Yes, Jon Eric, coming from Sydney we are used to the heat, but not the humidity, I'm glad some one told me the Grayline tours are wheel chair accessible, last year we took our son to london for therapy and we couldn't take the wheel chair on the hop on tours, so when we hopped off we had to carry him. Needless to say we didn't get off much. Has anyone stayed at the Embassy Suites in Manhatten? I have been told that they have been renovated since 9/11. Is there a metro station near there or how do we get to the Grayline bus tours from there? Thanks again.

I love Sydney! Most of the NYC hotels will have concierge services and very good ones too who can hook you up with Grayline and other tours. I dont 'think' Grayline has hotel pick up in NYC, but I'm not positive of that. I would check out the Grayline website to be sure. NYC can be... overwhelming so please be careful and stay safe!

SaraLM, are you really that limited?

I think the Embassy Suites is an excellent choice - you are talking about the hotel near the World Financial Center? It is a very nice hotel, especially for families, with great view of the water (and New Jersey!). There is also an enormous movie theater next door.

I'm pretty sure the Gray Line stops near the WTC site, so you will only have to go a couple of blocks from that hotel to catch the bus. Alternatively, you could walk down to Battery Park and catch the tour buses there. It's not far.

One more "must see" - Chinatown! It is so great. I'd go at night if possible, since the sidewalks are jammed during the day and walking w/ stroller (which I imagine is similar to wheelchair) is difficult. Restaurant recommendations (all are inexpensive and family friendly - and I think they are all wheelchair accessible):

CHINESE: Joe's Shanghai (on Pell & the Bowery, I think) - get the soup dumplings to start - they are great; seating is family style so you might make some new friends!

THAI: The Thailand restaurant (at Baxter & Bayard) - everything is wonderful

VIETNAMESE: Nha Trang (on Baxter, I think, right around the corner from the Thailand restaurant) - excellent!

have fun!

thanks txtree, yes pushing a wheelchair is like pushing a double stroller only people tend to stare more. I thought embassy suites near the WTC would be good because they seem to have the largest rooms and if there are near the metro, thats great. If anyone knows of a suite hotel thats nearer to the action, transport accessible and not too expensive (Aussie dollar) letme know. Less than two weeks, can't wait.

You might want to look into the Rhiga Royal, which is more centrally located in midtown - walking distance to Times Square and Central Park. I think it has good-sized suites, and is kid friendly.

The advantage of being in the center of activity is also a disadvantage - it can get a little hectic on the streets around the Rhiga. But maybe that's more fun for the family. (By contrast, the area around the Embassy Suites is pretty low key.)