My Mission: Mama to New York

Old Jan 12th, 2011, 06:58 PM
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My Mission: Mama to New York

I love my mom – and she loves to travel. The one place she’s always wanted to go and never made it to yet is New York. I’d love to help her get there but … Mom is 70. Several years ago she suffered a serious illness. Between the disease and its treatment she was left with damage to many of her organs. Her lung capacity isn’t great. She’s had two heart attacks, the latest one was major and she now has a pacemaker with defibrillator. She can’t walk as far or as fast as she used to. And, like a lot of seniors, she lost a ton of her retirement savings in the stock market two years ago. Between that, her medical expenses and trying to maintain two homes (Illinois and Florida), her travel budget is nil.

She’d love it if her BFF could come along. BFF is also 70, has a heart condition too, and is a recent widow. Her finances aren’t easy either.

I’d love it if my BFF could come with us. Besides her companionship, my friend lived for a number of years in New Jersey, worked in New York, and once knew the city well. She’s healthy at least, but her budget isn’t. The last two years have seen her through a divorce and a rebound marriage to a jerk who swindled her out of $80K. In addition, she cares for her mentally challenged twin brother (although he will not be traveling with us).

What I would really love is to be in a position to pay for it all and do it up in style but, of course, I have my tale of woe too. Three years ago my 21 year old son was diagnosed with cancer. Between deficiencies in his insurance, then the loss of his job, my husband and I have shouldered about $30K in health costs to make sure he got the care/ after care he needed. All while our youngest was in college.

On the bright side – Mom is fairly active and in pretty good shape for someone with her history. So is her BFF. My BFF has managed to extricate herself from the swindler. My son is healthy and as of a few days ago now has insurance! And my daughter graduated last month. So long tuition bills!

We are a pretty pitiful crew but we have much to celebrate. The complications of this celebration are myriad. Can you help me plan a trip for four women from Illinois/Indiana to NYC in August for around $2500?

I’ll continue in a reply.
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Old Jan 12th, 2011, 07:15 PM
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Is it too much to all stay in one room with two double beds?

How many nights?

Where are you coming from? Does your budget have to include airfare for 4?

Do you want to do things that are expensive, like a Broadway show? Tickets for 4 could eat up a chunk.

Will the others be paying for anything? Their own meals? Taxis?
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Old Jan 12th, 2011, 07:22 PM
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The first things I need to consider are:
1. When to go
2. How to get there

I was thinking August since Mom's birthday is in the middle of the month, and I hoped it would be a less expensive time as so many people seem to want to escape the city that month.

Is August a budget-friendly month? And what part of August would be best? What days of the week? Weekend hotel rates look cheaper at first glance, are they?

How to get there is even more difficult. If it was just me and my BFF, we'd hop in the car and go. It's about eleven hours from my home in northeast Indiana. Totally doable for two fifty-somethings. But Mom is another 4 hours south and west of here. The trip is 14 hours from her house. Too long in the car for women with circulation problems? I know Mom can do 8 hours though -- she and my stepdad drive to Florida each year in a series of 8 hour stints.

We could drive to somewhere in PA, spend the night in a chain hotel, then do the other 6 hours the next day. They're early risers so we could probably make it to the city by noon. I don't want to wear them out before we even get there though.

I thought about Amtrak - but it's a 20 hour train trip that doesn't arrive until 6:30 PM. The return trip departs at 3:45 PM. Since I think we can only afford hotels for two nights in the city, the travel times really shorten our time seeing the city. Plus, it's only about $50 cheaper per person than flying.

But flying isn't easy either. The cheapest non-stop flights with decent arrival/departure times will eat up half of our budget -- and that's not including ground transportation.

Oh wise travelers, what should we do?
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Old Jan 12th, 2011, 07:42 PM
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Once we figure out when to go and how to get there, I need help with hotels/restaurants and an attack plan.

In theory no one is averse to staying 4 to a hotel room. However, I am a serious snorer. I think they'll put up with me though The place doesn't have to be fancy - just clean, safe, close to the subway and with an elevator. I think Midtown would work best for us but if money talks, I'm listening.

