NEW YORK WHERE TO STAY
 

Hi all, <BR>My husband, myself, and our 2 kids aged 12 and 16 will be in NYC for a week in July. This attractions we want to see are Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Time Square, the Empire State Building, a Broadway play, Coney Island, Metropolitan Museum of Art, the World Trade Center, and Rockefeller Center. <BR> <BR>Where should we stay that would be convenient to most of these attractions? Downtown, midtown, uptown, upper east side, upper west side? We are looking for a nice moderately priced hotel in a convenient area. Also any ideas on a broadway play would be greatly appreciated. Is there a web site that lists all the theater happenings in NY? <BR> <BR>This is our first trip to NYC so how user friendly is your subway system? <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR>Kathy <BR>

Hi Kathy: <BR> <BR>Those sights pretty much cover the whole island!! So..I would stay midtown. Why don't you post your price requirements and the good folks that know New York City will be more than happy to make recommendations! Also..Do a search on NYC in this forum and you will get a head start! <BR>JOHN

Hi, Kathy-- <BR> <BR>John is right--you're all over the map, so no single location will be central. A couple of thoughts, with a few Web sites to follow: <BR> <BR>The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are a single trip on the same full-circle ferry ride (you get on and off at each location for a single price). This is a (VERY!) full day, and in high tourist season the lines are LOONNNNGGG, so start out early. Afterward, stop in at the Museum of the American Indian just a few north of where you disembark from the ferry--it's great and FREE. <BR> <BR>It's a bit redundant to go to the top of the World Trade Center and the Empire State Building, and the price is about $10 apiece, I think. I'd go just to the WTC. The simulated airplane ride is pretty cool, and the view is better, since when you're atop the WTC you don't have to look at that awful excuse for architecture! I think there's a Ripley's Believe It Or Not exhibit at the Empire, though, so it might be worth going in even if you don't go up. <BR> <BR>Times Square you'll be able to see just enroute to that Broadway show. But consider an off-Broadway show, too--kids of 12 and 16 would LOVE "Stomp". <BR> <BR>The Met Museum is open until 9 PM Fridays and Saturdays. This is the best time to go, as the crowds have thinned. Bonuses: the quintet playing classical music on the balcony, and refreshments in the roof garden as the sun sets over Central Park. (The Met is right on CP, so this is another good combo--just hit the Park first, BEFORE dark!) <BR> <BR>There's not much to Coney Island anymore, and as the locals there would say, it's quite a schlep from Manhattan. If you're determined to see it anyway, try to construct a full day's itinerary in Brooklyn--the Transit Museum, the aquarium, Brooklyn Museum, cheesecake at Junior's--or you'll wonder why you spent all those hours on the subway. I believe there are tours of Brooklyn that might suit you. <BR> <BR>OK--Web sites: www.newyork.citysearch.com contains more information than you could possibly hope to read. For a more Broadway-specific site, go to www.playbill.com. And Zagat's is online if you to check out the restaurants. <BR> <BR>Enjoy!

Hi Kathy: <BR>Ah my favorite subject!! NYC!! <BR>I would suggest you stay in midtown <BR>You'll get all kinds of suggestions. How about an apartment? Radio City Apartments seem to do well with Fodorites. www.radiocityapartments.com <BR>Why Coney Island? Not much to see and a pretty long subway ride. <BR>The subway system to a novice might be intimidating but we are a very helpful bunch ask anyone for help and they will be glad to assist you. Get Metro Cards as soon as you arrive A $4 unlimited pass is good all day or if you plan to be here for a week and plan on using public transportation the whole time, a $17 weekly Metro Card is ok. Go to Grand Central Terminal (it should be on your list anyway)You can get travel information at the Transit Gallery located by the Station Masters Office. There is a visitor Center in Times square on Broadway at 46 St. You can get free subway and bus maps and Metro Cards there. The NYC Official Vistors Information Center is located at 53 St and 7th Av You can get free brochures, maps and discount coupons there. <BR>The MTA website: www.mta.ny.ny.us <BR>The NYC Vistors website: www.nycvisit.com <BR>Broadway website www.broadway.com <BR>Have a great time! Welcome to NYC! <BR>Howard, Owen and Caitlin will have some great ideas too! <BR>

