Sarah

We are planning on staying 5 days and we are both so excited. We are trying to find a place to stay and everyone we have talked to suggests staying around Times Square, but we need something pretty affordable. Any suggestions? We bought a travel book and they recommend the Broadway Inn Bed & Breakfast. Does anyone know anything about it? Also, do any hotels have student discounts?

We have also considered buying a Metro Card to get around town and/or a pass on the New York Double Decker Tours because it is good for 3 days. We just figured they would stop along all of the tourist sites we would want to hit. We know we could probably walk to a lot too. Is it worth buying either one of these passes?

Also, does anyone have any shopping tips. We would like to spend some time shopping in NYC, but we would also like to return home with some money. Any favorite shops?

Thanks!

Owen O'Neill

I'd suggest starting with a search on this forum's search function. There have been many threads on NYC shopping in the last several months and much useful info was posted. I have no personal experience with the Broadway Inn B&B but distinctly recall reading something in this forum last year about a very unpleasant experience that someone had there - again I strongly advise researching this. You're coming at a time of year during which you'll probably be able to get a room on special or through a consolidator at about $100-120 (not incl taxes & fees). Check all the NYC threads currently in the top 100 threads of this forum - one of them has a very nice list of consolidators with current prices and examples of what they're offering. Prices in March may be a tad higher than now but not by much (unless there's a major convention in town - I know nothing about schedules for those). The metro card is a great deal. There's a one day pass for $4 that allows unlimited riding on subways or buses and also a one week (or 5 day?) pass. The tour buses are a great way to get an initial feel for where things are but aren't an efficient or fast way to get around town. I don't discourage you from using one - I did so on my first trip here with my daughter a few years back and we enjoyed it but the half day or so that we spent on the bus was plenty. You can eat as cheaply in NYC as you can anywhere and often you'll get better food. The key is to avoid the Times Square/tourist areas and the "hot spots" such as SoHO and Tribeca. Even in those two areas there are sometimes bargains to be found but it's not unusual to see a grilled salmon entree in the Village for $12.95 and the same piece of fish for $22-24 in SoHO. I'm not implying that the meal will be identical and the atmosphere won't be either but I eat well in NYC and rarely spend more than $20 per dinner with a non-alcoholic beverage included. Appetizers, drinks and desserts tend to be very pricey here - passing on them is a great way to save $$. I prefer to go to a good cafe for dessert - it's a nice change and they're often much cheaper. Just had tiramisu at Cafe Reggio on MacDougal Street last night. Wonderful desserts, reasonable prices and great atmosphere - very authentic and old fashioned with plenty of students and neighborhood people hanging out for cappucino or a light meal - it's about a block north of Bleecker and well worth checking out.

Paige

Try the Edison Hotel. It is within one block of Times Square and is reasonably priced and clean. The staff was extremely helpful and very friendly. My daughter has stayed there with her high school group and then a college group several times.

You will have a blast. There is nothing like it in the world.

Caitlin

About MetroCards: there is a one-day unlimited "fun pass" for $4 (subway and bus), and a weekly (seven-day) unlimited for $17. Or you can get 11 rides for $15, with each including one bus-bus or subway-bus (but not bus-subway) transfer within two hours and in the same direction (i.e., you can't backtrack). So the $17 pass is a good deal if you'll be taking at least thirteen rides, not including transfers. Since NYCis such a great walking city, and since you want to do "strolling" activities like shopping, you may not need that many rides in just 5 days.

As for shopping...if you want "only in NY" shopping on a budget, look into H&M on 34th St. near 6th Ave. and on 5th Ave at 51st St. It's a Swedish chain with very up-to-date styles at bargain prices, but these are their only US stores. Also Canal Jean Co., on Broadway below Canal in Soho...names and trendy styles at bargain prices, and Antique Boutique on Broadway above Houston if you like vintage. If you just want good shopping, check out the whole 34th St. corridor, which has Macy's, Daffy's (a discount fashion chain), and the Manhattan Mall, all on 6th Ave. near 34th, and on 34th itself, there are many chain stores. Another discount mecca is on 6th Ave. below 23d St., where ther is a Burlington Coat Factory, a TJ Maxx, a Filene's Basement, and nearby on 7th Ave. and 17th, a Loehmann's. If you want serious designer clothes at slashed prices, head for Century 21 in lower Manhattan.

Regardless, you will probably want to window shop in Doho and the East Village, where the boutiques are $$$ but there is a lot of good stuff to ogle at.

If you don't have a Sephora where you live, you'll want to check out one of their several Manhattan locations; they sell perfume and cosmetics in a classy but different atmosphere. They have many high-end dept. store lines, boutique lines, and European lines, plus their own, which is inexpensive, but they're all laid out in the store with samples and they encourage testing--but no pushy sales people. It's just you unless you want help. Another great place for unique and inexpensive cosmetics and accessories is Ricky's drug store, on Broadway just below Houston. This is no "drug store," it's makeup and costume paradise.

Have fun!

Jill

Sarah,
You are right to be excited about visiting NYC. It is my favorite place in the whole world to visit! In fact, I have been there about 7 times in the last 4 years.

I have two hotels to recommend. The first is Washington Square Hotel. It is in Greenwich Village, close to NYU. It is a fabulous location with lots of restaurants and fun things to do. If you are interested in Times Square then I recommend Radio City Apartments 212-730-0728. It is a great location at a great price. They have rooms with kitchens too which is good for saving some money.

I recommend getting a metrocard and using the subway system. It is very easy and by far the most efficient way of getting around. I would skip the double decker bus. Both hotels are very close to subway stops and this is by far the easiest way of getting around and it is very safe.

You really need to go see a broadway show while you are there. You might also like Stomp or Blue Man Group off-broadway.

Have a blast!

Diane

Just a hint - if you ask directions to Houston Street, it is pronounced HOWston, not Hewston. When someone talks about Soho, they mean the area South of Houston street. Way back in ancient times when I lived there, the West Village was the touristy area, the East Village was avant garde clubs and lofts, and Soho was almost dangerous. Now it is all full of shops, restaurants, galleries, and expensive apartments! But is truly an area you will enjoy exploring. My daughter and I hit a great weekend street-sale with tons of vendors one time. Otherwise, she loves to look at the boutiques in Bloomingdales, then usually finds a better deal on something similar at Macy's. Also had good luck at Daffy's. You will love NYC. Have lunch one day at Carneigie Deli (near Carneigie Hall). (It could easily be your "big" meal of the day.)

The Comptons

We aren't two college girls but we are two seniors plus two 14-yeaar-olds. But our itinerary for next April does include a lot of the attractions with links. You can see it at http://www.geocities.com/judcomp/nyc-itin . There's probably time to get the official New York City Planner by asking for it at http://www.nycvisit.com

Kris

Two ideas for off broadway shows-Rent and the Donkey Show. I also recommend H&W for trendy and not overly expensive clothes.China Town has some interesting shopping also.