NYC Trip Report
 

South Texas Girls Only Trip Report

We had a blast -- thanks to all of the advice we received! Arrived Thursday afternoon and checked into the NY Helmsley. There were 3 of us in one room and from discussions of room size I was worried but the room was great. The Helmsley is a terrific hotel -- everyone was more than helpful, especially the bellmen. Early dinner at Ciro's Trattoria was delicious. We couldn't fit in dessert so they packed it to go (was perfect after the play). Saw "Wicked". Friday morning up early for the NY Party Shuttle Tour. It was a freezing, windy morning and there would have been no better way to have an overview of all of NYC -- Luke was our guide and did an excellent job of mixing history with interesting little tid-bits. Lunch at Stage Deli -- wow! Saw "Mama Mia" and we nearly died laughing and singing. Saturday -- shopping on 5th Ave, the Empire State Building (you all were right -- not worth the time),Little Italy, Chinatown (I was dying to buy one of the ducks hanging in the window but my fellow travelers threatened to abandon me). We walked the entire way from Chinatown back to Midtown -- just so much to see! Stopped to rest tired feet at an Indian place named Leela's and had the best drinks. Got 1/2 price tickets for "A Chorus Line" (only had to stand in line for 30 minutes) -- glad we didn't pay full price -- the play was just so-so. Dinner at Ping's Seafood in Chinatown was a delight. Spent hours just hanging out in Grand Central Terminal. Lunch at the Oyster Bar there -- food and service was top notch. Several quick, inexpensive, very good meals at Oxford Cafe. Subway was easy to use and we never felt unsafe. All in all we are saving our pennies so we can go back asap! Thanks again for all your help!

Thanks for reporting Anne! Glad you had fun and make sure to book another trip in warmer weather so you can enjoy the park! I took my girls on the Party Shuttle and we loved it. Definitely a great thing to do on your first trip to the city! After seeing those ducks, I could not get my girls to eat anywhere NEAR Chinatown. We had pasta that night!

Thanks for the report.

I hope you will publicize the downside of the Empire State Building. The reason I always liked it was that it was a much less commercial version of the World Trade Center, which was dreadful with its "movie ride", long lines, and inflated prices. Sadly, the Empire State Building has gone hog wild with the commercialism and is now actually worse than the World Trade Center ever was.

I apologize for my rant, but so many wonderful things in NYC have been ruined by over-commercialization.

I also have to say that I am definitely NOT a fan of tours like the Party Shuttle, but I'm can't deny that tourists like anneht really like these tours, so more power to them.

I always recommend that people buy a day pass for the subway and buses for $7. You can cover much more ground and see more of the real NYC.

Anne, sounds like a great trip! Glad you had a good experience at the Helmsley, I had read some reveiws that weren't so hot so it's nice to hear something first hand here!

Although it's great to get out and walk and explore, I think the tours like Party Shuttle are a good way to get an overview of the city, especially in bad weather. You can see where things are in realation to each other and determine where you want to go back to on your own.

Thanks for the report!

Mamma Mia is the perfect girls weekend show! I'm sorry you didn't like Chorus Line. I loved it. Each to his own, right?