is new york new years eve possible on a budget?
Sep 27th, 2009, 07:05 AM
#41
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An alternative, IF you find Manhatten out of your price range, is the Hilton in Newark, which is across the street from the Penn Station and direct access via the PATH into Manhatten. I have stayed there using their prepaid discounted booking, but this is the only place I would stay in that area. At this point may not even be available, but only a suggestion.
Sep 28th, 2009, 07:39 AM
#43
If you are considering staying outside of NYC, a course I do not recommend, be certain that the transport is available at usable times, for example early AM and New Year's Day. Then take seriously NYC weather. Sometimes it's just cold and damp and windy, but we do get snowstorms, in which case the city is paralized for a while, and you will not be traveling that day, except by subway. If you want to be in Times Square NYE, along with the other million people, plan for the very effective but movement restricting crowd control and anti-terrorism measures. On the other hand, NYC is the ultimate New Year's Eve city, for all that.
Sep 28th, 2009, 08:17 AM
#44
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divineMissM,
Staying outside Manhattan, during the holidays in NJ DOES NOT MAKE SENSE, for tourists. The traffic coming into the city is a NIGHTMARE, and the time spent on the bus will eat up so much valuable time. Also getting into and out of the city at night will have to be based on bus schedules. Transportation costs would be at a minimum based on your post $14rt for 2 each day plus subway in Manhattan, so I was not far off when I said $20, and again it would depend on where the hotel is located. Factor in the weather which could play a part in traffic conditions snow/rain/ice which will slow things down as well.
There are so many options for staying IN Manhattan, hotels and B&B's that the OP should be able to find something within budget. And of course there's always priceline.
Staying outside Manhattan, during the holidays in NJ DOES NOT MAKE SENSE, for tourists. The traffic coming into the city is a NIGHTMARE, and the time spent on the bus will eat up so much valuable time. Also getting into and out of the city at night will have to be based on bus schedules. Transportation costs would be at a minimum based on your post $14rt for 2 each day plus subway in Manhattan, so I was not far off when I said $20, and again it would depend on where the hotel is located. Factor in the weather which could play a part in traffic conditions snow/rain/ice which will slow things down as well.
There are so many options for staying IN Manhattan, hotels and B&B's that the OP should be able to find something within budget. And of course there's always priceline.
Sep 28th, 2009, 09:38 AM
#45
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tbuff,
Actually you said $20 per person...but that's neither here nor there. The point is that I clearly stated with my suggestion that the OP should keep looking for something in the city. The Secaucus plan just lets her secure her vacation time, book her airline tickets, etc, while she continues to look at other options while not having to lock herself into Priceline. If worse comes to worse, she has a room and can get into the city for New Years Eve without much trouble. Being IN the city with all the congestion for New Years Eve is no piece of cake either, after all. She'll be fighting crowds either way. And as posted above, the bus travels in the bus lane, not the traffic lane.
Many other travelers besides the OP are going to read this topic. With so many people heading for NYC on New Years, not everybody is going to find the perfect room in the city. Even if the OP lucks out, not everyone will. Telling them that staying just outside of the city is insane is a little extreme if you ask me. All these rooms will fill up by New Years, and yes everyone will have to cram into the buses and rush around, just like people staying in Manhattan will have to cram into the subways and fight the crowds. Making it sound like staying in the city for New years is a breeze and staying 15 mins out is hell, that's just exaggeration.
Actually you said $20 per person...but that's neither here nor there. The point is that I clearly stated with my suggestion that the OP should keep looking for something in the city. The Secaucus plan just lets her secure her vacation time, book her airline tickets, etc, while she continues to look at other options while not having to lock herself into Priceline. If worse comes to worse, she has a room and can get into the city for New Years Eve without much trouble. Being IN the city with all the congestion for New Years Eve is no piece of cake either, after all. She'll be fighting crowds either way. And as posted above, the bus travels in the bus lane, not the traffic lane.
Many other travelers besides the OP are going to read this topic. With so many people heading for NYC on New Years, not everybody is going to find the perfect room in the city. Even if the OP lucks out, not everyone will. Telling them that staying just outside of the city is insane is a little extreme if you ask me. All these rooms will fill up by New Years, and yes everyone will have to cram into the buses and rush around, just like people staying in Manhattan will have to cram into the subways and fight the crowds. Making it sound like staying in the city for New years is a breeze and staying 15 mins out is hell, that's just exaggeration.
Sep 28th, 2009, 09:46 AM
#46
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A search of tripadvisor reviews for Secaucus hotels finds several reviewers who've stayed in Secaucus for New Years and have mentioned the ease of getting to and from the city. Again, not EVERYONE can stay right in Manhattan, there just aren't enough hotel rooms.
"We stayed at this hotel for New Year's Eve ... The staff was very friendly and encouraged us to use the 320 bus to Port Authority. The bus was fantastic. ....and the bus service is fantastic. It ran until 5am on New Year's Eve."
