Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

Tips for NYC Trip 12/1-12/3 with Cousin with Cancer

Search

Tips for NYC Trip 12/1-12/3 with Cousin with Cancer

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 21st, 2006, 04:07 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Tips for NYC Trip 12/1-12/3 with Cousin with Cancer

I've been to New York many times, will be there for a meeting 11/29-12/3. Will be staying at the Sofitel on West 44th.

My 50 year old cousin who has terminal cancer will be joining me for the weekend. She has never been to New York, and I'd appreciate any tips for activities, transportation, etc. for someone who is relatively young but won't have enough stamina to walk all over the city like I usually do.

I'm also not sure about her appetite but would still appreciate tips on restaurants nearby, or that would be memorable. River Cafe?
Desinator is offline  
Old Nov 21st, 2006, 04:11 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 17,226
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My mom and I really enjoyed the Holiday Lights tour. Great way to see the major attractions of NYC - all lit up - and in the comfort of a warm bus.
starrsville is offline  
Old Nov 21st, 2006, 04:25 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
How about the Sea Grille or Rock Center cafe? right near the hotel, very festive and new yorkish and you can watch the skaters while you eat.
nytraveler is offline  
Old Nov 21st, 2006, 05:23 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 981
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Would she have any interest in the Chistmas show at Radio City? Theater Mania has a discount code for $49 Orchestra seats for select performances. It covers the dates you are in the city. Use code MANIA when ordering tickets.
This link will take you directly to the page to book: http://tinyurl.com/y489e4
Margo_Chester is offline  
Old Nov 21st, 2006, 05:24 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The restaurant in the Sofitel [Gaby's?] is very good.

Debi
DebitNM is offline  
Old Nov 21st, 2006, 09:10 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,421
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Here's another HUGE recommendation for Gaby's - fabulous for breakfast, lunch, dinner, late-night dining. Also a terrific cocktail lounge. In the same block is the Round Table Room (fantastic breakfast...) and the Lobby Lounge, also the bar, not to mention the Cabaret, at the Algonquin, along with the Red Flame, a quintessential NY "coffee shop". You could also take her, if she has the appetite, for one of those "ultimate" Daniel burgers a few doors down.

Given the circumstances, please do not worry about transportation. Hail a cab...

If it were me...I would ask her what she feels like doing and just do it.

djkbooks is offline  
Old Nov 21st, 2006, 09:23 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,942
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I cannot give specifics on nyc cause i am visiting there soon myself, but i have some suggestions for traveling.

make sure she has enough pain meds and have duplicate prescription ready--also, with the meds, there may be the possibility that tsa will ask for proof since the meds for pain will usually be a controlled substance. make sure she has enough to be comfortable.

plan things that can be done in a few hours time, with repeated trips back to the hotel so she doesn't feel as if she is interrupting any plans because she is fatigued. space things out during the day and nothing too late, possibly.

a carriage ride in the park sounds nice, and is a good way to get from one area to the next

have you considered a car hire service? it can be pricey, but you may be able to find something reasonable. that would really help with your activities. or at least always think of hailing a cab. when you split up the cost, it becomes quite affordable.

I commend you for taking this trip with your cousin. I had a relative who had terminal cancer and towards the end it was very difficult to do any sort of travel and I really hate that my relative wasn't able to travel more. I beat myself up about it from time to time.

I wish you all the best. Have a good and fun trip and take tons of pictures.
ilovetotravel29 is offline  
Old Nov 21st, 2006, 09:37 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,215
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I don't know if you are planning on visiting any museums, but you might check ahead to see if any have wheelchair rentals available.
KathrynT is offline  
Old Nov 21st, 2006, 09:43 PM
  #9  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks to all of you.

I just found the Holiday Lights Tour tonight. It's the sort of thing I would normally never do, but it actually sounds like a great idea, very festive.

Thanks for the tip on the Rockefeller Center eateries. There are so many I wasn't sure which would be best.

Not sure if she will want to see the Rockettes, but I figure this is my trip to do the traditional touristy things I've never done, like the Empire State Building, etc.

Good point about the meds - I'll check with her to make sure she thinks about that. I also found limores.com on here and intend to arrange for a car service as I'm really nervous about trying to get a cab this time of year in midtown Manhattan. And also, a very good point about taking pictures! I always forget to do that.

Really appreciate all the good suggestions. I'm looking forward to it yet am a little apprehensive at the same time - feeling quite responsible.

Happy holidays to all Fodorites!

Desi
Desinator is offline  
Old Nov 22nd, 2006, 02:58 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 981
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Desi, if you are thinking about the ESB try to book in advance to avoid standing in a very long line. Or, even better look into the new Top of the Rock, I have heard the wait time is not as bad and the views are fantastic! Book in advance.

Nice views of the city can also be enjoyed at the lobby bar/lounge on the 35th floor of the Mandarin Oriental at Columbus Circle/Time Warner building, call in advance and they will reserve you seating near the window. Non-alcoholic drinks are available, and you can sit, talk and relax.

What about going to tea? very New York-ish and I would think really special this time of year. We recently went to the St. Regis for tea and had a very good, relaxing few hours. It is NOT cheap, but it was a really nice splurge. We were not rushed, the service was excellent and the food was very good.

www.topoftherocknyc.com

Call for reservations for tea at the St. Regis (212) 753-4500
Margo_Chester is offline  
Old Nov 22nd, 2006, 08:17 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You have the right idea about car service. It is already hard to get a cab in NYC and it will only get worse until the middle/late January. The city is already very crowded with tourists. I do my best to avoid midtown Thanksgiving to New Year (give others a chance to see it). Make reservations for meals!! Do get the name of a good md just in case...her md should know someone. Your hotel location is very good as so much is nearby. I think the Met Museum has wheelchairs available..If this would work for you, call them to be sure. It is easy to spend lots of time at the Met and lots of places there to eat including some good ones. You are doing a "good thing".
Elainee is offline  
Old Nov 22nd, 2006, 08:21 AM
  #12  
GoTravel
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
A carriage ride is NOT to be considered a form of transportation.

The Radio City Music Hall Rockettes thing is an excellent suggestion.

Top of the Rock is also a great idea but you can also go to the Rainbow Grille at the top of Rockefeller Center for a hot toddy and get the same view.
 
Old Nov 22nd, 2006, 10:22 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,942
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
What is wrong with going through part of central park in a carriage? Why is that not ok, and what was the need in saying it isn't ok?
ilovetotravel29 is offline  
Old Nov 22nd, 2006, 10:29 AM
  #14  
GoTravel
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
The carriage ride is fine but it isn't transportation in terms of getting from point A to point B. It is also a very short ride and you don't see much of the park.

Some people boycott the carriage rides because of the treatment of the horses.
 
Old Nov 26th, 2006, 11:03 AM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,715
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The car service is limores.NET

If you're interested in another bus tour to see a lot in a heated bus, kingofnyc.com gets rave reviews. They have some half day options if a full day is too much.

If you go to the Radio City Spectacular, try to get discount tickets. Check broadwaybox.com

What about a Broadway show? Broadwaybox may have some good options.

You should know you're coming at what might be the busiest weekend of the year.

In addition to Gaby, DB Bistro Moderne is on the same block as your hotel and is very good.
mclaurie is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
oh2doula
United States
6
Oct 4th, 2013 08:35 AM
nanb
United States
11
Apr 24th, 2005 05:22 AM
mitdoac
United States
63
Jul 13th, 2004 02:42 PM
4khansen
United States
4
May 23rd, 2003 08:45 AM
Jodie
United States
15
Jun 27th, 2002 07:20 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -