My Mission: Mama to New York
Jan 13th, 2011, 03:16 PM
#21
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Oh My Gosh! You guys are a godsend! It will take me a bit to digest all of this wonderful information. I'll be back once I've considered (and reconsidered and reconsidered) all of the options.
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!
Jan 13th, 2011, 03:59 PM
#22
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I suggest cutting out Canal Street. Really nothing special there. Vendors of scarfs, pocketbooks, etc. Are all over the city. Do include the Met museum, best inthevworld. You can even borrow wheel chairs there if too much walking. You only need tom pay 1cent admission, $1 would be nice. NYC will be HOT in August so things inside with air con very good.
Jan 13th, 2011, 04:17 PM
#23
You mentioned Pennsylvania and Amtrak. If you can get to Pittsburgh Amtrak station by 7:10 AM you can get to New York Penn Station at 5PM on the Pennsylvanian for less than $70 each. The return Pennsylvanian leaves Penn Station at 10AM and gets to Pittsburgh at about 8PM. $536 RT for 4 from PGH-NYP-PGH
Sharing the gas money and perhaps the driving to Pittsburgh seems fair.
Sharing the gas money and perhaps the driving to Pittsburgh seems fair.
Jan 13th, 2011, 04:24 PM
#24
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People do NOT give up seats to elderly or pregnant or whatever. In fact, there are reduced rates for senior outside of rush hours - just for the purpose of keeping elderly off the buses when they are most crowded. This is something that has simply ceased to exist in our society.
Jan 13th, 2011, 06:13 PM
#25
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I ride the bus frequently and I see people give seats to the elderly all the time on the bus. I am not elderly, but last year when I sprained my ankle and was using a cane I was dumbfounded when I was offered a seat every time I got on the bus--even on a crowded bus at rush hour.
Still, even if you are elderly do not expect to snag a seat every time you ride, particularly in crowded midtown areas.
"In fact, there are reduced rates for senior outside of rush hours."
The reduced rates for seniors limited to outside of rush hours are for express buses, LIRR and MetroNorth only. Reduced rates for seniors apply at all times on the subways and local buses.
Still, even if you are elderly do not expect to snag a seat every time you ride, particularly in crowded midtown areas.
"In fact, there are reduced rates for senior outside of rush hours."
The reduced rates for seniors limited to outside of rush hours are for express buses, LIRR and MetroNorth only. Reduced rates for seniors apply at all times on the subways and local buses.
Jan 13th, 2011, 08:02 PM
#26
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My thought too was to mention that it gets awfully, oppressively hot/humid here in August, which can make walking (and breathing!) belabored even for fit people. An afternoon thunderstorm can be just the thing to break the heat. Just know that there's a possibility the weather might slow your party down even more than usual!
Also, the MTA website has a lot of information on accessibility in the system (subways, buses, commuter rails).
This is the main Accessibility page:
http://mta.info/accessibility/
And after a bit of digging, I got down to this page listing all the subway stations in Manhattan with elevators:
http://mta.info/accessibility/stations.htm#manhattan
This is a page describing ADA accessibility on the buses:
http://mta.info/accessibility/transit.htm#buses
Note Priority seating for customers with disabilities and senior citizens is located behind the driver. Other passengers must make these seats available upon request.
Do please note as well that while knowing the ADA-accessible stations is helpful, as a PP mentioned, you have to take one elevator from the street to the turnstiles, then often walk a little ways before getting to another to take you to the platform. And sadly, the elevators that do exist in the system aren't always working! The MTA got in trouble for this a few years ago, and supposedly are now more reliable (I can't speak from personal experience).
This page displays the status of elevators and escalators in the NY Transit (subway) system:
http://advisory.mtanyct.info/EEoutage/
As for the buses, it's a daily annoyance how long it can take to wait for one, and how crowded they are at rush hour. However, the city has recently revamped many of the bus stop shelters (not every stop has one) and the shelters provide a bench. So it's not completely unfeasible for you to consider taking them, and it might just be something you can play by ear once you're here!
Also, the MTA website has a lot of information on accessibility in the system (subways, buses, commuter rails).
This is the main Accessibility page:
http://mta.info/accessibility/
And after a bit of digging, I got down to this page listing all the subway stations in Manhattan with elevators:
http://mta.info/accessibility/stations.htm#manhattan
This is a page describing ADA accessibility on the buses:
http://mta.info/accessibility/transit.htm#buses
Note Priority seating for customers with disabilities and senior citizens is located behind the driver. Other passengers must make these seats available upon request.
