Advice for Texas Family - first time in NYC
Jul 11th, 2011, 05:32 PM
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Advice for Texas Family - first time in NYC
Our family of four (daughter 12, son 10) will be traveling from Texas for four nights Thursday to Monday of Columbus weekend. We are flying into Newark. My husband traveled to NYC several times over 20 years ago. The rest of us have never been. We need advice on almost everything and would appreciate any help you can give. I've read a lot of the NYC posts and trip reports here so I have a general start.
My most pressing questions are:
1. Best parts of town to stay? Our budget is not huge, ie I would like to stay under $1000 total for 4 nights. We usually stay in a room with 2 queen or double beds, or an Embassy Suites type of thing with a king bed room and sitting room with pull out couch. We don't need the Waldorf type of luxury, but I don't want to stay in a Motel 6 type place either. This trip is our daughter's dream and since we don't take a lot of expensive trips, we would like to make this one as special as we can for the kids.
2. We would like to see at least one show. I've read about the TKTS booths and I long ago signed up to receive emails from Playbill and Broadwaybox, but we really want to see Wicked so I think we are going to have to pay full price at Ticketmaster. Maybe the Sunday matinee? I would love to spend the extra money for the Orchestra level and someone said not to sit in row O or farther back because of the Mezzanine overhang. Any advice on that or other seating/ticket advice?
3. I read on here that we should get Statue of Liberty tickets on line ahead of time. Also, I think we are going to have to bite the bullet and go to the Empire State Building. I could forego it but I think the kids would really like to go up there. I also understand not to get the City Pass or do any HOHO. Check check.
4. Advice on how best to get four travelers and at least one suitcase each from Newark to the hotel, wherever it may be?
5. I think we will try the the new Grimaldi's Pizza that I read about here--our son is a pizza fan. Okay, we all are! We also aren't the 5 course dining types. I love it but it doesn't fit our budget or tweenagers' attention spans.
Well, that's a good start. Again, any advice at all would be appreciated.
THANK YOU!
My most pressing questions are:
1. Best parts of town to stay? Our budget is not huge, ie I would like to stay under $1000 total for 4 nights. We usually stay in a room with 2 queen or double beds, or an Embassy Suites type of thing with a king bed room and sitting room with pull out couch. We don't need the Waldorf type of luxury, but I don't want to stay in a Motel 6 type place either. This trip is our daughter's dream and since we don't take a lot of expensive trips, we would like to make this one as special as we can for the kids.
2. We would like to see at least one show. I've read about the TKTS booths and I long ago signed up to receive emails from Playbill and Broadwaybox, but we really want to see Wicked so I think we are going to have to pay full price at Ticketmaster. Maybe the Sunday matinee? I would love to spend the extra money for the Orchestra level and someone said not to sit in row O or farther back because of the Mezzanine overhang. Any advice on that or other seating/ticket advice?
3. I read on here that we should get Statue of Liberty tickets on line ahead of time. Also, I think we are going to have to bite the bullet and go to the Empire State Building. I could forego it but I think the kids would really like to go up there. I also understand not to get the City Pass or do any HOHO. Check check.
4. Advice on how best to get four travelers and at least one suitcase each from Newark to the hotel, wherever it may be?
5. I think we will try the the new Grimaldi's Pizza that I read about here--our son is a pizza fan. Okay, we all are! We also aren't the 5 course dining types. I love it but it doesn't fit our budget or tweenagers' attention spans.
Well, that's a good start. Again, any advice at all would be appreciated.
THANK YOU!
Jul 11th, 2011, 05:50 PM
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no advice on 1, 2, 4, or 5, but I would suggest going to the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Plaza) where The Today Show films. From their observation deck, you can see the Empire State Building. More iconic view. Also, the ride in the Top of the Rock elevator is really cool.
Have fun!!
P.S. - Re #1, we stayed at The Kimberly Hotel, and our room had a pull out sofa and a kitchenette.
Have fun!!
P.S. - Re #1, we stayed at The Kimberly Hotel, and our room had a pull out sofa and a kitchenette.
Jul 11th, 2011, 07:26 PM
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For pizza try Motorino and Lombardi's.
If you go to the top of this page there is box that reads View by state. Click on NY there are many recent discussions about all the questions you are asking.
Is there special advice that people from Texas need as opposed to New Mexico?
If you go to the top of this page there is box that reads View by state. Click on NY there are many recent discussions about all the questions you are asking.
