NYC Trip Report - Fodors 100 Contest Winner
Apr 5th, 2013, 10:37 AM
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NYC Trip Report - Fodors 100 Contest Winner
NY Trip Report- Fodor’s 100 Winner
Ever wonder what it would be like to take a trip planned by real travel pros? My daughter and I recently returned from a four night stay in NY courtesy of Fodor’s.
You may have remembered a contest that ran during September 2012. Foderites could enter by submitting a hotel review. I submitted a review of the Atlanta Ritz Carlton where we had spent a night during the Labor Day Weekend. It was a fluke that we booked that hotel.
The review that I submitted for the contest is below:
They make great customer service look easy.
My famiy had their hearts set on attending the DragonCon parade. It was the same weekend in Atlanta as several major sports events. The whole city was booked up for twelve miles out. Low and behold the Ritz Carlton was available with Marriott points. It was directly on the parade route and blocks from the convention center.
Despite paying with points we were treated as royalty. We were offered bottled water or champagne at check in. There were cookies and custom M&Ms in the lobby. I was delighted that even though they were totally full, they honored our request for connecting rooms. The kids loved the I-pod dock and dimmable lights. My 13 year old tried on one of the fluffy white robes. My husband was amazed when he went to get ice and found the ice bucket had already been filled. (How did they do that?). I liked the plush bed and the fact that despite being filled with hundreds of sports fans and Klingon warriors the hotel was quiet.
It gets better. They gave us a 3 p.m checkout so we could enjoy ourselves and not rush. I want to go back. I don't know if I should buy lottery tickets or try to earn more Marriott points.
by palmettoprincess, 9/13/12
I have to admit, I thought that I would win. The entry deadline was my birthday which was a good omen. That being said I was still shocked to see the email from Fodor’s.
The dates of the trip were set for November At that time the hotel was still a secret. All I had to do was to select my travel companion. My husband was my first choice, but I knew it would be hard for both of us to get away during the school year. I thought of my college-aged daughter. She is studying graphic design and would love to meet the Fodor’s staff.
I had about month to plan the trip but for some reason I didn’t jump into my usual trip planning mod. I looked at getting tickets for plays but never hit “buy.” I tried on cocktail dresses for the Fodor’s 100 launch party, but didn’t find a favorite.
Of course I read the Fodor’s 2013 NY Guide from cover-to-cover but there was something off with my planning.
Sandy hit. I was dismayed at the devastation. Even those who were spared the wind and water struggled with power outages and gasoline shortages. I still wanted to go to New York but I didn’t want my first visit to the city to be under those conditions.
Fodor’s cancelled the Fodor’s 100 award ceremony because the event venue was damaged. They graciously allowed us to reschedule for my daughter’s spring break.
To Be Continued
Ever wonder what it would be like to take a trip planned by real travel pros? My daughter and I recently returned from a four night stay in NY courtesy of Fodor’s.
You may have remembered a contest that ran during September 2012. Foderites could enter by submitting a hotel review. I submitted a review of the Atlanta Ritz Carlton where we had spent a night during the Labor Day Weekend. It was a fluke that we booked that hotel.
The review that I submitted for the contest is below:
They make great customer service look easy.
My famiy had their hearts set on attending the DragonCon parade. It was the same weekend in Atlanta as several major sports events. The whole city was booked up for twelve miles out. Low and behold the Ritz Carlton was available with Marriott points. It was directly on the parade route and blocks from the convention center.
Despite paying with points we were treated as royalty. We were offered bottled water or champagne at check in. There were cookies and custom M&Ms in the lobby. I was delighted that even though they were totally full, they honored our request for connecting rooms. The kids loved the I-pod dock and dimmable lights. My 13 year old tried on one of the fluffy white robes. My husband was amazed when he went to get ice and found the ice bucket had already been filled. (How did they do that?). I liked the plush bed and the fact that despite being filled with hundreds of sports fans and Klingon warriors the hotel was quiet.
It gets better. They gave us a 3 p.m checkout so we could enjoy ourselves and not rush. I want to go back. I don't know if I should buy lottery tickets or try to earn more Marriott points.
by palmettoprincess, 9/13/12
I have to admit, I thought that I would win. The entry deadline was my birthday which was a good omen. That being said I was still shocked to see the email from Fodor’s.
The dates of the trip were set for November At that time the hotel was still a secret. All I had to do was to select my travel companion. My husband was my first choice, but I knew it would be hard for both of us to get away during the school year. I thought of my college-aged daughter. She is studying graphic design and would love to meet the Fodor’s staff.
I had about month to plan the trip but for some reason I didn’t jump into my usual trip planning mod. I looked at getting tickets for plays but never hit “buy.” I tried on cocktail dresses for the Fodor’s 100 launch party, but didn’t find a favorite.
