New York

[davevw]

Hi there hopefully off to new York in November (8th-15th) and need a lil help on places good to stay looking at about £160 a night, the girlfriend has a rough idea but any ideas welcome and of course good tips on where to go we will probably doing the usual places and Broadway.

[Travel Demon]

There are some excellent places to stay in Vegas and some really good deals around. I have stayed at Bellagio - Hectic, large, busy and luxurious - if you say Vegas this is the one every one thinks of, prices for a week in November for 2 Adults is £767.00 - Have also stayed at the Wynn - really nice hotel and looks out over the strip - A week here for your dates is £833.00 and another one my customers seem to return to is The Venetian - a week here will set you back £900.00.

So much to do, a trip to the Grand Canyon is a must, the skywalk is amazing, if you do this helicopter trip in the afternoon, you get to fly back over the strip which is a birds eye view.

All the shows are excellent - we saw Barry Manilow, David Copperfield and Elton John - Vegas is the best and I cant wait to go back - you will have a ball. If I can help with your accomodation, drop me a pm.

[greygoose]

Travel Demon said:

There are some excellent places to stay in Vegas and some really good deals around. I have stayed at Bellagio - Hectic, large, busy and luxurious - if you say Vegas this is the one every one thinks of, prices for a week in November for 2 Adults is £767.00 - Have also stayed at the Wynn - really nice hotel and looks out over the strip - A week here for your dates is £833.00 and another one my customers seem to return to is The Venetian - a week here will set you back £900.00.

So much to do, a trip to the Grand Canyon is a must, the skywalk is amazing, if you do this helicopter trip in the afternoon, you get to fly back over the strip which is a birds eye view.

All the shows are excellent - we saw Barry Manilow, David Copperfield and Elton John - Vegas is the best and I cant wait to go back - you will have a ball. If I can help with your accomodation, drop me a pm.

Isn't the Bellagio a bit of a trek from New York though ?

[hondafanatic]

Travel Demon said:

There are some excellent places to stay in Vegas and some really good deals around. I have stayed at Bellagio - Hectic, large, busy and luxurious - if you say Vegas this is the one every one thinks of, prices for a week in November for 2 Adults is £767.00 - Have also stayed at the Wynn - really nice hotel and looks out over the strip - A week here for your dates is £833.00 and another one my customers seem to return to is The Venetian - a week here will set you back £900.00.

So much to do, a trip to the Grand Canyon is a must, the skywalk is amazing, if you do this helicopter trip in the afternoon, you get to fly back over the strip which is a birds eye view.

All the shows are excellent - we saw Barry Manilow, David Copperfield and Elton John - Vegas is the best and I cant wait to go back - you will have a ball. If I can help with your accomodation, drop me a pm.

It's a daily occurrence on PH that people don't read the entire original post or thread before replying...but fk me.

<- Here, you take it.

[Nolar Dog]

Travel Demon said:

There are some excellent places to stay in Vegas and some really good deals around. I have stayed at Bellagio - Hectic, large, busy and luxurious - if you say Vegas this is the one every one thinks of, prices for a week in November for 2 Adults is £767.00 - Have also stayed at the Wynn - really nice hotel and looks out over the strip - A week here for your dates is £833.00 and another one my customers seem to return to is The Venetian - a week here will set you back £900.00.

So much to do, a trip to the Grand Canyon is a must, the skywalk is amazing, if you do this helicopter trip in the afternoon, you get to fly back over the strip which is a birds eye view.

All the shows are excellent - we saw Barry Manilow, David Copperfield and Elton John - Vegas is the best and I cant wait to go back - you will have a ball. If I can help with your accomodation, drop me a pm.

And NY?

[Planet Claire]

I stayed at this place when I first went to New York:
http://www.affinia.com/New-York-City-Hotel.aspx?na...

It's on 7th Avenue, virtually across the road from Madison Square Garden. Not sure what the costs are, you'll have to work that out but it was a pretty nice place and very central.

Oh, I've just checked because I know it's around that time, the New York Marathon is on the 7th November, so hotels may be booking up fast and may be still booked on the 8th. The second time I went to NY was via a package deal and our chosen weekend was cancelled because of the marathon.

[davevw]

Thanks for the info guys, very good write up on Las Vegas shame it’s a bit far a way from New York but keep the ideas coming, haven’t thought about the marathon, oh and one last question I wanna give her a big surprise maybe a special trip or something or maybe save it and buy the extra room?

[Animal]

I stayed at the Bedford Hotel in Murray Hill a few years ago http://www.bedfordhotel.com/ and it was in a nice area, comfortable and reasonably priced. Good view of the ESB out of our bedroom window too.

The hotel is on E. 40th St, between Park and Lexington Aves. Come out of the hotel, turn left and then right at the corner onto Park and you're at Grand Central Station in 5 min; turn right out of the hotel and there was a Starbucks on the corner with Lexington.

Times Square, ESB and Broadway are all within a 10-min or so walk.

