss and usually go during the day....TOTR is a good one for the evening especially since the area has better options and more to do/see afterwards:) Have a great time..Enjoy!

Cheers for that.

What time can you walk straight in then? Sounds good to me...

Think I%26#39;ll do both. Rockefellar in evening.

So you wouldn%26#39;t get tickets in advance?

The only reason why I ask is everyone we know have said what happens if you get the tickets and the weathers rubbish! Good Point....

Is it worth going up if the weathers not great? Obvioulsy you won%26#39;t be able to see far, but would the views nearby still be worthwhile?

So many questions eh!!!!

It%26#39;s just coz I%26#39;m soooooooooo excited!!!

I have just returned from new york.

We did both, TOTR at about 10 o clock in the morning and there was no que and only about 3 other people up there. We did not buy tickets in advance which was good because as we went to buy them there was people giving out money off vouchers so we saved 10 dollars.

We visited ESB at about 4 o clock so we were there when it was just getting dark for daylight and night views. We had to que for about 20 minutes for the lift but not for tickets. We paid the extra to go to the 102 floor but this wasn%26#39;t really worth it you cant see a great deal more, the only avdantage we had was that it was pretty empty up there.

I would say definately do both, you get excellent views of Central Park at TOTR.

Hope this helps

Rockefeller Center, Empire State building - estimating (guessing) when there will be no queues is akin to forecasting the weather.

Sometimes you get it right, sometimes (many times) you get it wrong.

Any given hour of any given day you can either have a large line or no line at all and for someone to predict when there will be no line is not fair to those who would tend to believe this opinion.

So, if someone tells you, for example, that on Wednesday at 4:30 PM there will be no line/queue, believe what you encounter when you actually arrive at the location.

Poppa

It%26#39;s ';Rockefeller';, as in John D. Rockefeller.

Just because we drop our ';r%26#39;s';, doesn%26#39;t mean they aren%26#39;t there!

From the Rockefeller Archives:

http://archive.rockefeller.edu/bio/jdrjr.php

';Next to Colonial Williamsburg, JDR Jr. probably gave more attention to the development of Rockefeller Center than to any other project. The story of how it came to be built is well known. In 1928, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. joined with others in a plan to acquire a site on which a new Metropolitan Opera House was to be built. He leased the major part of the land now occupied by Rockefeller Center from Columbia University and purchased the remainder of the land from other owners. The Depression came before building could start, however, and the plans for the new Opera House faded away. JDR Jr., committed to a long lease of the Columbia property, decided to create an international business and entertainment center. ';

';The land was cleared of more than 200 brownstone houses and other antiquated buildings, and the first fourteen buildings of Rockefeller Center were erected between 1931 and 1940. On November 1, 1939, JDR Jr. drove the last rivet in the steel work of the United States Rubber Company Building, the final structure completed before the war. More than 75,000 people worked on the construction of the Center during those Depression years. ';

I was in new york for Christmas and we did both. its worth buyinh the ESB tickets online, its more informative than TOTR if you chosse the tape guide. we didnt have tickets and the queue was approx 30 mins, the TOTr is good as you can book timed tickets, we booked ours on the day, dusk is best. i have a tremendous fear of heights I felt safer in the ESB than TOTR. Both good value for money with the exchange rate as it is, not much point going to the 102 floor on the ESB the view will not be any better as you are already high. enjoy

I would do both but I love views of cities from above and both are spectacular.

I would do ToTR in the daytime and ESB at dusk or nighttime. There was no queue for ToTR. We bought our ESB tickets online and so we missed part of the wait. However, it was probably still about a 40 minute wait to get to the top (at dusk).

Personally I wouldn%26#39;t bother going to the 102nd floor deck as well but some people take the view that it may be worth it so that they can say they%26#39;ve been up there.

As mentioned if you have never been to NYC - do both. Bear in mind that ESB gets busier than Rockefeller so perhaps go there at dusk? Rockefeller in my opinion is far better, far more space on 3 levels and glass partitions between u and the big wide world rather than mesh wire onESB. Sounds picky but it does make a difference to your holiday photos!!!!

Thanx everyone. Apologies for the Rockefeller spelling!!! That%26#39;s my fault...... That%26#39;s how I%26#39;d say it not how I expected everyone else to say it.... Cheers for the advice..

control in html forms

Greek Food - Uncle Nick's, Pylos or something else?

Which one do you recommend? Thanks!

Greek Food - Uncle Nick's, Pylos or something else?

I recently met a greek man, Born there living here. He said that his favorite greek restaurant in the city is Pylos, 128 East 7th. I though that was a pretty good recomendation!.

I%26#39;ve never been to Uncle Nick%26#39;s, I have been to Telly%26#39;%26#39;s Taverna in Astoria a couple of times. It is really good and I can highly recomend it!