As for the itenerary: Mom is a lifelong reader of women's fiction. When I asked her what she wanted to see, she listed several places that she's read about in books, as well as a couple of normal tourist spots, a favorite tv show she'd like to attend and one sentimental stop. Here's her wish list:

Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island (just the ferry ride is okay by her)

Knock off shopping at Canal and Broadway (not really to shop, just to see it)

China town

Times Square

Broadway show

Empire State Building (v. Top of the Rock?)

Taping of The View (Her BFF would like to do The Early Show)

21 Club

Central Park

The Carlyle (Bobby Short haled from our hometown)

Mom doesn't like seafood but the rest of us do -- although both Mom and her BFF are not fancy eaters. I'd like to talk her out of 21 and suggest we have a snack in the bar at the Carlyle as a cost cutting measure. Also, everyone likes pizza and burgers. Oh, and Mom needs to eat breakfast early every morning so she can take her meds with food.

I know I'm asking close to the impossible but I believe if anyone can plan this thing, you guys can. I'll sit back and wait to see what you come up with.

Thanks in advance!
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Old Jan 12th, 2011, 08:00 PM
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21? Are all meals be included in your $2500 budget? While it may be possible to do this trip on $2500, that will not include meals at places with $40 entrees LOL!!
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Old Jan 12th, 2011, 09:06 PM
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I imagine buying a snack at the bar at the Carlyle for four people could blow your budget as well.

Based on your Mom's wish list, Mom's health issues, and this being a dream trip, I think your group should look for a place in Manhattan.

Park South Hotel, while not particular glamorous, is at the edge of midtown on the same block as a subway stop. They have some double-double rooms--depending on when you come you might be able to afford two rooms. Friends stayed there and really raved about the breakfast that was included in the rate. This hotel is also near a residential area featuring a variety of reasonable restaurants.
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Old Jan 13th, 2011, 12:16 AM
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Because of the condition of Mom, the subways are a tough way to get around. There are always stairs to climb and even those with elevators or escalators do not always work and none go from the street all the way to the level of the subway platform.

Since there are four, you could take taxis. Four is the legal maximum and one person would sit up with the driver. They usally have to clear the seat of lunch or a newspaper from 1967.

Buses are an alternative.

You could have one slurge meal at 21 but should check to see the cover and minimum at the Carlyle. Below is something I post on occasion.

How to eat cheaply in NYC

Breakfast

Every, and I do mean every, neighborhood in Manhattan has what are euphemistically called delis. Almost all have some sort of breakfast specials that usually includes eggs, potatoes, toast and coffee. If you are not hungry or are cholesterol adverse, they also usually sell sliced fruit and yogurt. Of course there are bagels and pastries. NEVER EVER order room service.

There are many places that make their bagels. NOT DUNKIN DONUS. Some of the better one’s include Ess-a-Bagel, H &H. Murray’s Tal’s, David’s. Avoid the bagel place in Chelsea Market and the one on Carmine Street, .

Lunch

Part of the NY experience is to avoid chain restaurants. There is an incredible variety of inexpensive foods, among them Chinese and Indian. Quality varies substantially. If you are in or near Chinatown, there are many places including Big Wong’s. If you are near the East Village East 6th Street has literally 14 Indian restaurants to choose from. There are also excellent Indian restaurants on Lexington Avenue in the 20’s. The East Village also offers inexpensive Eastern European cooking at Veselka comfort food at Mama’s.

No NY’er cannot resist a frank at Gray’s Papaya who also sells fruit drinks including papaya, hence the name. There are now many variations on papaya and dogs all are inexpensive. Nathan’s are also very good but they are more expensive.

Pizza is a long lunch standby-do not go to ANY chain, the cheese is older than the kids who make it. Look for by the slice places and try a calzone as well, you will not eat for two days.

Sidewalk hot dog venders are always cheap, avoid the guys around Rock Center, you pay a premium. There are those who wonder about the hygiene, the dogs are boiled and the knishes grilled for forever. It must kill anything that lurks

Free samples are available at Dean & Deluca, Sarabeth’s, and Gourmet Garage.

