dmlove - I would not suggest my exact driver - he spoke NO English at all. (not kidding) - but he was there on time, got us to the hotel and was not a hurky jerky experience ;-).

ggreen - the wedding was a very NYC Italian wedding ;-). We had a great time. The church was in Brooklyn and then the club where the reception was in Long Island was lovely. So different then any wedding we ever go to in Southern California.

I would never stay in Time Square again. Not my thing. I will be asking on a great place to stay in the city for next summer for two nights when we go in prior to heading out to Lake George.

The Executive Inn in Woodbury was not my cup of tea but fun with the entire family there.

We meet my friends and had a lovely brunch/lunch on Sunday.

The directions worked out great.

Thanks again to everyone!

kmadsen, unfortunately the weather is really out of control right now and I have no good suggestions for you! I usually listen to the local news, and when online use weather.com. It's been absolutely unseasonably warm and humid; I keep wondering when we'll be getting autumn! They predicted rain for Tuesday but it still hasn't arrived (we're supposed to have a wet morning commute instead) - usually there's a cold front after that. I guess all I can suggest is ... bring layers...

Sorry about the abbreviation. FWIW = for what it's worth.

Oh, and that's great to hear that Jet Blue has a good website. I'll have to check it out!

dawnnoelm, that's great that you got a real NYC Italian wedding. I haven't been to one of those in ages. So different from the preppy New England variety where I grew up!

I'm so glad to know the driving worked out okay. And it's wonderful that you can "roll with the punches" about your accomodations. I have to learn more of that!

My mom has stayed in Manhattan hotels a few times in the last few years. She likes the smaller hotels north of Times Square or in the Grammercy/Flatiron area. I'm sure I'll see your post once you start asking for details and offer up suggestions then.

dmlove, FYI it's typically a premium when you reserve a specific car or driver - and the cost goes up. I haven't met one yet that was worth it...

thanks ggreen. We just realized yesterday that we can't reserve a car for our inbound trip because we're not sure what flight we're taking (we have a reservation of course, but we are probably going to go standby on an earlier flight). For the return, though (Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend), I think I'll just reserve carmellimo. Appreciate it.

I just noticed on carmel's website that they have prices for "full size sedan", "luxury sedan" and "deluxe sedan". Can anyone enlighten me -- the price difference is only $8.00??

In addition to my previous question, what time do you think we should leave Times Square (we're staying at the Residence Inn) to return to JFK on the Sunday after Thanksgiving for an 11:30 a.m. flight?

dmlove - it took us a good hour to get to the hotel in time square at 7:00 pm on a Thursday.

Regarding the different types of cars with the service - spend the 8.00 - I got a little nervous as I saw one car go by with the car service name that looked like an old buick. My husband laughed and said "oh much better then a cab"(I insisted on the car service). I had booked the higher price and it was a town car - very clean and nice.

ggreen - I do not really roll with the punches - I just did not get into it too much ;-). I was afraid of bugs at the Executive inn - and could not sleep all night. It was a definate "motel" our car was parked right outside our door. It smelled like mildew and I was wishing I had my own pillow and blanket.

I complained to dh one too many times and was called a princess. Oh well.

ggreen and ellenem, I leave for your fun city tomorrow.
Looking forward to using the information you have provided. Thanks so much for all the help.
K~

To all who helped me with my transportation questions, THANK YOU.

I found so many people in the big apple that were more than willing to help. But having the basic knowledge of what to ask for was priceless.....

We travelled uptown, downtown, and of course used the the air train and LIRR. The subway system still amazes me. The whole process in incredible.

You all rock!!!

kmadsen,
So glad you had a great time!

watching for your report!