Bowsprit

re. quikbook's secret sale hotel: If it is the Mansfield you should know this very nice hotel's 'petite rooms' are indeed very petite! It's nicely situated for a first time visit, midtown and close to some decent restaurants. Carmine's is close by as is John's Pizza. There's a good Greek restaurant nearly next door and the Red Flame diner is across the street. I like this section of W.44th. You can have a drink at the Algonquin's historic lobby bar.

starrs

I would definitely choose the Mela based on location. I checked reviews on google and tripadvisor and confirmed it as my #1 pick out of those 3 option. My #2 would be the Affinia.

ksera123

Thanks. I just gotta say, you guys are the best. I have taken your advice on searching, making my list of places to go, etc. This is my first time using a post and it has proved benefecial. Thanks to the contributers!

If I want to figure out the best way for the two of us with luggage to get from Laguardia air to the hotel, do I start another post topic or add it in here?

starrs

The best way is just to go to the taxi stand and grab a cab. You may have to wait in line for a few minutes. DO NOT accept a ride from anyone who approaches you. For the ride back, make arrangements with Carmel Limo or Dial 7 (I like Carmel) to pick you up at the hotel and take you back to the airport.

Bowsprit

If you take a cab make sure it's a yellow cab.

I haven't stayed at the Mela so I wouldn't comment here. You can read reviews on Trip Advisor (watch out for the spurious posts) and take a look at the travelers' photos there to make help you make up your mind.

Bowsprit

Re. the locations: Mela and Mansfield are within a 4 minute walk of each other, both on 44th. Here're google map directions:

http://maps.google.com/

starrs

I did not include the Mansfield when I referenced the 3 hotels.

Based on the reviews (google and tripadvisor) I'd choose the Mela over the Mansfield. Both may have small rooms. The reviews for the Mela are much better - IMO. I like the Times Square location better than the Affinia's and the Bentley's.

Bowsprit

Have you stayed at the Mela or Mansfield, starrs?

starrs

No I have not, Bowsprit. I think my 8:23 post was pretty clear about that - and why I would choose the hotels from the list of 3 offered by the OP. She asked for opinions based on the deals she had found and I offered my opinion.

starrs

Also in my 9:58 post - "Based on the reviews (google and tripadvisor) I'd choose the Mela over the Mansfield"

MFNYC

If something looks like a good deal and is cancellable, you should book it. If something comes along better or you change your mind, you just have to cancel, but before you book anything, make sure you carefully read the cancellation policy. Some of the 'deals', as well as Priceline bidding, hotwire, etc. are to be paid upfront and can not be canceled.

sf7307

>>

Why? (and are you saying that if you're in line at LGA for a taxi, and the next taxi is not yellow, you'd refuse it and wait for a yellow cab? again, why?)

vjpblovesitaly

The only legal cabs in NYC are yellow.

nytraveler

All NYC cabs are yellow - the exact same coor - it's required by thte T&LC. Any cab you get at the airport will only be yellow.

On the streets, if there is a shortage of cabs (often) you may be offered a ride by a car service vehicle. This can be any clor but the license plate will have a T at the beginning. Technically they are not supposed to pick up in midtown - but they do and many people use them. (We only have about 35,000 cabs and it simply isn;t enough.) In this case you must settle on a price before you get in the car - and the driver can ask whatever he wants basd on conditions.

Bowsprit

Actually there are 'rogue cabs', independents that are not service cars. They're all over the city and they wait at the airports too.

If the cab's yellow you'll be fine.

nytraveler

Agree that there are simply illegal cars - that don;t have a T license plate.

In that case - do NOT use them - since they are not licensed by the city. (Car service drivers are licensed by the city -just a different type of license - that you will see displayed inside the car..)

ksera123

so once last question then I'll leave you alone...
Instead of going back to the airport from the midtown hotel, we are going over to long island for a couple of nights then back to the airport. So, to get to long island from midtown, is the best transportation still getting a car from carmel or dial 7. Then probably the same from LI to the airport?
Thanks!

nytraveler

Long Island is - more than 110 miles long. For us to give an answer that makes any sense you need to tell us:

1) where exactly you are planning on going
2) what you are planning on doing

Long island is primarily suburban and public transit - except for commuter trains in and out of the city - is dismal. You can usually take the LIRR to where you want to go - but then really need a car to get around.

doug_stallings

The best way to get to Long Island is on the Long Island Railroad, absolutely not a car service. There is little to no public transport once on Long Island, so unless you are staying with friends, you'll need to take expensive taxis to get everywhere.

luv2travel222

I didn't read all the responses....BUT we have stayed a few times in Hackensack, NJ instead of NYC and then take the bus across. We saved ALOT for not staying in the city or having to pay parking to keep your car there, and it takes about 6-10 minutes to take the bus over to the Port Authority.

It's very convenient.