tips for 1 day in Manhattan
 

I will be in New York for a day only in July and need to know is there anywhere I can check bags in to a locker so that I can walk around comfortably for the day unencumbered? Does Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal have lockers? are they safe? Also how long does it take to walk from say MoMA to Penn Station? is this walking distance or do I have to take transit? <BR>thanks.

Kathy, Grand Central does have a parcel check and it is relatively inexpensive although I hate to give you numbers as I have never used it. Also with all the renovations I believe the parcel check room has moved so just ask at the info booth. I don't know about Penn but since amtrak is there I imagine it does as well.

It's about 30-40 minutes walking. If you like to walk, it can be interesting. You could also take the subway.

There is a baggage check at Grand Central. I have used it and it works very well. If you've stayed in a hotel the night before (you say you'll have bags) They will usually check your bags for you at the bellcaptain's station, and it only costs you $1-2 tip. If you're in transit, Grand Central may be your best bet, although Penn may also have lockers or a check station.

It's about a 1 1/4 to 1 1/2-mile walk from MOMA to Penn Station. Both stations have checking.

I checked my bags last month at Penn and was required to show my train ticket before I could go over and do so. Not sure if they're now checking only for train passengers but it seems that way. Grand Central's locker were closed during renovations but are sure to be reopened. In a pinch you can go into any hotel even if you're not a guest (just say "I'm not checked in yet"). They'll hold your bags for $1-2 per bag for the day if you're not checked in as a guest.

Another good hotel tip -- you can always find a ladies room on the meeting room floors (usually lobby level or up one).

Just wanted to reply to Diane's tip even though it is off the subject. I used to always use the bayhroms on the meeting floors of hotels when looking for a public facility. i recently noticed that Place like the Grand Hyatt (right next to Grand Central) have begun to lock those bathrooms and require a hotel key to enter. although you just have to wait to someone comes out, I thought that was pretty tacky.

Maybe it was proximity to GCS. If the hotel does a big conference business, they wouldn't dare do that! It's also a great place to catch a taxi. We stayed several blocks away in SF, but got all our taxi's at the St Francis. I think we tipped the doorman more often than the St. Francis guests!