MOMMY321

I'm still looking tonight at hotels and options...yes majority of it is driving in Manhattan AND the main reason we are coming is to go to Carlo's Bakery. YES...I would rather spend my time in NYC, but this is for my daughter's birthday and she asked if we could drive up just to go to the bakery SO...NYC is a side trip I am insisting on. We are a party of 5 now and that is the total that is coming. We can stay in the same room IF we find somewhere that will allow 5. We will be arriving VERY late on Thursday night. Leaving NC around 1:00 pm. My mind is spinning with options, doubts, quetions, etc. I want her to have such a good time and unfortunately I have to do it as tightly (budgetwise) as I can. I know that isn't easy in NYC.

ellenem

5 will be much harder for one room. Aside from "as cheap as possible," can you share what you current budget for a room for 5 people (ages, please) might be so we can offer better suggestions?

Good luck.

MOMMY321

3 women and 2 girls 13. I really would like to stay under 200 per night especially if I have to pay to park. The hotel in North Bergen was 129.99 per night and free parking....

travelbuff

It's really not $129 a night when you figure in your transport to and from the city, it's more like a little over $200nt.

That will be hard to beat in the city, but we can sure help you to try.

You might try the Hotel Grand Union and you'd need 2 rooms there and the price will be just a bit higher than your budget, but it will give you more room and 2 BATHROOMS.

I'd also suggest the Travel Inn, which I think we all mentioned to you, FREE parking there, and it's just outside of the Lincoln Tunnel so easy to find, and plus upon plus ther is a POOL on the roof, which in this heat would be a welcome relief after running around the city all day.

I'm wondering if we can do a little GTG while you are here, I'd be happy to play tour guide if that might help, show you parts of the city. I live uptown and the subway here is a part of life, hard to imagine I'm sure but most of us living here don't own cars, we take the underground limos, ok it's the subway, but it sure is great to get around.

One hint is to get a good map of the city so you can figure out where you are, and pick up a good book for the girls so they can have some input on what sites they would like to see.

We have over 10,000 restaurants in Manhattan alone, so it's probably not going to be hard to find a place you will like.

So relax, we'll all make sure you are all set for the trip.

travelbuff

I just checked the Travel Inn and they do have rooms available for the weekend you are here for $300nt for 4 people a double double. That's a pretty good rate.

Another suggestion would be the Doubletree downtown, and it have a beautiful view of the SOL and would be big enough since it is a suite, so you might check there as well.

Have to say i'd go with The Travel Inn free parking and POOL and it's close to lots of restaurants and a couple of blocks from Broadway.

By staying in the city, you will be saving at least $20pp per day transportation costs to and from NJ and time, you won't be here all that long, spending most of your time in traffic won't give you as much time to see the city.

MOMMY321

I just wanted to stop back in and say thank you to everyone who gave me info that was SO useful for our weekend in NYC! We did stay in New Jersey at the Courtyard by Marriott (beside the PATH) and it was not hard at ALL gettting between Jersey City and NYC. Thank you especially for MCLARUIE, ELLENEM AND TRAVELBUFF....your info was outstanding on both my forums! I hand an awesome weekend and we were able to do EVERYTHING that I had hoped to. Friday we went to Carlo's Bakery (my daughter's main reason for going), WTC sight, St. Pauls, Deli, shopping and Staten Island Ferry to see Statue of Liberty! Then Saturday we did the Early Show, Fifth Avenue, Top of the Rock, shopping, Times Square, more shopping, etc. SO...if you have "scared southerners" like me - Staying at the Courtyard wasn't bad at all, especially when you have a vehicle to take. I am sure staying in NYC would've been nice to just walk out and go - but we were TRILLED with our location - so feel free to suggest to "newbies" like me! Everyone was VERY helpful in NY when we had questions, etc.! Thanks again for all your help!

writealiving

Try travelzoo, they have great deals on NYC hotels. The ACE in Chelsea gets great reviews and they had cheap rooms. Small, but nice. If you want to eat at someplace that is really good though touristy, go to Katz on Houston St. The best pastrami sandwich you will ever eat. Don't forget to get a picture with the Naked Cowboy in Times Square.

ellenem

Glad your trip worked well. I'm sure changing your hotel to one near the PATH train was a key to your success. Yes, NYers are in general a helpful bunch.

writealiving

Mommy321, sorry, I missed your post stating you already went so my suggestions were too late. I'm glad you had a great time. As a life long New Yorker, I love nothing more when visitors go home happy with their visit here!