New York City! Lodging and to-dos for Mom and daughter for a weekend?
Jul 31st, 2006, 11:55 AM
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New York City! Lodging and to-dos for Mom and daughter for a weekend?
Hi, Fodorites -
I want to take my 9 (going on 18) year old daughter to New York City for a weekend in October, as it’s a place she’s always wanted to see. Looking for suggestions for where to stay in Midtown that are not outrageous (no more than $225-ish a night), but still nice. Neither of us need 4* but I do want it to be special. I used to travel to NYC a lot for work, but the places I stayed would be outside my personal budget.
As far as things to do, NY Public Library, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building – standard touristy things that I’ve never done. I always have a habit of just falling into fun when I travel on my own, but I expect I’ll need to have things a little more planned with her. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. She’s an artist, so a small museum would be nice, but I don’t want to spend half of one day in the museum when we only have two days. She’s also into opera and basketball, so I’d thought a trip to the Met might be cool for her…Any other thoughts might be appreciated. Oh, she’s also into the creepy stuff, so I was going to look into something that might cover that base.
Thanks in advance for any help!
I want to take my 9 (going on 18) year old daughter to New York City for a weekend in October, as it’s a place she’s always wanted to see. Looking for suggestions for where to stay in Midtown that are not outrageous (no more than $225-ish a night), but still nice. Neither of us need 4* but I do want it to be special. I used to travel to NYC a lot for work, but the places I stayed would be outside my personal budget.
As far as things to do, NY Public Library, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building – standard touristy things that I’ve never done. I always have a habit of just falling into fun when I travel on my own, but I expect I’ll need to have things a little more planned with her. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. She’s an artist, so a small museum would be nice, but I don’t want to spend half of one day in the museum when we only have two days. She’s also into opera and basketball, so I’d thought a trip to the Met might be cool for her…Any other thoughts might be appreciated. Oh, she’s also into the creepy stuff, so I was going to look into something that might cover that base.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Jul 31st, 2006, 11:59 AM
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For $225 for an October weekend will get you the very bottom of the moderate hotels. Can you up your budget?
Labor Day through January 1st is peak season for NYC and prices reflect this.
Try Affina.com and Apple Core Hotels.
I did find a deal on The Park South which is a very nice boutique hotel in Murray Hill for around $200 per night but the rooms are very small.
Labor Day through January 1st is peak season for NYC and prices reflect this.
Try Affina.com and Apple Core Hotels.
I did find a deal on The Park South which is a very nice boutique hotel in Murray Hill for around $200 per night but the rooms are very small.
Jul 31st, 2006, 12:09 PM
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You should consider using priceline if there's just 2 of you. You could get a 4* at less than your limit.
Definitely check the Affinia hotels. Sometimes their website has special offers that are very good deals. Most of their hotels have suites and come with a kitchen or kitchenette which comes in handy when travelling with a child. You should check the Metropolitan Opera and NYC Opera (their production aren't as ellabortae as the Met, but the ticket prices are much less) websites for their schedules. If the opera doesn't work out, you should consider a broadway show. Check broadwaybox.com for discount codes about a month before your trip.
As far as art museums, take her to the Metropolitan Museum. Don't even try to see everything, get a museum map and let her pick out particular areas of interest. A great little museum to visit for kids is the Forbes Gallery. It's on 5th Avenue and 12th st. It's free, and has exhibits of some of M. FOrbes various collections (model ships, monopoly boards, historical items, etc.).
Definitely check the Affinia hotels. Sometimes their website has special offers that are very good deals. Most of their hotels have suites and come with a kitchen or kitchenette which comes in handy when travelling with a child. You should check the Metropolitan Opera and NYC Opera (their production aren't as ellabortae as the Met, but the ticket prices are much less) websites for their schedules. If the opera doesn't work out, you should consider a broadway show. Check broadwaybox.com for discount codes about a month before your trip.