Greek Food - Uncle Nick's, Pylos or something else?

Uncle Nick%26#39;s is good but nothing fancy.

GOod to hear about Pylos, will have to try it.

Another to add to the list:

Molyvos, 871 7th Ave, between 55th %26amp; 56th St.

For more info on all these places visit menupages.com.

My favorite is Periyali but it aint%26#39; cheap. Rafina Taverna and Ethos both get very good reviews on menupages.

menupages.com/restaurants.asp鈥?/a>

I%26#39;m Greek, too and I%26#39;m just wondering which one will come closer to mom%26#39;s homemade dishes.

My favorite is Peryali too, but I%26#39;m trying Molyvos for restaurant week.

I just met a well travelled couple in the BVIs who found Milos, then went back every night for the rest of their recent NYC stay. I plan to check that out based on their glowing review.

Ethos sounds great, thanks for the suggestion. Any others? I%26#39;m visiting NYC tomorrow with a friend who%26#39;s never been there. We%26#39;re hitting up Times Square, Roc. Center, St. Patrick%26#39;s Cathedral, etc. We%26#39;re getting there late in the afternoon, so if anyone has any other suggestions, please, by all means, let me know.

For mom%26#39;s home-cooking....head uptown to Columbia Univ area for a classic, staple....Symposium...on 112th St. between Bdway and Amsterdam:) Milos is definetely excellent and THE priciest of the lot. The owner flies the fish in directly from Greece...you pick, they weigh and cook it on spot:) Enjoy!

Bobbo,

Not sure if you%26#39;ll be reading this again today but,

I had dinner last night at Myvlos before a show a Carnegie Hall.

It was excellent. I ordered a dessert that was custard in phylo, All I can say is my friends had dessert envy.

Dinner was 70PP. I thought this might help you.

Have a good day in the city!

Wow! Thank you everyone for the suggestions...this one is gonna be tough. I%26#39;ll let you know what we did and what we though!

Thanks!

time to eat after a show?

I%26#39;m just looking for a little advise on what time to make a dinner reservation for AFTER a broadway show? Are most shows 2 hours? Thanks~

time to eat after a show?

Each show is different. If you check this site click onto the show you are seeing and it will tell you the running time.

http://www.playbill.com/events/listing/1.html

time to eat after a show?

thanks NYCgirl!

That is a great website- very helpful.

Hotels/ Beekman or Eastgate Towers

Staying in New York in April for five nights. Got it down to either the Beekman Tower or the Eastgate Tower - both on special deals with Expedia. Which one would anyone recommend? Which one is closest to tourist attractions and the subway? Thanks, Cornishkat.

Hotels/ Beekman or Eastgate Towers

I%26#39;d opt for the Beekman; we stayed there in December and thought it was great. A bit further afield than the Eastgate, but still quite manageable, and I like its immediate environs. And, the Beekman -- an Art Deco building -- is a more distinctive property with rooms/suites with more gracefully proportioned windows, higher ceilings, less bland decor, etc.. than the boxy ones of the more blah Eastgate which was built in the late 60%26#39;s.

For either one, if your budget permits, spring for one of the suites :-)

Hotels/ Beekman or Eastgate Towers

Agree with CockleCove. The Eastgate is slightly better location (closer to a subway stop) but the Beekman is a nicer, more distinctive building. In April, I%26#39;d walk the extra few blocks and take the Beekman.

Btw, you should double check the Affinia.com website and also quikbook.com and make sure you can%26#39;t get the same price or better than the Expedia special.

get ride of

80s nightclub?

Anyone recommend a good one? Google has led me to Awesome 80s Prom Night at Webster Hall or the Pyramid Club?

Last time we were over we saw an advert on the tv for a place in Hells Kitchen but can%26#39;t find where we wrote it.

Any suggestions?

80s nightclub?

Maybe an 80s bar?

The prom night thing could be fun but at $49 to $99 per person I can think of loads of other fun things we could do with the money.

80s nightclub?

Theres a bar/restaurant that plays 80%26#39;s music-good 80%26#39;s music-well into the night called cafe charbon.Its on orchard street on the lower east side(cross street is stanton)

culture club is an 80%26#39;s club.. tacky, over the top, but fun. downtown somewhere, cant remember.. I am sure you can google it.

Thanks guys, was beginning to give up!

Webster Hall, Culture Club and Pyramid Club are the places that I know of but haven%26#39;t been. I think Culture Club is supposed to be good.

http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=11069524

Culture Club is just perfect! That%26#39;s party night sorted. Any fun restaurants nearby?

