new york new comer
 

Hi all, <BR>I am thinking of booking a 5 night stay In New York for the first or second week in March. The hotel at the moment which is my preferred choice is the Millennium Broadway, any opinions on this property, and now for some more silly questions what is weather like early to mid march? Where are all the cool places to eat and drink, without getting super trendy? <BR>I will be coming from Glasgow, Scotland, so should I expect similiar weather,eg wet and cold with bright days. I have been offered a good rate for this hotel and have looked at quikbook.com and hoteldiscount.com any other suggestions on discount websites for hotels would also be very nice. Finally I will be using Continental Airlines coach or economy class and flying into newark any opions on them across the Atanltic and what is the best way in from the airport, is it a cab or private towncar some ideas on cost would also be great. <BR> <BR>regards, <BR> <BR>Grant.

nice spot but can be a little sleazy at night but it was about 4 years ago when i was there. hope some new yorkers will be off more help <BR> steve

what are you talking about seedy you are certainly out of date with your info

hi grant <BR>i can not be of any help to you but i do understand why the some post get huge responses and others like yours that are looking for valueable information do not get any help after all it is meant to be a travel site. <BR>heres hoping that you get some sense soon. <BR>david adams

Grant, there must be a full moon out as I can't understand the above posts at all. The Millenium is a super area -- the best in my opinion for a stay in NYC; if you have captured a good rate grab it quick!!! Medium to inexpensive restaurants in the area? Virgil's Real BarBQ on 44th --bet you've never experienced anything like this in Scotland! Joe Allen's (although there is one like it in London, this is the original) for a fun cellar like atmosphere, good and inexpensive food, and a lot of buzz particularly after theatre. Ruby Foo's, a unique contemporary Asian place just a block or so from your hotel with great dishes for sharing. For a real traditional treat, the famous 21 club on 52nd for lunch. Eat in the colorful bar and don't pass out when they show the very expensive menu. Ask for the special lunch menu and choose three courses for $21. Suddenly the whole place becomes an incredible bargain. One choice is the legendary 21 hamburger for $21, but it may be the best hamburger you ever ate and includes a starter and dessert. But you must wear a coat and tie, even for lunch so be prepared. Be sure to try one of the delis, Stage or Carnegie are the most convenient for either super breakfast (think corned beef hash and eggs) or for a sandwich for lunch that will last you the day! <BR>Are you alone or more than one? That will affect our suggestions on transport from Newark. As to the weather, be prepared for anything. It could be warm (in the 70's) and sunny, or it could be rainy, cold, and really nasty -- think Edinbourgh in March and you'll be right! Enjoy New York, perhaps the most exciting city in the world!

Patrick <BR>thankyou for some really great information,there will two us travelling from scotland and it's great at last to get a sensible reply. <BR>thankyou <BR>grant <BR>

I've stayed at Millenium Broadway and like it very much. Super location. I usually fly in to Laguardia, but expect that a cab from Newark with luggage for two will probably run around $40? I'd bet there is a website for the hotel, with perhaps a car-service link...Might be a bit more comfortable than a cab and at about the same cost.

diane, <BR>thankyou for your opinion it is gratefully received. <BR>regards <BR>grant

Grant, welcome to our wonderful city, you will have an exciting time while here, and literally since you are in the times square area, the whole city is sort of at your feet. <BR> <BR>The subway lines, at 42nd and 7th Ave will take you just about anywhere you want to go so you can see lots. <BR> <BR>You can walk down Broadway to 34th St to see the Empire State Building and you might stop on the way at Macy's or Daffy's or the Manhattan Mall for a bit of shopping. <BR> <BR>The downtown area, is very interesting with some history, "Wall St., Trinity Church" and of course the World Trade Center, (that's where you might pick up some tickets to theatre for half price). <BR> <BR>There are 10,000 restaurants, in Manhattan so you will have your pick, seems there are several restaurants on each and every block in the city sometimes and some streets, like Restaurant Row (which is close to your hotel) is restaurant after restaurant, so bring your taste buds, they will have a real treat here. <BR> <BR>You might pick up the most recent Zaggats when you get here to pick out a few restaurants not mentioned here, but I will give you two of our favorites, <BR>America (inexpensive and fun,) 18th off 5th AVe and Pomodoro, (Italian, good food and GREAT bread) Columbus and 70th. <BR> <BR>Have a wonderful time. Let me know if you need any more specific info. <BR>

