First Time to New York, Need Some Advice!!
 

Hi...am thinking about going to New York (from Edmonton)on May 24th for 4 nights, with my husband..

Firstly, which airport is better to fly into..LGA or JFK??

CAN anyone recommend a decent hotel, not necessarily a 5*, but a nice hotel in a good location....And where is a good location?

Would like to be somewhere central, if there is such a place...and see the main tourist sites and some shopping...We are well travelled, in our 40's and like a little adventure.

Love Indian food, dim sum, and even could go for your typical hot dog or food court...

So what can u recommend for us?..Thanks.

Also like a nice casual place for a beer...

I'll start. Transportation into Manhattan is cheaper, quicker, and easier from LGA than from JFK, so I'd do that.

What is your budget per night for hotel -- that will mean more than a number of stars -- but I'm guessing you're thinking $300 - 400 or so a night for a NON Four Seasons or Mandarin Oriental type experience? The Michelangelo is a nice place and seems a bargain for the quality in "overpriced hotel NYC". It's close to the theatres, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and all kinds of transportation.

While some (particularly locals) may try to steer you away from the center -- or the theatre/Times Square general area -- if you're looking for big city feel and bright lights rather than quiet residential I think that midtown is indeed where you'd want to stay.

Don't even think about a casual place for a beer. Depending on where you are at any given time there will be plenty of choices for you to just pick what looks neat.

Tracy
The good thing about NYC is that anywhere in midtown is relatively walkable, and NY has a great subway system -- so you can see different parts of it relatively easily. Times Square is bustling, neon to rival Tokyo, but very touristy for food, etc. You're walking distance to Midtown east -- MOMA, Rockefeller Center, high end shops on Fifth Avenue.
If you like Indian -- 6th St in the East Village is Indian Restaurant Row -- many are so so but Angon on the Sixth is really really special -- http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant...-on-the-sixth/

Do not suggest you stay near Times Square. It is loud, birght, mobbed with people (like so many you have to walk in the street- many teens on tours or in packs) and full of tacky shops and chain restaurants with bad food.

If I were you I would look at either Central Park South or upper east or west side. All are handy for transit, close enough to walk to some sights and busy with lots of street life without being frantic and tacky.

You don;t say what your hotel budget is. You may want to look at Priceline - but do 4* only - since some 3* are not that pleasant. Or you can look at the various search engines and hotel web sites to see who has deals. A pleasant hotel will be $300 minimum - a deluxe one is in the $500 to $600 range minimum.

Check out the Lucerne on the upper west side as an example of the $300-$400 range.

Hmmmm..i had no idea how expensive hotels are in New York!! I was thinking no more than $200.00 per night, but that doesn't look possible!!!!

Anyhow...i see this is a long weekend in the U.S...Do u think that is a good time to go, and perhaps hotels will be full...I checked a few and they had no availability (Casablanca was full, i thought that looked interesting, but i will continue to look)..

I think for a first time visit, i would prefer to be in the centre of things..I am used to crowds, have spent alot of time in India and S.E. Asia...

Thanks for the suggestions so far, i am checking them out.

TracyB,
Quikbook.com is showing the Michelangelo (Theatre district) averaging $240 on those nights, On the Ave (Upper West Side) for $239/night, and the Warwick averaging $265/night. Lots of others under $300.

All of the above are perfectly pleasant hotels (perhaps 3.5*) or you could do bid 4* on Priceline. For $200 you're definitely looking at budget properties.

Hi Tracy, We've stayed at the Belvedere Hotel twice and really liked the location. It's on 48th Street one block over from Broadway. We paid about $160 a night a couple of years ago. While it's not fancy, it was clean, safe and was perfect for our needs. Here's the link. www.belvederehotelnyc.com

I see Hotel 373 for about 250.00 and it looks like somewhere we would like to stay..Has anyone stayed there, it is fairly new?

Also..what about going to see Good Morning America or Regis and Kelly..Anyone ever did that?? What other shows are there??

I'd fly into whatever one is cheapest but if it's close we found LGA great to fly into. Try to get seats on the left side of the plane and you'll have a good view when you fly past the statue of liberty. Taxi was less $30 for the both of us together.