I'd suggest staying in the Times Square area. If your kids are like ours (ages 12 and 15), they'll love seeing all the people and activities. If they're MTV watchers, well, they're right there. <BR> <BR>My husband took my daughter and a foreign guest to NY last summer (in July), and they stayed at a Doubletree right in Times Square. It's a suites hotel, so it might be fitting for you, too. I've also heard that apartment rentals work well for families. <BR> <BR>Another reason to stay in Times Square is to be near the half-price ticket booth, which generally seems to have more things available than the booth at the World Trade Center. (We've learned this from experience.) There's a web site where you can track what's been showing up at the half-price booth--but i can't remember what it is. Perhaps someone else in this forum knows it. <BR> <BR>Regarding Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: if you're driving, you might want to go over to New Jersey and approach from that direction. My husband tried that with the girls, and found that it cut lots of time off the trip. <BR> <BR>

We're novices re NYC, but we're working on a trip in April with two 14-year-old girls (granddaughter and her friend). <BR> <BR>Although it's not complete, we have a web site giving our itinerary. we've already been told that our days are too full, but we'd rather have too much. The girls can make decisions. <BR> <BR>We're also very "tourist" and "budget," so we've picked the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel at 8th Ave. and 51 St. The rate is $127.90 plus tax (children stay free--that helped). Our other choice (which seemed better to some Fodorites) was the Park Savoy at 158 W. 58th. We'll know better in mid-April. <BR> <BR>The incomplete web site is at http://www.geocities.com/judcomp/nyc-itin.htm <BR> <BR>

Penny, <BR>We plan on relying entirely on public transportation while in NYC, so we won't be able to approach the Statue of Liberty from Jersey. <BR> <BR>Thanks for the tip on half price tickets. If anyone knowt the web site address for this please let me know. <BR> <BR>Also, keep the tips coming. You guys are great!

The Comptons, <BR>I looked at your website and it was really fun. I only have one thing to say about the number of things your doing each day "ARE YOU INSANE"? <BR> <BR> It was great that you had so many web sites listed. <BR> <BR> Can you email me more information about the Berlin Wall. That sounds really interesting, and like something I definitely want to see while I am there. <BR> <BR>Why are you flying to Atlanta then taking a train to NYC. That seems like a big waste of time? <BR> <BR>Kathy <BR>

http://newyork.citysearch.com/feature/34849/ <BR> <BR>If this ages then start at the .com first. <BR> <BR>

Check out hoteldiscount.com,they always seem to have good deals. <BR>I would recc BLUE MAN GROUP "TUBES" as a good show playing at astor place. <BR>Also RUBY FOO`S at 49th/b`way is a great place to eat.(times square) <BR>have fun!

Angie, <BR>Thanks for the tip on hoteldiscounts.com. Just before I read this I was looking at hotel room rates, and was surprised at how much more they cost then they do here in the midwest. We want to stay at a well known chain such as doubletree, mariott, hyatt, hilton, or novotel. I wasn't expecting to pay much more then $200 per night, but it doesn't look like I'm going to get that rate. If anyone else knows of any discount hotel web sites, please let me know. <BR> <BR>Also keep any other tips coming. This is really great! <BR> <BR>Kathy <BR>

Hi Kathy: <BR>If you do a search here you will find that there are hotels besides the big names that will give you better prices. July is high season in NYC. I might have given you this info on your other post but try www.wolcott.com you might find something there if Radio City Apartments are not good for you. <BR>Good luck!

Kathy . . . <BR> <BR>We picked up the Berlin Wall bit from Frommer's New York City. This is all it says: "You can find five sections of the Berlin Wall, graffiti intact, in a small park behind 520 Madison Ave., on the north side of 53rd St., between Madison and Fifth Aves." Does sound interesting. <BR> <BR>Not sure if it's mentioned previously, but you can get an excellent New York City Planner from http://www.nycvisit.com <BR> <BR>We're train nuts when we can be, so we want to share an Amtrak experience with the two girls. (In May, we're taking a 30-day trip across Canada from Vancouver to the east coast at Gaspé.) <BR>We couldn't get good connections from Dallas to Atlanta or we'd probably have done so. <BR> <BR>Let us know how our planning goes.

Kathy, <BR>My husband and I spent a long weekend in NYC a few years ago. We stayed in the Double Tree Hotel on Times Square and loved it. Every room is a suite that includes a small kitchenette and wonderul cookies on your pillow each day. Our room was high up (13th floor, I think) so we didn't hear ANY street noise but the view of Times Square and the folks on the sidewalks was great. The room rate was very reasonable but I won't quote one because I don't remember the exact amount.