Do please note as well that while knowing the ADA-accessible stations is helpful, as a PP mentioned, you have to take one elevator from the street to the turnstiles, then often walk a little ways before getting to another to take you to the platform. And sadly, the elevators that do exist in the system aren't always working! The MTA got in trouble for this a few years ago, and supposedly are now more reliable (I can't speak from personal experience).
This page displays the status of elevators and escalators in the NY Transit (subway) system:
http://advisory.mtanyct.info/EEoutage/
As for the buses, it's a daily annoyance how long it can take to wait for one, and how crowded they are at rush hour. However, the city has recently revamped many of the bus stop shelters (not every stop has one) and the shelters provide a bench. So it's not completely unfeasible for you to consider taking them, and it might just be something you can play by ear once you're here!
Jan 14th, 2011, 04:12 AM
#27
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The priority seats behind the driver are 2 - out of the I believe 44 seats on the bus - plus as many as 50 or so people standing. The actual chance of getting these seats is slim to none. Note that the buses do have wheelchair accessibility - which you might want to consider. Buses kneel to allow easy on and off of wheel chairs and there is room for chairs to be anchored.
Also consider arranging wheelchairs in advance at major museums - they have a limited number and if you just turn up might not have one - since the walking involved can often be very long distances.
You cannot count on elevators for subways for several reasons. At best the station may have one elevator - out of as many as 6 entrances across several blocks - and many stations have none at all. And of the ones they have, many are out of duty. I have even seen them locked so they can't be used by the general public.
Also consider arranging wheelchairs in advance at major museums - they have a limited number and if you just turn up might not have one - since the walking involved can often be very long distances.
You cannot count on elevators for subways for several reasons. At best the station may have one elevator - out of as many as 6 entrances across several blocks - and many stations have none at all. And of the ones they have, many are out of duty. I have even seen them locked so they can't be used by the general public.
Jan 14th, 2011, 04:37 AM
#28
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I've shared your ideas with my mom and she is SO excited! This could not have come at a better time as my stepdad is in the hospital with complications from what they thought would be minor surgery. Thinking about the trip is a welcome relief from worry for Mom.
I think we've decided on taxis - although Mom would like to take a token subway ride just to say she's done it. I was surprised to find out that in all the times she's visited Chicago she has never once taken the el. Go figure.
Each of the hotels you've suggested seem like they will more than meet our needs. I think I will wait until the dates are closer, then choose the one with the best price. I was wondering though: Would our decision to get around the city by taxi and short walking trips affect your hotel recommendations?
Starrs - your suggestions are amazing. Mom is especially thrilled with the tour van idea. However, we will likely only spend two nights in the city, not 3. Would you be kind enough to create another plan that has us arriving in the city noon-ish on a Saturday and leaving afternoon/evening on a Monday?
I can't praise you guys enough. From explaining transportation options to figuring out how Mom can eat cheap at pricey restaurants to ... well, everything ... the service you are providing to my rag tag little group is priceless!
I think we've decided on taxis - although Mom would like to take a token subway ride just to say she's done it. I was surprised to find out that in all the times she's visited Chicago she has never once taken the el. Go figure.
Each of the hotels you've suggested seem like they will more than meet our needs. I think I will wait until the dates are closer, then choose the one with the best price. I was wondering though: Would our decision to get around the city by taxi and short walking trips affect your hotel recommendations?
Starrs - your suggestions are amazing. Mom is especially thrilled with the tour van idea. However, we will likely only spend two nights in the city, not 3. Would you be kind enough to create another plan that has us arriving in the city noon-ish on a Saturday and leaving afternoon/evening on a Monday?
I can't praise you guys enough. From explaining transportation options to figuring out how Mom can eat cheap at pricey restaurants to ... well, everything ... the service you are providing to my rag tag little group is priceless!
Jan 14th, 2011, 06:33 AM
#29
ede, I picked the Hampton Inn because it's in easy walking distance to things you will want to do (saving you travel time and cab money), is very nice, has a free breakfast and has rooms big enough for 4 to share (not always the case in NYC). It's the location a group from my church uses when they come up over the Thanksgiving holidays. Only one bathroom for 4 people can be a pain, but keep in mind that you can go down to one of the lobby bathrooms while someone is taking a shower in the morning. I have other hotel recommendations but they either 1) don't have free breakfasts or 2) are a further walk.
Honestly, I would book a room now that can be cancelled if your plans changed. I looked for sample dates in August and $300 is a good rate. If you have AAA or AARP you can get a discount off that rate. Even if you spend $10 each on breakfast somewhere else (bagel, coffee and juice), that's the equivalent of a room at $260 - and breakfast is right downstairs ready whenever you want it. When 4 people are sharing a room it often works for 2 to go down to breakfast while the other two are getting ready and then reverse the process. The Hampton Inn free breakfast will make life easier for you in many ways. Your mom can have breakfast when she needs it, without waiting. Hot coffee always waiting. It just makes for a much easier start to the day than everyone getting ready at the same time and heading out to breakfast at the same time.
I'm glad you agree that taxis are the way to go. It will make life MUCH easier for you. I firmly believe that travel time is valuable vacation time. A 10 minute commute vs 20-30 walking to and waiting for the subway is "time well spent" - and as ellenem points out is pretty much the same price $$$ wise when 4 are traveling. If you aren't familiar with hailing cabs, walking to a hotel is always a good tip. There's always a taxi line at the larger hotels or the doorman will hail one for you (while the others wait in the cool lobby). Be sure to give him a small tip.
If you are flying, I strongly recommend using a car service for the trip back to the airport. I grab a cab leaving the airport but pre-arrange a pickup with Carmel for my departure.
http://www.carmellimo.com/
Honestly, I would book a room now that can be cancelled if your plans changed. I looked for sample dates in August and $300 is a good rate. If you have AAA or AARP you can get a discount off that rate. Even if you spend $10 each on breakfast somewhere else (bagel, coffee and juice), that's the equivalent of a room at $260 - and breakfast is right downstairs ready whenever you want it. When 4 people are sharing a room it often works for 2 to go down to breakfast while the other two are getting ready and then reverse the process. The Hampton Inn free breakfast will make life easier for you in many ways. Your mom can have breakfast when she needs it, without waiting. Hot coffee always waiting. It just makes for a much easier start to the day than everyone getting ready at the same time and heading out to breakfast at the same time.
I'm glad you agree that taxis are the way to go. It will make life MUCH easier for you. I firmly believe that travel time is valuable vacation time. A 10 minute commute vs 20-30 walking to and waiting for the subway is "time well spent" - and as ellenem points out is pretty much the same price $$$ wise when 4 are traveling. If you aren't familiar with hailing cabs, walking to a hotel is always a good tip. There's always a taxi line at the larger hotels or the doorman will hail one for you (while the others wait in the cool lobby). Be sure to give him a small tip.
If you are flying, I strongly recommend using a car service for the trip back to the airport. I grab a cab leaving the airport but pre-arrange a pickup with Carmel for my departure.
http://www.carmellimo.com/
Jan 14th, 2011, 07:12 AM
#30
Here's a plan per your request -
Saturday - arriving noonish
Walk to Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center - go to the top to see the views This walk is two short blocks and two long blocks and will give you a good idea of how mobile your group will be. You'll be walking through Times Square, which is really a rush for first time NY visitors.
If the walkers are going okay, start walking north on 5th Avenue will be a treat for them, seeing famous stores including Tiffany's. If you want to buy something less expensive, take the elevator up to the top floor for small gift ideas. On my first visit I ordered playing cards with my initials in their lovely Tiffany blue.
You are heading to the Plaza Hotel. It's a 10 block walk. This may be too much. If so, you'll know it now rather than later and it will be easy to hail a cab. They will like seeing the Plaza. There are lovely shops downstairs, plus beautiful public restrooms and air conditioning! AFter a rest stop, walk to the opposite corner and grab a carriage and take a carriage ride in Central Park. After your ride, get a cab (at the Plaza or from the street) and take a short ride back to the hotel.
Come back and rest for a while. Go to a restaurant near the hotel for a quick meal OR if your group is exhausted from your big walking day you could order in. I do this a lot during "long" days.
If you order in, my new favorite in the city is Pio Pio.
http://www.piopio.com/#/pio-pio-hell-s-kitchen
Their delivery range includes your hotel.
Their $30 Matador Combo would be enough for all 4 of you to share. It includes a delicious baked chicken, rice and beans and their strange-but-delicious french fries with sliced cooked hot dogs (of all things). Salad too. All of it is absolutely delicious! My friends ordered it for me the night I arrived on my last trip and I ordered it AGAIN that week while I was there. Many nearby restaurants deliver if you want to eat in or the restaurants nearby offer pre-theatre meals too.