Where to stay should be near the majority of the things you want to do. We did a lot of theatre so our midtown location was great and near two subway lines not that we had much of a choice since we stayed in a timeshare. You may be able to rent a room there and there was a recent thread on it the manhattan club. I wouldn't hesitate to try priceline.com. Check out betterbidding.com or biddingfortravel.com to see what rooms are going for but with that being a holiday weekend I'd lock in a cancelable reservation now and keep trying in case rooms are released late.

There are lots of shows on and off Broadway. Check out the Theatre Mania website or Playbill to see what's playing and to order advance tickets. For last minute tickets go to the TKTS office in Times Square.

Tracy,
If by shows you mean tv, all three networks are in NY. You could try to get tickets for David Letterman -- you're guaranteed one celebrity, a band and a bunch of silliness with audience participation.
What holiday weekend (did I miss this)? Many holiday weekends in NY can be quieter (relatively speaking) if the natives take off to go elsewhere.

I thought it was Memorial Day on Monday, May 28th?? Maybe i am wrong..But i was thinking TV shows!! I'd luv to see a live taping..What about David Blaine...Is he still around New York??

Anyhow...also still waiting to see if anyone has stayed at Hotel 373, i am just about ready to book it!!

We paid about $160 for the Belvedere in 05, but last I saw, their rates are over $300 a night now.

Here are two ideas - May is high season, and I beleive that is Memorial Day weekend, so it might be even more. http://www.innon23rd.com/ and http://www.countryinnthecity.com/

You can watch Good Morning America being taped at their studios in Times Square, or can ask for tickets to be inside the studio. Be aware that it's standing only, but it can still be fun. We did this last year and enjoyed it. Here's where you can find out more info and request tickets:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=144752

There's so much to do in NY, have fun! I went twice in a year and can't wait to go again. I live in a rural area so I really enjoyed staying in the bustle of Times Square.

Barb

Ya me too Featherwatcher...I live in a rural area in Alberta as well, so i don't mind a few days of hussle and bustle in Time Square either...

Thanks for the suggestions i will check them all out...

The Millenium UN Plaza is $209/night (plus tax of another ~ 15%) on quikbook.com for your dates. It's cancellable and no prepayment. The Mill UN Plaza is a lovely 4* hotel with enclosed rooftop pool and great views from all the rooms. It's only downside is it's across town from Times Square. But it's still in midtown, near the UN building and a nice hotel.

You might want to book this and keep your eyes on travelzoo.com closer to your trip. I'm sure there will be specials on some hotels that are closer to Times Square.

If you're prepared to pay a bit more, agree the Michelangelo is a very nice choice nearer theaters.

I always prefer LGA. Maybe I've just been lucky, but there are far fewer delays than at JFK. You can also check Newark (EWR). Sometimes it's cheaper.

You asked about Hotel 373. Have you read reviews of it on Trip Adviser or elsewhere? Most seem mainly to rave about location -- I suspect they needed to be there for business. 35th and 5th would not be my first choice of area for someone who says they "would prefer to be in the center of things". It's an OK neighborhood, but I'd much prefer to be as you said "more in the center of things" which I'd define as mainly between 42 and Central Park and between 5th and 8th Avenues.

But a tiny, tiny room with NO closet and not even an armoire, only a couple hooks to hang clothes on, and NOT A SINGLE DRAWER? It might be OK for one business traveler, which seemed to be most of the reviews, but sounds mighty cramped and claustrophopic for a couple for 4 nights. Where would you even put an empty suitcase I wonder?

I agree with Patrick. I used to work in the Empire State Building--35th and 5th is a "dead" area. You are close to the EPS and Macy's, that's about it.

If I were coming from a small city in Canada, I would really enjoy staying in Times Square (I highly recommend W Times Square Hotel) with all the hustle and bustle. It's EXCITING!

