Accommodation in New York - hope someone can help
 

Hello, I hope someone can help! My parents are visiting NYC this month but they are on a tight budget. Because of this they have decided to stay at the Novotel Meadowlands in New Jersey. Can someone advise me on how long the journey is to Midtown Manhattan and Meadowlands NJ??? Also what transport would you take, i.e. bus, train, taxi - how much and how long to get there. Also if anyone knows if this hotel is in a safe area??? Sorry to go on, but I think that they maybe better spending a few $$$ more and being nearer to all attractions. One more question how much would the transfers from JFK airport to New Jersey? Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated!

If it's the Novotel that I'm thinking of it's just off Rte 3 near the intersection of Rte 17, on the edge of East Rutherford, Rutherford and Lyndhurst. It's a very safe area but primarily commercial. There are a few other hotels there including a new Raddison and an older cheaper Quality Inn. It's a good choice in terms of area but if they wish to eat in that area away from the hotel (there are some very nice restaurants in Rutherford that I can recommend) it's sometimes a bit of a wait for a cab depending on weather. There are two good and moderate priced restaurants about a 1/2 mile walk up the hill in Lyndhurst on Ridge Road -- Cafe Il Forno for Italian and a new Japanese place a few doors away that's also very good. There are 4 or 5 buses that go past the hotel that will get you into the city. The 190 express takes about 20-30 minutes from the hotel depending on morning traffic. Returning from the city at eveing rush hour sometimes takes a few minutes longer. Not sure which bus to take coming back, as the 190 express is on the other side of Rte 3 from the hotel when it makes its return trip. The hotel can advise of which bus to take. During midday or later at night the buses run a bit less frequently. Always take an express when possible - it's faster. Expect to pay about $2.50 each way per person for the trip. Is there any chance they can fly into Newark instead of JFK? Much easier and cheaper. A cab from Newark aiport direct to the hotel will be $30-35 plus a tip. Trying to schlepp luggage through Port Authority terminal would be a major hassle - don't even attempt it. (all NJ Transit buses arrive and depart from the south building of PA). If you need additional advice please feel free to e-mail me direct by removing the #$% from my e-mail address. I live in Rutherford and make that trip every day.

to the top because the darned Fodor's site didn't recognize my previous reply

I'd recommend that instead of staying in N.J., they get the least expensive hotel room they can afford in Manhattan. They're not going to want to be commuting....their vacation will quickly turn into a nightmare. Stay in Manhattan ,it will be worth the sacrafice.

Lisa, if your parents do decide to check out alternatives. I found some terrific deals on NYC hotels from <BR>hotelbook.com, you might want to take a look at that. Also the Rants and Raves section of Fodor's has some great feedback on hotels in the $150.00 range.

I just returned from NYC and got a great rate of $99 at the On the Ave Hotel on the Upper West Side at 77th and Broadway. It's very comfortable, clean and well-located, and a steal at that rate (I've also stayed there for rates of $125 and $175, depending on the season). Check their website and see what promotional rates they might be offering for your parents' dates. Staying in the city for $99 or even $125 would be much better than staying in NJ.

I must agree with the other respondents - if for some reason they MUST stay in NJ then the Novotel is a decent choice but it really is worth paying a premium to stay in NYC. As people have mentioned, there are some good deals available at this time of year, especially through the consolidators. Trekking back and forth between NY and a NJ hotel is tiring and time consuming. Also, if they are locvked into arriving at JFK, the added expense and hassle of getting over to NJ outweighs the possible cost savings.

Hi everyone and thanks for your replies. I have a problem with my parents! They are too stuborn and think that as they are getting the Novotel Meadowlands at a bargain $80-85/night inc tax they won't budge... My mother has said that they will get a bus into NYC daily as a weekly ticket is approx $30 each. What can you do?! Does anyone know how much exactly a taxi will cost from JFK airport to Lyndhurst??? Also approximate fares on the bus, subway and taxi to and from NJ. I would personally prefer to see them in NYC because of the hassle factor! Also thanks Sheri, I checked the One The Ave website and you are right their rates are $99/night - personally I would pay the extra just for convenience... One extra Q - do they have shared bathrooms at On the Ave??? Also what landmarks are nearby??? <BR>Thanks again for your help.

Hi Lisa, the rooms at On the Ave have really *nice* private bathrooms--lots of marble and stainless steel. It's right near the Museum of Natural History and Central Park, plus a short subway, bus or cab ride to Times Square/midtown.

NYC taxis from JFK to Manhattan have a flat rate of $30 (I think), the meter to other locations in the city. Any trip to NJ is double the meter as the NYC cabs are not allowed to pick up return fares. To Rutherford could be $50, then double it! Anybody else out there in NY think this sounds right? Beg them to amortize this cab ride and their $30 bus passes into the hotel rate and stay in Manhattan. (My Dad is the same, but can be convinced by the $math$.)