As far as art museums, take her to the Metropolitan Museum. Don't even try to see everything, get a museum map and let her pick out particular areas of interest. A great little museum to visit for kids is the Forbes Gallery. It's on 5th Avenue and 12th st. It's free, and has exhibits of some of M. FOrbes various collections (model ships, monopoly boards, historical items, etc.).
Jul 31st, 2006, 12:44 PM
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To be honest, with hotel rates in NYC at an all-time high, I think you should be looking at www.applecorehotels.com, which offers chains like Red Roof Inn and Super 8. Your max. budget ($225) is a very cheap rate in NYC, so don't expect anything "special" for that amount, particularly in October, though on a weekend, you'll certainly do better than during the week. If you see a good deal for a well-located hotel in Manhattan for October, grab it asap.
At 9 years old, I think your daughter would be too young to appreciate most of the art museums in the city (and the crowds might be too much for both of you). She might like the Museum of the American Indian downtown by Bowling Green, and it has the advantage of being both free and not too large.
At 9 years old, I think your daughter would be too young to appreciate most of the art museums in the city (and the crowds might be too much for both of you). She might like the Museum of the American Indian downtown by Bowling Green, and it has the advantage of being both free and not too large.
Jul 31st, 2006, 03:28 PM
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I dunno, Doug. The OP says her daughter is an artist and would be interested in museums. I say take her. The Met is huge and can be overwhelming. Perhaps she'd like the Frick -- it's small, styled like a house and the paintings are hung as they would be in the 18th century. Or maybe you could try the Neue Gallerie to see the Klimts that were just sold to it by the family of Bloch-Bauer.
As for your hotel, I agree that your budget is very low for NY in October -- Applecore is a good idea. Don't expect it to be "special." For that, you'll need to up your budget.
You say she's into "creepy things." Not sure what that means, but maybe a trip to Jekyll and Hyde? The food isn't good, but it might be okay for a 9 yr old.
Other things she might like -- walking around Central Park or Times Square, the NY Public Library is really cool and has been recently beautifully renovated, Grand Central is beautiful and has a food court of local restaurants in the lower level.
Have a great time!
As for your hotel, I agree that your budget is very low for NY in October -- Applecore is a good idea. Don't expect it to be "special." For that, you'll need to up your budget.
You say she's into "creepy things." Not sure what that means, but maybe a trip to Jekyll and Hyde? The food isn't good, but it might be okay for a 9 yr old.
Other things she might like -- walking around Central Park or Times Square, the NY Public Library is really cool and has been recently beautifully renovated, Grand Central is beautiful and has a food court of local restaurants in the lower level.
Have a great time!
Jul 31st, 2006, 03:38 PM
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The website is www.broadwayinn.com.
Jul 31st, 2006, 04:26 PM
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Many 9 year olds are not too young for art museums - although I would limit the time/# of works. I still think the Met is the best - but definitely go on the web site in advance and pick no more than 2 departments - she might like the impressionists - which are very acessible. (Of - if there is any particular type of art she favors - or specific artist let us know and we can aim you to the right museum).
Also check out the Lincoln Center web site. They have a museum dealing with theatrical productions, a back stage tour and fairly frequently reshearsals of all types of productions that you can view for prctically nothing.
As far as hotel - I would start working Priceline now - I think that's your only chance for something at all special for such a limited budget (Oct rates are twie thos of Jan/Feb). Meantime book something in your price range that's cancellable. (And do check some of the major chain web sites - they have huge hotels that may be full of business travelers during the week - but may have a lull on occasional weekends.)
Also - would do Top of the Rock vs ESB - no long lines and the views are as good if not better (esp OF ESB).
And finally - don;t forget Centtral Park. She is a kid after all. You might consider a bike ride, renting a bot or just walking and seeing the carousel or the small zoo. Check the web site of the Central Park Conservancy for a detailed map and more info.
Also check out the Lincoln Center web site. They have a museum dealing with theatrical productions, a back stage tour and fairly frequently reshearsals of all types of productions that you can view for prctically nothing.
