First time visit to NYC
#43
Join Date: Oct 2003
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November is high season - so expect hotel prices to be sky high and restaurants full, show tickets scarce. You need to reserve many things in advance.
It's a great time to be here - esp from right before Thanksgiving - with the incredibly decorated store windows and mobs of happy shoppers. Do understand that everything will be mobbed (the day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday - the day stores start to turn a profit for the year) and places will be open at all hours (some stores open Thansgiving night and stay open 24 hours with a few doorbuster sales) and traffic can be truly hideous (gridlock alert days). More upscale stores will open at 7 or 8 am and stay open until 11 pm or so. (Not designer boutiques - but major stores.)
Earlier in the month will still be expensive - but not SO mobbed.
I would look for hotels now and hope you can get advance purchase discounts.
It's a great time to be here - esp from right before Thanksgiving - with the incredibly decorated store windows and mobs of happy shoppers. Do understand that everything will be mobbed (the day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday - the day stores start to turn a profit for the year) and places will be open at all hours (some stores open Thansgiving night and stay open 24 hours with a few doorbuster sales) and traffic can be truly hideous (gridlock alert days). More upscale stores will open at 7 or 8 am and stay open until 11 pm or so. (Not designer boutiques - but major stores.)
Earlier in the month will still be expensive - but not SO mobbed.
I would look for hotels now and hope you can get advance purchase discounts.
#45
We were there that time in November last year Mucky. We stayed through to after Thanksgiving, even went out on Black Friday, admittedly just to Grand Station Central Christmas Market, not too many people there. The streets weren't too crowded either but started to get busy around 11am. We were there about 9am.
November is a great time of year, but can be cold. We had a couple of snow-storms while we were there.
November is a great time of year, but can be cold. We had a couple of snow-storms while we were there.
#46
Join Date: Jan 2003
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Early November is a good time to visit. The Christmas decorations go up earlier and earlier each year, so you'll probably get to see some pretty stuff before the hordes arrive. The skating rink at Rockefeller Center will be open and that's always entertaining. It can be quite cold and gray but it's preferable to August, when it's beastly and humid and, quite frankly, stinky. (May and October are the best months, btw.)
#48
Join Date: Aug 2012
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It's too early to get a good rate on a November hotel reservation. If you find something you can live with, that's cancellable, book it now and keep checking. quikbook.com has secret sale hotels (great value and good hotels, 3* and up), for early November for around $345.00. Check back there in August for discounts and you will likely find a lower rate.
#49
Join Date: Jun 2011
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Hi Mucky,
I have booked The Beacon from 12th Nov for about $180 a night. I don't know where you are travelling from but I got a fantastic deal booking through an American travel agency in Dublin. Flights and accommodation for 8 days is coming in at about €1900 which I think is quite good. The package worked out cheaper then booking flights and accommodation separately online at the time.
I have booked The Beacon from 12th Nov for about $180 a night. I don't know where you are travelling from but I got a fantastic deal booking through an American travel agency in Dublin. Flights and accommodation for 8 days is coming in at about €1900 which I think is quite good. The package worked out cheaper then booking flights and accommodation separately online at the time.
#50
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The Beacon, at that price, wikedelphie, is fabulous. In fact, it's so low I am questioning whether your reservation is valid. Please contact the hotel to confirm. If all is ok, then by all means...Enjoy, and good for you!
#53
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wickedelphie, Since air/hotel packages are often quoted on a double occupancy basis, could it be that you're actually paying 2 x 180 per night (360) for the Beacon? And is that in Dollars or Euros?
#54
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I agree with nyer. I would check if it is per person or in Euros. I paid approx $295 per night before tax last October but even with that being a peak time I couldnt see it getting as low as $180. If its correct that is an awesome deal.
#55
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Now you have all got me a little scared!!! Its definitely $180 per night for two people. I booked the deal through a very reputable travel agent in Dublin but I am going to contact the hotel directly to make sure!!! Thanks for the heads up but Im hoping I really snagged a good deal and havent been misled!!!
#57
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Also, the Beacon doesn't advertise Discounts on any of the hotel 'warehouse' sites like expedia, travelocity, etc. However, this could be a one off they offer to European travelers visiting the U.S. It's possible this discount is available to you and not to 'us' State-side. Anyway, let us know.
#58
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Whether in June or Xmas time, hotels would be costly in NYC, you may search for hotels across Hudson river in Jersey City which is well connected by Metro to WTC and 42nd street and area around is easily walk-able or taxi is rather affordable.
#59
Join Date: Oct 2003
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There is no "Metro" in NYC. And if you mean the subway - it doesn't go to New Jersey.
There is PATH train from NJ to Manhattan - but unless the hotel is right next to the PATH station, the time and money spent going back and forth to NY can be a huge PIA.
There is PATH train from NJ to Manhattan - but unless the hotel is right next to the PATH station, the time and money spent going back and forth to NY can be a huge PIA.