Saturday night - walk to a 8 pm Broadway show. Discounts will be up on Broadway Box a few months before. Pick one and enjoy!
Sunday - full day
Take the Marvelous Manhattan Royal Tour - 9am to 3pm
It will take you to most of the things you want to see, in comfort, in small buses, with excellent guides. The lunch stop is Katz's Deli
I would buy tickets online as soon as your trip is confirmed. This gets you to most of the things on your list and you'd be disappointed if they were sold out.
Return to the hotel and get ready to take a cab to the Carlyle. Eat somewhere nearby for dinner first and just go for a drink or eat there.
Monday - leaving in the afternoon
21 Club - prix fixe luncheon
http://www.21club.com/web/onyc/prixfixe.jsp
Do whatever it is that you've not already done, even if it is taking a taxi down to Canal street. Buy last minute souvenirs from street vendors before you go home.
Enjoy!
Saturday - arriving noonish
Walk to Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center - go to the top to see the views This walk is two short blocks and two long blocks and will give you a good idea of how mobile your group will be. You'll be walking through Times Square, which is really a rush for first time NY visitors.
If the walkers are going okay, start walking north on 5th Avenue will be a treat for them, seeing famous stores including Tiffany's. If you want to buy something less expensive, take the elevator up to the top floor for small gift ideas. On my first visit I ordered playing cards with my initials in their lovely Tiffany blue.
You are heading to the Plaza Hotel. It's a 10 block walk. This may be too much. If so, you'll know it now rather than later and it will be easy to hail a cab. They will like seeing the Plaza. There are lovely shops downstairs, plus beautiful public restrooms and air conditioning! AFter a rest stop, walk to the opposite corner and grab a carriage and take a carriage ride in Central Park. After your ride, get a cab (at the Plaza or from the street) and take a short ride back to the hotel.
Come back and rest for a while. Go to a restaurant near the hotel for a quick meal OR if your group is exhausted from your big walking day you could order in. I do this a lot during "long" days.
If you order in, my new favorite in the city is Pio Pio.
http://www.piopio.com/#/pio-pio-hell-s-kitchen
Their delivery range includes your hotel.
Their $30 Matador Combo would be enough for all 4 of you to share. It includes a delicious baked chicken, rice and beans and their strange-but-delicious french fries with sliced cooked hot dogs (of all things). Salad too. All of it is absolutely delicious! My friends ordered it for me the night I arrived on my last trip and I ordered it AGAIN that week while I was there. Many nearby restaurants deliver if you want to eat in or the restaurants nearby offer pre-theatre meals too.
Saturday night - walk to a 8 pm Broadway show. Discounts will be up on Broadway Box a few months before. Pick one and enjoy!
Sunday - full day
Take the Marvelous Manhattan Royal Tour - 9am to 3pm
It will take you to most of the things you want to see, in comfort, in small buses, with excellent guides. The lunch stop is Katz's Deli
I would buy tickets online as soon as your trip is confirmed. This gets you to most of the things on your list and you'd be disappointed if they were sold out.
Return to the hotel and get ready to take a cab to the Carlyle. Eat somewhere nearby for dinner first and just go for a drink or eat there.
Monday - leaving in the afternoon
21 Club - prix fixe luncheon
http://www.21club.com/web/onyc/prixfixe.jsp
Do whatever it is that you've not already done, even if it is taking a taxi down to Canal street. Buy last minute souvenirs from street vendors before you go home.
Enjoy!
Jan 15th, 2011, 08:31 AM
#32
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hold on, a single "jerk" swindled her out of $80k, but the entire stock market _did not_ swindle anyone out of anything? It's all a swindle.
It's hard for seniors to get around NYC. In the subway they'd have to walk up and down stairs. Buses are full. In August it's still hot, restaurants are full, long lines for everything from plays to stores. With their health issues, on a tight budget, I'd suggest a relaxed holiday instead of the hustling big city. Perhaps a week in Hawaii will do instead?
It's hard for seniors to get around NYC. In the subway they'd have to walk up and down stairs. Buses are full. In August it's still hot, restaurants are full, long lines for everything from plays to stores. With their health issues, on a tight budget, I'd suggest a relaxed holiday instead of the hustling big city. Perhaps a week in Hawaii will do instead?
Jan 15th, 2011, 11:57 AM
#33
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My suggestion would be for you to get a very clear idea, before you leave home, of just how far your mother can walk.