Kudos to you Annk. And they say New Yorkers are rude and unfriendly!

hey grant, <BR>why on earth visit new york in march it will be wet and cold and dirty with all the snow melting may is a much better bet <BR>the weather man <BR>

Hi Grant <BR> <BR>You don't say what time you are arriving, but having done both shuttle buses and taxis from La Guardia, Newark, and JFK, I've gotten to the stage where I hang the expense, and catch a taxi. At least you go straight to your hotel, instead of visiting every other hotel in NYC before the bus gets to yours (that's my luck for you!!!). <BR> <BR>Enjoy your stay, New York is a fantastic city. <BR> <BR>Anne in Perth, Australia

dear all, just a quick line to thank you all for tips and information given. <BR>thanks, <BR> <BR>grant

Dear all, <BR>just a quick line to thankyou all for the tips and inside information. <BR> <BR>thanks again <BR> <BR>Grant

Hi Grant: <BR>Welcome to NYC! <BR>Any particular reason you are flying onto Newark (FF mile,etc)? <BR>Millennium Broadway will suit you just fine. March weather can be topsy turvy to say the least-picture Glascow in March you'll understand. Then we can get some glorious weather that lasts 3-4 days giving us a itch for Spring. <BR>The choice of restaurants here are daunting-keep checking back you'll get some great suggestions. Whenever I go out to eat I just close my eyes and point in a general direction and go to where my finger has pointed. (after I open my eyes, of course) You'll find places of all kinds!! <BR>Stop in the NYC Visitors Center in the Heart of Times Square 46-47 Street and Broadway. Get Metro Cards for the buses and subways plus maps and brochures. 1-800-NYC Visit or www.nycvisit.com.

hi AC, <BR>thanks for the response and in answer to your question why newark, continental glasgow to newark is the only direct flight from glasgow. so therefore short flight time and convenience. <BR>thanks <BR>grant <BR>

Yoe are going to have a fabulous time in NYC! There is so much here to do that even if you spent 5 months it wouldn't be enough. When you first leave Newark if you decide to take a cab that does not have a meter please agree on a price with the driver before you enter the car and do not pay any more than the quoted price+ tip. <BR>Don't let this scare you because contrary to popular believe New York has become a very safe city and people are very friendly here. <BR> After you check into your hotel stroll around times square first and then head to the Empire state building. Go to the top the veiw is a must see and really gives you an idea as to how huge our city really is. <BR> A tour bus that you can hop on hop off is not a bad idea for first time visitors. They cost about $30.00 per person and run around the entire city. Some of the tickets last for 5 full days and you can get off the buses when ever you want to spend some time at any attraction. You can buy tickets for these at the base of the empire state building. <BR>You may go to some broadway shows while here but a good suggestion may be to try some off broadway shows also like Blue Man Group, De La Guarda or Stomp. <BR>There are more resturaunts here than someone who has lived here all their life can cover. We have every type of food from Albanian to Zairese. I wouldn't bother with some of the touristy resturaunts like Planet Hollywood or Motown cafe. The food there isn't very good and the atmosphere isn't all that. Do try Jeckyl and Hyde though because that place can be alot of fun (the one uptown is better (56th+6th)By the way Tips for servers is usually 20% of the bill not the usual 10% in Brit isles. <BR>Tapings and talk show tickets are free and fun also. All talk shows filmed in NY (Montel,Ricki Lake) have #'s to call and just write them and tell them the dates you will be here now and the tickets will should get there before you leave. <BR>there is a million things I can say but I better stop now. Have a wonderful trip! <BR>

Hi All, <BR> <BR>Thanks for the great suggestions about New York City. Just reading these posts has given me some good suggestions and ideas. <BR> <BR>I am going for a weekend Feb 9th-12 <BR>and I am trying to filter the many many options I have found to organize 3 days! <BR>Every buck counts with my Canadian dollar.. <BR>I have been exploring the net for a few days when I thought of Fodors in search of a map. I really had no idea there were so many people willing to offer advice just to be nice, New Yorkers and travellers, I thank you. <BR> <BR>Grant if you don't mind me jumping on the bandwagon here, I am interested in New Yorkers' suggestions for nightlife (clubs, bars, pubs (I know there are thousands..) we like rock/alternative music,techno clubs (fairly mainstream), or a cozy sit down place. I haven't been for 10 years so I don't know where to begin this part of my search. <BR> <BR>Grant, have a great time, and be sure to see a bit of Central Park and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. I spent one afternoon there and I have never forgotten my time there. Plan some and then after 1-2 days take some self directed walking tours..and have fun! <BR> <BR>Jackie <BR> <BR>