Of course I read the Fodor’s 2013 NY Guide from cover-to-cover but there was something off with my planning.
Sandy hit. I was dismayed at the devastation. Even those who were spared the wind and water struggled with power outages and gasoline shortages. I still wanted to go to New York but I didn’t want my first visit to the city to be under those conditions.
Fodor’s cancelled the Fodor’s 100 award ceremony because the event venue was damaged. They graciously allowed us to reschedule for my daughter’s spring break.
To Be Continued
Apr 6th, 2013, 05:09 AM
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Thanks Ellen, I need encouragement to keep going.
There were times when it didn’t seem real that I had won the trip. During Christmas we planned. “Santa” bought tickets to my daughter’s favorite musical Phantom. He splurged for second row seats.
March finally arrived and we departed South Carolina Sunday. Fodor’s did a great job booking our airline tickets and the Fodor’s 100 Hotel were we stayed (Nomad, Broadway at 28th) was a real find. (I posted a hotel review if anyone is interested.)
Our first day was spent getting our bearings. We found our way to China Town and shopped at Pearl River Trading. We really enjoyed their tea room on the mezzanine. Of course we ate supper in China Town.
Monday was a shopping day. I made my first purchase within a block of the hotel. Just south of the NoMad was a jewelry and bead shop, Sita which was well stocked. Adorama Camera was next on my list but not as good as I expected. We visited a comic book store and a thrift shop before setting off for the Staten Island Ferry. The best tip that I can offer is if you need to use the bathroom before boarding the ferry, stop at the new National Museum of the American Indian (Smithsonian).The museum is housed in a gorgeous granite building and is between the subway and the ferry. There is no admission charge. I wish we could have spent more time there.
I was disappointed about the ferry ride. It was a cool March day and passengers were not allowed outside but kept downstairs behind grimy windows. I enjoyed sitting down and seeing the city but it was not the photo opportunity that I thought it would be.
Supper was NY pizza. Afterwards we walked up to Macy’s at Herald Square. The wooden escalators were charming. (I just wished that all of them were working however.) We got an unexpected treat on the way home. We stepped in to Herald Square and the Empire State building looming over us bathed in golden light.
There were times when it didn’t seem real that I had won the trip. During Christmas we planned. “Santa” bought tickets to my daughter’s favorite musical Phantom. He splurged for second row seats.
March finally arrived and we departed South Carolina Sunday. Fodor’s did a great job booking our airline tickets and the Fodor’s 100 Hotel were we stayed (Nomad, Broadway at 28th) was a real find. (I posted a hotel review if anyone is interested.)
Our first day was spent getting our bearings. We found our way to China Town and shopped at Pearl River Trading. We really enjoyed their tea room on the mezzanine. Of course we ate supper in China Town.
Monday was a shopping day. I made my first purchase within a block of the hotel. Just south of the NoMad was a jewelry and bead shop, Sita which was well stocked. Adorama Camera was next on my list but not as good as I expected. We visited a comic book store and a thrift shop before setting off for the Staten Island Ferry. The best tip that I can offer is if you need to use the bathroom before boarding the ferry, stop at the new National Museum of the American Indian (Smithsonian).The museum is housed in a gorgeous granite building and is between the subway and the ferry. There is no admission charge. I wish we could have spent more time there.
I was disappointed about the ferry ride. It was a cool March day and passengers were not allowed outside but kept downstairs behind grimy windows. I enjoyed sitting down and seeing the city but it was not the photo opportunity that I thought it would be.
Supper was NY pizza. Afterwards we walked up to Macy’s at Herald Square. The wooden escalators were charming. (I just wished that all of them were working however.) We got an unexpected treat on the way home. We stepped in to Herald Square and the Empire State building looming over us bathed in golden light.
Apr 7th, 2013, 04:11 PM
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Thank you.
Tuesday was expected to be cold and raining so we made it our museum day. The Metropolitan Museum of Art was our first choice. Unfortunately I think everyone else watched the weather forecast and planned their visit to coincide with ours. We briefly walked around on our own. We considered trying to blend in with a guided school tour group, but then we found our own group. The museum has about a half dozen free tours each day. We tried the overview tour and were truly amazed. We saw about a dozen key pieces. Each was explained and the guide had us compare and contrast what we saw. In all the tour lasted about an hour and fifteen minutes and I found it to be a good starting point to explore the collection.
We decided to spend the afternoon in the Museum of Natural History. It was pouring rain when we left the Met. We dashed for a bus. Just as I stepped unto the bus, my bag from the Met’s gift shop ripped scattering all of my treasures on the wet floor of the bus. I was amazed by the reaction of the other riders. Two older ladies who were sitting upfront helped me pick up my purchases. A third walked up with a spare bag.
