bamababe

Our family ( 2 adults, 12,10 ,9 yo kids) will be in NY july 19-22/23. We will arrive VERY ( after MN) late. We have never been to NY so we would like to stay where we can walk to most attractions. We would like a hotel that is clean, in appropriate area and that will accomodate 5. I know this is a tall order but hopefully someone will have a suggestion.
Since we are arriving late what is the best way to reach the hotel? Taxi, limo?
Also we are considering taking Amtrak to
Chicago for a Cubs game. Anyone done this? Good idea or not?

Ceidleh

Without knowing what your budget is, what attractions you are even interested in, etc., it's next to impossible to recommend something appropriate.

As for "walking to most attractions", you are always near a bus, subway or taxi in Manhattan, so anything not immdediately in the vicinity of your hotel should be a no brainer to get to. Determine which sights you want to see and then pick a hotel in the area where the majority are.

You must really like the Cubs a great deal if you are willing to take a train halfway across the U.S. for a baseball game. How many days are you staying in Chicago and any reason why you won't fly there?

newlywed

I would stay in Midtown Manhattan. Just remember that anything billed as "Times Square" will be more expensive. You can stay a block or two away for "cheaper".

Realize NYC is expensive, so be prepared to dig deep into your pockets.

What airport are you flying into? EWR? JFK? LGA? A taxi should be fine to get you into Manhattan.

As the other poster asked, it really depends on how long you're going to be in NY. Personally, there is so much to see and do there, I wouldn't leave to go all the way to Chicago (that's quite far). Since you're only going to be there for a few days, I would advise against going to Chicago. Check out the boards for things to see and do in NY. What are your interests?

The best neighborhood in my view is Greenwich Village around Washington Square Park area.

voyager61

If you are talking about going to Chicago during the time you are in New York (4/5 days), I would not attempt that. There is plenty to do in New York during that time. If the Chicago trip is a separate one, or in addition to the days in New York, I'm sure it would be fine; check Amtrak website for details on how long it takes, food available, etc. I know people who have taken Amtrak from the West Coast to Chicago and enjoyed the trip, although it is a leisurely pace relative to flying somewhere, so you need to enjoy reading and scenery. You should spend 2 or 3 nights in Chicago, minimum; it offers many attractions, not as many as New York, but many.

In New York we stayed at the Residence Inn Times Square, which we thought worked well as a location for a family. They offer free breakfast and a free (very basic) supper on weekdays. It is within walking distance of the theatres, but in a quieter area than Times Square. It is also within walking distance of Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Station, Central Park (this is a long walk) and many museums. You really would just need to take a taxi or subway to Greenwich Village and the Financial District area, plus attractions near those neighborhoods

There should be plenty of taxis available at the airport when you arrive, but with 5 people, you may need to look at other options, or take two taxis. Maybe there is van transportation available; others might know more about that.

bamababe

I KNOW it's crazy going to Chicago from NY but my son Loooves the Cubs! Of coarse, we had some who voted for NY and some ( at least one) who wanted to do Chicago . I'm trying to appease all. I'm not really sure this is going to be doable but I'm investigating.
Thank you for your help. I;ll keep you posted.

nohomers

"Also we are considering taking Amtrak to Chicago for a Cubs game"

Amtrak from NYC to Chicago is an 18 hour trip (one way).

Jimingso

On the days you will be in NYC the Cubs will be playing in Houston and Phoenix, so taking the train to Chicago wouldn't be a good idea.

Why don't you check to see if the Mets or Yankees will be home then?

Jim

dmlove

The rooms at the Residence Inn are without question NOT big enough for 5 -- they're barely big enough for 4 (on the website, they say "3 ppl max"). (We stayed there with 3 last Thanksgiving). There's one regular bed and one sofabed, and a tiny bathroom. You should check the Affinia chain instead.

bugswife1

It looks like you have 4 full days. Forget Chicago.

Also, please remember that it is going to be very hot and humid. Subway platforms will be steaming, and it may be difficult to get a cab. Buses may take longer, but they are air conditioned and you can get a nice look at the city.

The attention span for kids that age in the heat of the summer is going to be less than usual. I would not try to cram too much into a day, or they will be comatose by 7 PM.

Consider The Monster, a speedboat type of thing at the seaport. They will get a little wet, and a nice breeze on the water.

Also consider taking a trip to Coney Island to visit the boardwalk, the amusement park, and the beach.

Bring hats and sunscreen.

nytraveler

At that time of night - and with 5 people plus luggage I would arrange a car service in advance. Go to the web sites of Carmel or Dial 7 and see what sort of discounts they ofer you.

With 3 kids I would stay on the upper west side - so you're enar Central Park, the Museum of Natural Hist and a bunch of good, inexpensive, family friendly restaurants. You don;t say what your budget is, so it's had to make specific recos.

(No place in NYC is near everything - the sights are spread out over an area 8 miles long, a couple wide - plus islands in the harbor. Youwill be using subway or buses a lot to get to places.)

As for going to Chicago (you would have to fly - train takes a day and a half - IF on time) to see a Cubs game is madness. If you want to see baseball go to the Yankees or Mets in New York.

bamababe

Thanks everyone. After seeing it in b/w written by others my DH conceded it really isn't going to work. Thank all of you!! I was going crazy w/ the planning.

Plan B: forget plan A go to plan C. I think we need to regroup and try something else. I'm thinking Disney would be a better solution. I KNOW it will be hot but we live in a hot, humid area so it'll be just like home! We will see the Cubs when they play in Atlanta in Aug. Everyone will be happy. Maybe.
I think I would enjoy NY w/o kids the first time so I'm holding out for Sept for our anniversary.

sobster

You might check out the Salisbury Hotel on 57th St.. They got some big rooms there.

janette

I second the Salisbury - if I were you I'd call now - they book up quickly. I spent a weekend there with 3 friends - the rooms are very large. We stayed in a one-bedroom suite with a full kitchen area. The bedroom had 2 queen beds, the living area had a pullout couch and we also had them bring up a cot. I believe they also have 2-bedroom suites.

It's not fancy but very clean and you can't beat the location - good luck.