Is there special advice that people from Texas need as opposed to New Mexico?
Jul 12th, 2011, 04:01 AM
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Do NOT do ESB - go to Top of the Rock i nstead - lines are no more than 5 minutes or so - versus hours for ESB.
Get STatue of Liberty Tickets now - they sell out months in advance - esp if you want to climb to the crown.
For 4 people I would take a car service (Dial 7 or Carmel) to the city. Will be about $70 - but not really much more than public transit for 4 people plus subway or cab from Penn Station to hotel.
You hotel budget is not much for 4 adults. Holiday weekends are usually somewhat cheaper due to no business travelers - but this is when the US Open occurs and there are a lot of tennis people in town. Start looking now at the discount web sites to see who might be having deals. Most rooms do not have 2 large bds - perhaps 2 double but more often one. You may want to check with Embassy suites or double tree or whatever - but don;t know if they will be within your budget (and remember there is 18% tax on top of the prices quoted). Any tourist hotel area is safe - what is most impt is being close to a subway to make getting around faster.
For Wicked tickets buy now to get a better choice of tickets - esp getting 4 together.
Get STatue of Liberty Tickets now - they sell out months in advance - esp if you want to climb to the crown.
For 4 people I would take a car service (Dial 7 or Carmel) to the city. Will be about $70 - but not really much more than public transit for 4 people plus subway or cab from Penn Station to hotel.
You hotel budget is not much for 4 adults. Holiday weekends are usually somewhat cheaper due to no business travelers - but this is when the US Open occurs and there are a lot of tennis people in town. Start looking now at the discount web sites to see who might be having deals. Most rooms do not have 2 large bds - perhaps 2 double but more often one. You may want to check with Embassy suites or double tree or whatever - but don;t know if they will be within your budget (and remember there is 18% tax on top of the prices quoted). Any tourist hotel area is safe - what is most impt is being close to a subway to make getting around faster.
For Wicked tickets buy now to get a better choice of tickets - esp getting 4 together.
Jul 12th, 2011, 05:24 AM
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The OP is traveling on Columbus Day weekend (October). The U.S. Open is over Labor Day weekend (September).
However I would be concerned that in October hotel rates are already beginning to rise. $250 per night is not a lot for four people. Be sure the rate includes taxes and fees, which might total almost 20% of your bill. Start looking for a good deal now
However I would be concerned that in October hotel rates are already beginning to rise. $250 per night is not a lot for four people. Be sure the rate includes taxes and fees, which might total almost 20% of your bill. Start looking for a good deal now
Jul 12th, 2011, 05:37 AM
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Columbus Day weekend is NOT when the U.S. Open takes place. That's Labor Day. However, it is the start of the really expensive season in NYC, and a $250 per night budget for a hotel is really low for that time of the year; if you raise your budget to $300, you might be able to find something in Manhattan, but that's by no means a certainty. It's a pity you're flying into EWR. All the best cheap hotel options are in Queens, which would be a very long, difficult, and expensive trip from EWR.
When looking for a hotel, be sure to budget for the extraordinary taxes in NYC ... as much as $30 or $40 per night. That puts you at a budget of about $220 per night for your hotel, which is extremely low. You might have to stay in NJ, but be absolutely certain you know what you're doing. Taking NJ transit into Manhattan can be very expensive depending on where you stay, and can easily coast $30 or $40 for 4 people per day, which might erase any savings from staying there. Whatever you do, do NOT stay in an EWR Airport hotel or the Hotel Carter in Manhattan (it's widely considered the worst hotel in NYC). The only transit into Manhattan from EWR is very expensive (at least $12 per person each way ... so $96 per day ... not a bargain when you factor in transit costs, which you must).
There's a nice Hyatt Regency in Jersey City that's next to a ferry, but the ferry itself is pretty expensive. People sometimes get it for a discount on Hotels.com, but it's almost $300 during the period when you're coming.
There's a Candlewood Suites hotel in Jersey City that's near a PATH station. That might be worth considering. It's almost always under your budget.
There's a very cheap Hilton Hotel in Newark next to the train station. It's not a very safe area at night, but you don't have to walk outside of the station to get to the hotel. Just be aware that Newark isn't that close to Manhattan, and it can easily take 20 minutes to get into the city, and it's not that cheap to take the train twice a day. But you might save enough on the hotel room to make it worth your while.
