mcqueeney449

Two completely different questions for my next NYC trip January 1-3rd.

Parking - We are driving in (from CT) and staying at the Marriott Eastside (priceline 80/night). I know about train and bus options and may consider them if there aren't any good parking options but we do prefer to drive. Valet parking at the hotel is $38.00/day per the hotel website. Any public parking close by with a better price?

Coffee - Last trip we got beans at Zabar's. We tried the Zabar blend and we like it but don't love it. Love the store though and will definitely be stopping in there again this trip. We like a rich dark roast that is smooth, do not like any bitterness. Any suggestions on what beans to try?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

almesq

As for parking, there are plenty of garages in the area, but probably won't do better than that for each 24 hour period. Parking is generally 25-30 from morning til night, but since you're leaving it there for 24 hour periods, will be more. I'm sure the hotel uses one of the garages right near by, and they all have pretty much the same rates. Probably none cheaper in that neighborhood.
Can't help you with the coffee, sorry.

HowardR

If you want to venture downtown for coffee, try Porto Rico Importing. They have three stores--201 Bleecker Street in West Village, 40 1/2 St. Mark's Place in East Village and 107 Thompson Street in Soho. Excellent and varied selection.

mclaurie

For parking, go to the website iconparking.com. You can input your hotel address & see what garages they have in the area & the prices. You can even "reserve" a space. FYI Jan 1 is a holiday & you could actually find free parking on the street I think.

Be careful about park & ride options on Jan 1. As it's a holiday, commuter trains will be on reduced holiday schedules.

JeanG

I second Porto Rico Importing Co.

I also really like the beans at Oren's. Their locations will be convenient for you since you are staying on the east side. I don't like the one in Grand Central though; I recommend going to one
of the other locations.
http://www.orensdailyroast.com/cat/locations.html

Margie

Mind if I jump in on the coffee question? Can you order a cup of coffee and sit down and enjoy it at Oren's or is this strictly a retail store? We will be making our annual pilgrimage to Crate & Barrel on Madison near 60th, and usually try to stop for coffee after we brose for awhile. Last year we asked at the store for a nearby recommendation and we were directed to a rather blah restaurant. Can anyone here offer a suggestion?

mcqueeney449

The iconparking site is great thanks! I have a printed "reservation" for a nearby lot. I will call the hotel and confirm their price and ask if they charge per 24 hours or per nights stayed at hotel. The icon place will save us a good amount if the hotel will be charging for 3 "days" rather than 2 nights.

I will add the coffee suggestions to my map ... not sure what areas we will be in yet this trip but we always go to Sarabeth's so Zabar's is right there.

I'd love some suggestions on specific blends to try.

Thanks everybody!

almesq

I saw you mentioned you go to Sarabeth's--always a good choice, but I have another recommendation for a similar place. Try Popover Cafe (only a few blocks away on Amsterdam b/w 86-87). Very similar, nice little shop attached, very good food, and they're famous for they're fresh popovers with strawberry butter--excellent.

mcqueeney449

almesq - Sounds Yummy! Hard to not go to Sarabeth's but for fresh popovers I could be convinced! I tell ya ...its a good thing we walk and walk and walk some more in NYC. lol.

mclaurie

Margie, it's a really high rent district so not easy to find a place that you let you just have coffee. For a real splurge late afternoon, go to the Pierre Hotel on 61 & 5th for afternoon tea (you can also get coffee). There's a cafe in the basement of Barneys (but it will be packed). If it's around 4, most restaurants will let you sit at the bar for a coffee. If you walk over to Lexington closer to Bloomies there will be more options I think.

JeanG

Margie, Oren's is retail - no place to sit.

My husband has hypothesized that the reason there is a Starbucks every third block in Manhattan is because it's a place to sit and relax.

djkbooks

At iconparking.com, you can enter your dates and times and then select a garage with an exact quote. You're asked to print it and bring it with you to guarantee space and the price. I always put in times a bit earlier and a bit later, and the price is always adjusted accordingly when we pick up the car.

almesq

mcqueeney--I hear ya about Sarabeths, but Popover is VERY similar--you'll almost think you are at Sarabeths. Plus, prices are a bit better--I've always thought Sarabeths was a bit overpriced (but what isn't here?!)
Enjoy.

mp

Actually - the Oren's near Crate &Barrel on 58th between Park & Madison has 4 stools and a coffee bar serves pastries and sandwiches . . . . Not glamorous, but comfortable enough for a brief respite. And frankly, IMHO, Oren's is the best coffee in New York - try the special blend, or his Beowulf blend, or for a big splurge - purchase some Celebes Kalossi (my fave . . .)

Margie

I'll take good coffee over glamour any day! I think we may check it out, and even if we can't stay to drink a cup there I'll probably buy some beans to take home -thanks!

kflodin

I can tell you, too, as a New Yorker, that Starbucks are the best (and sometimes only) place to use the rest room. Oh, and Barnes and Noble!

abram

Choosing between Popovers and Sarabeth's would be hard; I love them both. I agree that Sarabeth's is pricier.

samschack

Let me add to the coffee issue. We have traveled to NYC several times over the past few years and quite honestly find most coffee places serving stuff that tastes and looks like carmelized water. It seems crazy but Starbucks is the only place I have found in the city with good strong coffee. We usually stay in the theater district so if anyone has any suggestions they would be appreciated.

planner

Hi, we stayed at the Eastside Marriott and really enjoyed the location. The rooms were newly renovated and were very nice. If the other parking doesn't work that you lined up the valet at the hotel is a good alternative. We parked in a garage last weekend and paid $75 for Friday at 7pm until Sunday at 11am. so not much less for the convenience of pulling up to the hotel with your luggage.
Sarabeth's is my all time favorite and there are several locations. Popover Cafe is also good yet there is something about Sarabeth's that is special! We had a nice brunch at Nice Matin a newer place on the Upper West Side that was lovely though the breakfast items in my opinion are better at Sarabeth's. Have fun!

JeanG

samschack,

Regarding coffee in the theatre district, I recommend Empire Coffee on 9th b 42nd & 41st and Dean Deluca on 46th b 8th & Bdway.