LGA is a little nearer than JFK. However, I fly in & out of JFK for flights to/from LA or other West coast cities as the bigger planes (smoother, more comfortable flight) like the Boeing 757 tend to fly to JFK.
I'd recommend Tamarind for Indian food... the best in the city, in my opinion. If you want something different & want to try out South Indian food which isn't available easily in other parts of the US, you can try Saravanaas. It's on the South East corner of Lexington Av. & 26th Street. Really good veg, south indian food & it's cheap! Try the onion & tomato utthappam.
Another option to consider is Malaysian restaurants which are similar to Indian places... try Penang which has a couple of locations in the city.

mm, are you the only voice of reason among our resident New Yorkers who understands the idea of us out of towners going to New York BECAUSE we want the commotion, bright lights, noise, and congestion?

I totally understand why those living in New York would get tired of that and avoid Times Square like the plague, but for those of us who don't have it at home -- that's WHY we love New York.

Tracy -- sorry I missed your dates in the first post. Yes, that's Memorial Day weekend. Times Square will be just as lively -- residential areas may be quieter as that's the first official "beach weekend" for anyone who is renting a place in the Hamptons, Fire Island, North Fork, etc.
Wish I knew the hotels better.

There are tons of great Indian restaurants, one for every mood. If you're feeling adventurous, there's an Indian restaurant on 1st Ave., between 5th and 6th streets, which name escapes me now, but it's a short block. This place is an establishment. Food is good, but atmosphere is crazy--elbow bumping Bollywood disco-balls sums it up. Buy beer at the deli on the corner before going in. If you're not in for what can be rather claustrophobic, there are several great restaurants near Baruch college, near the 6 train stops at 23rd or 28th streets. If you're feeling really adventurous and love Indian food enough to justify the trip, hop on the subway out to Jackson Heights, in Queens, which is our own little Bombay. Not too long a trip from the east side of Manhattan (30 minutes maybe). The best Indian food (and a fascinating, vibrant immigrant community) are in this neighborhood (check out "Jackson Diner" online). Have fun!

Okay..thanks for all the replies....I guess i will rethink Hotel 373..It just sounded really good, and yes i did read the reviews on Trip Advisor..I am going to check out the Millenium UN Plaza and W Times Square Hotel..It is hard to know where to stay in a city when u have never been there b4!!

Also will check out the Indian Restaurants that were recommended..I love South Indian Food...

We will fly in LGA...thanks again, i better get busy putting this all together and if anyone has anymore things for me, feel free to post!!

Also, for dim sum, I recommend Jing Fong, a restaurant on Elizabeth Street. This place is very popular for "morning tea," and has a wide selection of good dishes circulating at any time. Jing Fong is open until around 3 in the afternoon, but it's best to go in the mid-morning when there's more of a crowd---during busy hours you'll share a table with other patrons. If you are in Chinatown and want a later lunch or dinner, there are a lot of great places; Joe's Shanghai on Pell Street is famous for its "xiao-long-bao," soup-filled dumplings. Also, the Hop Kee is well known for its duck. Chinatown residents know these establishments or will recommend another to suit your tastes!

The Jackson Diner looks fabulous!

Also jsut checked availability at Millenium UN Plaza on their website and they have an AAA rate for 199.00 per night...So that's not bad!!

And Jing Fong looks like it will be worth a visit as well!!

Times Square cam:

http://www.earthcam.com/usa/newyork/...p?cam=charleyo

Has a few NY live cams

My DD and I go to NYC every summer for a girls trip. I love to stay in Times Square. We also live in a rural area and I love the hustle and bustle of the big city. We always stay at the Double Tree Suites right in times square, but I think I paid somewhere around $400.00 a night last summer. We fly into LGA, the taxi to Times Square was $70 that was with a good tip. I noticed that Wauhob3 taxi was only $30. I don't know what time of day she flys in, but from my five summers in a row we have never paid less than $60.00 for a taxi.

We got reservations for GMA a couple of years ago. It was fun. You do have to stand the whole time, but the time goes fast. DD even got to stand next to Spencer Christain when he was doing the weather. There is so much to do in NYC that's why we go back every summer. Have a great time!