There is a Country Inn & Suites in Long Island City, Queens, one subway stop from Manhattan, that is cheap enough (sometimes just a little over $100 per night) to make it worth your while to take an expensive car service there from EWR. But that trip can cost easily $100. You can do it cheaper by train and subway (about $60 for 4 people), but it will take 3 times as long.
My best advice: Book a fully refundable hotel room that you can afford immediately. Then keep looking for something better. You can bid on a room with 2 beds on Hotwire, but it's very unlikely you'd find anything for your budget.
When looking for a hotel, be sure to budget for the extraordinary taxes in NYC ... as much as $30 or $40 per night. That puts you at a budget of about $220 per night for your hotel, which is extremely low. You might have to stay in NJ, but be absolutely certain you know what you're doing. Taking NJ transit into Manhattan can be very expensive depending on where you stay, and can easily coast $30 or $40 for 4 people per day, which might erase any savings from staying there. Whatever you do, do NOT stay in an EWR Airport hotel or the Hotel Carter in Manhattan (it's widely considered the worst hotel in NYC). The only transit into Manhattan from EWR is very expensive (at least $12 per person each way ... so $96 per day ... not a bargain when you factor in transit costs, which you must).
There's a nice Hyatt Regency in Jersey City that's next to a ferry, but the ferry itself is pretty expensive. People sometimes get it for a discount on Hotels.com, but it's almost $300 during the period when you're coming.
There's a Candlewood Suites hotel in Jersey City that's near a PATH station. That might be worth considering. It's almost always under your budget.
There's a very cheap Hilton Hotel in Newark next to the train station. It's not a very safe area at night, but you don't have to walk outside of the station to get to the hotel. Just be aware that Newark isn't that close to Manhattan, and it can easily take 20 minutes to get into the city, and it's not that cheap to take the train twice a day. But you might save enough on the hotel room to make it worth your while.
There is a Country Inn & Suites in Long Island City, Queens, one subway stop from Manhattan, that is cheap enough (sometimes just a little over $100 per night) to make it worth your while to take an expensive car service there from EWR. But that trip can cost easily $100. You can do it cheaper by train and subway (about $60 for 4 people), but it will take 3 times as long.
My best advice: Book a fully refundable hotel room that you can afford immediately. Then keep looking for something better. You can bid on a room with 2 beds on Hotwire, but it's very unlikely you'd find anything for your budget.
Jul 12th, 2011, 06:10 AM
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If the ESB is a must do which it was for my nephew when I took him to New York, my best suggestion is to make that your first stop on a weekday morning. The lines do tend to get extremely long but I believe you will have better luck on a weekday then on the weekend when there are all the day trip tourists coming into the city. They do have a fast pass type thing you can purchase but if I recall correctly, it was kind of expensive.
Jul 12th, 2011, 06:45 AM
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1. Check travel Zoo for hotels deals
2. I agree about Top of Rock, but understand ESB is a bucket list item...going up at night is cool and another option
3. Pizza I suggest Johns (there's several) or Lombardi's
4. TKTS is definitely the way to go if you're not overly particular about which show
5. Don't fret if can't get crown tickets to Statue of Liberty. The view is not that great and it's not an easy climb. Definitely go as you also stop at Ellis Island
6. Your kids might enjoy the MOMA (lots of art they'll recognize) or Field Museum (Ben Stiller movie filmed there)
2. I agree about Top of Rock, but understand ESB is a bucket list item...going up at night is cool and another option
3. Pizza I suggest Johns (there's several) or Lombardi's
4. TKTS is definitely the way to go if you're not overly particular about which show
5. Don't fret if can't get crown tickets to Statue of Liberty. The view is not that great and it's not an easy climb. Definitely go as you also stop at Ellis Island
6. Your kids might enjoy the MOMA (lots of art they'll recognize) or Field Museum (Ben Stiller movie filmed there)
Jul 12th, 2011, 08:25 AM
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Friends,
Thank you so much for your advice. We definitely want to stay in the city, so it sounds like I will have to up our budget for the hotel. That's doable, I just did not have a true understanding of the NYC prices. Do any of you have an opinion on what a reasonable price is for 4 in October? I'd like to recognize a good deal if I find one. I found out last night that a friend of ours is staying at the Algonquin by Marriott this week and paying $350 for 4 people. When I searched it for the month of October, the lowest price I found was $550 per night...