It is the rare independent bakery in NYC that does not have at least one bread or pastry that is enticing.

The following are inexpensive meals and desserts:

Inexpensive Italian- La Marca (3rd Ave. and 22 Street, only opened noon-10 PM, Mon-Fri), Excellent Food Value

Inexpensive Eastern European- Veselka, Ukranian National

Turkish Kitchen-excellent lunch and brunch specials

Dessert-Veniero's, DeRobertis for the frozen lemon thing and cannoli , Fat Witch Bakery (brownies only) Chelsea Market

Brunches-, I Coppi, (best $15 brunch we have had in a long time) Cafecito (Ave C), Clinton Street Bakery, City Bakery

Pizza-Motorino, they luncheon special with individual pizza is a great great buy, Totonno’s, Lombardi’s

Hole in the wall-Stage (next to Stomp) great cheap home made soups

French fires-Pomme Frites

Inexpensive American-Mama’s

Ice Cream-Cones on Bleecker, Il Laboratorio de Gelato, Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, Cones and Sundae (East 10th off Third) Ronnybrook at the Chelsea market

Chinatown-Big Wong. Joe’s Ginger, NY Noodletown

Dim Sum-Jing Fung, Golden Unicorn

Sandwiches-Dafonte-the meatball tastes like old Brooklyn and where else can still get potato and egg sandwiches.

Tapas-Despana on Broome Street
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Old Jan 13th, 2011, 03:33 AM
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You could stay at the Eastgate which is an Affinia hotel in a studio suite for 550.00 for 2 nights in early August with 2 beds, a pull out sofa and kitchen which would allow you to get some snacks and breakfast things to eat early in the room while others are getting ready for the day, also saving money this way. For about 630.00, you could get a 1 bedroom with 2 beds and pull out sofa so if the snoring was really bothering them, you could sleep on the sofa bed Not super close to a subway line, but as Adu pointed out, that can be pretty tough given the health problems.
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Old Jan 13th, 2011, 05:11 AM
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Both the Park South and Eastgate look great. I really like the idea of the separate sofa bed at Eastgate to save my fellow travelers from my nightly trumpeting. Do these hotels have a high probability of selling out in mid-August - or can I hold off booking, hoping some amazing deal will pop up?

Adu, thank you for the wonderful restaurant list. I'm copying and pasting into my file. FWIW, it looks like mac 'n' cheese and a glass of champagne at The Carlyle are available for less than fifty bucks pp, add a $20 cover on Sunday evening and we can sit at a table and be entertained too. Pricey, but I think my mom might think it's worth it

I hadn't thought about the stairs at the subway stations. Grumble, grumble. How much will taxis set us back, say from the ferry terminal to Chinatown, Chinatown to Times Square, or midtown to The Carlyle? Do buses expect exact change?
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Old Jan 13th, 2011, 05:54 AM
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The bus system is very accessible but of course you are subject to traffic conditions so they may take a long time. You must use exact change on a bus--no paper currency--but you can also use the MetroCard which is used for the subway to pay the fare.

For the taxi rides you describe, you will pay $10-$20 each. You will pay $10 each time your group rides the subway (unless you purchase unlimited ride MetroCards), so it maynot be that much more to taxi.

http://www.mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm
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Old Jan 13th, 2011, 06:06 AM
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Okay, this is what I'd book if I were in your shoes -

The Hampton Inn Times Square North -
http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/h...tyhocn=NYCMTHX

great location for what you want
4 can share a room easily
Free breakfast so you mom can just take the elevator down to eat so she can take her meds anytime she wants

Many Fodorites have recommended this tour -
http://www.marvelousmanhattantours.com/index.html

It takes you to most of what you want to see, but you ride comfortably on small buses
http://www.marvelousmanhattantours.c...ts_routes.html

Read the reviews -
http://www.zerve.com/KingOfNYC/Rating

Go ahead and book as soon as you have your dates

Don't try to talk her out of the 21 Club. It's what she wants to do. Let her dream come true. If you stay at the Hampton, it's an easy walk (1/2 mile).

http://www.21club.com/web/onyc/prixfixe.jsp
Go for a Prix Fixe luncheon and treat yourself - a bargain at $30 for appetizer, entree and dessert.