Culture Club is fun but it%26#39;s FILLED with Bachelorette parties.. tons of almost-brides all over the place. Kind of annoying if you ask me! But the music was great! They have 2 levels I believe. I%26#39;ve only been twice. Once with a bachelorette party (LOL) and the other with my boyfriend about 4 years ago.

We%26#39;re planning to go on the Thursday night to hopefully avoid those. Will let you know how we get on

radisso /holiday inn the same?

anyone know if the radisson martinique broadway used to be the holiday inn martinique broadway only they have the same address and look very similar?

radisso /holiday inn the same?

Yes it used to be holiday inn. I can%26#39;t recall if I stayed at that 1 though.

Lexington Radisson is really nice though! 48th and lex.

radisso /holiday inn the same?

I%26#39;m surprised to hear that, the reviews for the Radisson Lexington are awful!

I know, I was a little skeptical too but we booked it for this past new years eve anyway, as we weren%26#39;t going to spend much time in the room-it was just for 1 night. I booked a 1 double bed room and they upgraded me free of charge to a king size sleep number bed without me asking! AND the room had 2 full bathrooms! It would%26#39;ve been great if we were staying longer to take advantage but in any event, it wound up being really nice.

i need your advice

looking for info

hi my wife and i are comming to nyc feb 3 to 8

just want to know if there is any thing on example can we go ice

skating. watch a baseball game or concert ,its hard to get info on the net to much choice and i think its best to ask locals we are from ireland and its our first time in nyc thank any body who replys

looking for info

Here%26#39;s a link to the tourism website of the city of New York.

www.nycvisit.com/content/index.cfm?pagePkey=1

ONCE YOU HAVE LINKED, you can type into the SEARCH box anything you are interested in, for example ICE SKATING.

BTW, you%26#39;re too early for baseball although there are other sports like basketball and hockey.

Have fun!

looking for info

Hey

I%26#39;ve never been to NYC but plannin a trip for me and my boyfriend for mid feb at the mo.

These have helped me loads

-www.broadwaybox.com - promotion codes to get up to 50% off on broadway (and off broadway) tickets - we booked the producers and got 50% off and really great seats.

-www.thegarden.com - its the madison square garden website and gives all the concerts and games that will be on here and u can book tickets - we tried to get Kniks/rangers tickets but any available were very pricy, but u may have more luck. We booked for the harlem globtrotters just to be at such a great venue, but not sure if theyre playin while ur over

The nycvisit website above is v good, u can go to calender of events and select ur dates and event types and it gives u all thats going on

There is ice skating in central park till march so you could def do that.

also www.menupages.com is brill for finding restaurants and lets u select by specific areas near events

Hope this helps

L

Other websites for events, shows and sports schedules:

www.newyorkled.com

www.ticketmaster.com

www.thegarden.com

www.playbill.com

www.theatremania.com

www.newyorkology.com

www.newyork.citysearch.com

www.nymag.com

www.ticketweb.com

Our Anniversary Trip-A Few Photos

Here%26#39;s a few pictures from our January anniversary trip. I warn you I am a superbly awful photographer. Also, I like people in my pictures so that beautiful view of the skyline will be somewhat blocked by our lovely mugs.

s143.photobucket.com/albums/r135/jsmla/

Jennifer

Our Anniversary Trip-A Few Photos

Thanks for posting the pictures they are great.

I had the impression from your posts that your husband was running around town in an LSU football jersey (like a uniform).

It is a very nice shirt, that appears to appropriate for any occasion:-)

Thanks again for all your work putting together the trip reports and the pictures and if you take another trip (anywhere) let us know about your posts.

Thanks!

Our Anniversary Trip-A Few Photos

All hail the Cajun Ice Chest!

Looks like your having a great time.

Wonderful! Some great food shots. ;) That pizza has made me hungry.

I can%26#39;t view the photos until I get to work next week. Can%26#39;t wait! Now I%26#39;m looking forward to Monday.

Great pix.............particularly the ';scenics'; - ny skyline, Fulton st Landing, that pic of turtles sunning on the rocks. You did a great job (I tried to bypass the food pictures - I am way too hungry right now!!)

I wanna party with you guys!

Your neighbor to the west

Chipper in Texas

I can%26#39;t believe you wasted space in the ice chest with chocolate milk. That took up the space of at least two beers. I%26#39;m no longer impressed...

j/k

I%26#39;ve read and loved all of your reports and also enjoyed the pics.

Thanks!

rd

I agree...get the bunny out of the cooler!

Don%26#39;t worry. I finished off the bunny for breakfast.

Jennifer

Need a bar AND a club recommendation

My husband and I will be in NY on Jan. 28 %26amp; 29 to celebrate my 30th birthday and are looking for suggestions.

