We loved our three-day trip to Oklahoma City so much, we might be able to take another in the near future if everything works out.

I was wanting some help from those in the know on travel to NYC.

1. We loved the B&B experience in OKC so much, we might want to try that again. Anybody know of a B&B in or near downtown Manhattan for a budget-type price (less than $125/night)? We would really like it to be within walking distance of at least some of the major attractions-- Empire State Building, Wall Street, Ground Zero, Times Square, etc.

2. How is the best way to get around? I mean, I'm not at all familiar with subway systems. Is taking a Taxi a few times better than taking the subway in which you are not at all sure of?

Thanks

1) You can find lots of hotel info in NYC by searching "NYC hotel" right here on this forum, and by looking at fodor's hotel picks for NYC. But, for that price range, you might also consider trying priceline, though you won't get a B&B from them. You can read about priceline on www.biddingfortravel.com

2) There's no one best way - it depends on your tastes. I think taking the subway makes total sense when you just want to get from point A to point B quickly and cheaply. Late at night I'd be more likely to opt for a taxi, and if you have the time and want to see some sights, busses are fun. The subway is not difficult to learn, and I think it's a great idea to keep challenging the mind, so I'd probably be inclined to learn it. If you don't feel you want to, taxis will certainly serve you fine, but be sure to leave lots of time for traveling if you want to head anywhere during peak travel times.

There are not going to be many B&Bs in Manhattan, for the simple reason that in many of the areas you mention, it's pretty much 100% business or mixed use live/work spaces. For example, there are virtually zero private, single-use homes in the Financial District or Midtown. You'll see when you get here. I know of a few B&Bs in Harlem and in Brooklyn, if you don't mind 'commuting', these could be a good option. Apartment rental sounds like a more likely option if you prefer not to stay in a hotel.

The best way to get around is to WALK, hands down. I find that a lot of out-of-towners are wary of the Subway due to very inaccurate media representations or assumptions about safety and 'niceness' that are not based on a lot of real experiences. If you have never ridden aSubway before, it might be a little weird at first, but rest asured you will get used to it. People from Third-World countries arrive in NY with no English and no idea where anythign is, and the next day they ride the train. You'll be fine.

The Subway is best used for trips of more than 20 blocks or so, or to go to more far afield sites. In Manhattan, all lines ride along a major thoroughfare, at least within the places you'll go to. Disavow yourself NOW of the movie model where you get into a cab and say "Destination, please". Your driver may not speak English well, he be new to the city, or not be familiar with your hotel or even major destinations. It happens. A cab will be more expensive for a group of 2 (two bucks just to sit down, then about 50 cents every 10 minutes or so). To get from Ground Zero to Emprie State Building by Subway- 1 train, 10 minutes, $2 per person. By cab during the afternoon- could be 40 minutes and $10-12.

Have you thought about a Big Apple Greeter? they can walk you through how to get around and answer questions that come up at the last second.

I'd also be happy to answer any specific Subway questions.

Mountains of information on NYC here. Search "NYC" or "Manhattan" or "New York City".

marmaduke:

www.bedandbreakfast.com has quite a few B&B's listed in Manhattan. We plan to stay at The Inn on 23rd Street in May - www.innon23rd.com You may find it a bit of a challenge to find something as low as $125.00/night.

Sandy

marmaduke:

See recent post by poster on Stay the Night

Also B&B reviews at www.jimsdeli.com

Sandy

Marmaduke, I think a lot depends on what exactly you liked so much about your B&B in Oklahoma City. For example, if it was luxurious and pampered you, well, $125 doesn't go as far as it should in NYC and a B&B might not meet your standard. On the other hand, if it was the small size and unique rooms you liked, then you should be able to find a B&B in NYC that you'll enjoy. Good luck!

affinity.com has deals at their suite hotel locations. We're staying in Murray Hill at the Shelburne for $119/night (ends up closer to $139 once the taxes are added up) in a couple weeks. We've also stayed at their Beekman Towers location. Suites are terrific, as you can do your own breakfast (you can find cheap eats in NYC, but we like LOTS of coffee in the AM) "Good deals" are out there on weekends, but because business has picked up this year, there are fewer deals for during the week. add about 20% to any quoted price to accomodate the taxes. I've found taxis are a pretty good deal in NY compared to other cities, but have ridden the subway when that's clearly the best way to go. It is an easy system to learn.

Agree that there are very few B&Bs in Manhattan. (Some that call themselves B&Bs are actually small boutique hotels. If that's what you're looking for that's fine - but don;t expect it to be 2/3 rooms in someone's house.) the reason is very simple - there are very very few houses in Manhattan and most of them are owned by people who definitely don;t need to run them as B&B's (minimum price for a Manhattan town house is around $2million). there are some agencies with apartments for short-term rent - but usually this requires a stay of a week or more. Perhaps you might consider a B&B in Brooklyn - the commute into the city would probably not be more than 20/25 minutes.

Or you might consider a Priceline hotel.

for travel the recommended choices are: Walk, subways for longer trips (with buses you see more but they take forever since they stop every 2/3 blocks). At night - after 12 or so, I usually take a taxi.

CHeck out the Larchmont Hotel, it more of a B&B kind of place. It gets excellent reviews, is in a great neighborhood and is in your pricerange. The website is http://larchmonthotel.com/.

When we were in NYC we took the subway and walked. The subway is the fastest and chepaest way to get around. IT is really quite easy. I would recommend you get one of the city maps that actually has the subway routes on it and tells you where they go. You should be able to find one at BArnes and Noble or Borders etc.IT is really easy. Bring your walking shoes

A map is great, and one of the best for using subways can be had for the price of a few stamps, by sending a SASE to MTA (put 2oz of postage on the SASE) and request "The Map". Not a bad idea either to send a 2nd SASE requesting Manhatten bus routes. All of these are downloadable http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/ but I prefer a "real" one.

As RB noted, if you are going to use the subways in NYC, you must have "The Map." Totally by accident I found that it is available for free at the help desk while waiting to board the Staten Island Ferry. Since this free ride is something I recommend as a great way to start the day anyway, just go there early on your first day and get "The Map."

Thanks for all of the replies so far.

Anything else?

Good to hear you enjoyed your B&B experience in OKC; I hope the walk was amenable.

If you know where it is you want to go, take the subway; the travel guides can be helpful in telling you what stops attractions are closest to. The stops are not as bad as the mass media makes them out to be, and don't be unnerved by the homeless. When I visited last year, they were usually harmless and few. Know for sure if your line is an express, because they skip stops. For ultimate ease of use, get an unlimited pass for a flat fee, unless you know you won't be taking the subway often. My party's interests were all over the place, so we took the subway 2-3 times a day.

I would prefer to walk, for the very lengths (20 N-S blocks) QC mentioned. Exploring can yield the best moments of a vacation. For example, I took my party one stop too far from our hotel; I was happy to find Columbia and Tom's Restaurant (the backdrop of Seinfeld) on the walk to it.

My favorite lesson of NYC is, if your place winds up being a dump, find a breakfast cafe with a nice bathroom. It will be your most precious find. Be smart and research (or ask fellow Fodorites) about the place you want to stay at.

THe Broadway Inn is a very nice B&B near times square. I stayed there a few months ago and will return in the future.
http://www.broadwayinn.com/

there are several Manhattan B&Bs listed on: www.bnbfinder.com