After lunch walk .3 more to the Top of the Rock.
I'd pick the Top of the Rock because they won't have to stand in long lines AND they can SEE the Empire State Building
http://www.topoftherocknyc.com/
You buy tickets online for a certain time period so you don't have to wait in long lines and the view is fabulous.

I really enjoyed the tour of Radio City Music Hall and they may as well.
http://www.radiocity.com/tours/stage-door-tour.html

Take a cab to the Carlyle and back. Personally, I think cabs add value to a trip. Easy, great when you are tired, you get to actually SEE things along the way - it's part of my entertainment. Subways can be exhausting and frustrating for those not used to them and/or with walking difficulties.

If you stay at the Hampton Inn you'll be in walking distance to most of the Broadway shows. Rather than waiting in line at the TKTS booth, I'd buy tickets ahead of time using the discounts at Broadway Box. You still are buying through the official vendors (Ticketmaster or Telecharge) but you get a discount without waiting in lines.

http://www.broadwaybox.com/

Check out the shows at www.playbill.com

You can take a carriage ride in Central Park or if you take the big tour with Marvelous Manhattan tours you will get a chance to go in the park with them.

So, here's what I'd book -

Arrive early afternoon of 1st day -
Night 1 - walk to a Broadway show that you bought tix for before you arrive

Day 2 - First full day - take the Royal Tour from 9 to 3 and see most of what is on your list. Breakfast is free at the hotel and lunch is at Katz Deli (on the tour).
Night 2 - Eat near the hotel and take a cab to the Carlyle for a drink

Day 3 - Walk a few blocks to the 21 Club for lunch. Walk a few more blocks to the Top of the Rock for the view. Perhaps a tour of Radio City Music Hall. Walk or cab it back to the hotel.
Night 3 - not sure - I'd go to another Broadway show

Day 4 - Save this day to see anything you haven't already done or may want to do. Take a cab to Canal Street if you still want to. Go to the Lower East Side Tenement tour. Go to a taping of The View - if you can get in. I like a "catch up" day at the end of a trip to squeeze in things that were missed the first time.
Night 4 - go back and see/do whatever you missed OR late departure back home
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Old Jan 13th, 2011, 08:34 AM
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As you describe your mom and friend neither subway nor bus will work. For subway there are stairs - often several levels. For bus you often have to stand for 30 minutes or more (it's very rare for a bus to pull in with empty seats). Plus they stop every 2 or 3 blocks and take forever to go anywhere except short crosston hops. So I think you really need to assume cabs.

You can go to hopstop.com and insert your loations and get time and costs for a variety of differnet options.
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Old Jan 13th, 2011, 09:08 AM
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Ive stayed at the Hampton Inn that starrs recommended above and it was in a great location.

Agree with TOTR too in lieu of the ESB - for the view of the ESB and Central Park.

Another way to see Manhattan would be the Circle Line Boat Tour. I would do the one that goes to the Brooklyn Bridge and back. I did the full island tour and while it was great, it is too long and you go a while without seeing much.

While I agree with NYT about buses being full, people should give up their seats to 2 elderly people. Probably doesn't happen as much as it should though so I agree that cabs probably make the most sense.
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Old Jan 13th, 2011, 09:53 AM
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Early August will be less expensive than later August. August can bring hot, oppressive, humid, days and nights...that's why NYC rooms are much less expensive then, say, in September or October. The weekend will be less expensive than weeknights.

