Italophile

Looking at train options (still) from VA. There is one train that allows checked baggage and gets to NYC Penn at 0150. Being early hours of the morning, we don't want to have to struggle to get to a good hotel for the night. Any suggestions very close to Penn Station that are good hotels? And is this area safe at night? Appreciate all suggestions/recommendations. Thanks in advance.

china_cat

The area around the station is a little bit seedy, but probably perfectly safe. We stayed at the New Yorker once, which is very close by, and thought it was fine. It's a pretty no-frills sort of hotel, but clean, comfortable, and even had free wifi. The attached diner made a good breakfast too.

nytraveler

Is there some reason you must have a checked baggage service? Getting in at 1:50 am seems a major PIA.

You can still take baggage onto all trains - just have to do it yourself - put smaller bags in the overhead bin and large ones at the space for them at the end of the car.

Not sure where you're coming from - but in Penn Station NYC there are Red Caps to deal with luggage for you from the train up to the main concourse (the conductor can call ahead to arrange this I think) - and there are escalators from there up to the street. And there may be similar service where you get on the train. If not, have you so many bags that you can't manage them yourselves even for a short distance? (If so you will you have trouble once you get your bags and head to a hotel anyway .)

tomfuller

How are you getting your luggage from the trunk of your car to the platform or the luggage check in your boarding station?
Pack 1 or 2 bags that you can lift over your head to put in the overhead rack and take one of the other 36 trains that arrives at a convenient hour for you.
Does your boarding station have checked baggage anyway?
I may be wrong but you might be able to check your bag(s) on the #66 and take a later train and pick up the bag at NYP from baggage claim. Ask at 1 800 USA RAIL. Buy your ticket from them instead of making an internet purchase.

DebitNM

The Roger Williams is a lovely hotel that would be a short cab ride away ( 5 minutes?). You could walk, but I am guessing you'd be more at ease taking a cab. The Murray Hill section is where I'd look.

doug_stallings

The Affinia New York is directly across the street from the 7 th Avenue entrance. As are others. There are a LOT of hotels here including many budget options. Also check out Apple Core hotels. Just avoid the Hotel Pennsylvania, a true mess.

And skip the bag check. No need for that at all, which is why few trains offer it. You probably won't get your room early in the morning so try to arrive a bit later.

DebitNM

I would suggest you book the room for the night BEFORE arrival, with a guaranteed later arrival and notify hotel of your exact time. I would not expect to be able to book a room for the night of arrival and expect to get in the room 2 am that morning. (If that is what Doug means??)

starrs

http://www.staytimessquare.com/

vjpblovesitaly

From another thread:

“the Amtrak website seems to restrict baggage to carry on only for the daytime connections - we will be travelling with a small daypack each and suitcases on wheels, not overly large ones. In 2009 we rode the Amtrak from Boston to NYC with these bags, so not sure if the rules have changed since then....”

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...g-virginia.cfm

Maybe someone can advise if this middle of the night checked baggage train idea even makes sense

mclaurie

You can take whatever bags you want on the train. You don't need to restrict yourself to trains that allow bag checking. In NYC there is Red Cap service (porters) that will help you on the train and get you on before the crowds. I would image they have the same in Va. The nicest hotel in short walk from Penn station is the Eventi, but the Affinia Manhattan is also fine. You will also find lots of taxis at Penn station at any hour.

emd3

The New Yorker hotel is a wonderful option across the street from Penn Station when coming in very late at night or very early in the morning as you are.

nytraveler

The New Yorker isn't across the st from Penn Station - but it isn't far. I certainly wouldn't call if "wonderful" - have a look at tripadvisor.com.

Italophile

Thanks all for your replies. I had earlier e-mailed Amtrak and they seemed strict regarding allowing large cases on services that restrict baggage (shown by a suitcase with a cross through it). We don't want to be thrown off the train for having large suitcases with us if not allowable.

Am rethinking the trip considerably now - we might be too pressed for time for Richmond..........

tomfuller

How many of the "we" are capable of lifting 50 lb. over their head? This is the national carry on and checked baggage policy.
http://www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy
Tomorrow morning I am taking an Amtrak train for National Train Day. I am carrying one 3 section backpack that weighs less than 30 lb. I am returning in the evening after spending 4-5 hours in Eugene.
I'll be carrying around the bag with me since the station that I get on the train does not have checked baggage service.

nytraveler

The carry-on policy on the website is that each person can have 2 bags and that neither bag (not both together)cannot exceed 50 pounds. And bags cannot be larger than 28" (this is a HUGE bag). It doesn't mention that this does not apply to all trains. (Checking baggage is limited to certain trains, carrying it on yourself isn't.)

If you are traveling around with more than 100 pounds of luggage each - I think you have a much bigger problem than Amtrak.

NeoPatrick

I'll second the Affina. We stayed there a week just over a year ago and it couldn't be more convenient, just across the street from the 7th Avenue entrance. Rooms are decent to quite nice, and certainly VERY clean.

I'm confused with this talk of "early" or "late arrival". If you are arriving after midnight on the 10th, you still book for the 10th and confirm a "late" arrival specifying a time.

NeoPatrick

Oops. Maybe that's why it's so confusing. When I said you book for the 10th even thorough arriving after midnight, of course that means you are actually arriving on the 11th. But still, yoyd book for the 10th, not the 11th.

nytraveler

If you want a room before the afternoon on the 11th you will have to book a room in the hotel for the night of the 10th and tell them you will be a very late arrival - with whatever train time it will be.

NeoPatrick

Maybe I'm lost here, but is the OP or any reasonable person in the world suggesting you could arrive at a hotel at 1:50 AM expecting to check in for the next night's reservation? Where is this idea coming from?

Italophile

Yes, the standard (and I book travel as part of my job) is that you book for the night prior if arriving early hours or expecting early room access before the usual check-in time which is generally around 2pm.