Hi Grant, <BR> <BR>I just got back from Scotland & Ireland last week. I flew Continental from Newark to Dublin. The flight was fine, though not as nice as some other international flights that I've taken over the years. <BR> <BR>As for weather, it's difficult to say what you might encounter in March. I was in NYC a few years ago in March and they were experiencing a heatwave. Fortunately I had just flown in from a week in Florida and had some lighter weight clothes. However I was also there a few months ago, and found that the weather was quite cold. Just check the weather forecast before flying over and pack accordingly. <BR> <BR>While you're in NYC, make sure and take advantage of the 1/2 price ticket booths in Time Square and at the World Trade Center. In November, I was able to get great tickets to several of the most popular Broadway plays at half of the ticket price. <BR> <BR>Like a previous poster, I would recommend Ruby Foo's for a fun dining experience. The dim sum dishes were quite good and the dessert sampler was worth ordering just to see it. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

To Grant - the Newark airport has a great system they now use for cabs. A dispatch type person at the head of the line asks your destination and then hands you a signed form that verifies the destination and the price the cabbie is allowed to charge. You keep the form as a backup in case there's any discrepancy. It's a good system and on my most recent cab ride (from Newark to North Jersey) I was charged exactly what was quoted in advance - no surprises. <BR>To Jackie - check out www.citysearch.com for a good listig of clubs etc. There are detailed descriptions available that will advise as to type of music, age of crowd, orientation etc. - very helpful. For alternative rock you may find some shows at Bowery Ballroom or Irving Plaza. CBGB's for punk and harder edge stuff. Knitting Factory for eclectic and avante garde (and yes there are sometimes some techno oriented acts). Limelight has techno on certain nights as does Twilo and Centro-Fly. These are just a few and someone who actually goes out regularly (certainly not me!) can give you more accurate info. YOu might also find helpful info at www.villagevoice.com or www.nypress.com (it might be www.newyorkpress.com - not sure). Th Voice and the Press are free papers - if you arrive on a Friday it may be tough to find a copy of either (they come out on Wednesdays) but there are usually stacks of them in the entrance of the Virgin Megastore in Union Square. Online is nice but it's often much easier to have a printed page with the info you need.

Thank you Owen for your advice! <BR>I have seen city search but will check out the papers as well and note the club addresses. :)))) <BR>Appreciate your taking the time to respond.

You can take the Olympia Bus from Newark to Penn Station in NYC for around $10 per person. Just go upstairs from baggage claim (terminal 3 for Continental) to the transportation level and you can hop on the bus from there.

Jackie and Grant, if you're interested in music you should check out two of my favorite veunes, the Fez http://feznyc.com/ and the Living Room http://www.livingroomny.com/ . These are very intimate venues with some great acts. Also, regarding tipping, people usually tip 15%. Since our sales tax is about 8%, when you get your check, just double the tax and round down. Have a wonderful time here!

I stayed at the Millenium Bdwy last February and loved - spacious rooms w/ city view, great central location, helpful staff. I felt quite comfortable in the neighborhood as a single woman, but I was never out past midnight. I agree with the above post that suggests a taxi-at least upon arrival (I learned this by trial & error). I tried many of the eateries suggested by Fodor's & NY Magazines "Best of NY" -I did so much "sampling" that I never even ate a full course meal! Enjoy your trip.

Thanks Amita I will definitely check out both of your suggestions online. <BR>We are going there to see a live show and would love to catch another one if possible. <BR> <BR>Also does anyone have a recommendation for a broadway or off bway show? For example a play rather than a musical starring someone interesting or something we may not have seen in the guides? <BR> <BR>Thanks everyone!

Jackie - I loved Dirty Blonde last month. 3 person play about Mae West. Very amusing and well done. But Contact is a must see musical.

dear all, <BR>the warmest of thankyouu's go out to all who replied with great info and top tips. thanks again <BR>grant

you should check out mcdonalds when you are in NYC good burgers and cool shakes