LaurenKahn1

The Sheraton Suites in Weehawken is within walking distance of the weekday ferry. On the weekend there is a hotel shuttle to the Port Imperial ferry so you get it right at the hotel. You call them when you board the ferry in Manhattan and the shuttle should be waiting for you when you get off the ferry. The weekday ferry is right outside the door of the hotel--not even 2 minutes.

No the ferry is not cheap, but it is a fun way to commute in to the city on vacation. I believe it is about a $15 round trip.

N77

I think the Asiate will be our restaurant with a view. Unfortunately, we ran into a snag with the menu at the River Cafe. We may go to Visa Versa for a pre-theater dinner. I'm still researching.

I was getting excited about looking into the Marriott Marquis' restaurant, I hate that it is not good! I am still researching restaurants with and without a view. I need both options to consider for nice dinners close enough to the Theater (Phantom and Wicked). Also, we are having fun researching lunch locations near the Michelangelo Hotel!

doug_stallings

You can always have a drink at the Marriott Marquis. It will be an expensive drink but you can enjoy the view then. Same with Asiate. The Mandarin-Oriental has an expansive lounge section right outside Asiate with the same gorgeous view of Central Park.

chaucerquest

N77, you got great rates at the Michelangelo! I've stayed there often with my teenagers. Just a block or two away there's a restaurant called Ellen's Stardust Diner (on Broadway) that is very casual, and has singing waiters. Fun for everyone. Yes, it's touristy, but you are tourists!

sf7307

I was getting excited about looking into the Marriott Marquis' restaurant, I hate that it is not good!

There's an old saying, "the higher the floor, the worse the food" (which can be translated to mean, "the better the view, the worse the food")

LaurenKahn1

It's like restaurants along the water anywhere. The closer they are to the sea/river/lake, the worse they are.

Austin

I was about to recommend Vice Versa. I was just there last week. My second time. Love the place. Your daugther will like the bit of a "grown up" feel to it. You can dress up a bit or be casual. My 18 year old loved it as well. I will stop there every visit to NYC if I can. The risotto was excellent. Great Choice.

Please don't stay in NJ. You are shortening your trip already by flying in and out of LI!

Austin

Also, meant to say, research the crime stats of NYC. It's pretty much one of the safest large cities in the world.

LaurenKahn1

Actually, the Sheraton Suites worked very well for the FAM tour I took. I would stay there again because I am notoriously cheap about hotels. In NYC I have used the POD--fine if all you want is a clean place to sleep. I saved money by using the bathroom down the hall. The place is spotless so don't get the wrong idea. They do have larger family rooms (and large is relative for The POD which has much smaller rooms than average) that have private facilities. I would stay there again as well. The price cannot be beat.

It all depends on what you want/need and how much you are prepared to pay to be in the middle of the action. Remember the subway will take you all over. NYC is just about the safest large city in the US. The days of "fear in the subway" have long passed. I hope the economic downturn does not bring that back with all the people out of work.

Austin

I'm glad you found a good hotel and are flying to JFK. Times Square is very lively and you all should experience it once, at least. You will be fine and I'm sure will be WOW'ed by the experience. Just take it all in after the show, when it;s dark and you can see the lights.

Row N is just fine. The Theatre isn't huge. You did good and will love Wicked.

Remember, stay in the taxi line at JFK. DON'T go with the people who say they will give you a good deal to NYC. Get in the yellow cab line. Which airline? Your taxi ride will be a flat rate $45 plus tolls, but probably won't have any to where you are going.

Since you have only 2 days I would not bother with Brooklyn. There is so much to see in NYC in your short time.

If you only have a short time to shop, you might consider Macy's, it's one of the largest department stores in the world. Walk up and down 5th Ave if you can. Try the Top of the Rock. All these places are within a short distance of each other. And for views? My favorite "viewing" is people watching sitting at an outdoor cafe.

Remember, relax. NYC is one of the most wonderful cities in the world.

N77

We are flying in with JetBlue. I appreciate the cab advice, however, I do not understand "probably won't have any to where you are going"

We are going to stay at the Michelangelo Hotel in Manhattan.


Finally, my husband is warming up to using the Subway. We only have a few days and that will help a lot!
Thanks for all of the restaurant tips. I am getting excited more excited about the Asiate and Visa Versa, if it works out to go to them. The reviews are wonderful! I'll keep looking into it!

It is great to look forward to at least seeing Times Square. I appreciate all of your advice on shopping too. My daughter should have a blast (me too)!

sf7307

I appreciate the cab advice, however, I do not understand "probably won't have any to where you are going"

I think the poster meant probably no TOLLS to where you are going. Which may or may not be correct.

LaurenKahn1

Even if the food at the Marquis is no good, having what is no doubt an overpriced drink in the bar might be a way to see the view.

Anybody been there for a drink? How much does one cost?

starrs

If I remember correctly the Lemon Drop Martini is $10.

vjpblovesitaly

The View drinks menu
http://www.marriott.com/hotelwebsite...NGE%20MENU.pdf

http://www.marriott.com/hotelwebsite...ine%20List.pdf

LaurenKahn1

There you go. I knew someone would know. Might be worth it for the view.

Gwendolynn

Is this the Michelangelo Hotel with the Insieme restaurant? That restaurant gets excellent reviews as one of the best in NYC.

chaucerquest

Yes, the Michelangelo has Insieme. It it a relatively new restaurant (Limoncello used to be in that spot) but has received very good reports. My husband had a business lunch there and said it was excellent.

bspielman

Agreed on Insieme. Excellent Northern Italian cuisine; modern design; friendly, professional service. We've had dinner there a few times before Carnegie Hall concerts, and we've not been disappointed.

baysidegirl

Last year I stayed at the Hilton Times Square and it was great. To be honest Times Sq is not my favourite part of the city and it can be really noisy but the must have quadruple glazing on the windows as we couldn't hear a thing. Our room faced south and we had an amazing view of Empire State Building and the offices of the NY Times. Each night the ESB was lit a different colour - just beautiful. If you do stay there forget breakfast at the hotel really expensive and very poor selection. Go across the road to a diner diagonally opposite toward Times Square. Everything you could possibly want and very reasonably priced.

I can't remember the name of the restaurant but we went to one on 9th Ave just at the bus terminal facing the NY Times building. They have a casual part at the front and a restaurant at the back. The meal was sensational. One of the best meals I've had anywhere. It wasn't expensive either.

If you don't want to use cabs or the subway use the buses - easy to negotiate and a free sight seeing tour.