That's a plan.

Charlene, read the insider's guide on the fun site below. Or, print it out...makes for fun reading on the long airplane trip. Some great restaurant and shopping suggestions.

www.laurasnyctales.com

Hi, I'm Charlene's mum and she's very grateful for all your help. The reason she's no longer conversing with you is that she had to return to work and is on the other side of the world with no internet access at present.

I've just read through all the posts and you really are lovely people and give great advice! I'm sure they'll have a wonderful time - hope it snows!!!

Thanks again everyone - have a great weekend.

Melanie

Darn..I know I'm too late, but someone here posted about renting rooms through www.VRBO.com , or www.rentalo.com. ..Charlene..exactly how much did you pay per night?...

Melanie -- aka Charlene's mum --

That was very nice of you to take the time to post that message!

Debi

Charlene, when you have internet access again go to http://www.hyatt.com and register for their "Gold Passport Program", as a member you'll get a few extra perks, like free coffee & a newspaper in the morning and some hotel have a "Passport Floor" for members. It can't hurt to sign up and give them your Hyatt Passport number at check-in, I "won" the Hyatt at Grand Central on Priceline and there was never a mention of the room being a priceline bid and we were extended the privileges of the passport program. We also requested & received a room with a view, but that may be tough during your week. Enjoy NYC!

Hellooooooo!

Finally I got internet! I signed both my brother and myself up for the Gold thingy and am looking forward to reading newspaper in bed whilst drinking my cuppa and looking at the view...whatever the view maybe!

Thank you for all your imput and thanks mum for speaking on my behalf, love you!!

Oh one other thing, what is the Christmas Market and will there be snow??!!!

Charlene, don't count on the Hyatt honoring your gold passport.

The only time I've stayed at the Grand Hyatt was in a priceline room and I've been an active Gold Passport member since 1998 and the front desk manager basically laughed at me when I asked if they would honor the card.

Not even incidentals.

I'm not familiar with the holiday market at Grand Central, but there's also a nice outdoor one at Union Square with some very nice, and unique items. Go on a Saturday and visit the green market as well (which is also there mon, wed, fri, but not as big as on saturday).

ALso check out the decorated store windows along 5th avenue (Saks, Lord and Taylor, etc). Snow is unlikely.

Hi Silly1,

If memory is correct I think we got rooms for £150 a night..still over priced but hey ho tis worth it for crimbo!!

The Holiday Market at Grand Central was very good last year - some lovely one-of-a-kind items. It was held in the hall that you pass through when you come in the 42nd St. main entrance. There was a holiday market at Bryant Park (outdoor) as well.

Happy shopping!