Our favorite part of The Museum of Natural History was the butterfly conservatory. My daughter was set on having a butterfly land on her hand. She stood like the Statute of Liberty for fifteen minutes. Butterflies flitted by but none landed and stayed. On the other hand I was a butterfly magnet. One landed on my shoulder and remained until a docent coaxed him off. Another settled on my head. We got great photos.
I wish we could have stayed longer (that is a reoccurring theme in this trip review) but we had tickets to Phantom of the Opera in the evening. Leaving the museum I made our only subway blunder of the trip. We hopped on an express train rather than local and overshot our station by about a dozen blocks.
We emerged from the subway to find the rain was even heavier. At that point I made a decision. Do what the natives do – Taxi! Best $11 bucks we spent.
For supper I followed Starr’s advice. We dined at Red Bank Café in the theatre district. It was a nice place and we especially enjoyed the chocolate bread pudding that completed the pre fixe meal.
Phantom was our first Broadway play but it won’t be our last. The second row seats were awesome. We could actually feel the whoosh of air when the chandelier crashed to the stage.
Tuesday was expected to be cold and raining so we made it our museum day. The Metropolitan Museum of Art was our first choice. Unfortunately I think everyone else watched the weather forecast and planned their visit to coincide with ours. We briefly walked around on our own. We considered trying to blend in with a guided school tour group, but then we found our own group. The museum has about a half dozen free tours each day. We tried the overview tour and were truly amazed. We saw about a dozen key pieces. Each was explained and the guide had us compare and contrast what we saw. In all the tour lasted about an hour and fifteen minutes and I found it to be a good starting point to explore the collection.
We decided to spend the afternoon in the Museum of Natural History. It was pouring rain when we left the Met. We dashed for a bus. Just as I stepped unto the bus, my bag from the Met’s gift shop ripped scattering all of my treasures on the wet floor of the bus. I was amazed by the reaction of the other riders. Two older ladies who were sitting upfront helped me pick up my purchases. A third walked up with a spare bag.
Our favorite part of The Museum of Natural History was the butterfly conservatory. My daughter was set on having a butterfly land on her hand. She stood like the Statute of Liberty for fifteen minutes. Butterflies flitted by but none landed and stayed. On the other hand I was a butterfly magnet. One landed on my shoulder and remained until a docent coaxed him off. Another settled on my head. We got great photos.
I wish we could have stayed longer (that is a reoccurring theme in this trip review) but we had tickets to Phantom of the Opera in the evening. Leaving the museum I made our only subway blunder of the trip. We hopped on an express train rather than local and overshot our station by about a dozen blocks.
We emerged from the subway to find the rain was even heavier. At that point I made a decision. Do what the natives do – Taxi! Best $11 bucks we spent.
For supper I followed Starr’s advice. We dined at Red Bank Café in the theatre district. It was a nice place and we especially enjoyed the chocolate bread pudding that completed the pre fixe meal.
Phantom was our first Broadway play but it won’t be our last. The second row seats were awesome. We could actually feel the whoosh of air when the chandelier crashed to the stage.
Apr 7th, 2013, 04:12 PM
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We got to see a little NY wildlife on our way home. The Times Square station was packed when we spotted a RAT on the tracks. A school group picked up on the excitement. One boy tried leaning as far as he could to get a good photo while the group leader yelled for him to get behind the yellow line.
Apr 8th, 2013, 03:41 PM
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Thanks for continuing to read..
Wednesday was our day to visit the Fodor’s office. Of course being girls from SC we had to stop and shop first. We crashed the outside audience of the Today show and spent an hour in Banana Republic at the Rockerfeller Center.
The plan was to get a quick tour of Fodor’s, have lunch with Amanda D Acierno and Arabella Bowen and then get a more in-depth look of the art department. Our tour guide was Amy Donnelly (AmyD).
We had a hoot at lunch. Amanda and Arrabella love traveling as much as any of us. Fodor's publisher Amanda started young. Her dad was an airline pilot and one of her first jobs after college was as a flight attendant.
We feasted at Cognac which is across the street from the Fodor’s office. If I ever go back, I’m ordering the gougeres (sort of a cross between a cheese biscut and puff pastry.)
After lunch we got the in-depth look at how a Fodor’s guide is produced. In case you are wondering it takes a year from project start to book on the shelf. We even got to give our input on new cover designs.
I was really touched with the thought that went into the presentations. Tina was our guide in the art department and she introduced us to everyone and had them to explain what they did, what their training was and of course why they loved Fodor’s. The best part was meeting with the art director Fabrizo La Roccoa. Some day when my daughter makes it big in what ever field she chooses, I hope that she is as kind to up and coming artists.