"We stayed at this hotel for New Year's Eve ... The staff was very friendly and encouraged us to use the 320 bus to Port Authority. The bus was fantastic. ....and the bus service is fantastic. It ran until 5am on New Year's Eve."
Sep 30th, 2009, 01:05 AM
#47
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Of course I think - go for it - make it all as close to your dream as you can. And if you dream of Times Square at midnight - read up on it a little, and if it still appeals to you, do that too!!
Hotels - I imagine you're seeing what you can wring out of Priceline or Hotwire. As to other options - one of the 2 4* Priceline hotels in Jersey City is amazing - it's practically in the river, so you see the Manhattan skyline. I have put guests there and then gone and hung out. It's dreamy and otherworldly, to me. I paid under $100/nite, but it wasn't New Year's Eve!!
And - as to transportation - the Jersey City 4*s are right by the PATH train stop -- this one was truly on top of it, you would not get your hair wet walking there in the rain -- and since it's a train there is no traffic problem, and it runs all night. You can get as far as 33rd St on it - check the maps online.
Also - to and from Secaucus I am almost sure you can take these vans from near the Port Authority building,for $2. Cheerful alternate transportation used mostly by Spanish speakers. I love them - I take them occasionally to the Indian movie theater out that way.
One agreeably crazy plan would be - have your dream night or two in a zillion dollar Manhattan hotel on New Year's Eve, then make up for it budget-wise in Jersey City or Brooklyn for the rest of your stay.
Hotels - I imagine you're seeing what you can wring out of Priceline or Hotwire. As to other options - one of the 2 4* Priceline hotels in Jersey City is amazing - it's practically in the river, so you see the Manhattan skyline. I have put guests there and then gone and hung out. It's dreamy and otherworldly, to me. I paid under $100/nite, but it wasn't New Year's Eve!!
And - as to transportation - the Jersey City 4*s are right by the PATH train stop -- this one was truly on top of it, you would not get your hair wet walking there in the rain -- and since it's a train there is no traffic problem, and it runs all night. You can get as far as 33rd St on it - check the maps online.
Also - to and from Secaucus I am almost sure you can take these vans from near the Port Authority building,for $2. Cheerful alternate transportation used mostly by Spanish speakers. I love them - I take them occasionally to the Indian movie theater out that way.
One agreeably crazy plan would be - have your dream night or two in a zillion dollar Manhattan hotel on New Year's Eve, then make up for it budget-wise in Jersey City or Brooklyn for the rest of your stay.
Sep 30th, 2009, 08:45 AM
#49
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This hotel in Brooklyn might be a good deal compared to Manhattan:
http://www.nuhotelbrooklyn.com/quest...er_success.cfm
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._New_York.html
It is very close to transportation into Manhattan including yellow taxis and every major subway line. It is also close to Smith St that has some of the best restaurants in the Borough. It would be a way better option than the traffic into and out of NJ.
The area is safe, I walk by the hotel just about every day at various times of the day and it is across the street from a Police station.
It is also in walking distance of the Brooklyn Bridge. I've never been in the hotel but it is in a new building built maybe 3 yrs ago. I think it is part hotel, part Condo.
Good luck with your decision!
http://www.nuhotelbrooklyn.com/quest...er_success.cfm
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._New_York.html
It is very close to transportation into Manhattan including yellow taxis and every major subway line. It is also close to Smith St that has some of the best restaurants in the Borough. It would be a way better option than the traffic into and out of NJ.
The area is safe, I walk by the hotel just about every day at various times of the day and it is across the street from a Police station.
It is also in walking distance of the Brooklyn Bridge. I've never been in the hotel but it is in a new building built maybe 3 yrs ago. I think it is part hotel, part Condo.
Good luck with your decision!
Sep 30th, 2009, 05:50 PM
#50
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The OP doesn't seem to have revisited the thread. I hope she wasn't scared off by checking priceline etc and coming up with just $275 per night hotels. While that may seem like a great deal to some travelers, it's beyond the budget of many/most. I hope she realizes that there are alternatives and that with a little ingenuity, she can make it.
Sep 30th, 2009, 08:04 PM
#51
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We spent last NYE in Manhattan. We got a great deal on a Marriott and arrived just a day or two early. I found the sales better before New Year (and they were amazing!).
We went to Saint John the Divine and then had a quick dinner (no prix fixe) before walking along Central Park in the cold and watching the fireworks. We got a cab, easily, just as the fireworks ended as the cabbies had all pulled over to watch, too.
New Year's Day we had brunch reservations in SoHo and then went to Battery Park for a view of the Statue of Liberty.
All in all, very successful!
It was busy, but not awful and a once in a lifetime opportunity.
I would never stay outside Manhattan for this experience. It would not be the same!
We went to Saint John the Divine and then had a quick dinner (no prix fixe) before walking along Central Park in the cold and watching the fireworks. We got a cab, easily, just as the fireworks ended as the cabbies had all pulled over to watch, too.
New Year's Day we had brunch reservations in SoHo and then went to Battery Park for a view of the Statue of Liberty.
