I'm new to Fodors. In two weeks I'm taking my daughter (22 year old) to New York City. I've never been, but need help in finding a hotel ideas ($150) and helpful hints in the big city. We'll be taking the train from W. Virginia in. We'll have three days and two nights. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

You should start by reading past posts/threads about NYC hhotels and activities here on Fodors. Your questions about NYC are basic and are discussed here every day. If you have specific questions or interests, we'd be glad to hear about them.

There's are lots of NYC posts on the forum, plus check Fodor's info:

http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgr..._york_city@111

I always recommend the Broadway Inn:
www.broadwayinn.com

I live and work in NYC, and would be happy to try and help you with specific questions

To get you started on a Hotel, plug in your dates on quikbook.com and if you see a place in your price range check for reviews by doing a search here, or on Tripadvisor.com

When are you going?

Holiday Inn Downtown NYC
138 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013
Phone: 212-966-8898

What a quick trip! One thing that I think is a really great NY activity is to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and reward yourself with Grimaldi's pizza on the other side (just do a search for it, the place is really well-known). Many people agree that it's the best pizza in New York. Then walk a little further down the block to the Brooklyn ice cream factory, get a scoop and enjoy the view of the bridge and the NY skyline. Lots of times in the summer you'll see people taking their wedding pictures overlooking the bridge! It's fun to watch.

And if you don't feel like walking back over the bridge, right nearby is the NY Water Taxi which for a few bucks, will take you back one of several points in manhattan (it runs on a schedule).

Also I think a lot of tourists spend too much time in midtown - it's geared towards tourists and you might miss out on some of the other really great neighborhoods. Your daughter is 22 - she might enjoy a more hip visit to NY so think about spending a few hours in the East Village (my favorite restaurant is down there - it's called Gnocco and it's on 10th St between Ave A and Ave B. It's italian food done the right way!

Also check out Union Square, if you're there on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday there's a huge farmers market, where you can pick up a yummy/cheap snack as you stroll!

Finally, at night if you want a "different" type of theater activity, check out 'de la guarda' which is in Union Square. I can't tell you much about it or else it will ruin it for you - but the whole thing takes place above your head and you're standing up. You may get a little wet but it's a fascinating show!

Whew - those are my suggestions for fun things in NY. Let me know if you have any questions!

I grew up in NYC, and unfortunately knew a lot of teenage boys who financed their good times by "ripping off stupid tourists." That was several years ago, but many potential problems can be avoided if you practice street smarts. That means don't walk around looking up at the tall buildings (it'll make you dizzy anyway), of course don't flash any money, hold tight to your purse (I never carry one), keep your money and credit cards in different places, and most importantly, stay alert. If you look like you have a destination and are aware of who's around you, potential thieves will look elsewhere.

BTW, NYC is about a million times safer than it was when I was a kid!

For a 22 year old and parent in 3 days and 2 nights I would recommend these sites: 1) at least one museum, The Met, The MoMA, the Frick or the Whitney (I think the Guggenheim may still be under renovations...as is the MoMA, perhaps). 2) A stroll around the West Village and/or SoHo(much more scenic and neighborhoody then the East Village) for boutiques, eateries, people watching and potential celeb. sightings and 3) a trip to the Statue of Liberty for one glorious, unadulterated act of tourism that gives you the whole meaning of what NYC is all about

MoMA is still closed, the SOL re-opens on August 3. SoHo has been totally yuppified and now has Bloomingdale's for heaven's sake! East Village would be the place for trendy stuff.

Anonymous, guess I'm out of the loop. What is the difference between "yuppified" and "trendy". I thought they were pretty much the same. Or does "trendy" now mean more offbeat?

Yuppified is what happens next AFTER an area is trendy. I don't think of Bloomie's as trendy. To me, trendy is whatever is NEW -- experimental galleries and weird boutiques. SoHo is now full of chains, and the truly trendy places have been priced out and have moved on.

Surprised no one has suggested bidding on Priceline for a hotel room. While it may be a bit chancey to get 2 beds rather than one big one, most hotels should be able to accomdodate that. If you bid successfully, call the hotel directly and make your request for 2 beds. Read biddingfortravel.com or betterbidding.com if you've never used Priceline. I would stick with 4 or 5 star hotels. You should be able to get something terrific at your budget.

Thank you for all the good advice. Looking forward to the trip.