Broadway show: go to Times Square and head for the TKTS booth, which opens around 2pm. Tickets for all that day's shows (and only that day) at up to half price. Whilst we were loitering around there a lady came up and asked if we wanted to go and watch a recording of David Letterman's show later that week (a good freebie!)

If you're going to be in NY for a few days then it might be worthwhile getting a New York Pass. This is valid for a set period of time, and gives you discounts or free entry to most of the most popular attractions and a guide book with handy maps and addresses. You also get discounts on tons of other attractions (we did a fantastic helicopter flight) and, IIRC, discounts in some shops.

If you can, I'd recommend you book your travel to include airport transfers. It's at least 30-45 mins from JFK into Manhattan which would cost a fortune by taxi!

HTH,

Animal

[davevw]

Oh thanks for the info looking at staying for 7 days, new York pass sounds good thanks for the tips on theatre tickets does that discount include all the top shows to as looking on internet looking at a good £80-120 for some shows so that would be really handy.

[Simon.b]

A few years back we stayed in the Algonquin Hotel, bit pricy now but great hotel and location.

[Animal]

davevw said:

theatre tickets does that discount include all the top shows to as looking on internet looking at a good £80-120 for some shows so that would be really handy.

Yeah, we saw Phantom Of The Opera at The Majestic (5 yrs ago and it's still running) at it cost us about £25 each. Discounts do vary, but you've got a lot of choice - provided you get there early enough because that booth only sells tickets for that day's performances.

[anonymous-user]

When I've got a bit of spare dosh we stay at the Mercer, down in Soho. When I haven't (i.e most of the time) we stay in the Holiday Inn on Lafayette due to its superb location in Soho, very close to Little Italy, China Town and The Village. I prefer staying down that way as the atmosphere is very different to Times Square, etc - but you can get up there very easily. It's also a leisurely walk down to City Hall, Ground Zero, Brooklyn Bridge, South St Seaport, etc. There are some brilliant bars and restaurants round there....

http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/gb/en/nycdt/hotel...

As for a special surprsie, this has to be the city to do it - there must be thousands of choices, but I'd personally go for a helicopter ride around Manhattan...

http://www.viator.com/New-York-City-tours/Air-Heli...

Enjoy!

[Freddie328]

Planet Claire said:

I stayed at this place when I first went to New York:
http://www.affinia.com/New-York-City-Hotel.aspx?na...

It's on 7th Avenue, virtually across the road from Madison Square Garden. Not sure what the costs are, you'll have to work that out but it was a pretty nice place and very central.

+1

Stayed there 3 years ago and would recommend it.

We also liked these resaurants:-

www.gallaghersnysteakhouse.com

www.striphouse.com/new_york

www.oneifbyland.com


We did the NY Party Shuffle Tour which was interesting and good fun.

www.newyorkpartyshuttle.com

Excellent shopping too although obviously 3 years ago the rate was much more favourable!

Enjoy - you'll love it!

Edited by Freddie328 on Thursday 27th May 09:10

[RosscoPCole]

Grand Central Station. Visit the usual places inside like the Oyster Bar, then try out the 'Whispering Wall'. Great fun.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/roadtripmemories/2581...

[chrisg_s2k]

We went in January, did all the standard bits-
Empire State, Statue of Liberty, watched the Nicks at MSG, shopping on 5th, central park etc.
Stayed just off Times Square (like 20m)-Best Western President. Was nothing special at all but we literally only spent the time we were asleep in it.

As for tickets, the Times Square office of TKTS (sp??) has a massive queue. There is another with no queue down by the brooklyn bridge-cant remember exactly.

[Travel Demon]

Sorry - was talking to someone else about Vegas on email and had the thread open for New York - !!!!

[Pothole]

greygoose said:

Travel Demon said:

There are some excellent places to stay in Vegas and some really good deals around. I have stayed at Bellagio - Hectic, large, busy and luxurious - if you say Vegas this is the one every one thinks of, prices for a week in November for 2 Adults is £767.00 - Have also stayed at the Wynn - really nice hotel and looks out over the strip - A week here for your dates is £833.00 and another one my customers seem to return to is The Venetian - a week here will set you back £900.00.

So much to do, a trip to the Grand Canyon is a must, the skywalk is amazing, if you do this helicopter trip in the afternoon, you get to fly back over the strip which is a birds eye view.

All the shows are excellent - we saw Barry Manilow, David Copperfield and Elton John - Vegas is the best and I cant wait to go back - you will have a ball. If I can help with your accomodation, drop me a pm.

Isn't the Bellagio a bit of a trek from New York though ?

not by Ambiwlans!

[GreigM]

I stay in NY for at least 1 week a month and have tried pretty much all hotels and regularly return to this place: http://www.parkcentralny.com as it offers a decent balance between quality and price. Just remember that NY is akin to London in that hotels are expensive and rooms are tiny compared to what you'll get elsewhere.

The Park Central wins as it has a superb location - 2 mins south of Central Park, 2 mins north of Times Square and the yellow line subway literally under the building (which on a cold november day is a HUGE benefit).

