1965

Before beginning a cruise from the terminal in Manhatten we'll spend one night in the Milford Plaza. What is approx. cab fare from LaGuardia to the hotel, and then from the hotel to the pier the next day? I believe the Milford Plaza is in midtown Manhatten. We have no idea what to expect. Also, how much tip is expected? Thanks

Aduchamp1

First the cab should cost between $25 to $30 and it is customary to tip at least 15% of the meter.

There are many piers in New York, so I assume you mean the cruise lines which leave from the West 40's. If that is the case, the cab should be less than $10.

Please note, it is spelled Manhattan.

mclaurie

nyccabfare.com is one of several sites that will estimate the cost of a taxi from point a to point b. Since the fare from the airport is "on the meter" traffic will affect the price.

I don't know if you've prepaid your hotel, but the Milford Plaza has long been called the Mildew Plaza by locals. It was closed for over a year for supposed renovations which never occurred. You'd be wise to reconsider this hotel if you have the option. The good news is it's a convenient location for you. In fact, there's an Express bus from LGA that goes to Port Authority bus terminal which is almost across from the hotel. http://www.nyairportservice.com/ If you decide to use the bus, I wouldn't prepay. Just pay when you get to the bus. Your other optlon if you're arriving at rush hour is to prebook a private car service like dial7.com for a fixed price that won't be affected by traffic. You'll pay a toll (~$6) and tip on top of both the taxi or the car service price. You won't pay a toll on the bus and tips are optional.

1965

Many thanks for the responses. Sorry about the misspelling. I have much to learn before spending time in the Big Apple. We have not booked with the Milford Plaza. Sounds like I'd better look for another hotel. Any suggestions? We're retired teachers, so cost is a consideration for us. We stayed at the Milford in 1991 and it seemed OK at that time, but I have noticed I don't hear much about it these days.

abram

If there are only two of you, and you're willing to share a bed, I'd recommend using Priceline. Read the tips on betterbidding and/or biddingfortravel before you bid.

nytraveler

Milford Plaza is not a great choice unless it's practically free. If you tell us what your budget is and when you'll be in NYC (prices very hugely by date) people can make recos. Are you sure your boat is sailing from Manhattan rather than the terminals in Red Hook or New Jersey (cruise ships depart form all 3).

Taxi from LGA to midtown should be in the area of $30 on the meter - plus bridge or tunnel toll plus tip (I do 20% of the fare but not the toll - esp if the driver helps you with luggage).

Aduchamp1

And whatever you do, not stay at the Hotel Pennsylvania, it makes the Milford look like the Waldorf.

1965

Our Carnival cruise departs from the Manhattan cruise terminal on Oct.1 at 4 p.m. We fly out of Dallas so have to fly in a day early on Sept. 30. None of the flights from Dallas get to New York in time to board at 4 on the day of departure. We're hoping to stay under $250 for one night's lodging for my husband and myself.

Aduchamp1

It is a long flight from Dallas, so you will appreciate the day in NYC.

travelbuff

Absolutely come to NYC at least a day before you leave. You actually might think about coming 2 days early, just in case.

For hotels, check all the major discount sites and you should be able to find something under 200. You might check the Grand Union Hotel on E 32nd rooms are around 130nt there. www.hotelgrandunion.com

1965

The last time we were there, 1991, we walked to the Gershwin Theatre to see Fiddler on the Roof. Is the Gershwin still there? We'd love to see a show while there, and eat at a genuine New York deli. We're excited about the overnight in New York, as well as the cruise up the east coast to Halifax and back. Sure appreciate all the responses.

gb944

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=gerswhin+theater

Austin

The Red Roof Inn is a bargain on 32nd street. I've stayed there a few times. Nothing fancy but clean, reasonable.

Aduchamp1

Is the Gershwin still there?

Sorry both George and Ira died some time ago.
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Best NY Delis-2nd Ave and Katz's

mclaurie

I think it's much too early to be booking a hotel for next Sept., but you can start looking at the options. There are a number of brand new hotels on west 39-west40th st. between 8th & 9th ave. These are not attractive blocks but the hotels are new and clean and it's not far from the theaters and also near the cruise terminal so very convenient for you. They include the Staybridge Suites, the Fairfield Suites, the Distrikt, Four Points Midtown Times Square, Comfort Inn Times Square South, Hampton Inn Times Square South, Candlewood Suites, Holiday Inn Express Times Square and the Element.

TDudette

Look at Park Savoy. Basic, cheap, clean and in an excellent area. Check online just in case things have changed.

1965

I feel like I have a file full of good information, suggestions, and ideas from fodorites. For me, the planning and preparation are part of the fun. Thanks for so much help.

Aduchamp1

Many people ask questions and do not return to thank others for their assistance. And I am sure the others will agree, you are welcome.

doug_stallings

I guess you can probably book up to a year before at a hotel, but I wouldn't do it. And I believe that the Milford Plaza is STILL closed. For two people, you can often get the best deal on Priceline, but you could very well end up with a room with just one bed, which may be a consideration for you. But as long as you get a hotel in Midtown, you're less than a $10 cab ride from the pier. One way to save money is to have the taxi let you off across the street from the pier entrance rather than taking you up to the door of the pier. This will save you at least $5 and a lot of time.

When you get closer to the time of your cruise, ask again for taxi information. Fares will be going up before October.