As far as hotel - I would start working Priceline now - I think that's your only chance for something at all special for such a limited budget (Oct rates are twie thos of Jan/Feb). Meantime book something in your price range that's cancellable. (And do check some of the major chain web sites - they have huge hotels that may be full of business travelers during the week - but may have a lull on occasional weekends.)
Also - would do Top of the Rock vs ESB - no long lines and the views are as good if not better (esp OF ESB).
And finally - don;t forget Centtral Park. She is a kid after all. You might consider a bike ride, renting a bot or just walking and seeing the carousel or the small zoo. Check the web site of the Central Park Conservancy for a detailed map and more info.
Jul 31st, 2006, 05:27 PM
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I agree that the Met is too big; the Frick would be a better selection.
What about a tea party with your daughter at An American Girl? It seems to be all the rage in Manhattan right now. I was coming out of Saks the other day and I couldn't believe all the mothers and daughters lined up on the sidewalk.
What about a tea party with your daughter at An American Girl? It seems to be all the rage in Manhattan right now. I was coming out of Saks the other day and I couldn't believe all the mothers and daughters lined up on the sidewalk.
Jul 31st, 2006, 05:56 PM
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For creepy things, consider the Bodies exhibit at South Street Seaport if it's still there. Also, I'm pretty sure the American Museum of Natural History has a great collection of creepy-crawly things, and they would certainly be presented in a very interesting way - it's a great museum.
Jul 31st, 2006, 05:56 PM
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I am taking My Mom to NYC this October for a soap opera gathering. We bid on Priceline and got the Grand Hyatt for $260 per night. I think you could get a 3* hotel for your budget if you have enough time and patience to bid on Priceline. Check out the www.biddingfortravel website for more info. Good luck and have fun in NYC.
Jul 31st, 2006, 06:06 PM
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The Frick is the best small art museum in NYC by a mile, but I don't think they allow children as young as 9 there. The Met might be the best choice for variety (think of it as a large collection of small museums and just go see one area), particularly if they limit their time there. Just pay much less than the recommended amount and allot an hour.
Jul 31st, 2006, 06:45 PM
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That is true - according to the Frick's website, children under 10 are not admitted, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Their exact quote:
Children
The Collection attempts to preserve the ambience of Mr. Frick’s private house, and visitors are therefore asked to observe regulations necessary for protecting the works of art and their domestic setting. Because few ropes or cases are used to guard fragile objects, children under ten are not admitted to the Collection, and those under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, see Children or download our Policy on the Admission of Children (Adobe Acrobat required).
Their exact quote:
Children
The Collection attempts to preserve the ambience of Mr. Frick’s private house, and visitors are therefore asked to observe regulations necessary for protecting the works of art and their domestic setting. Because few ropes or cases are used to guard fragile objects, children under ten are not admitted to the Collection, and those under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, see Children or download our Policy on the Admission of Children (Adobe Acrobat required).
Jul 31st, 2006, 09:42 PM
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Seasweetie....I have been trying to do the same thing...find a nice place for under $200 in October! Guess what? Not going to happen!! I tried lots of things....Oct. is a very expensive time in NYC....I have booked The Comfort Inn-Midtown for $233 using AAA. The location is good (46th street-near 7th and 8th) and the reviews on Trip Advisor are mostly good. I don't think it will be "special"....I think it will be clean and sufficient.....for "special" I was going to have to pay at least $400 I think...I really wanted that too but I just did not want to cough up that much money!! I did not do Price Line....
You can check under my name for the replies I got (lots of great ideas) for my NY thread ...1st time to NY....
Good Luck!
Shadow
You can check under my name for the replies I got (lots of great ideas) for my NY thread ...1st time to NY....
Good Luck!
Shadow
Aug 1st, 2006, 05:33 AM
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MOMA also has some cafes where you two could have a lovely lunch. http://www.moma.org/visit_moma/restaurants.html
It's close to Rockefeller Center, the NBC Experience, Top of the Rock, American Girl Place (make reservations if you want to eat in the cafe!), etc.
