NYC tours? Super 8?
 

I'm bringing my parents to NYC for 4th of July weekend. While the few times I was there I just walked around NYC -I was looking for something to do with them like those trolley tours-get them off their feet for a while.
I would love any comments or suggestions for one of these tours, as well as ANY other ideas anyone might have to see New York with older folks.

Also I'm booked at the Super 8 in Times Sq. Any comments?? Should I be scared??

Thanks very much---

Rebecca

The Grey Line double-decker bus tours are very good, though the reliability of hte tour guides' info is uneven. But you can get a two-day ticket that encompasses different loops for different areas of town. These buses stop near your hotel, run every 10 or 15 minutes all day, and you can hop on and off as much as you like, so they're great for people with limited mobility who might find hiking around and taking the subway to be a bit much.

I really gulped when I read your Super 8 question (and ranted to myself why people post questions like that AFTER making the reservation)-but-it sounds like you're in luck.

On tripadvisor.com there are 4 reviews for Super 8. 3 are excellent (good location, clean room, helpful staff, very adequate buffet breakfast included, great value) and one negative review complaining about ants in the room (on the 3rd floor). So it sounds like you're ok.

As for tours, I'd suggest the double decker hop on, hop off bus which is good for 2 days (one ticket lets you use the bus as often as you want for 2 days) I think. Another thing to consider is a Circle line boat cruise. There are several different options for tours so check the website. Most of the boats leave from the 42nd st pier on the Hudson. There's a special cruise for the fireworks on the 4th but it's probably expensive & may be all booked. If you go over to the East River & they're able to stand, you can see the fireworks for free.

If they're into museums, pick a small one that's easy to walk. The Frick on 70th & 5th is beautiful & small. The Forbes gallery on lower 5th ave is also small & free. They have an outstanding collection of Faberge eggs.

If your parents don't climb stairs well, I'd avoid the subways in favor of buses & cabs. Have a great time. The wetaher has turned very warm (with ozone alerts todya)so dress accordingly.

They might also enjoy the new planetarium where you can sit & watch the show. Make sure to take advantage of any senior discounts that are available if they qualify. Enjoy.

Mclaurie -
thanks for the response...Although I had done a bit of reseach and looked at reviews for the hotel I am always afraid that the hotel/restaurant being reviewed has people log in and talk the place up! I was afraid that reviews could still be wrong...
I read that ants post! i was thinking possibly just a fluke... :) thanks for your help!

I second the suggestion of taking the Grayline double decker bus tour. The guides are usually very informative, and it's a great way to get an overview of The City.

http://www.graylinenewyork.com/

The Super 8 in Times Square is part of the Apple Core Hotels group, which are all midtown economy hotels, recently refurbished and quite good values. I like the Comfort Inn Midtown, also one of this group, because it's the only all-nonsmoking hotel in Manhattan.

Last summer we stayed at the Super 8. It was fine. You could tell the rooms had just been refurbished. They are small, of course, but well laid out. The elevators are slow but we had no complaints.

I have been more than happy with the Grayline double decker bus tours. Try to get a seat on top for the best view. I've done both the Lower and Upper Manhattan tours. The Lower Manhattan tour is best for a first time visitor to NYC.

The seats on top of the double-decker buses are definitely the best! But here's a tip -- if a bus comes along that doesn't have open seats on top, get on anyway. Almost certainly, a seat will open up on top at the next stop.