Hi all, <BR> <BR>Several of you mentioned that the Statue of Liberty is really crowded, and that I should go early. How early should I go? <BR> <BR>What do you recommend going to the top of the World Trade Center or the Empire State Building? One of you mentioned that the simulated airplane ride at the World Trade Center is fun, but do you need to go to the top in order to do this? Also someone mentioned that the Empire State Building has a Ripley's Believe It Or Not display. Is it still there? I think it's kind of redundant to go to the top of both, so which one do you recommend? <BR> <BR>As far as Broadway or off-broadway tickeys are concerned should I buy tickets now through Ticketmaster or should I wait until I get there and get them at the Half-price ticket booth? <BR> <BR>If anyone knows the web site address that Penny mentioned for tracking what tickets have showed up at the half-price booth please let me know. <BR> <BR>For those who have purchased tickets through the half-price booth how early should i get there? I understand from their website that they open at 3:00 pm, so could I get there at 3 or should I get there hours before they open? Also how good are the seats that they have? <BR> <BR>AC-Radio City Apartments look really nice from their website. Have you ever stayed there? If so how is it? I've never rented an apartment well traveling, I've always stayed in hotels. So can you or anyone else give me the rundown on how this works. <BR> <BR>Also can someone give me a summary of your subway system. How difficult or easy is it to use? <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR>Kathy <BR>

Hi Kathy: <BR>I have not stayed at Radio City but I've heard great things about it. I'll pull up a recent post for you with some positive remarks. Have a great trip!

AC, <BR>Thanks those 2 posts about radio city you topped were really helpful. If anyone else has anything to add about radio city please do so. <BR> <BR>Also who can answer all my other questions? <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR>Kathy <BR>

Hi all, <BR>One more question.... <BR> <BR>I am leaning toward staying at Radio City Apartments, but not sure yet. <BR> <BR>I will be there in July, so is this something that I better hurry and make up my mind on, or don't they book up that quickly? <BR> <BR>If I decide on a hotel it will most likely be one in midtown. Do the hotels in that area fill up quickly or can I taka a little time and decide? <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR>Kathy <BR>

If there is a show you REALLY want to see, buy the tickets ahead of time. If you (and the family) are risk takers, try for 1/2 price tickets. Sometimes there are special productions in the summer (tv actors on break) that won't have tickets available until later. By the way, there might be a tv/movie actor's strike, but broadway actors are not part of the group, so there could be BIG named people doing theater in July in NYC.

Kathry, <BR> <BR>The subway is not too difficult to use. When you arrive, you can easily find at any tourist info booth (they set them up on the street around Times Square, on Fifth Ave., etc. in the summer) a copy of The Map, as they call it. Another suggestion is to use the buses. They are slower, of course, but the big advantage is that you get to see a lot of the city while riding. Many on this board recommend the subway over the bus because the former is faster, but I live in NYc and like taking the bus. Except during peak times it is not usually horribly slow, although crosstown buses are always slow because of the traffic. A single bus or subway fare is $1.50 with one same-direction transfer within two hours. Buses take coins and tokens, but not bills. Most residents use MetroCards (good on subway and bus): a Fun Pass is $4 for unlimited rides for one day; a weekly unlimited pass is $17, and an eleven-ride card is $15. You will probably find that you will do a lot of walking around, especially if you are staying in midtown and doing a lot of activities in that area, so consider this when you decide on which transit passes to buy. Check the MTA web site (www.mta.nyc.ny.us) for lots of info. <BR> <BR>I think you will find that independent hotels often have better rates than the chains you mentioned above. Radio City apartments is absolutely no-frills, but consider the handiness and cost-savings of a kitchenette for having breakfast and bedtime-snacks, being able to reheat and store restaurant leftovers, etc., combined with the fact that you'll like;y be spending little time in your hotel room. <BR> <BR>As far as show tickets go, whether you buy in advance or hold out for half-price at the TKTS booth depends, in addition to how much you'll pay, on how determined you are to see a particular show, because you can't guarantee what will be available when, and July is pretty busy. If you're flexible about what you want to see, you may be able to get very good seats at the half-price booth. One way to split the differenceis www.playbill.com; you have to join (free and not a gimmick), and you can buy discount tickets in advance for many shows. <BR> <BR>I vot for the World Trade Center for your "tall building" experience, because from it you can see more of the city than from the ESB (and it's taller!). If you feel like spending the time, a great thing to do is go in the evening and linger through sunset so you can see the nighttime view and all the city lights as well. You're in the neighborhod of the Staten Islan Ferry, which is free and gives you a great view of the Statue of Liberty. As for Ellis Island and the Statue, it's usually suggested that during the busy season (when you'll be here), you be prepared to take the first ferry (around 8:30 am), or you'll have to stand in line for two hours or so. Some don't feel that climbing to the top is worth it (never done it, so I can't say), but the museum will be well worth your time. <BR> <BR>I think someone suggested on your other post going to the Museum of Natural History; I say skip it because your kids are at the age where they'll probably be bored. I would consider adding a stroll through Chinatown and Little Italy, though--great people watching and cheap souvenirs which teens really seem to enjoy.