It's close to Rockefeller Center, the NBC Experience, Top of the Rock, American Girl Place (make reservations if you want to eat in the cafe!), etc.
Aug 1st, 2006, 05:53 AM
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If she's into art then the Metropolitan, Guggenheim and Frick collection are a must!!! oh- and don't forget the cloisters museum in the northern part of Manhattan. for hotel ideas in the city try http://www.tripcart.com/usa-regions/New-York-City.aspx
you can look up hotels and different attractions (buttons on right side of screen)in the city (or anywhere else in the US)
have a great time
N.
you can look up hotels and different attractions (buttons on right side of screen)in the city (or anywhere else in the US)
have a great time
N.
Aug 1st, 2006, 07:20 AM
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Wow!!! Thanks everyone, for the great replies!!
DD and I were discussing it last night and this morning, and I might up my budget for the room, but I'll start trying Priceline - never done that before, but there's a first time for everything!
Regarding art, she likes impressionists and early Modern work - and when I took her to the Denver Art Museum to see the Masters exhibit, she would sit in front of the paintings she loved (she's small so she didn't get in anyone's way) and try to do her own quick sketch so she could work on them more at home. Sorry to hear the Frick won't take kids...that seemed perfect. Maybe MOMA...
Lisettemac - I haven't heard of Jeckyll and Hyde - know where I could find out anything more about it? (And her creepiness is along the lines of ghosts, mysteries, and a fasicination with forensics.)
And nytraveller, thanks for the Lincoln Center tip - that sounds perfect!
Does anyone know where the Bodies exhibit might be, if it's in NYC? We missed it TWICE in Denver due to blackouts at the Museum - already in line with tickets bought!
I have never heard of the NBC experience - assume I can find something out about it on the website? And that would coordinate with a visit to the Top of the Rock?
She's set on the Public Library (she is, after all, the grandaughter of two librarians)- and the Statue of Liberty - and I think she'd love Grand Central (I know I do.)
She's a total tomboy - doesn't even own a dress - so I think the American Girl experience wouldn't do much for her..now if it were the American Tomboy....
One thing I'm curious about - is there any particularly cool waterfront area? I'm a sailor, and we both love the water...
So far, it sounds like we'll have to narrow things down for a weekend - or extend!
Thanks again, and any more ideas are most welcome!
DD and I were discussing it last night and this morning, and I might up my budget for the room, but I'll start trying Priceline - never done that before, but there's a first time for everything!
Regarding art, she likes impressionists and early Modern work - and when I took her to the Denver Art Museum to see the Masters exhibit, she would sit in front of the paintings she loved (she's small so she didn't get in anyone's way) and try to do her own quick sketch so she could work on them more at home. Sorry to hear the Frick won't take kids...that seemed perfect. Maybe MOMA...
Lisettemac - I haven't heard of Jeckyll and Hyde - know where I could find out anything more about it? (And her creepiness is along the lines of ghosts, mysteries, and a fasicination with forensics.)
And nytraveller, thanks for the Lincoln Center tip - that sounds perfect!
Does anyone know where the Bodies exhibit might be, if it's in NYC? We missed it TWICE in Denver due to blackouts at the Museum - already in line with tickets bought!
I have never heard of the NBC experience - assume I can find something out about it on the website? And that would coordinate with a visit to the Top of the Rock?
She's set on the Public Library (she is, after all, the grandaughter of two librarians)- and the Statue of Liberty - and I think she'd love Grand Central (I know I do.)
She's a total tomboy - doesn't even own a dress - so I think the American Girl experience wouldn't do much for her..now if it were the American Tomboy....
One thing I'm curious about - is there any particularly cool waterfront area? I'm a sailor, and we both love the water...
So far, it sounds like we'll have to narrow things down for a weekend - or extend!
Thanks again, and any more ideas are most welcome!
