Our New York Rants and Raves
Jun 23rd, 2004, 10:39 PM
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Our New York Rants and Raves
Raves:
1. Whoever said New Yorkers are rude? Everywhere we went we had pleasant experiences with the natives. We had to ask directions on the subway a few times and were always given polite, correct answers. Of course we learned directions the hard way by getting lost once on the DT route, but it was fun and a good laugh.
2.The NYPD. Again, so polite! Cops get a bad wrap sometimes but in our experience they were always friendly and again dealt with my stupid questions in a friendly mannor.
3. The hop on/hop off bus. Did 3 routes, Uptown, Downtown, and the Bronx. Now I understand the inspiration for the Woody Allen movies and the like. We arrived the fateful weekend of the Puerto Rican day Parade, hubby & I laughed because it was just like Seinfeld. Also enjoyed a 90 min ferry ride around the city.
4. The Producers. One of my, no, it is my favorite play? I love Mel Brooks. Laughed MAO. Bialystock and Bloooommmmm...
5. Our handsom cab ride throughout Central Park. $34 for 1/2 hour. Did once with inlaws and again privately with hubby. Loved watching all the NYers and their little dogs.
6. The New Yorkers rememberance of 911. We went to the WTC, so sad. There are thoughfrul rememberances all over the city. I can't imagine what those poor people went through. Very touching when we walked by fire stations to see photos of the fallen fighters. Same at the churches surrounding the WTC.
7. The history, history, of New York. Did all the touristy things- Ellis Island to find my Great grandfathers signature uopn arrival to the US from Italy, along with the date and ship stats. Also enjoyed the Statue of Liberty, the Met, and the Museum of Natural History.
Rants/Raves:
1. Marriott Marquis- great location for a tourist but I can't do it again
Central location in the heart of Times Square. But fighting the crowds in the 87 degree heat got to be tiring. And the wait for the elevators was sheer torture. Very bad customer service, maid service tried to kick us out of our room twice though we repeatedly told them we weren't checking out for 2 more nights. Head of housekeeping knocked on my door at 9:15PM to ask if when were leaving. A bill and double room charge was placed under my door the following morning.
Rants:
1. The theatre play "Jumpers". It was billed as a comedy and murder mystery. More like a philosophical satire and a bare naked woman for long periods of time. We sat in the 4th row from the full budy nudity and the crotch shots weren't great. Left at intermission.
2. Rocco's. Okay, I was a glutton for punishment but had to see it for myself. Yes, yes, yes, the food was bad. We made a reservation for 6PM sunday night and the restaurant remained < half full throughout our dinner. How hard is it to screw up spaghetti? It was terribly spicy (not in a good way) and heavy. Mom's fettucini tasted like a stick of butter and the noodles were not cooked. Now hubby liked his rigatoni bolognese. But I should also mention that he has not eaten red meat in 2 years so any meat would have been delicious for him. I could keep rambling about the meal but I'll run out of room. I was expecting a hip crowd but it was mostly all tourists and not dressed too well like I was hoping. My mistake. Anyways, I hope somehow this place can pull out of the slump. Didn't get to see Mama, the main reason I wanted to go there, she reminds me of my beloved Grandma.
In all, a wonderful trip. This was the first time I was in NY in 13 years, I'm glad I got to see so much of what is America's best city.
1. Whoever said New Yorkers are rude? Everywhere we went we had pleasant experiences with the natives. We had to ask directions on the subway a few times and were always given polite, correct answers. Of course we learned directions the hard way by getting lost once on the DT route, but it was fun and a good laugh.
2.The NYPD. Again, so polite! Cops get a bad wrap sometimes but in our experience they were always friendly and again dealt with my stupid questions in a friendly mannor.
3. The hop on/hop off bus. Did 3 routes, Uptown, Downtown, and the Bronx. Now I understand the inspiration for the Woody Allen movies and the like. We arrived the fateful weekend of the Puerto Rican day Parade, hubby & I laughed because it was just like Seinfeld. Also enjoyed a 90 min ferry ride around the city.
4. The Producers. One of my, no, it is my favorite play? I love Mel Brooks. Laughed MAO. Bialystock and Bloooommmmm...
5. Our handsom cab ride throughout Central Park. $34 for 1/2 hour. Did once with inlaws and again privately with hubby. Loved watching all the NYers and their little dogs.
6. The New Yorkers rememberance of 911. We went to the WTC, so sad. There are thoughfrul rememberances all over the city. I can't imagine what those poor people went through. Very touching when we walked by fire stations to see photos of the fallen fighters. Same at the churches surrounding the WTC.
7. The history, history, of New York. Did all the touristy things- Ellis Island to find my Great grandfathers signature uopn arrival to the US from Italy, along with the date and ship stats. Also enjoyed the Statue of Liberty, the Met, and the Museum of Natural History.