The following website is updated daily, listing the plays that were available at the TKTS booths for the day. http://newyork.citysearch.com/feature/34849/ <BR>

I don't necesarily agree with Caitlin's comments. First of all, everyone--both adults and children--will enjoy the new planetarium show at the American Museum of Natural History. That alone is worth a visit. Second, it would certainly depend on a child's interests (both the 12-year-old and the 16-year-old offspring). <BR>Further, if they would be bored by that museum, then there's a good chance that Ellis Island wouldn't interest them either. <BR>That would be sad, as it would mean you would all miss two of New York's best and most interesting places to visit--the museum and Ellis Island. <BR>

It ALL depends on the kids' interests, doesn't it? As an adult and as a younger kid, I have enjoyed the Museum of Natural History; teens and their parents have told me they have found it boring ("we did the dinosaur thing in the fifth grade, thank you very much"). You're right, Howard, the planetarium is great for everyone (I've not been to the new shows personally yet). When I was a teen, I loved art museums and history museums (like Ellis Island), and didn't find the Museum of Natural History worth my while. <BR> <BR>This reminiscence brings up another suggestion which may or may not appeal to your kids, which is thw United Nations tour; I found it interesting at that age. The UN also has a great international gift shop (lots of handicrafts from around the world) and a post officewhere you can mail your ;postcards and have them postmarked from international territory (not the US mail).

Hi all, <BR> <BR>We are pretty open as far as a broadway or off broadway show is concerned. We are considering Beatuy & the Beast, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Stomp, Aida, or Rent. <BR> <BR>Which theater is Stomp playing at? <BR> <BR>Also is there a Second City Theater there? When I was in Toronto i saw a Second City show and it was really great. If you don't have one in NYC and your ever in Toronto or Chicago I highly recommend Second City. <BR> <BR>Caitlin, the UN tour sounds like something I definitely want to do. My list of must do's and must see's is growing every day. <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR>Kathy <BR>

Re shows: you should be aware that tickets for Lion King are NEVER discounted. If you wante to see it, plan to pay full price and to purchase the tickets soon--even and especially for a June date. This show is consistemtly sold out well in advance. <BR> <BR>Stomp is at the Orpheum Theater on 2d Ave. at 9th St. Not sure if you'd find it at TKTS. You have a good chance of finding one or more of the others, excepting LK. <BR> <BR>No Second City here.

Caitlin, thanks for all the Broadway information. <BR> <BR>Does anyone know how I would go about getting tickets to talk shows such as Ricki, Letterman, Rosie, etc. How about tickets to Good Morning America? And I would especially love tickets to Saturday Night Live!!!! <BR> <BR>Kathy <BR>

This past Sunday's NY Times Travel section is packed with NY City Hotel ads (usually there aren't that many) and deals. <BR> <BR>Sorry, meant to post this on Saturday... <BR> <BR>

Kathy, do a search using a good search engine like google.com and you should turn up the official web sites for the TV shows; those should have info about getting tickets.

