scgoodin

I had planned to do NYC NYE. It’s our 21st wedding anniversary. We had a family emergency (daughter on drugs and almost died) so to say its been a rough couple years with her and we need this vacation is an understatement. But because of this we now are on a budget and I’m afraid we won’t be able to make the trip. Any ideas how we can still do this on a tight budget while stay in safe areas and getting to do all the fun things. We of course want to see the mall drop but I’ve heard horror stories about having to wear adult diapers and stand in the cold for 18 hours. I would like to ask for tips/tricks and advice. My husband and I need this vacation to recoup some sanity lost in the daily agony that we go through with our daughter. Please and thank you for any and all advice !!!

clarkgriswold

More info needed.

Are you driving in? From where, which direction? For how many nights? What do you consider "on a tight budget" or better yet, what's the max you can budget per night for a room. Are you familiar with the city & the subway etc or is this your first visit?

janisj

>>We of course want to see the mall ball drop

sf7307

I’m really sorry to hear about your troubles.

I just checked booking.com and the least expensive hotel I could find that is rated 7+ (I usually go for 8+, so I was expanding the universe of okay hotels) would run about $500 on NYE itself but it would be less per night when you stay 4 nights - for example, and there are only two rooms left, $1225 plus taxes at the Roger Smith Hotel for 4 nights (taxes are around 15%). Actually, I’d jump on that deal right now. It’s very well rated - 8.5 - and at $350 a night, I don’t think you’ll do better for a nice hotel in a good area.

sf7307

BTW, I agree with Janis regarding NYE at TS itself. I’ve been to TS twice on NYE but both were years ago when there was no security except some police on horses. That was fun, this sounds like torture.

I’d still go to NY, just not to the ball drop.

Hpyft

So sorry about your daughter but NYC at this time of year is spectacular. I would venture to go on Priceline or bidding hotel sites (if you don't have points to use) to snag a hotel. It might be a little late in the game but not impossible. There are many hotels in NY that are just fine for two people and won't break the bank.

I would not stand in Times Square. The security is extremely tight and once you're in, you're in. You can post your wish on the Wishing Wall in Times Square and it will be on the confetti that will float down that night. The wall is between 46th and 47th St. on Broadway.
Or you can do it online.
https://youtu.be/WHrGGwE6I5I

NewbE

I understand if NYC on NYE is a long-standing wish: my SIL has been trying to make it happen for years now. But the logistics and cost make it really tough.

I agree that sf's deal at the Roger Smith sounds very good.

Weather is a crapshoot. Can be bitter, or rainy, or neither of those. I wish we'd done it when were in our 20's, b/c I'm too wimpy to be penned up for hours like that now. We have been considering splurging on a hotel room with a view of the ball drop... but good lord, I;m not sure it would be worth the expense!

Out of left field suggestion: have you thought about NYE in Key West??

RoamsAround

I agree with other going to TS to watch the ball drop on NYE is for young “crazies”. It’s a zoo and you’ll be standing out in the cold shoulder to should with 100,000+ of your closest friends for hours. I’’m guessing your in you mid-to late 40’s. When I was that age going to TS on NYE was the last thing I’d want to do.


You really need to give us an actual dollar amount for your budget for hotel room, meals, admission fees and how much ch you’d be willing to spend to “party” on NYE, assuming you want to attend an a party at some venue. Be aware they can be VERY EXPENSIVE.

marvelousmouse

I think the Roger Smith sounds like a great deal. I’m not staying through NYE because even a Hostel bed is running at nearly $100. You might consider Priceline bidding though.

If worst comes to worst, I’d push the trip back a week. The pod hotels are running a 5 nights for 85/Nt deal in Jan and Feb. and the city would be more relaxing at that time too.

I agree with the others about the ball drop. That would not be my pick when there are so many other things to do.