4 women with one bathroom? No thanks. Take a look at quikbook, orbitz, priceline (bids here only guarantee rooms for 2 person occupancy, no exceptions should be assumed), travelzoo (closer to the time of travel), kayak.com, expedia, etc. We stayed at the 4* Gild Hall in the Financial District last August for $129.00 a night. It's a great hotel close to the Seaport where there is plenty of cab and bus access if subways won't work for your group. Be aware that the bathroom doors at Gild Hall are textured glass (the view is occluded but you're not totally private); I'm just using this hotel as an example of discounted hotel rates in August.
Check the Affinia apart-hotels and RCA for discounted rates in August. You might be able to get a 2 bath/4 bed suite there if you call. Also consider the Hotel Beacon. Call for room configurations; they don't offer discounts. The Fairway Market is right across the street from the hotel and you can pick up breakfast items to enjoy in your room before heading out for the day.
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Old Jan 13th, 2011, 09:56 AM
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Oh, and by the way: Carpe Diem. If not now, when? Have a wonderful visit, make the most of everything you Can do and take plenty of photos. I think it's great you're planning this trip. Good luck with everything.
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Old Jan 13th, 2011, 11:31 AM
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I don't think early August will be less expensive than late August. Early Aug. is when the UK schools let out and many come to NYC for their hols. and prices rise and fall based on demand. Late Aug. is typically better (cooler) weather---at least it has been the last few years... and cheaper. I'd look at radiocityapartments.com in a 2 bedroom suite (only 1 bathroom though) and also the Eastgate Towers in a 2 bedroom/2bathroom suite. They often have sales on those on travelzoo.com and travel-ticker.com I'd also sign up with Affinia.com for emails on sales.

The other option you might consider is staying in a women's residence that includes some meals. http://www.thebrandon.org/

The other idea is to contact some elderhostel organizations and see if there's a trip you can send your Mom & her friend on with them. I think $2500 for 4 people is going to be tough.

I wouldn't consider taking the train. I'd either fly or drive.
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Old Jan 13th, 2011, 12:13 PM
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We find early August to be less expensive with more availability than late August as late August is when the university kids start to pile into the city to set up their apartments with their parents during Freshman week etc. The weather isn't too different than late July or late August. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I actually thought $2500.00 for 4 people for a TWO night stay was a reasonable budget. Just stay out of Per Se.
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Old Jan 13th, 2011, 01:15 PM
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Hampton Inn North Times Square - 4 nights x $300 night = $1200
Marvelous Manhattan Royal Tour - 2x 80 and 2x 75 senior = 310
subtotal = 1510
21 Club lunch - 4 x 30 = 120 + 24 tip = 154
subtotal = 1654
Top of the Rock = 2 x 22 and 2 x 20 = 84
subtotal = 1738
cab to and from the Carlyle = 40 max
subtotal = 1778
Mezzanine seats for Phantom of the Opera (or other show using current discounts) - 4 x 50 = 200
subtotal = $1978

So, $2000 will get you virtually everything you've asked for.
Does the $2500 include getting you TO NYC? If so, it's going to be hard to do. You could drive and make it work.

The above gives you $500 to spare. A word of advice - don't get into the pattern of paying for everything. If you pay for the above, you are being very generous. The above includes breakfast for every day and lunch for 2 days. They can pick up the rest of the food - they have to eat at home anyway. For your $2000 and their spending money and paying for flights, the 4 of you could have a great time in the city.
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Old Jan 13th, 2011, 01:31 PM
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Agreed that if you cram 4 folks into a taxi and keep things within the Manhattan tourist areas, you're probably going to come out out about the same as taking a subway or bus -- plus the taxi will be easier on your mom. Don't forget to tip the driver 15% to 20%, though.

Aduchamp1's suggestions are very strong ones. I'm actually a bigger fan of John's and Nick's for pizza than Lombardi's or Totonno's, myself. Jewish-style delis are a great NYC experience and can be relatively reasonable compared to other NYC dining experiences -- consider Katz's (especially for their pastrami juicy on rye) and 3rd Avenue Deli (just about anything classic deli) in particular.

Note also that Veselka is open 24 hours 7 days -- perfect place for an early breakfast.
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Old Jan 13th, 2011, 01:49 PM
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Bachslunch

Please note the name is 2nd Ave Deli and it is confusing because they are now located right off Third Ave, where they moved about three years ago.

___________________

As a kid I learned never count or spend other people's money. When one travel's even cheap breakfasts add up, as do various tips, impulse puchases, gifts, lunches, snacks, admissions, and other incidentals.

Since 21 and the Carlyle have special signifcance enjoy those and figure out where to othwewise scimp.
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