I agree with you all that the Rock sounds like a better option than the ESB. We'll talk to the kids about it--I think they'll be okay with seeing it from the Rock. Otherwise, thank you for the suggestion of an early morning weekday visit.
NYTraveler, I will call those car services. They do sound like the best way to go. We have four tickets on points for SWA, which is why we are flying into Newark.
JAPW82, I appreciate your checking on the crown tour for me. Thank you! I had no idea that there were different levels and different ticket options for the SOL nor did I know that some would sell out so fast. My hubby just okayed this trip so I'd better get on the stick!
I know that Wicked is on our to-do list so I'm going to buy the tickets now.
Aduchamp1, thank you for the pizza recommendations. BTW, I made sure to read as much as I could in the NY string of this forum before I posted. I'm not a newbie to forums and I understand the drill and the need to respect people's time. After reading, I was still a bit confused on these issues. I am sure that after many visits to NYC, I will be an old pro like many here and can hopefully impart advice to new travelers. In the meantime, I promise to continue reading the answers given to others here and to try to avoid asking duplicate questions as much as possible. In my earlier reading of the forum, I came across your sidewalk rules and read them all. We'll do our best to not be a nuisance when we are in town. But, is it really that abrupt in NYC? I think that we might be a bit more laid back here in Houston.
Again, thank you all for your kind suggestions. I truly appreciate your time and would love to hear any other advice or suggestions that you might have.
Thank you so much for your advice. We definitely want to stay in the city, so it sounds like I will have to up our budget for the hotel. That's doable, I just did not have a true understanding of the NYC prices. Do any of you have an opinion on what a reasonable price is for 4 in October? I'd like to recognize a good deal if I find one. I found out last night that a friend of ours is staying at the Algonquin by Marriott this week and paying $350 for 4 people. When I searched it for the month of October, the lowest price I found was $550 per night...
I agree with you all that the Rock sounds like a better option than the ESB. We'll talk to the kids about it--I think they'll be okay with seeing it from the Rock. Otherwise, thank you for the suggestion of an early morning weekday visit.
NYTraveler, I will call those car services. They do sound like the best way to go. We have four tickets on points for SWA, which is why we are flying into Newark.
JAPW82, I appreciate your checking on the crown tour for me. Thank you! I had no idea that there were different levels and different ticket options for the SOL nor did I know that some would sell out so fast. My hubby just okayed this trip so I'd better get on the stick!
I know that Wicked is on our to-do list so I'm going to buy the tickets now.
Aduchamp1, thank you for the pizza recommendations. BTW, I made sure to read as much as I could in the NY string of this forum before I posted. I'm not a newbie to forums and I understand the drill and the need to respect people's time. After reading, I was still a bit confused on these issues. I am sure that after many visits to NYC, I will be an old pro like many here and can hopefully impart advice to new travelers. In the meantime, I promise to continue reading the answers given to others here and to try to avoid asking duplicate questions as much as possible. In my earlier reading of the forum, I came across your sidewalk rules and read them all. We'll do our best to not be a nuisance when we are in town. But, is it really that abrupt in NYC? I think that we might be a bit more laid back here in Houston.
Again, thank you all for your kind suggestions. I truly appreciate your time and would love to hear any other advice or suggestions that you might have.
Jul 12th, 2011, 08:35 AM
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"But, is it really that abrupt in NYC? I think that we might be a bit more laid back here in Houston."
Keep in mind: The sidewalks are our highways in NYC. When you are driving to work in Houston, do you stop in the middle of the road to look at a map? Do you travel at 20 mph? Most of Aduchamp's post about sidewalk rules is really speaking to the fact that many New Yorkers are not out for a stroll when walking through the city. They are on their way to work, school, or some other appointment. Strolling is OK, but step to the side if you must stop to make a decision—simple really.
Keep in mind: The sidewalks are our highways in NYC. When you are driving to work in Houston, do you stop in the middle of the road to look at a map? Do you travel at 20 mph? Most of Aduchamp's post about sidewalk rules is really speaking to the fact that many New Yorkers are not out for a stroll when walking through the city. They are on their way to work, school, or some other appointment. Strolling is OK, but step to the side if you must stop to make a decision—simple really.
