txhomes

I just found out that Al Pacino will be performing the Merchant of Venice when we are in NYC the first weekend in Dec. I can buy tickets now through AmEx or they go on sale 8/21. Does AmEx get better seats or should I wait until 8/21 and order?

The 1st weekend in Dec is the most expensive for hotels and I can save a $100/ night by staying in the financial district - is it worth it? Is it really that much of a hassle being that far from the theaters? I figured saving $100/night I could just take taxis.

nytraveler

Taxis to and fro might cost less than $100 - assuming weather isn't bad and there is no traffic.

But the first weekend in Dec will be mobbed - probably at least Sat will be a gridlock alert day and 1) finding a taxi at all might be difficult or 2) getting stuck in traffic might really run up the meter. But - if you're willing to take the subway staying downtown makes a lot of sense.

As for getting a ticket I would definitely get one in advance via AmEx - with Pacino heading the cast every one else will be.

mztery

Get seats NOW - any show w/ a big movie star (Denzel, etc) sells out very quickly. Amex won't necessarily get oyu better seats unless you want to pay for super premium seating, but you WILL have access the tix before everyone else tries.

I actually like the Financial District for hotels. lots of good choices and often cheaper. You MAY have a wait for a taxi after the show esp if the weather is bad, but there will be taxis after all the performances.

Plus to get TO shows, the subway is very easy and cheap.

travelbuff

Actually you might really LIKE the financial district at night, since it's usually pretty quiet at night.

The subway will become your friend staying there and most of the subway lines stop in the area, depending on which hotel you choose, the subway could be steps to your door.

I'd suggest looking at the Minnenium, which is a nice hotel, great rates and it's next door to Century 21, so you might chekc and see if they are offering any specials like gift cards associated with your stay, be nice for holiday shopping.

As others have mentioned GRAB those tickets NOW, they will sell out very quickly.

Have a great time while you are here.

mclaurie

When you say you can save $100/night by staying in the financial district, I'd ask vs. what and which hotel? Taking taxis everywhere will get very old very quickly and especially after the theater, there are no taxis so you'll have to take the subway or at least bus or walk part way. You can't drop packages off etc. But if it's just for a weekend and it's a nice hotel, sure, why not. Hopstop.com is one website that will estimate traveling time by subway and also taxi. The W Downtown will be open by then and the Andaz Wall St. is getting great reviews. I'd prefer Soho or Tribeca where there's a bit more happening on a weekend, but as more hotels open near Wall st. there will be more open.

txhomes

Thanks for all the great info. I currently have reservations at The Kimberley and the Millenium Hilton is $100 less a night. We've used the metros in London & Paris but using the subways in NY intimidates me - isn't that silly. I'll buy the tics now and am just thrilled to get to see Al Pacino, he has always been a favorite of mine.

travelbuff

You will like the Millenium, and again check to see if they are offering gift cards for Century 21. The hotel overlooks the WTC site and is around the corner from ST. Paul's Chapel, so stop in there if you get a chance.

The subway is right in front of the hotel, which will make traveling around the city easy, actually easier than taking taxis, and a whole lot cheaper. During the holidays taking the subway will save you all kinds of time because the city is gridlocked, especially anywhere midtown and the shopping districts.

There are a few really good restaurants within walking district at the World Financial Center, just ask the front desk how to get there.

Flame123

Just curious - why is the first week in December so expensive in NYC?

starrs

Thanksgiving to Christmas is expensive because folks are coming in to celebrate the holidays, shop, see the gorgeous store windows decorated for the holidays and just to experience NYC. I think the second weekend in December is usually the priciest - at least that's what I found in choosing hotel dates.

If you want to do all of the above at lower rates, the week after Christmas is a great time to visit - IF you leave on Dec. 30th or so.

mclaurie

People come to see the Rockefeller tree lit and it generally happens during the first week of Dec. so by that weekend, it's up and running.

mclaurie

The lowest price I see for the Millenium Hilton for Dec. 3-5 is $269/night on Hotels.com There's a room at the Milburn hotel on the upper west side for $233 on Hotels.com and the Desmond Tutu Center in Chelsea for $289/night on quikbook.com fyi.

doug_stallings

Just an FYI about the Millennium Hilton. It's a great and convenient hotel if you do decide to stay in the Financial District, but some of the cheaper rooms may face the nonstop noise of the construction at the former WTC site. That's not so fun, and people complain that the noise is constant and can be very annoying and hinder sleep.

And you aren't limited to cabs to and from the theater. The subway runs and is quite convenient to midtown from that location, especially when the traffic is bad.

Flame123

Thanks starrs and mclaurie. I did not realize that the holiday prices started so early in December.

NeoPatrick

Regarding buying the AmEx tickets. In the past when I've checked that out -- before general tickets go on sale, sadly the AmEx tickets are NOT good ones. Twice I decided not to buy them because the seats really weren't good, then waited and called Ticketmaster or Telecharge (depending on the show) the day general tickets went on sale and got MUCH better ones.

On the other hand, I agree with others that this will be a sellout, so I'd be prepared to get them as soon as they go on sale (or buy the AmEx ones if they appear to be good seats). If you go to Playbill.com, scroll to the bottom of the left hand column and you can find a link to seating charts of all the theatres, so you know what you are looking at.

Frank

I'd stay in midtown if you can swing the price. The Kimberly is in a great neighborhood (East Midtown). You can walk to and from the theater and past the tree at Rock Center, Saks 5th Ave's windows and enjoy all the great sights of the holiday season. Who wants to be stuck in the "quiet" financial district on a freezing cold December night, also known as "Siberia".

txhomes

NeoPatrick - that is what I thought I had previously read that AmEx tics aren't necessarily the best. SO if I'm sitting at the computer on 8/21 I might get better tics or least similar to the AMEx.

FRank - we already had The Kimberly planned and I choose it because of location. Shopping, seeing the Xmas sights, and some shows was what I've always wanted to do for my birthday. I knew we'd have to pay more but when I saw the rate at the Millenium I started having second thoughts.

Thanks for all the great info. Fodors is great