We%26#39;d like to go to a club on the 28th. I realize that it%26#39;s a Sunday, but it%26#39;s NY. :) Nothing way in the Upper E or W side, but we%26#39;re open to location within reason. Our hotel is right in Times Sq., but I%26#39;ve heard that prices skyrocket in that area, and that all clubs aren%26#39;t necessarily great in Times Sq. For a club, we both like dance/hip hop.

Monday night we%26#39;re looking for a bar (that%26#39;s MY night!). We%26#39;ll have spent the day sightseeing and will be in the Rockefeller Center area later on, but might head to the hotel for a bit, so again, I%26#39;m open for suggestions. Preferably rock music, but even some blues or jazz would be cool.

Need a bar AND a club recommendation

If you want a classic NYC uber-club experience, check out Crobar in the west 20s.

www.crobar..com

There are a few more in the the West 20s and in the Meatpacking District, but I can only vouch for Crobar.

www.hipguide.com

A sample of famous/popular bars and clubs with live rock, jazz, blues or bluegrass music.

Garage

Sweet Rhythms

Detour

Parkside Lounge

Red Lion

Slane

The Back Fence

Village Vanguard

Rockwood Music Hall

Arlene Grocery

Mercury Lounge

The Cutting Room

The Knitting Factory

Read reviews and search for their line-ups here:

www.newyork.citysearch.com

www.yelp.com

Also, when you get here, buy a copy of Time Out New York magazine. A fantastic resource for clubs and live music.

Need a bar AND a club recommendation

Go to www.nightliferatings.com and they will have info on all the clubs, lounges, and bars and links to their websites. They will also list DJ and live music by date and type so you can see what%26#39;s happening when you%26#39;re here. The meatpacking districy would be a lot of fun. You can do dinner, drinks (beofre or after), and dance/clubs of many types. Have fun!

Distance from the airport

Since I am landing at JFK but leaving from Newark airport I would like to know which is the distance from the town centre and approx. how much is the taxi fare or if there is another public service (es. shuttle bus) from and to the airport.

I will be staying in NY for 5 days beginning February, which is the area I should look for a hotel in order to be near the major attractions and find a good hotel but not too expensive?

Distance from the airport

JFK and Newark (EWR) are about equidistant from Manhattan but in 2 different directions. It takes about an hour (depending on traffic) to get to/from either. If you%26#39;re traveling alone, for 1 person the cheapest option to/from both of them is a train or an Express Bus. (~$12-15/person) Which to use (train or bus) will depend on where you%26#39;re staying and how much luggage you have. Here are links that describe all options for both

JFK

http://www.panynj.gov/aviation/jgtsfram.htm

EWR

http://www.panynj.gov/aviation/egtsfram.htm

The only option that%26#39;s not recommended is Super Shuttle. This is a shared bus that takes you to your hotel. They%26#39;re not very good and not reliable. If you want a bus right to your hotel, use Airlink instead.

The major attractions are somewhat spread around Manhattan, but most first time tourists like to stay in ';midtown'; generally considered anywhere from 34 st - 59 st. But there are other nice areas that may be less expensive. Since there%26#39;s good subway service and buses and taxis, you can really stay anywhere in Manhattan.

What%26#39;s your budget? How many are traveling? It%26#39;s become difficult to get something decent for under $200/night. On quikbook.com I see the Shelburne Murray Hill hotel at a good discount for some dates in Feb.

Distance from the airport

Thank you for your reply. We need two rooms cause we are two couples travelling together. You mentioned www.quickbook.com, do you think it%26#39;s the best web site to reserve a hotel in New York? I was actually looking for a good web site, cause I normally use booking.com or venere.com for my holiday in Europe, but it seems quickbook has got better deals.

You can find great deals on both quickbook.com and travelzoo.com. However, before you book through them, call the hotel directly and see if they will match the rate you found on those websites. Many times they will. For example, after finding a great rate on quickbook for the Bentley Hotel last weekend, I looked at the hotel%26#39;s website and was able to get the room for a few dollars cheaper.

Agree with comfyjeans, it%26#39;s always worth checking a few different sites to see which has the best price and if you%26#39;d prefer booking directly thru the hotel, always worth asking if they%26#39;d match xyz%26#39;s price. In Europe it%26#39;s common to prepay and have non-cancellable reservations, but not as popular here. I%26#39;d opt for something cancellable so you can take advantage of bargains that might come along. I like venere.com too (for Europe) and would trust them if you find a deal you like.

For 4 people traveling to/from the airports, you should only consider a taxi or a car service. It doesn%26#39;t really pay to take the train or bus which are all per person prices when a taxi will be for up to 4 people. From JFK, it%26#39;s fixed price of $45 plus toll (if any, it%26#39;s $4) and tip (15-20% of $45) so total of $60. If you want to try a car service, I like limores.net

get ride of