Well just got back from an excellent 4 day visit to New York & I want to thank everyone who helped when I was planning my trip. I was the one who was taking my 78year old father & 12 year old niece for their first visit to New York, it was the longest flight they had ever done. Everything went really well.
We flew Continental Airways & they were great. My father was impressed by their service. We stayed at The Bedford Hotel on 40th Street between Lexington & Park Ave, $155 per night for 4. The location was very good for what we had planned. The hotel itself is ready for renovation, saying that we only used it as a base. It accommodated 4 of us in a suite & we could see the top of the Empire State Building, which was lovely at night. The staff too were very helpful. I?d be happy to give any more info if needed.

We took a taxi from the Newark airport to the hotel, which cost $52 plus tolls ($8 in total) & tips. We unpacked then went up The Empire State Building about 3pm as I?d bought tickets on line (thanks for that tip) we went straight up. It was a glorious day & the views were fantastic. We didn?t buy the photos they now insist on taking as you queue to go to the observatory! We used one of the cafes at the bottom of the building where dad had his first introduction to New York food portions. From there we went to Grand Central station which is very impressive. By now we were shattered so went back to the hotel after picking up fruit to eat in the room.

Friday.. weather again very sunny. My niece & I had early morning stroll & called into Café Metro on 41st street for a hot drink, the staff there were great. George found out it was Eleri?s first visit & made such a fuss of her we had to go back for breakfast. Infact we went there everyday as my dad loved it too.
We took a taxi to Battery Park ($16) & went on the ferry around Liberty Island & got off at Ellis Island. Everyone enjoyed Ellis Island. We even found our family name amongst those who had emigrated. My niece found it all interesting very child friendly. I?d suggest that anyone visiting should also take time out to sit outside at the back of the building to take in the view & have a rest.
We then walked around Battery Park looked at all the stalls & sat again to take everything in & people watch. As it was so hot my Dad was happy to rest again. From there we walked to Ground Zero which was very emotional still. Visited St Paul?s Church then taxi to the hotel.
Walked to the public library & was amazed how beautiful it is, I?d missed it last time but recommend it as a ?must see?. It was nice to once again sit outside & people watch. Even found time for a ?girlie treat? & had our nails done.
We had a rest & went out for diner then walked to Times Square were the cyclists were protesting, never seen so many bikes before. We all found this area too busy & a bit tacky, so didn?t linger too long. At least we?ve been there. Saying that it looks much better at night than in the day!!

Saturday?change to the itinerary we took the downtown red bus tour. Very lucky again with the weather. We decided to stay on the bus while it did a full loop, then picked where we wanted to get off this worked out well. We got off at Central Park where my sister wanted to take the horse & trap ride. Lovely to see the tulips in full bloom We then walked part way into the park & again rested.
Dad was pleased to see Madison Square Garden & talked about the boxing, didn?t tell him that I?d been informed by yourselves that it had moved a few times. Next stop was Macy?s but need more time there really.
We were mis-informed by one of the tour guides that a café in Greenwich Village (The Riverside) was used in Friends so we had to go there. Still it was very nice, food looked good & the frozen margarita went down well.
It was interesting walking through the area & made my niece?s day when she saw some firemen who she had her photo taken with. She had bought a cheap NYC t-shirt & asked anyone she met to sign it?not something people had been asked to do before, although unsure of the policeman?s comments on Bloomsburg but the firemen laughed.
Unfortunately as time was getting on I didn?t get to go to Katz of a bite to eat so I?ll have to go back another time, Is it really good always shone on holiday programs here?
Went on to The Rockerfella Centre & had a meal were the ice-skating usually takes place. It was ok but an odd combination of food with the ribs. The location however was great.
Mis-understanding again we though the 24hr bus pass meant 24hours not get off at 8pm!! So had to walk back to hotel from the last drop off point at Times Square.

Sunday was our last day & it rained to begin with so we were glad we?d been to Central Park as we had planned to go there in the morning. Instead we did some shopping. Strawberry was a good place to buy cheap presents for my daughters & Gap had some bargains too. Found a great shop selling Bed Head hair products at a price we couldn?t resist as they are expensive in the UK.
Last visit to Grand Central Station, waved goodbye to my favourite building- The Chrysler Building it?s beautiful, strawberry cheesecake to die for at Café Metro goodbyes to George & Sissy then taxi to the airport.

I must say we all really enjoyed the visit, we all have our favourite highlights. We packed lots in but still so much more to do & see. I was concerned about taking my dad at his age but everything went well. We were all impressed by the friendliness & helpfulness of everyone we met in New York from the people who worked there to tourists in the queues. Also how inexpensive some of the attractions are. We always used taxis & didn?t find them too expensive, we also saw more than if we?d used the subway.

Sorry this report has been so long I got carried away reliving my stay. Thanks again to all who answered my questions before my visit.

Thanks for the report. I love this idea of having the people you met sign the t-shirt. I've never heard of such a thing to do on a trip. What a great souvenier. How did people react when your neice asked? I bet there are some funny comments.

walesgirl, what a charming, delightful and sweet trip report. Glad you enjoyed our fair city so much.

Great report; sounds like this was a really special trip for eveyone, especially your Dad!

Thank you for the excellent, touching report, walesgirl! You made such wonderful, lifelong memories. And you might want to print this entire thread as i'm sure your niece would like a copy, too! Come back soon! Oooh, i just love new york!!!

Reaction to T-shirt signing was fun & gave everyone something to talk about.
We were asked if we were for real as none of the people we asked to sign it had ever been asked before. We got the nice people in the cafe to sign & they were thrilled, thet even formed a line to sign. Good job we picked a quiet time.
The firemen & firelady were only to happy to sign as was the policeman, hotel porter. The Irish driver of the horse & trap thought it a great idea. Plenty more signed it & I also took pictures of some as they wrote.
What an original keep sake. Do you think I should post this as an idea for all other travellers........with & without children?

T'Shirt signing has become very popular here in Australia - particularly when getting autographs from sporting stars etc.