We spent 5 days in NYC last July and had a wonderful time. We stayed at the Gorham Hotel, which is on West 55th, between 6th & 7th Avenues. We found it on Quikbook.com. The website is easy to navigate--you put in your dates and it tells you all the hotels that are available through them and the prices. We got a suite which had two double beds, a pull out couch (though it was not very comfortable and after one night my 15 year old son decided it would be better to sleep in the same bed as his 12 year old brother). It also had a small kitchenette w/microwave, small refrigerator and dishes and utensils for 4. We found the location to be very convenient, we walked almost everywhere. We paid $209 a night, but beware of taxes, which added almost $31 a night. Quikbook.com seemed to have less expensive rates than some of the other reservation systems we had checked. <BR>As for Broadway, we saw "The Music Man" which was great. My boys were not too excited about seeing it, but they ended up loving it and even like to listen to the soundtrack. We had hoped to get 1/2 price tickets to something on the Sunday that we were there, but nothing that we were interested in was available. I would also recommend as someone else did to buy tickets in advance if there is something you really want to see and then take your chances when you get there on seeing something else. We got to the Times Square Booth earlier than we thought it opened, but apparently it had opened earlier than the posted time and the line was quite long. Maybe Sunday was a bad day to try it. Playbill.com has a lot of information about what's on Broadway. Also, we took the subway a few times and had no problems, we even were on it during rush hour on a Friday afternoon and survived! We enjoyed NYC so much that my husband and I are going to try to plan a weekend there this spring and will probably stay at the Gorham again. I hope you enjoy NYC as much as we did.

Caitlin, thanks for the info. I'll have to gry google.com. I've never used that search engine, I'm a fan of yahoo. <BR> <BR>Mary, Your post was really interesting. We were leaning towards staying at Radio City Apartments, but I'll have to investigate Goorham. Also we're not really picky about a broadway/off broadway show. We just want to see something the kids will enjoy as much as we did. As far as enjoying NYC is concerned, I'm sure I'll enjoy it. I've never been on a vacation that I didn't enjoy. I don't have to clean, I don't have to cook, what's not to enjoy. <BR> <BR>Kathy <BR>

If your reference point or benchmark is Novotel, Doubletree, Marriot etc., you may not be entirely satisfied with Radio City Apartments. Decor is a bit old fashioned - reminiscent of a chain motel from the 60's or 70's. Carpet in the main kitchen/LR area was of the short napped rugged industrial variety. Definitely not a plush place but everything was clean, in good working order, the bed was comfy, my daughter slept wall on the LR futon couch and it was remarkably quiet. I would stay there again based on the value but be aware that this is a well maintained but older and not updated type of property. I get the impression that the Gorham may be a bit nicer and I also hear good things about the Beacon but I find the location of Radio City Apartments to be most convenient. I spend little time in the room when vacationing, preferring to spend that extra money saved on restaurants and shows. Your intinerary doesn't seem overly ambitious considering that you haver an entire week. I would suggest that you search and read past threads re/Statue of Liberty. Many feel that time is best spent on seeing Ellis Island and just getting an outside view of the statue rather than spending the hours in line to walk up inside. Be sure to do some walking around in the Village (specifically the eastern end of Bleecker Street) with the kids - they'll love all the funky little shops and the general atmosphere. My daughter was enthralled by Chinatown when I first took her there at age 15 (she's now 19 and still loves to visit there). It's also great for a walking tour - lots of shops with wild looking unnamed items in jars and bins - fun to look. Walking the Canal Street and Chinatown areas will provide an interesting contrast to the other sites you've already listed. I'd also strongly encourage you to take the Circle Line harbor cruise. It's the short one (about 45 minutes) and takes you past all the most scenic parts of the skyline and out to the Statue of Liberty and back. I took a friend on the full island cruise this past summer (3 full hours) and although we enjoyed it, only the 45 minutes that are included in harbor cruise were of the greatest interest.

<BR>why not try the new hudson hotel? it's new, inexpensive, and close to everywhere (not to mention chic!). the subway is safe and usually faster than sitting in a cab in traffic. people in new york are friendly and usually eager to help. <BR> <BR>coney island is a must. the rollercoaster is a blast! make sure you eat lunch at nathan's but not before you ride the coaster! <BR> <BR>pick up 'time out ny' when you get here, they have extensive listings of everything going on. you can pick up half price theater tickets once you are here at the 'tickets both' (one in times square, one at the world trade center). there is less of a wait at the world trade center (for half price theater tickets), so you should coordinate your visit there with your trip to the theater (you can only buy tickets for the day of the show). <BR> <BR>have a great trip!

