NYC - staying on W. 49th
 

I am going with a group of 7 women to NYC for a 3 day weekend Oct 3-5. One of the women in our group previously stayed at the Radio City Apartments, 142 W. 49th and recommends we stay there. Is this a good choice? We will be walking and using public transportation. What kind of weather can we expect at that time of year?
Also, we will arrive at LGA at approx. 9:30 AM. What is the best method of transportation to get to the hotel and about how long will it take? We would like to drop off our luggage and then set out for the park where we would catch the boat to Ellis Island. Will we be able to get tickets later in the day or should we plan this for first thing Saturday morning? We hope to see a Broadway show on Saturday afternoon and I wasn't sure we would have time to tour Ellis Island and get back to attend a show. It seems that I read there is a place to buy half-price tickets in the area where we would board the boat to Ellis Island. Is that correct? Are they open on Friday afternoon?

Thanks for all of the advice!

The location of Radio City Apartments is excellent.

You can never predict the weather. Could be warm and sunny, cooler, rainy, windy. (Bring warm outerwear for the ferry and visiting the island, just in case.)

Since you have time between now and your Saturday, sign up at Playbill.com, Theatermania.com, Broadwaybox.com, etc. Offers there are 40% off, 2-for-1, etc. Since most discount codes are issued 4-8 weeks ahead of show dates, this is perfect timing. To me, it's better to line up Broadway show tickets ahead of time, versus spending precious time in the TKTS line (and you must pay with cash) for leftover seats.

At any rate, it may be better to line up your show tickets in advance, then plan your trip to Ellis Island.

You can purchase ferry tickets to Ellis Island ahead of time www.statueoflibertyferry.com, which would save waiting in the ticket line to purchase tickets, if you're sure of the day you'll be going. Tickets purchased online are for a specific day but not a specific time. Ferries leave and return every half hour. It's 40 minutes ferry ride to Ellis Island, then you must clear security (which they say could take up to an hour nowadays).

Once you've arrived, there's a 30 minute film, 45 minute NPS tour, 30 minute theatrical production, 1-1/4 hour self-guided audio tour, for seeing and doing.

The park hours are 9:30-5:15. A proper visit would take an entire morning or afternoon or longer.

The best way for 7 women to get from LGA to midtown is two taxis or car service (such as Carmel, 212-666-6666). At 10am I'd expect 35-60 minutes, depending on traffic and your specific destination in midtown (farther west takes more time, e.g., West 49th Street).

Actually, now that I think about it, you should call the car service companies and see if they can provide one vehicle for all 7 of you -- it may be less expensive than 2 cars and certainly more fun. Carmel is one option, but I'm sure you can find many more on the Internet with a Yahoo search.

Personally, I don't care for the West 49th Street location. Too close to Times Square. But that's just my opinion and many people like the crowds and noise. For visitors I prefer midtown east, but I'm sure you'll be fine on W. 49th.

Weather in early October *should* be great, but of course you never know. Check www.weather.com a day or so before your departure for a good idea of what to expect.

MLM59,
I've stayed at Radio City three times this year already. They do have 2-bedroom apartments there and all the rooms have microwaves and refrigerators (some even have ovens and big sinks)! It's not fancy, but who's going to stay in their room anyway.
I believe that the cabs are the best way into Manhattan from LaGuardia. They are quicker than a bus service. Have a great time in NYC!

I'm just curious about this. Am I the only one who reads "it's not fancy, but who's going to stay in their room anyway" and thinks it really means, "this place is a dump"? Why would someone be willing to sleep in a room they wouldn't want to spend any time in?

My grandmother lives on W. 48th and when I visit her I always stay at the Belvedere on 48th and 8th. It has a great location and reasonable prices. I always enjoy my stay there, never any complaints.