My mom is around the same age, and also has health problems that prevent her from walking very far. You might be better off planning for cabs between EACH location so your mother can save her energy. For example, I walked between the Hampton Inn North and Rockefeller Center on Friday, and while it isn't a long walk, my mother wouldn't have comfortably been able to do it. If she'd tried, she would have exhausted all her energy before she even entered Rockefeller Center. The only problem is, it can be hard to get cabs during busy times, such as when a Broadway show is getting out, or when it's raining.
My mom is around the same age, and also has health problems that prevent her from walking very far. You might be better off planning for cabs between EACH location so your mother can save her energy. For example, I walked between the Hampton Inn North and Rockefeller Center on Friday, and while it isn't a long walk, my mother wouldn't have comfortably been able to do it. If she'd tried, she would have exhausted all her energy before she even entered Rockefeller Center. The only problem is, it can be hard to get cabs during busy times, such as when a Broadway show is getting out, or when it's raining.
Jan 15th, 2011, 08:30 PM
#35
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Driving to Pittsburgh and taking the train is not a bad idea. I can help you with where to leave your car safely and inexpensively. If you'd like, you can leave it at my house. Heck, I'd get up early to do a good dead. It's about a 5 minute ride to the train station for me.
But my other thought is to try to see if one of the 4 of you has airline award miles. Buying 2 or 3 tickets is better than buying 4.
If you do drive into the city, there are discounts lots with coupons in serveral areas. Try some New York on a budget websites and books.
This happened just by coincidence, but I ate 4 meals in a row for 8 dollars. I was mostly eating in Aduchamps' neighborhood, and it was all so cheap and good. A blintz at Veselka with tea was about 4 dollars. A dinner special at Spice was $9, huge, filling and delicious. Another great meal was down the street at Peruvian chicken. Had an appetizer plate to split, and each had the chicken special. Under $10.
I never had trouble with people offering me bus seats, or even subway seats. Many busses have express routes; these are great on your way home at night.
But my other thought is to try to see if one of the 4 of you has airline award miles. Buying 2 or 3 tickets is better than buying 4.
If you do drive into the city, there are discounts lots with coupons in serveral areas. Try some New York on a budget websites and books.
This happened just by coincidence, but I ate 4 meals in a row for 8 dollars. I was mostly eating in Aduchamps' neighborhood, and it was all so cheap and good. A blintz at Veselka with tea was about 4 dollars. A dinner special at Spice was $9, huge, filling and delicious. Another great meal was down the street at Peruvian chicken. Had an appetizer plate to split, and each had the chicken special. Under $10.
I never had trouble with people offering me bus seats, or even subway seats. Many busses have express routes; these are great on your way home at night.
Jan 16th, 2011, 02:48 AM
#36
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Re. the 2 room idea: New York City hotel rooms are generally small. Room for luggage, makeup, enough hangers in the closet all become an issue when there are 4 adults in the room. One option: If you 'priceline' your 2 rooms for two you could find yourselves in 2 rooms for the price of one room. Especially in August. Priceline rooms are only suitable for 2 occupants. The savings can be amazing. Check betterbidding.com to get an idea of how this works if this interests you and if you haven't done it before.
Quikbook.com now advertises 'secret sale' rooms that are also deeply discounted; you'd have a good chance of finding hotel discounts for August closer to your time of arrival.
Quikbook.com now advertises 'secret sale' rooms that are also deeply discounted; you'd have a good chance of finding hotel discounts for August closer to your time of arrival.
Jan 17th, 2011, 03:57 AM
#37
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Starrs: Thanks again for the updated plan. I love the idea of taking them to the Plaza. I still remember my first time walking in there. I thought I might have stepped through the doors of heaven 
But, like MareW brings up, there's a good chance Mom won't be able to walk that far. Worth a taxi trip, or will The Carlyle suffice for hotel wow-power? I'm almost hoping they'll want to order in one night just so I can try that Matador Combo!
POMAH: Stock market = swindled. I won't disagree with you there. Mom's been to Hawaii. It's NYC that she pines for.
MAREW: Thanks for chiming in on the difficulties of walking. You say it can be hard to get a cab at certain times. Are there any secret tips we should know about?
TUSCAN: I have thought and thought about this strategy, but driving to Pittsburgh still means two days of travel each way and hotels on the road as well as in the city. I'm leaning toward driving and parking in Jersey, or maybe taking the Staten Island Ferry in and leaving my car at the terminal. Thank you so much for your kind offer though.