Hester,

Are you talking taxi or car service, and for how many people? A yellow-cab taxi from the official taxi line at LGA to Times Square should around $30. If you paid $70 to a yellow cab, you paid way to much.

this is for hester.
I have tickets to GMA, could you give a little more detail. My daughters & I are trying to decide if it's worth getting up so early & standing in the cold. I read somewhere they send you in & out of the studio several times, is that correct?

hester, something is weird. Are you sure you don't fly into JFK? I've never paid more than $30 with tolls for a taxi from Laguardia to midtown Manhattan. Never.

But even JFK to Manhattan is a fixed rate now -- $45 I believe. I can't imagine how a taxi from LGA could be $60 unless you got stuck in traffic somewhere for at least an extra hour.

TracyB, don't stress about the airport thing--JFK is a fixed rate ($45), or also has an AirTrain ($5), which I personally love. LGA is always a bit of a mess, but you can ask your driver to take you over the Queensboro Bridge--you'll get a great view of the skyline and there's no toll and traffice isn't as crazy as the Triborough.

For restaurant ideas, check out this link to NY Mag's archives:
http://nymag.com/restaurants/index.htm
I live here and it's a great resource.

Some places I take friends from out of town:
Oyster Bar in Grand Central
PJ Clarke's
Top of the Rock (in my opinion better than Empire State)
Century 21 (discount designer shopping)
Keen's Steakhouse
Shanghai Cafe
Grimaldi's Pizza (under the Brooklyn Bridge which is also fun to walk across)
Staten Island Ferry (it's free, you have a great view of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty AND they sell beer onboard)

I think hotel location is not the most important thing. If you've never been before you'll probably be out and about all day anyway and NYC is very easily navigated by subway, taxi, and yes foot.

I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Check out the Carey bus (around $13 pp) from JFK or LGA to Manhattan ((718) 632-0506), although a cab is not too bad for 2 people.

We love the Jolly Madison hotel on 39th & Madison. Good food right outside the door and close to all. Priced around $230/night.

Also enjoyed Radio City Apartments when needed a kitchenette.

FOOD: Check out Buddakan for Asian funk, Angelika Kitchen for cool vegetarian fare and if you are there on a Friday night, make a reservation (ahead of time) for dinner at the Natural Gourmet Cookery School - very fun, very NY.

Brandy's Piano Bar (uptown) is a fun place to test your own vocal abilities with the bonus of Broadway performers and top talent stopping by to belt out a song.

I always take visitors to Ellen's Stardust Diner for talented singing waitresses and the "kitchen sink" ice cream.

Please let me know how you enjoy your trip on www.travelingmom.com. Thanks!

Okay thanks again everyone for all of your suggestions...I am following up on every single one...I just confirmed our flight details...and we are staying 4 nights in New York and 2 nights in Montreal...

I will have more questions of things to do coming up shortly!!

Jackson Diner is good but don't miss Tamarind... probably one of the best Indian restaurants in the US. It's a little more upscale than the regular Indian places, but totally worth it.
Jin Fong is great for dim sum but in case it's too crowded when you go (place is gigantic but yet there often is a wait) you can try Dim Sum Go Go.

Hester we flew in and out on a Saturday afternoon and it was within [email protected] of each other.In a few weeks we fly in on a Friday so I'll post after our trip and see if a business day makes a difference but unles you were stuck in stopped traffic for a very long time I don't see how you paid double each time for LGA.

For restaurants, check out nyc menupages--google for exact location.
I think that Sapphire is a great indian restaurant right next to the new Time Warner building. They also have a great buffet for lunch except on Sunday.
If you stay near the UN you can take the Carey bus or whatever it is presently called to 41st and Mad. which is not far from the hotel. Taxi rates have recently risen so JFK can easily exceed $60 with tip and tolls. The airtrain is a good alt. as is the bus.

I have booked a room at the Millenium UN Plaza for 199.00..However, i would prefer to stay at the W Time Square, but it is more expensive...If i can find the W at a better rate b4 we leave, i will cancel the Millenium..

And i will print off all of the great restaurant recco's and all the other info u all have given me....Thanks.

Keep an eye on travelzoo.com as there are sure to be specials at hotels (probably not the W Times Square) closer to your trip. You should PHONE the W and ask what the cheapest rate is they can offer. But there are plenty of other hotels in and around Times Square if that's what you'd like. The Renaissance is nice and has nice views.