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Tell me about NYC

I am planning a trip to NYC in the near future and have never been there. I've read up on the city and have a general idea about what I want to do but I need advice concerning the following things, including their cost(s): If I have a choice, is there a particular airport that I should shoot for, considering the cost of a cab to the city. What part of the city is the best area in which to stay on a modest budget? I can't afford the Plazza, bout would like an idea of what a decent hotel/motel might cost. To me, a room is a place to clean up in and to be horizontal for 6-7 hours. I want clean, I don't need fancy. Are there anyplaces to seriously avoid, for reasons of safety, cost, or disappointment factor(s)? Anything you can tell me will probably be something I don't know.

I'm writing this sitting in my company's office on 57th Street in NYC looking at a beautiful view of Central Park. This is a great city. Re: airports, a cab will cost more from Newark or Kennedy than from Laguardia. Newark is about $40 including tip while Laguardia will cost around $30 including tip and tolls. There is a van service from Newark though. I think it's about $15/person. Try the following web site for discount hotels: www.180096hotel.com.

SC My wife and I visited NYC last fall and absolutely fell in love with it. A lot depends on how much time you have there. Go to a Broadway play (it's so NY). Lots of great eating places right around there. After the play (11 or so) walk over to Times Square which is only about a block. Next day go to about 79th and 5th Ave. have a bagel at H&H bagel and then head south along Central Park (you can go in and out of central park at verious places) Make sure you visit the Metropolitan Museum. It is truely a highlight. Make your way down fith and over to sixth or park ave to see various sights. You can end your day at the empire state building (expect long lines but worht it). Take a cab to circle line cruise for there evening lights cruise (one of the most beautiful things you'll ever see). The next day take the Statten Island Ferry (free) to the island and back. It goes right past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (the best bargain you'll find.) While there visit the Battery Park and Wall street. Remeber, Manhatton is not that big and much of this is walking distance. Don't be afraid to use the subway before 9 or 10 at night. After that take cabs (don't drive it's a circus). The streets of NYC are very safe as long as you use your head. Go where people are and don't walk down back streets where you are alone. We are from California and felt a lot safer than we do in LA. NY has really made an effort to make there city safe for tourist. One thing they have done is pour police into the areas where tourist go and clean up all the sleazy businesses that attract undesirables. At no time did we feel threatened. Consider flying into Newark, NJ. It is usually alot safer. Rent a limo from a place like "discount limo" (reserve in advance) for only about 30-40 dollars. It cost about the same as a cab and you don't have to wait in line and you go in class. There is a bus service that runs back and forth to the world trade center that is pretty cheap. If you would like more info don't hesitate to e-mail me. Have a great time.

There is a bed and breakfast service for Manhattan. Try finding it on the WEB or ask a travel agent. Take the Circle Line cruise. It gives you a great view of the city and is ralaxing. Have a drink at Tavern on the Green, go to the Seaport, splurge..go see Biobby Short at the Carlyle...It's a great city to visit.

SC, I meant to say that Newark Airport is alot cheaper (not safer). We found that we got the best fares going into there instead of the two others. I envy you. I can hardly wait to go back to NY.

We absolutely loved our trip to NYC last year after being there 40 years ago...in fact, we are going again in May. Felt totally safe the whole time. Circle Line Harbor cruise was superb...commentary the absolute best. We also took the all day Greyline Tour, very good for the lay of the land. Got on a city bus from somewhere in Times Square, I think, and went all the way to the end of Manhattan(2hours) to The Cloisters Museum...really interesting seeing all the neighborhoods. Took the subway back, about 20 minutes. Definitely go on a UN tour, up to the World Trade Center, maybe a carriage ride in Central Park(somewhere around $40 for the short ride). Definitely a drink in the patio of Tavern on the Green...beautiful at night, but food was very poor. Sardis for dinner was alot of fun and good. Windows on the World was inexpensive for lunch with an unbelievable view. Go into some of the beautiful hotels, Plaza, Waldorf Astoria, Carlyle, Pierre. We flew into LaGuardia and took a cab, I believe $30 for three. Also, the Fitch Museum, wonderful. Last year we saw three plays and so far, for this year, we have tickets for Chicago, Ragtime and will see Lion King again...plus at least two others.

To be close to "everything" you may want to stay midtown -- that's between 32nd and 59th Streets. The 180096hotel.com site is pretty good about getting you a good price, plus info about the hotel. Generally, hotel rooms are pricey during the week, but if you're staying over a weekend you should get a deal. Expect to pay about $150 a night once taxes are included. That's probably a good deal, too. If you're lucky, you might find something around $100 but...peace of mind is worth it!

A few other discount hotel options: http://www.lasvegasroomfinders.com/newyork/ http://www.quikbook.com/ www.express-res.com The last one, Express Hotel Reservations, is my favorite. You can't book over the Web--and at the moment I can't even get onto the site--but they can usually get you into a basic Helmsley for around $150. I've stayed at the Windsor and the Middletowne and they were both fine. Express Hotel doesn't penalize you for cancelling or make you pay in advance, which 180096 does. Don't miss the Frick, and have a great time.

SC, you've drawn seven very enthusiastic responses in a brief period. It's remarkable how a well-phrased question gets answered! A few corrections: definitely do go for bagels to H&H, and go across the street to Zabars. There's nothing like it back home. But H&H and Zabars are at 80th St. and Broadway on the upper west side (take the #1 train to 79th St.). All three airports offer Carey Bus service into Manhattan for between $10 and $15, and will drop you off near Grand Central Station, which is the center of Midtown Manhattan. The cheapest fares tend to be into Newark Airport; the most expensive are into Laguardia. Kennesy is the farthest away from Manhattan, about 45 minutes off-rush, much, much longer during the morning or evening rush. Hotels are most expensive the closer they are to the Fifth Avenue spine that separates the east side from the west side. If you see a hotel on one of the recommended services that is at, say, 400 West 45th Street, that means the hotel is at 9th Avenue and 45th Street, roughly a mile west of 5th Avenue; 400 East 45th Street puts you at 1st Avenue. Got it? A midtown hotel around Penn Station should cost about $135 a night. I have racked my brain trying to think what Karen means by the Fitch Museum. I think she means the Frick Collection, which is well worth a visit (64th St. at Fifth Avenue). In fact, one of the best reasons to go to New York is to visit its world-class museums. The Metropolitan at 81st and Fifth, is one of the three best in the world, and covers the whole of world culture. Wander Central Park, see Wall Street, take in a play, gaze at the newly restored Grand Central Station, take the Staten Island Ferry, go to the top of the Empire State Building. New York is a wonderful place, and safe. ( Just don't to anything you wouldn't do back home.)

We stayed at the Michelangelo and loved it! I love NY! Taxi's will soon become your best friend...take lots of fives and ones $$.

It's me again, the one who wrote the original message and, of course, I forgot something: What is an appropriate tip for cabs in NYC?

SC, About 15% is good. There should be an abundance of cabs anywhere you go.