All in all, very successful!
It was busy, but not awful and a once in a lifetime opportunity.
I would never stay outside Manhattan for this experience. It would not be the same!
Oct 1st, 2009, 05:50 PM
#52
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"I would never stay outside Manhattan for this experience. It would not be the same!"
So you're advice is, if you can't stay in the city, then just stay home? Well, that's one option I guess, and it looks like the option that OnTheEdgeof40 might have chosen.
So you're advice is, if you can't stay in the city, then just stay home? Well, that's one option I guess, and it looks like the option that OnTheEdgeof40 might have chosen.
Oct 31st, 2009, 07:10 PM
#53
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I picked this up by searching for New Years and thought I'd answer. This was a dream of mine also and I made it in 2006. I am so glad I went but you really need to know the whole deal before you go... First.. Yes, it can be done on a budget.. hint..cheaper and more available to stay in New Jersey we stayed at the Fairfield Inn Avenel (New Jersey) 732-396-9700 which seems far but they have a free shuttle that will take you to the train station and for a little bit of nothing you get right into Penn Station they also have free shuttle to and from the airport which will save you a fortune! Now for the real deal on Times Square - get there very early (2pm) about 4 or 5 they will start clearing the streets and there is a massive rush into the security who makes sure you have no alcohol then place you in "pens" (get as close to the rail as possible) you will NOT be able to leave this pen or you can't come back...there are no vendors or bathrooms after you get in your pen so plan ahead! Take a sandwich and a small bottle of water because if you have to pee you can't come back into the pen... About 6p they start practicing with other time zones and the music will be wonderful from every direction! Antoher hint: They provide hats etc are to a good portion of the folks standing in the pens so you don't need to spend money on the ones they sell in the street - wait to get the real deal ones!
Hope you make it and have a blast!
Hope you make it and have a blast!
Nov 1st, 2009, 09:57 AM
#54
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I think the "no bathrooms" part of this sounds hellish, especially for the 10+ hours described by jmkalksne.
I imagine you can still do other stuff in NYC that doesn't involve that sort of discomfort, but I do understand that everyone has their own preferences and for some it would be worth it to be right there when the ball drops.
A few years ago, the Marriott Marquis in NYC was selling 4* rooms for $110/night on Priceline for NYE - the Name Your Own Price side. That was probably a mistake price, and won't be repeated, I'm sure. However, it's still worth trying to bid on Priceline, but I wouldn't expect anything. See www.betterbidding.com .
I imagine you can still do other stuff in NYC that doesn't involve that sort of discomfort, but I do understand that everyone has their own preferences and for some it would be worth it to be right there when the ball drops.
A few years ago, the Marriott Marquis in NYC was selling 4* rooms for $110/night on Priceline for NYE - the Name Your Own Price side. That was probably a mistake price, and won't be repeated, I'm sure. However, it's still worth trying to bid on Priceline, but I wouldn't expect anything. See www.betterbidding.com .
Nov 1st, 2009, 10:11 AM
#55
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The price of a Marriott Marquis ball drop view room for New Year's Eve is about $1500. Prices for other hotels are similar - and prices for almost every hotel is the city are jacked up that night.
Not sure about hostels is someone want to go really budget.
Not sure about hostels is someone want to go really budget.
Nov 10th, 2009, 02:46 PM
#56
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welch, we're planning to do the exact thing! What restaurant did you go to that didn't serve pre fixe? Was it nice? That's all I'm looking for now for that evening....
sorry to hijack the thread.
sorry to hijack the thread.
Nov 12th, 2009, 10:18 AM
#57
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We ate at The West Branch on the UWS.
It suited our purpose perfectly as we attended the concert at St. John the Divine and then saw the fireworks in Central Park.
The food was good.
I wouldn't put it at the very top of my NYC dining experiences but there are few restaurants that I would put there for NYE- and the price with cocktails and a glass of wine- 2 or 3 courses including one that involved lobster, was in the $130.00 range for both of us!!
It suited our purpose perfectly as we attended the concert at St. John the Divine and then saw the fireworks in Central Park.
The food was good.
I wouldn't put it at the very top of my NYC dining experiences but there are few restaurants that I would put there for NYE- and the price with cocktails and a glass of wine- 2 or 3 courses including one that involved lobster, was in the $130.00 range for both of us!!
Nov 13th, 2011, 03:54 AM
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Hi travelbuff,
we are 4 european students, with the same issues. We want to experience NY on New Year on a budget as well. We are most interested in cheap good food preferably with some sort of view and fun cheap things we can do to make that an unforgettable experience. We would love some St Johns concert tickets, but I guess were not taht lucky that your singing there again or are we? Anyway and tip and advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanxs JC
we are 4 european students, with the same issues. We want to experience NY on New Year on a budget as well. We are most interested in cheap good food preferably with some sort of view and fun cheap things we can do to make that an unforgettable experience. We would love some St Johns concert tickets, but I guess were not taht lucky that your singing there again or are we? Anyway and tip and advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanxs JC
