Travelbuff: If you are still out there, you are the one I want to direct my future trip to NYC with teens (boy 16, girl 17). I like your sense of timing and itinerary ideas. She likes to shop, we all like to sightsee. A variety of NY experiences is good - not too much of any one thing. For now, what's a good place to stay; central location, nice but not too swanky. Also, recommend shows for teens. Trip time possibly next xmas or perhaps warmer weather before then. I realize these are oh so general questions, so "must do's" or "must stay" would be great for starters. We prefer a steady, but savy and efficent pace. Any other's input is very welcome! Thanks!

That was a very nice post, thanks. Always glad to help and love to show friends around town, even if it's over the internet.

If you stay somewhere midtown you are close to everything and since this is a real walking city, I would suggest something like the Grand Hyatt which is on 42nd and Lex Ave. I understand that priceline has some good deals there. The hotel is really beautiful in the lobby area and the restaurant and there is a nice lobby bar area that overlooks 42nd St, great for people watching.

For food, there are several good places a short walk away on 3rd Ave, and lots of fast food as well.

I would have the kids do some "search" work on what is going on in the city during your trip so they can give you some ideas of what they might like to see.

Not knowing exactly when you are going to be here, it's kind of hard to suggest plays as some come and go. Into the Woods is closing soon and that would have been one of my suggestions, for example.

You can check www.playbill.com for info on current plays and if you can get tickets for Forbidden Broadway. I think the kids would like it too. I have never seen anything funnier and we have seen it several times. They keep changing the show to include alot of the current plays and musicals.

For the kids, the Museum of TV and Radio and the Museum of Natural History would probably be of interest as well as the Liberty Science Center (close by in New Jersey.

For teens that age I'd suggest De la Guarda as a definite and possibly Blue Man Group. Neither is a traditional show but both are high energy and immensely entertaining (and not like anything they'll see at home, even if Broadway road shows come through your area). For shopping consider taking her (and him) to the H&M store in NYC. There's a very large one and according to my daughter (who is now 21 but has been visiting NYC regularly since I moved to the area three years ago) it's got lots of colothes you won't find in H&M stores outside of major cities. She and her friends (all females in their late teens or around age 20) also really like Urban Outfitters. One of the most fun shopoinf experiences for them if they want ot see thigns they won't see at home is to walk Broadway from the Union Square area (14th Street) down to Chinatown. Loads of cool, funky little shops along the way and Chinatown is a treat for everyone. Dozens of street vendors sellling knockoffs and also many fascinating shops and food stalls. At that age I think they'll also enjoy the West Village area - take a stroll along Bleecker and West 4th streets starting just west of the Bowery and going all the way over to 7th Ave South. It's very commercialized but still plenty of fun. If the older members of your group are fans of the music of Janis Joplin, I suggest seeing the show "Love, Janis", which is playing on Bleecker Street. Get the cheapest seats as it's a small theatre - I sat in the back row and it was close enough. The teens may be pleasantly surprised - the music really rocks and it's a great performance (not to mention that Janis was from Texas!).

I agree that a midtown location is ideal. Try to find something close to a subway stop as it makes it so much easier to pop back into the room to freshen up or change clothes. The shortcoming of Priceline is that mose NYC hotel rooms have only one bed. I assume there are three or four of you - it might be advisable to get a place that has suite type lodging available. Another suggestion that is fun despite its cheesiness is the "new" 42nd Street. It's the stretch between 7th and 8th Ave and is loaded with everything from video arcades to Madame Tussaud's wax museum. Nothing truly unique or original there but on weekend nights it seems to be THE destination in the city for teens.

Thanks for all the great details in spite of my general questions. They are very helpful. I have been there twice but for only a few days. When coming out of the Met, we walked across the street to see what the commotion was about and almost got crushed in the press frenzy. Jackie Kennedy Onassis has just died and visitors were coming in and out of her apt. I found the people very friendly. I was with my mother and two sisters. We all look very much alike. One cute little man stopped us on the street and asked my mother, "What's the matter, you couldn't afford but one face?" It's a great place to visit and I can't wait to take my teens. I think both a warm weather trip and a xmas visit would be be best if we can pull it off. Keep your ideas coming! I appreciate them!

Gald to be of help, and please let me know when you are going to be in the city and maybe I can make some time to show you around a bit.

Take care and have a wonderful holiday.

The Joyce Theater is starting their new season, you can get tickets to see some good dance companies, and quite affordable at about $35 a person.
We still take visiting young'uns to see Stomp everybody always loves it!
Most of our out of town company always gets a kick out of shopping in Soho and Chinatown. We try to manage to have dinner in Chinatown or Little Italy that day.
whenever you get here, enjoy your stay!

Thanks to all of you for all your generosity and taking time to fill me in. I will check back when we arrive at a date.