trgslg

We are taking an anniversary trip overseas and would like to stop in NY for a couple of days. We would like to attend a taping of the Kelly and Michael show which means arriving at the studio at 7:00 am.
Neither of us have been to the city and know nothing at all about the train system. I can't see us manuevering unguided on the trains at 6:00 am knowing we can't be late for a one shot opportunity.
I need recommendations as to a reasonable hotel close to Lincoln Square that would enable us to take a cab rather than the train.
I would assume one would take the train from JFK to the hotel area.
Any and all help and/or advice would be appreciatated.
Thank you in advance

Gretchen

Why Lincoln Center. Anywhere in midtown would allow you to take a cab.

vjpblovesitaly

hotels close to

http://goo.gl/maps/MZMG9

trgslg

Lincoln Center is the location of the studio, just trying to be reasonably close. Again, know nothing about the geographics of the city. Will learn more as we get closer, just need to start making plans/reservations.

vjpblovesitaly

If you are close, you can walk if you like. Look at the map above.

kenav

You can be anywhere in midtown to Upper West Side. You can take a cab so you don't have to worry about figuring out the subway that early in the AM.

As far as when you first arrive at JFK: You can take a train to Manhattan from JFK but it would be the monorail to either the LIRR which would leave you at 33rd and Broadway, or the Subway "E" train which leaves you at different stops in Manhattan but doesn't go above 53rd and Lexington before it heads out to Queens again. You can also take a cab at JFK. There's a cue to line up for the cabs after you've gone outside from the airport. ONLY take NYC licensed cab - yellow. Don't go with anyone who approaches you as you leave the arrivals building at the airport. They are not licensed.

trgslg

Any idea of the approximate fare from the aiport to midtown area?

doug_stallings

Taxi fare is $52 not including tolls (differs by route but is usually $5.33 for the Midtown Tunnel, which is the typical route from JFK), plus tip of 20%. Taxi drivers expect a tip of around $10 on this route, so you are talking about $70 all in, give or take. A pre-booked car service costs about the same but can be a bit cheaper depending on the time of day and the service you choose.

In contract, the AirTrain costs $5, and the subway fare adds $2.50 each. Or the LIRR adds between $4 (weekends only) to $9.50 (rush hour). It costs more than double if you don't buy your tickets from a machine in advance.

I've consistently found the LIRR to be among the easiest and fastest ways to get into Manhattan from JFK, particularly for the west side.

You can stay anywhere between West 39th and west 96th and be at the ABC Studios, where Live is done, in about 10 minutes at that time of day for less than $10, 15 minutes by subway for $2.50 each. There are MANY more hotels in the Times Square and Penn Station areas than in the Upper West Side or near Lincoln Center but you could stay at the Empire Hotel and be within a 5-minute walk of the studios. The 6 Columbus Hotel is about a 10-minute walk from the studios. Those are the two most convenient hotels I know.

trgslg

Doug - Thanks, this is great info.

nytraveler

If you tell us WHEN you will be coming and provide a budget (specific amount in $) people can make recos that are within walking or very cheap cab distance.

there are quite a few hotels within a 10 minute or so walk.

mclaurie

The Empire hotel is closest to the studio. http://www.empirehotelnyc.com/

kenav

Yes, the LIRR takes only about 15-20 minutes to get to Penn Station (its only stop in Manhattan which is at approximately 34th Street & 8th Avenue) from Jamaica, Queens, where you would board it.

Reiterating what Doug said: Buy LIRR tickets from a ticket booth or machines before you get on the train so that you don't pay a hefty penalty for buying them on the train itself.