Owen, Thank you your tips were great. Like you I don't really mind the older decor at Radio City because I don't spend much time in the room enyways. My main concern is cleanliness and that I don't have to worry about bugs crawling on me while I'm sleeping. It doesen't sound like this is a problem there. <BR> <BR>Also a convenient location is really important to me. I have a horrible sense of direction, and don't want to spend most of the week lost. <BR> <BR>I will also check out Beacon. <BR> <BR>When I get to the Statue of Liberty I'll check out how long the line is. If it is too long I'll skip going up. I don't have a high tolerance for long lines. <BR> <BR>China town should be really fun for the kids and me. A few years back I was in Chinatown in Chicago during the Chinese New Year Parade. That was really fun. Last year I went to Chinatown in Toronto. The kids really liked all the shops, street vendors, and activity of the area. Is New York's Chinatown similar to Chicago's (small scale) or is it more like San Francisco's Chinatown? <BR> <BR>We will definitely take the circle line harbor cruise. I live on Lake Michigan and we do a couple of the cruises every summer. They are really relaxing and the view is beautiful. <BR> <BR>Kathy <BR>

More like SF's Chinatown, or Toronto's: large, lots of shops selling trinkets, etc., lots of street vendors.

Cleanliness was not an issue at Radio City Apartments, nor did I spot a single bug of any kind. It's just a plain and basic place but genuinely a good value. I haven't been to Chicago's Chinatown but have been in both Toronto and SF. This is about the size of SF's but grittier and less prettified than either of the aforementioned (if that is even a word!). One note on location - there are no real grocery stores in midtown - just lots of so called "gourmet deli's" with overpriced "by the pound" take-out buffets and other convenience items. Street vendors are a good choice for fruit if you wish to stock up for the week as snacks to have on hand. If you do want to use the stove or microwave there are regular grocery stores (e.g. Food Emporium and the like) over around 9th Avenue and also 3rd Avenue (maybe 2nd?) about ten blocks up. I'm a big water drinker and find that NYC tap water is some of the best municiapl water you can get. I refill my small carry-around 20 oz bottle from water fountains on a regular basis if I'm walking around in the city. Some would call me cheap (I prefer the term cost conscious!) but I just hate shelling out 1 - $1.50 for a pint of bottled water! You'll also find street performers, some very good, that the kids might enjoy. Some perform regularly in the major subway stations (e.g. beneath Grand Central and at Times Square). Others are at outdoor locations. There are usually some in Times Square and I've heard some terrific a capella singing groups by the corner of 7th Avenue South and West 4th Street (very close to Grove Street and the Western edge of Bleecker. Those are also great neighborhoods to walk because there are many small, reasonably priced restaurants especially of the ethnic variety (e.g. Thai and Chinese). My favorites include Baby Bhudda for Chinese (on Washington Street just south of Jane Street - it's across from the the Old Bell Labs building where the first transistors were invented) and also a Thai place next to Generation Records (on Thompson Street just off Bleecker - they have tons of rare CD's i.e. bootlegs of unreleased audeince recordings and also a very good selection of music posters in the basement - the kids will love browsing in there). I can't recall the name of the place but it's very good. There are also two Porto Rico coffee merchants on Bleecker. If you want to get some ground coffee to make your own java in the room, they have a great selection and some of the lowest prices in NYC.

Elizabeth, does the Hudson Hotel have a website or do you have a street address/phone number to them? <BR> <BR>Earlier in this post or in my other post I mentioned that I wanted to go to Coney Island, and several fellow foderites advised against it. Is there anyone else that is in favor of going to Coney Island? <BR> <BR>Owen, Thanks for all the information you provided. If we stay at Radio City I'll have to find the closest real grocery store and take a taxi back. <BR> <BR>Kathy

Kathy, I don't in any way mean to sound rude, but I think you're overplanning your trip! Taking a cab to buy groceries? Why not just stay in a neighborhood (i.e., Upper East Side, Upper West Side, etc.) that have grocery stores.

A review/description is at http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile?id=11408733&fid=9 the hotel's own website is at http://www.hudsonhotel.com <BR> <BR>

Hi Kathy: <BR>When you've decided where you are staying, do a mapquest search for Food Emporium (an upscale A&P), Gristede's or D'agastino. Local larger grocery stores right in the neighborhood. no cab needed! <BR>Please relax, you are making ME nervous! You'll be fine. Keep me posted!

Yes Howard, I know, I do overplan vacations. I leave no detail unthought of, and no stone unturned. It drives my husband insane. Though no matter how much I plan I never see everything I want to see. I want to stay in Midtown because it is so convenient. <BR> <BR>Owen, thanks for the website. I did a yahoo search and it didn't bring anything up. <BR> <BR>Kathy <BR>