Rants/Raves:
1. Marriott Marquis- great location for a tourist but I can't do it again
Central location in the heart of Times Square. But fighting the crowds in the 87 degree heat got to be tiring. And the wait for the elevators was sheer torture. Very bad customer service, maid service tried to kick us out of our room twice though we repeatedly told them we weren't checking out for 2 more nights. Head of housekeeping knocked on my door at 9:15PM to ask if when were leaving. A bill and double room charge was placed under my door the following morning.Rants:
1. The theatre play "Jumpers". It was billed as a comedy and murder mystery. More like a philosophical satire and a bare naked woman for long periods of time. We sat in the 4th row from the full budy nudity and the crotch shots weren't great. Left at intermission.
2. Rocco's. Okay, I was a glutton for punishment but had to see it for myself. Yes, yes, yes, the food was bad. We made a reservation for 6PM sunday night and the restaurant remained < half full throughout our dinner. How hard is it to screw up spaghetti? It was terribly spicy (not in a good way) and heavy. Mom's fettucini tasted like a stick of butter and the noodles were not cooked. Now hubby liked his rigatoni bolognese. But I should also mention that he has not eaten red meat in 2 years so any meat would have been delicious for him. I could keep rambling about the meal but I'll run out of room. I was expecting a hip crowd but it was mostly all tourists and not dressed too well like I was hoping. My mistake. Anyways, I hope somehow this place can pull out of the slump. Didn't get to see Mama, the main reason I wanted to go there, she reminds me of my beloved Grandma.
In all, a wonderful trip. This was the first time I was in NY in 13 years, I'm glad I got to see so much of what is America's best city.
Jun 24th, 2004, 06:09 AM
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travelinwifey
Agree, agree, agree...
The only violence I've ever seen in NYC was two guys who almost got in a fight trying to give me directions, each claiming their's was better...
The Marriottt Marquis is like a first generation 747....they didn't have enough bathrooms, the Marquis doesn't have enough elevators...but the Concierge Lounge is really good...
Every chance I get to go to Manhattan, I do!
Good report!
Agree, agree, agree...
The only violence I've ever seen in NYC was two guys who almost got in a fight trying to give me directions, each claiming their's was better...
The Marriottt Marquis is like a first generation 747....they didn't have enough bathrooms, the Marquis doesn't have enough elevators...but the Concierge Lounge is really good...
Every chance I get to go to Manhattan, I do!
Good report!
Jun 24th, 2004, 06:45 AM
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I love New Yorkers. They are the greatest. And if you have a minute they will give you their opinions about the news of the day whether you want it or not. They seemed to me to be very informed people. Some are rude, but at least they are honest about it. It is a city full of characters, IMO. Just love em.
Jun 24th, 2004, 06:53 AM
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Great report Travelinwifey, thanks! I couldn't agree more about Native New Yorkers and NYPD. Everyone that I encountered in New York recently (my first time there) was extremely helpful and friendly.
We actually had a very funny experience with a member of NY's finest. We were on our way to the Empire State Building and for whatever reason, from street level, we couldn't seem to figure out where it was. The other buildings around it were somehow obscuring our view. So thinking we would save ourselves some time, we spotted a police officer sitting in his car and asked him directions the the ESB. He kind of looked at us in amazement for a moment and then started laughing. He then said "walk about 20 paces to that next corner and look up." How embarassing!
I was so thankful that he had a sense of humour.
We actually had a very funny experience with a member of NY's finest. We were on our way to the Empire State Building and for whatever reason, from street level, we couldn't seem to figure out where it was. The other buildings around it were somehow obscuring our view. So thinking we would save ourselves some time, we spotted a police officer sitting in his car and asked him directions the the ESB. He kind of looked at us in amazement for a moment and then started laughing. He then said "walk about 20 paces to that next corner and look up." How embarassing!
I was so thankful that he had a sense of humour.
Jun 24th, 2004, 08:37 AM
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We did the same thing Atilla. We asked directions for a chinese restaurant that was no less than 15 feet away 
daaaa.....
BuzzyJ- glad to hear we weren't the only ones that didn't particularly enjoy Jumpers, we also heard the couple ahead of us considering if they were going to stay or not.
Thanks so much for your responses everyone! I was hoping you'd see this Scarlett
daaaa.....BuzzyJ- glad to hear we weren't the only ones that didn't particularly enjoy Jumpers, we also heard the couple ahead of us considering if they were going to stay or not.
Thanks so much for your responses everyone! I was hoping you'd see this Scarlett
Jun 24th, 2004, 08:50 AM
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Great report! I agree with your assessment of New Yorkers--they are so friendly! My husband and I were in town a few weeks ago and constanly had nice New Yorkers helping us if we looked lost. We even met the NICEST bus driver in Brooklyn who made sure we got to Grimaldi's (b/c we were lost!). Others helped give us directions in subway stations, bus stands,took pictures of us so we'd have some couple shots, etc. A really great worker at Yankee stadium went out of his way to get a picture for us with the stadium in the background. Great City!!
We saw Wicked and Raisin in the Sun and loved both! It was great to see them both a few days after the Tony's. I thought Sean Combs did a great job and should be commended for getting Raisin back on Broadway. I meant to do a trip report but never got around to it, so I'll just add that now.