Be aware that in November the temperature can vary hugely - 2 years ago I was sitting outside in the sun having lunch, last year I had 14 layers on and was still freezing - so go prepared.

As for a few places to go/see:

Do go up Rockerfeller Center (top of the rock) as opposed to empire state - the view is much more impressive as you get the park to the North and importantly the Empire State is in the view to the south, which makes it NY. Its also cheaper and no queues - Empire State is overrated in comparison.

Take the Staten Island Ferry - free excellent view of the Statue of Liberty, I wouldn't bother with the harbour cruises (especially at that time of year) - too long, too cold, too expensive.

Go to "Ellens Stardust Diner" just north of Time Square - food is average diner fare but singing waitresses can be superb.

For Steak I've tried them all - I'd recommend "Palm Too" (around 2nd Ave/45th st) for all round food and experience, I rate it higher than the original "Palm" across the road. This is the steak place New Yorkers go to, and avoid the tourists.

Pizza - John's Pizzeria: http://www.johnspizzerianyc.com - fantastic atmosphere and you'll only believe the interior when you see it.

Further downtown - get a beer, burger and pie at "Bubby's" on Houston St - a great NY experience.

Grand Central - the Oyster Bar is excellent, then go to Juniors for some amazing "Carrot Cheesecake" (a carrot cake and cheesecake mix - outstanding) and pop up to the bar at Michael Jordan's place to look over the main concourse and soak up the atmosphere.

If downtown in the financial district I like to eat in "Pounds and Pence" on Liberty St - laugh at their comical "British Pub" theme and ogle the supermodel waitresses.

My work is mostly around Union Square these days - worth a visit, walk up Irving Place from 14th St to Grammercy Park - nice area, great Coffee at "71 Irving" and a decent lunch at "Friend of a Farmer.

Shopping - Century 21 for bargain clothes (if you can be bothered with the search), J&Rs (www.jr.com) for electronics and if you are into photography/video www.bhphotovideo.com has to be visited.

So much to see/do - my biggest tip - use the Subway....if you don't you won't see 1/4 of it all. Its easy to use and relatively cheap.

[davevw]

GreigM said:

I stay in NY for at least 1 week a month and have tried pretty much all hotels and regularly return to this place: http://www.parkcentralny.com as it offers a decent balance between quality and price. Just remember that NY is akin to London in that hotels are expensive and rooms are tiny compared to what you'll get elsewhere.

The Park Central wins as it has a superb location - 2 mins south of Central Park, 2 mins north of Times Square and the yellow line subway literally under the building (which on a cold november day is a HUGE benefit).

Be aware that in November the temperature can vary hugely - 2 years ago I was sitting outside in the sun having lunch, last year I had 14 layers on and was still freezing - so go prepared.

As for a few places to go/see:

Do go up Rockerfeller Center (top of the rock) as opposed to empire state - the view is much more impressive as you get the park to the North and importantly the Empire State is in the view to the south, which makes it NY. Its also cheaper and no queues - Empire State is overrated in comparison.

Take the Staten Island Ferry - free excellent view of the Statue of Liberty, I wouldn't bother with the harbour cruises (especially at that time of year) - too long, too cold, too expensive.

Go to "Ellens Stardust Diner" just north of Time Square - food is average diner fare but singing waitresses can be superb.

For Steak I've tried them all - I'd recommend "Palm Too" (around 2nd Ave/45th st) for all round food and experience, I rate it higher than the original "Palm" across the road. This is the steak place New Yorkers go to, and avoid the tourists.

Pizza - John's Pizzeria: http://www.johnspizzerianyc.com - fantastic atmosphere and you'll only believe the interior when you see it.

Further downtown - get a beer, burger and pie at "Bubby's" on Houston St - a great NY experience.

Grand Central - the Oyster Bar is excellent, then go to Juniors for some amazing "Carrot Cheesecake" (a carrot cake and cheesecake mix - outstanding) and pop up to the bar at Michael Jordan's place to look over the main concourse and soak up the atmosphere.

If downtown in the financial district I like to eat in "Pounds and Pence" on Liberty St - laugh at their comical "British Pub" theme and ogle the supermodel waitresses.

My work is mostly around Union Square these days - worth a visit, walk up Irving Place from 14th St to Grammercy Park - nice area, great Coffee at "71 Irving" and a decent lunch at "Friend of a Farmer.

Shopping - Century 21 for bargain clothes (if you can be bothered with the search), J&Rs (www.jr.com) for electronics and if you are into photography/video www.bhphotovideo.com has to be visited.

So much to see/do - my biggest tip - use the Subway....if you don't you won't see 1/4 of it all. Its easy to use and relatively cheap.

thanks for the tips mate sounds goood advice,we will use the subwa quite alot as i can imagine not to fussed on the roms size as it will litraly be somewhere to sleep and store things just need it to be somewhere close to evrywhere aparently shopping for us is high on the list of things to do thanks for the advice.

[Engineer1]

This is a nice hotel midway between the Empire State and Macy's