Lucerne - Any comments?
 

My wife and I are visiting NY for the first time from England. We have chosen the Lucerne as they have a very reasonable rate ($150 per room per night inc. breakfast)- that's the advert done! Has anyone stayed? <BR>Also dining in the area - I don't know what constitutes expensive in NY but I guess my credit card can stand the pain if the menu looks good. THANKS!!

We haven't stayed at the Lucerne, but the AAA guide, which we rely on, gives it a 3 star rating, which is good. There is a paid advertisement says "250 Deluxe oversized rooms and suites", although the regular AAA listing does not say that the rooms are large. I suspect that it is relatively inexpensive because of the location, 79th st, which is a little out of the way. But you will learn to use our "tube" and buses. I don't know how the restaurant prices compare to England's, but the food is excellent and should not be too expensive if you choose wisely. Check this site for listings and recommendations. Have a great time!

I assume that when you ask what constitutes expensive, you're looking at listings that rate restaurants as inexpensive, moderate, or expensive. Most listings I see break it down roughly like this: inexpensive=$25 or less; moderate=$25-50; expensive=$50 and up. The dollar amounts are for a full meal (three courses), without drinks, tax (8 1/4%), or tip (service is not included n the bill). There are many upscale rstaurants where you can expect to pay $10-16 for a first course and $25-35 for a main course; most of the most expensive restaurants in the city have prix fixe meals of three or more courses, which in an "expensive" restaurant range from around $60 up to $160 for the most expensive, which is Alain Ducasse NY, and most can be more expensive with supplemental charges for "luxury" ingredients (usually seafood and foie gras). That said, while there are many exceptional expensive restaurants, there are also many excellent ones in the moderate category.

P.S. The above refers to dinner only; lunch is less expensive, naturally.

James, <BR> <BR>My mother-in-law (who goes to NY about once a month) consistantly stays at the Lucerne, and has also booked us there for a weekend in March. She says that it's well located with lots of great restaurants nearby. <BR>

I live a couple of blocks from the Lucerne, and had relatives stay there a couple of yrs ago. You'll be in a nice neighborhood, more residential than say, midtown Manhattan. You're 1 block from the subway/metro, and also have another subway line several blocks away. You'll be near the Museum of Natural History, the Planetarium, Central Park, and you'll also be several bus stops away from the Eastside museums, ( the MET and Guggenhiem, to nmae a few). <BR> <BR>You'll be close to all the gourmet food shpos/delis on Broadway ( Zabars, Fairway, and Citarellas) <BR> <BR>Lincoln Center is not too far away either. <BR> <BR>There are many resonable priced restaurants within walking distance: <BR>Ruby Foo's for Chinese, 222 ( they have a great prix fixe pre-theater menu)for an intimate, elegant dining (it's across the St. from your hotel), and many nice restaurants along Amsterdam and Columbus Aves. between 79 and 86th St's - Avenue, Moonsoon, Haru, Savann, Isola, Highlife Bar & Grill, and many others. <BR> <BR>You rate $150 is a very good rate for Manhattan. Have a great time here!

Have only heard good things about the Lucerne and that is a very good price. <BR>It is in an area known as the Upper West Side. Location is very good - corner of 79th and Amsterdam Avenue, one block east of Broadway. The building is quite impressive and it may have "Landmark Status" (can't alter the outside). The hotel is about 1 1/2 miles due north of Times Square. Lincoln Center is at 63rd and Amsterdam. Museum of Natural History is two block east; Central Park is two block east and Metropolitan Museum of Art is less than one mile due east (other side of Central Park.. Lots of restaurants of all types within walking distance as well as a couple of speciality food markets that are very popular with natives - Zabars at 80th and Broadway and Fairway at 74th and Broadway. The restaurants cater mainly to locals. Two restaurants that are very popular with locals and are inexpensive (less than $10 a person) are Silk Road Palace (Chineses) on Amsterdam and 81st and La CAridad (Spanish/Chinese) at Broadway and 78th. There are also plenty of mid range and upscale restaurants within walking distance of the Lucerne. Neighborhood is safe and there are always people, day and night, on the streets. Fact is, Amsterdam Avenue, from 72nd to 79th, is jammed with people and traffic almost every night of the week. Great area for walking around. There are also plenty of places to shop for essentials. There is, for example, a huge drug store just across the street from the hotel. If you have any further questions post another note. <BR>