We saw Wicked and Raisin in the Sun and loved both! It was great to see them both a few days after the Tony's. I thought Sean Combs did a great job and should be commended for getting Raisin back on Broadway. I meant to do a trip report but never got around to it, so I'll just add that now.
Jun 24th, 2004, 09:07 AM
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Another "hats off" to friendly New Yorkers! If someone saw us studying the subway line map, they would offer assistance. If we stood on the corner trying to decide where to eat a late night meal, people would greet us, strike up conversations and proudly offer some of the options in their fabulous city. Rockefeller Center cops politely directed us to television show filming areas.
We were kind of shell-shocked after our first trip to Manhattan last October, because we didn't expect to love that city like we did! There's just a great vibe there, unlike any city I've visited in the U.S. Before we left on the trip I read on this forum that NY was many peoples' favorite city in the U.S., and I thought "What's so great about it?" Now I can't even describe it... what is NOT great about it? We LOVE that city and can't wait to return.
Glad you had a great trip travelinwifey, thanks for the opportunity to sing the praises of New York.
We were kind of shell-shocked after our first trip to Manhattan last October, because we didn't expect to love that city like we did! There's just a great vibe there, unlike any city I've visited in the U.S. Before we left on the trip I read on this forum that NY was many peoples' favorite city in the U.S., and I thought "What's so great about it?" Now I can't even describe it... what is NOT great about it? We LOVE that city and can't wait to return.
Glad you had a great trip travelinwifey, thanks for the opportunity to sing the praises of New York.
Jun 24th, 2004, 09:22 AM
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hey questionmotives!
That is EXACTLY how I felt after returning from NYC. It is indescribable. I loved absolutely everything about it.
I am hoping I can return once a year to explore all the other amazing things that I did not get to see on our first trip.
That is EXACTLY how I felt after returning from NYC. It is indescribable. I loved absolutely everything about it.
I am hoping I can return once a year to explore all the other amazing things that I did not get to see on our first trip.
New York. Questionmotives your post gave me goosebumps. =D>
Jun 25th, 2004, 04:25 AM
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I recently had the opportunity to stay *in* the city for the first time (we have family in Norwalk, CT so I've been before though). Loved it! We stayed at the Hilton on Ave. of the Americas and had the best time. Despite the magnitude of its size, I was pleasantly surprised at the incredible service. Thanks to an infinite number of business meetings, we stayed on a club floor (39) which gave us access to the abundant *free* breakfast on 44, cookies in the afternoon, drinks and appetizers in the evening. Even the bank of elevators went quickly and every concierge was cute!
The best part of NYC? Regardless of size, stature, race, creed, everyone just blends in. You see *everything* in the city which lends to it's eternal charm. (I personally am a blue-eyed blonde marathoner named after the daughter on the old tv western Big Valley - but I hope you know what I mean!)
I LOVE NEW YORK!
The best part of NYC? Regardless of size, stature, race, creed, everyone just blends in. You see *everything* in the city which lends to it's eternal charm. (I personally am a blue-eyed blonde marathoner named after the daughter on the old tv western Big Valley - but I hope you know what I mean!)
I LOVE NEW YORK!
Jun 25th, 2004, 02:40 PM
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AGREE: Was absolutely impressed with the NYC attitude. Friendly, and helpful. And the security was always present, giving me a sense of safeness.
A "tip of the hat" for you New Yorkers!
Thanks for making our stays in your city so wonderful.
A "tip of the hat" for you New Yorkers!
Thanks for making our stays in your city so wonderful.
Jun 25th, 2004, 03:19 PM
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I have to revisit this post to live vicariously through others' NY experiences, lol. That is, until we can afford to go again.
I'm originally from Sacramento and now living in Denver. I've been to San Francisco many times, and have been fortunate enough to visit some of this country's other wonderful cities -- Los Angeles, New Orleans, Memphis, Seattle, Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, Washington D.C.... but out of the places I've seen thus far, there is no U.S. city that even compares.
The sheer monolithic size of the skyscrapers was the first thing that struck me on the train ride in from D.C. I knew then that this city would be bigger and better than anything I had imagined! ANYthing you can think of to see, do, eat or buy can be found by walking a few blocks or hopping the subway in NY. And the residents, instead of being exasperated at the enormous influx of daily tourists in their city, are proud, helpful and happy to share it with you.
Did I mention that I LOVE NY?
I'm originally from Sacramento and now living in Denver. I've been to San Francisco many times, and have been fortunate enough to visit some of this country's other wonderful cities -- Los Angeles, New Orleans, Memphis, Seattle, Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, Washington D.C.... but out of the places I've seen thus far, there is no U.S. city that even compares.
The sheer monolithic size of the skyscrapers was the first thing that struck me on the train ride in from D.C. I knew then that this city would be bigger and better than anything I had imagined! ANYthing you can think of to see, do, eat or buy can be found by walking a few blocks or hopping the subway in NY. And the residents, instead of being exasperated at the enormous influx of daily tourists in their city, are proud, helpful and happy to share it with you.
Did I mention that I LOVE NY?
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