Jul 12th, 2011, 09:24 AM
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I think $400 is a reasonable price for a Manhattan hotel room with 2 beds (probably not Queens but rather doubles). You may very well do better than that, but don't expect a 4-star hotel experience. You'll get a fairly plain, standard-issue hotel room for that price. I'd look at chains like Candlewood Suites or Hampton Inn. AppleCore hotels (www.applecorehotels.com) operates several decent chain properties that might fit the bill for not much more than $300 per night, and I see that many of their rooms are under $300 a night during this period. Those are decent deals for Manhattan in the fall.
Affinia Hotels (www.affinia.com) also operates some good hotels. You can get a one-bedroom suite (a real suite, like a one-bedroom apartment, though with just one bed and a sofa bed but with a full kitchen) for under $400 at the Affinia Dumont, which is near where I live in a nice area of Murray Hill (a convenient East Side location).
Affinia Hotels (www.affinia.com) also operates some good hotels. You can get a one-bedroom suite (a real suite, like a one-bedroom apartment, though with just one bed and a sofa bed but with a full kitchen) for under $400 at the Affinia Dumont, which is near where I live in a nice area of Murray Hill (a convenient East Side location).
Jul 12th, 2011, 09:25 AM
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@ellenem, All good points. Thanks for putting it in prospective. In fact, it made me chuckle. I have to admit that I am less than pleased when I have slow drivers in front of me. No need to describe my reactions, but the sidewalk rules post is now crystal clear !! 
Jul 12th, 2011, 09:32 AM
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Sorry - not enought sleep and misred Columbus fr Labor.
As noted above Columbus Day prices will be higher. I wuould be happy with anything in the $400 range for a decent (not 4*) hotel. I would expect anything less than that to be quite basic.
As noted above Columbus Day prices will be higher. I wuould be happy with anything in the $400 range for a decent (not 4*) hotel. I would expect anything less than that to be quite basic.
Jul 12th, 2011, 09:38 AM
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If you want to be in the heart of things, The Hotel @ Times Square (http://applecorehotels.com/the-hotel-at-times-square/) has rooms with two doubles or two queens available that weekend for $309.99. Never been there, but it gets lots of recommendations over on the slowtrav.com site.
If you'd prefer a quieter area that is still very convenient by subway, the Milburn Hotel (http://www.milburnhotel.com/about.html) on the Upper West Side, near Central Park, has a standard 2-double bed room available for $259 that weekend, or a suite available for $329. These rooms come with a kitchenette, which is great for saving a little money on breakfasts or take-out meals.
If you'd prefer a quieter area that is still very convenient by subway, the Milburn Hotel (http://www.milburnhotel.com/about.html) on the Upper West Side, near Central Park, has a standard 2-double bed room available for $259 that weekend, or a suite available for $329. These rooms come with a kitchenette, which is great for saving a little money on breakfasts or take-out meals.
Jul 12th, 2011, 09:54 AM
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The Hampton Inn Times Square (there are 2, North & South) offer a very nice free breakfast with a large variety of hot & cold items which can be nice when you have kids and a money saver. There is also coffee, tea and hot cocoa available 24 hours. We have stayed at the North location for about $250 & $340 per night. The North location is also 1/2 block from the subway station. We did Top of the Rock during the day and ESB after dark which was a nice contrast. I took two 16 year old girls in March & their favorite part of the trip was the pedicab tour through Central Park. May have had something to do with the handsome young man doing the pedaling.
Jul 12th, 2011, 10:19 AM
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Good to hear you are determined to stay in NYC. I think it is a huge part of the whole experience. Plus, you can stop back at the room to freshen up before theatre, dinner, or just to rest. Check out the Hotel Beacon, often suggested here.
I don't suggest going to the Statue of Liberty either. I think a boat ride or the feery past the island and in the harbor is plenty. The security lines at the SoL are very long at least an hour. I think the best view is from the water.
We are from Texas as well. I've lived in NYC but it was my DH and DD's first visit back in 2003. DH was skepital but both LOVED the vibrancy of the city and you will too. My daughter said back then that she was going to college in NYC some day. She will graduate from college there next Spring!
I don't suggest going to the Statue of Liberty either. I think a boat ride or the feery past the island and in the harbor is plenty. The security lines at the SoL are very long at least an hour. I think the best view is from the water.
We are from Texas as well. I've lived in NYC but it was my DH and DD's first visit back in 2003. DH was skepital but both LOVED the vibrancy of the city and you will too. My daughter said back then that she was going to college in NYC some day. She will graduate from college there next Spring!
