MomDDTravel

Greetings - we are traveling to Laguardia airport on July 31 - we are traveling with an 11 year old, 14, 17 and my dh and myself.

We need to get to the Wardolf Astoria. Our flight does not get in till around 7:00 pm or so.

What is the fastest and cheapest way to get there.

I am not opposed to public transportation. Last time we flew into JFK I used a recommended car service and that worked out great.

Thanks in advance!

nytraveler

A cab probbly won;t be large enough for 5 people plus luggage (only the larger ones even take 5 people) - so I would do a car service - but tell them how many you are and how much luggage you have -s they send a vehhicle large enough.

Try Dial 7 or Carmel - and check out the web sites for disount coupons.

Public transit from LGA into the city is not easy, takes a long time - and is a PIA with luggage - due to stairways and log passageways in the subwya.

MomDDTravel

thanks NYtraveler. That is what I was looking for.

I believe I used Carmel last Oct when we were there and it was good.

We also need to rent a car on Sat. August 2 as we are driving out to Lake George for a week... someplace in the city to pick it up?

joethekay

All of the major car rental co have multiple locations in Manhattan.
Just find the best deal you can and the location nearest your hotel. I found anywhere from $ 500 - 600 per week for a mid size or standard car renting from Manhattan locations
You may be able to save $ 100 - 200 less per week if you rent off airport in NJ, but you have to schlepp there, so it may or may not be worth it.
Another thought, if you are so inclined, and do not want to drive thru traffic, would be to AMTRAK it to Albany and rent there. And the car rental drops to $ 250 per week plus train fare of $ 252 RT for all of you, so I don't know if that is an option.
Anyway, Lake George is a great destination.

MomDDTravel

Joe - I will map it but how far is Albany to Lake George? I would also have to factor in the 5 tickets on Amtrack.

joethekay

From Albany to Lake George about 62 miles, From NYC to Lake George about 220 miles.

MomDDTravel

this would work out well if the train goes to Laguarida when we are going back to the airport on the following Sat.

joethekay

No train to Laguardia. Use hired car Dial 7 instead.

ellenem

I would not drag this large group on a train to Albany--too many connections and shlepping when a car would be so much easier and connect to Laguardia better for your departure.

MomDDTravel

I think you are right Ellen. I looked into it more and it is logistics nightmare.

MomDDTravel

after looking at rates - it is less money for me to rent our car from LGA and drive to the hotel - even with paying 42.00 a night in parking - then for dh to rent a car in the city. There are more options available from LGA.

Thanks again!

nytraveler

Taking the train to Albany for 5 people is more than renting a car.

You best bet is to pick one of the agencies that has an office in the west 70's (many of the big ones do). Cab there with your luggage (and be sure to reserve the right size car in advance - and check carefully for all discounts) and then you can just drive a couple blocks and hop on the West Side Highway at 79th St - taking you straight out of town.

You can follow the West Side Highway, Henry Hudson Parkway and Hutchinson River Parkway to 84 west to the Tappan Zee bridge and up the Thruway to Lake George. But- be aware that that is racing season at Saratoga - and on Saturdays the highways will be mobbed with throusands driving to the track (it can take 30 minutes or more just to get off the Thruway and onto the Northway).

MomDDTravel

thank you NYtraveler once again. I rented a Jeep and it seats five and has luggage for 5. I am renting it at LGA from Dollar. It was a good rate and better then I was finding from renting in the city for a week. It saves us on the car from LGA but I have to pay 42.00 a night at the Wordolf to park. We are staying on hilton points.

ellenem

My friends who make the trip to Saratoga almost every weekend in the summer avoid the whole Thruway-to-Northway messy connection. They get off the thruway a few exits earlier and take 787 north along the river past Albany. Then they take route 7 west to connect back with 87 north. It's about the same distance and saves a lot of time.

MomDDTravel

okay... Ellen I will mapquest it and see what it comes up. I am waiting to hear from SIL with the exact address of the house we rented.

ellenem

Mapquest will probably suggest the other route, since you have fewer turns, but you will see clearly the alternate route I've suggested when it plots the other. Mapquest doesn't understand traffic jams.

MomDDTravel

perfect - as long as I can "see" the route on the maps as I get lost very easily.

doug_stallings

Paying $42 for parking is actually a very good deal, especially if you are saving over all on the cost of your car rental. A car service from LGA to the Waldorf will cost more than $42 for 5 people.

If you take the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan from LGA, you will also save the toll you'd have to pay to take the tunnel (and get a wonderful view of Manhattan coming into the city to boot).

MomDDTravel

Thank you Doug - I thought that price was pretty good myself for valet parking per night at the Wardolf. They did not have the rate listed but I called and was quoted that.

Hotel is on points - and just the less hassle of dh going to get the car on Sat am is nice. Get it at the airport and be done with it. We have done the rental car in the city a few times and it is a bit of a hassle.

michelleNYC

Just a teeny little correction MomDD; it's WaLdoRf Astoria. You'll need the correct spelling if trying to research or map it.