Just a few notes on my first trip to NYC.
6 days in NYC [Wed. 4/28-Tues. 5/4/04

Before this trip I still had visions of NYC being a place to visit with great care [personal safety], weary of the cleanliness of the city, safety and cleanliess of the subway, and the general attitude of New Yorkers of us visitors. For these reasons, my visit to NYC didn't materilize until recently. I was encouraged by an international friend wanting to vist NYC, to meet her there. I accepted the invitation, and off to NYC.

WOW! What a pleasant surprise!
My visions were misconceptions. NYC was safe [police very visual], clean, subway not cluttered with garffiti, and the people were friendly and helpful.

Of course we did the usual tourist sites, of which all were enjoyable. [ESB, Times Square, Central Park, Statue of Liberty, GCS, Wall Street, etc.]

Ground Zero [World Trade Center Site] was very moving and emotional.

Most impressionable were GCS [Grand Central Station} - Wonderfully restored and beautiful. And the Chrysler Bldg. Very stately.

Stayed one night at Murry Hill Suite Hotel on 39 ST. [Budget - very nice]
5 nights at San Carlos Hotel - 51st/Lexington
very nice - good location.

Took advice that I read on this forum. 1. Walk Brooklyn Bridge. 2. Serendipity's. Enjoyed both.

The subway was very easy to navigate. The 7 day unlimited visitors pass was a very good value. $21.00 for unlimited 7 day use.

So many restaurants, and places to eat, and good too!

Very enjoyable trip......thanks NEW YORK

Hi! So glad you had a nice trip and that you shared it here. Can you give some more details about the Murray Hill Suites? (room description, etc.)

Margie - Murry Hill Suites Hotel.

Perhaps because I was only staying one night the recp. gave me a good room.

I bid on priceline and paid $65.00+ taxes.=$80.00

The room was a suite: kitchenette; with stove, ref. sink [no microwave]Complete with dishes, etc.

Large room; Living room and eating area
eating area had a table with 2 chairs.
Living room had a couch [not a sofa bed], 2 chairs, coffee table, desk, and T.V.[about 24" on stand]

Bedroom.[seperate from LR] double bed, walk thru closet [from bedroom to bathroom.]

Bathroom. Very adequate size.

Approx size of total unit 450-500 sq. ft.

Carpet was blue. Looked like this room had been renovated recently. It was very clean, especially the bathroom and kitchen.

Listed as a 2 star budget property. But probably the best 2 star budget I have seen. I was impressed.

Priceline requires hotels to have a full-service restaurant on the premises in order to get 3*. So there are a few great 2* and 2.5* buys, another one is 2.5* Courtyard by Marriott Midtown East.

Thanks for your report! My first trip to NYC left me with many of the same impressions--nice, friendly people, clean subways, etc. (nothing like the movies, huh?)

Can you elaborate some on the Statue of Liberty? What is allowed there, as far as touring goes now? Thanks!

Lee4tatue of Liberty
The lines for getting on the ferry can be long. Weekends are busy. We were advised that about 10a.m. any weekday is good time. However we visited on Sat. morning. We stood in line for about 1/2hr.[lucky I guess].

The signs say NO Backpacks, but small ones are permitted. Security check is very thorough to get on the ferry. No knives, etc.

At Liberty Island: No one was allowed in the Statue of Liberty. Just walked around the perimeter. There is a gift shop and large snack/lunch concession.

Hope this helps.

circa, Thanks for replying. We will be in NYC for several days, so we'll plan to visit the Statue of Liberty on a weekday. I appreciate the information about backpacks too--we always carry one with us, so we'll be sure to bring a small one or just do without one for a little while. Thanks again.

Curious about the San Carlos, circa. Was this also a Priceline hotel? Could you tell us what you paid? Thanks. I've never heard it mentioned & thought I knew that area well.
So glad you had a good time.

mclaurie:
No, the San Carlos was not a priceline hotel.

Rate was 229.00, 279.00 [5 day total was $1500.00 including all taxes]

Would rate it 4 stars. I had a 1 BR suite. Approx 700 sq. Ft. Seperate bedroom with 2 queen beds, desk, 32" T.V....Living Room with sofa bed, 32" T.V. 2 chairs, and table, kitchette with ref. microwave, sink., and eating area. Very large and comfortable.

I particularly needed the seperate BR [suite] for this occasion. Pricline does not provide [guarentee] these provisions.

Address: 150 E. 50th St. [across the street from Kimberly Suites]
50th St /Lexington.