We will be flying into La Guardia and will be staying in Midtown. From what I've read in the guidebooks, a taxi is the best form of transport from the airport to Manhattan. Any other suggestions, or does everyone find this to be true? We will have 4 people, each with our own luggage. We are wanting something relatively inexpensive, but also not too inconvenient.

For 4 people there's no other way to go unless you want to book a car service to get a flat fee. Taxis from LGA are "on the meter" meaning in heavy traffic, the meter will keep running. If you're arriving in rush hour, I'd order a car service like dial7.com Otherwise, take a regular yellow NYC taxi from the official taxi line. Do not accept a ride from anyone who approaches you no matter how enticing the offer. They're usually scams. Just say no.

Yes, a taxi will be best and even cheap for the four of you. Maybe 40 bucks tops. Here's what you do:

Outside the terminal you go to the line for cabs, the four of you - one goes in line, the others, with bags, stand off to the side not far from the head of the line.

When the one of you in line gets to the front, s/he tells the dispatcher that it's for four plus luggage, that you want a van (the hockey-mom type), and he'll ask you to stand aside, getting other people into their sedans.

The first van that comes along is yours. Shouldn't take long, there are quite a lot of those on the streets now.

The only alternative would be Bus M60 into Harlem then a downtown subway - definitely inexpensive, most definitely inconvenient and takes forever.

I'd use a car service. I like Carmel.
http://www.carmellimo.com/Airports.shtml

Most efficient and economical, just head for the taxi queue, stick together with your bags.

The driver will probably ask your preferred route. Over the Triborough (now RFK, I think) Bridge - awesome views of the skyline as you approach. Same/similar fare.

Taxi is definitely the best option.

But my question is, Will your group of 4 have too much luggage for one trunk? Of course you can put small bags on your laps.

But if your group has several big bags, you might need 2 cabs (or wait for a minivan cab to come along).

Enjoy NYC!

Taxis are full size sedans and you shouldn't have trouble getting a normal amount of luggage in the trunk. If you each have several bags (can't imagine why) call Dial 7 or Carmel and ask for a quote for a vehicle based on the amount of luggage.

I've had trouble getting luggage for 2 people in a taxi's trunk. All depends on how long one's traveling and how much one packs.

If each person has a big roller bag, the group of 4 will need 2 cabs.

Yes - but the OP mentioned a trip to NYC - nothing about a cruise afterward.

A cab trunk will easily fit 4 one-week bags (24" each). If you're each bringing 28" or 30" bags - then you do need a bigger vehicle.