BOWSPRIT: I'm a Priceline veteran for cities in the midwest and southeast so I was really thinking about doing it for this. My worries are that I'd get a room with just a twin bed, or that our rooms would be on the fifth floor with no elevator, or in an area where it's difficult to get a cab. Have you done it and it worked out?
Thanks again to all of you. I'm still amazed at all you know and all you're willing to share!
But, like MareW brings up, there's a good chance Mom won't be able to walk that far. Worth a taxi trip, or will The Carlyle suffice for hotel wow-power? I'm almost hoping they'll want to order in one night just so I can try that Matador Combo!POMAH: Stock market = swindled. I won't disagree with you there. Mom's been to Hawaii. It's NYC that she pines for.
MAREW: Thanks for chiming in on the difficulties of walking. You say it can be hard to get a cab at certain times. Are there any secret tips we should know about?
TUSCAN: I have thought and thought about this strategy, but driving to Pittsburgh still means two days of travel each way and hotels on the road as well as in the city. I'm leaning toward driving and parking in Jersey, or maybe taking the Staten Island Ferry in and leaving my car at the terminal. Thank you so much for your kind offer though.
BOWSPRIT: I'm a Priceline veteran for cities in the midwest and southeast so I was really thinking about doing it for this. My worries are that I'd get a room with just a twin bed, or that our rooms would be on the fifth floor with no elevator, or in an area where it's difficult to get a cab. Have you done it and it worked out?
Thanks again to all of you. I'm still amazed at all you know and all you're willing to share!
Jan 17th, 2011, 04:06 AM
#38
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Check better bidding again. All the rooms are for 2 people. No twin bed! You know what * you're bidding on and you can check to see about elevators, but mostly you'll find discounts on large 3*-4* chain hotels in NYC that would be perfect for your group. Elevators in NYC hotels are de rigeur. Many priceline hotels are around mid-town so access to buses and taxis will be easy. The bidding process for priceline rooms in NYC is no different than what you've done in the past. No worries.
Jan 17th, 2011, 04:13 AM
#39
Tip for getting a cab - walk to the nearest hotel and have the doorman hail you one. Tip him in thanks.
Priceline rooms - use betterbidding.com for a list of the hotels that are coming up at their going rates. Bid on a 4star in MTW - Midtown West and you'll be fine. All will have elevators, restaurants and doormen who can hail a cab.
I've gotten the Hilton on 6th many times for not much $$$.
In fact, the little deli/store on the side street is one of my favorite places for "picnics in the room" afternoon/evenings. I often do this after a long day of sight-seeing but before going out to a show. IMO it helps a lot to come back to the room for a while and rest while someone goes out or calls for takeout. Their egg salad sandwiches are divine.
I've started using Hotwire more than Priceline. It's pretty easy to figure out which hotel it is based on amenities and I'm always "okay" with the 4* options. You may pay a bit more for a Hotwire room than a Priceline room but it is less hassle AND you can specify bed type. If you go the Hotwire route, you can even specify two beds in the room. For Priceline you only guaranteed a bed that will sleep 2 people - and that may be a full sized bed instead of queen or king.
Priceline rooms - use betterbidding.com for a list of the hotels that are coming up at their going rates. Bid on a 4star in MTW - Midtown West and you'll be fine. All will have elevators, restaurants and doormen who can hail a cab.
I've gotten the Hilton on 6th many times for not much $$$.
In fact, the little deli/store on the side street is one of my favorite places for "picnics in the room" afternoon/evenings. I often do this after a long day of sight-seeing but before going out to a show. IMO it helps a lot to come back to the room for a while and rest while someone goes out or calls for takeout. Their egg salad sandwiches are divine.
I've started using Hotwire more than Priceline. It's pretty easy to figure out which hotel it is based on amenities and I'm always "okay" with the 4* options. You may pay a bit more for a Hotwire room than a Priceline room but it is less hassle AND you can specify bed type. If you go the Hotwire route, you can even specify two beds in the room. For Priceline you only guaranteed a bed that will sleep 2 people - and that may be a full sized bed instead of queen or king.
Jan 17th, 2011, 06:44 AM
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"I'm leaning toward driving and parking in Jersey, or maybe taking the Staten Island Ferry in and leaving my car at the terminal. "
Hopefully you just mistyped. If you want to try this option, you want to park at the PORT IMPERIAL Ferry Terminal in Weehawken, NJ. (Do not involve Staten Island.)
Hopefully you just mistyped. If you want to try this option, you want to park at the PORT IMPERIAL Ferry Terminal in Weehawken, NJ. (Do not involve Staten Island.)