Oh, and I almost forgot… The free book shelf. Our bag was 2 pounds over the limit when we flew home. (Delta forgave us.) Amy showed us the free books that are up for grabs at Random House. Also we each got to pick a Fodor’s guide.
I know all of you have questions about the Fodor's staff. Honestly I didn't see anyone hunched over a computer waiting to kill a thread.
I did hear over and over how comments from posters spark story ideas and how valued their tips are.
P.S. Sorry about the previous posting I do know that it is Prix Fixe not Pre Fixe.
Wednesday was our day to visit the Fodor’s office. Of course being girls from SC we had to stop and shop first. We crashed the outside audience of the Today show and spent an hour in Banana Republic at the Rockerfeller Center.
The plan was to get a quick tour of Fodor’s, have lunch with Amanda D Acierno and Arabella Bowen and then get a more in-depth look of the art department. Our tour guide was Amy Donnelly (AmyD).
We had a hoot at lunch. Amanda and Arrabella love traveling as much as any of us. Fodor's publisher Amanda started young. Her dad was an airline pilot and one of her first jobs after college was as a flight attendant.
We feasted at Cognac which is across the street from the Fodor’s office. If I ever go back, I’m ordering the gougeres (sort of a cross between a cheese biscut and puff pastry.)
After lunch we got the in-depth look at how a Fodor’s guide is produced. In case you are wondering it takes a year from project start to book on the shelf. We even got to give our input on new cover designs.
I was really touched with the thought that went into the presentations. Tina was our guide in the art department and she introduced us to everyone and had them to explain what they did, what their training was and of course why they loved Fodor’s. The best part was meeting with the art director Fabrizo La Roccoa. Some day when my daughter makes it big in what ever field she chooses, I hope that she is as kind to up and coming artists.
Oh, and I almost forgot… The free book shelf. Our bag was 2 pounds over the limit when we flew home. (Delta forgave us.) Amy showed us the free books that are up for grabs at Random House. Also we each got to pick a Fodor’s guide.
I know all of you have questions about the Fodor's staff. Honestly I didn't see anyone hunched over a computer waiting to kill a thread.
I did hear over and over how comments from posters spark story ideas and how valued their tips are.
P.S. Sorry about the previous posting I do know that it is Prix Fixe not Pre Fixe.
Apr 10th, 2013, 04:08 PM
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Thursday was a last day. Fodor’s travel was kind enough to book us a 6 p.m. direct flight home. We were encouraged by Amanda to leave Manhattan by 3 p.m. to make our flight (Arabella said she might walk on the wild side and wait to closer to 4 p.m.) Apparently there is a NYC phenomenon where taxi cabs disappear off the street at 4 p.m. potentially stranding those hoping to get to the airport.
After evaluating all of our options we set out for the Cloisters. Unfortunately we didn’t check the weather as we dressed. It was so cold we didn’t get to enjoy the walk between the subway station to the museum. I can imagine that the gardens overlooking the Hudson River are beautiful in warmer weather.
The Museum itself was a jewel. I think the number of security guards out numbered the visitors.
We wrapped up by lunch time and went back downtown. Out of all the places we had visited, Pearl River Trading was my daughter’s favorite. We had lunch at an Italian place that could have been featured in a Billy Joel song and then spent our remaining hour at the Chinese department store.
We collected our bags from the Nomad at 3:30 and got a cab. We had no problems getting home. I’m already planning to go back to NY in July.
I encourage Foderites to enter this year’s contest. I have heard that it will be moved up earlier in 2013.
After evaluating all of our options we set out for the Cloisters. Unfortunately we didn’t check the weather as we dressed. It was so cold we didn’t get to enjoy the walk between the subway station to the museum. I can imagine that the gardens overlooking the Hudson River are beautiful in warmer weather.
The Museum itself was a jewel. I think the number of security guards out numbered the visitors.
We wrapped up by lunch time and went back downtown. Out of all the places we had visited, Pearl River Trading was my daughter’s favorite. We had lunch at an Italian place that could have been featured in a Billy Joel song and then spent our remaining hour at the Chinese department store.
We collected our bags from the Nomad at 3:30 and got a cab. We had no problems getting home. I’m already planning to go back to NY in July.
I encourage Foderites to enter this year’s contest. I have heard that it will be moved up earlier in 2013.
Apr 11th, 2013, 05:13 PM
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Rat on the subway?! Big deal. Whenever I am on 34st. I see them all the time. In fact, watch the conductor as he has fun trying to run them over.
Look for a Youtube video of a rat climbing on a man on the subway... funny!
Look for a Youtube video of a rat climbing on a man on the subway... funny!
