Going to New York over Thanksgiving and staying at the Portland Square Hotel. Does anyone know anything about it? I know it is budget, so am really only wanting clean, safe, and good location! Also want good Italian food-any suggestions?
Any suggestions for seeing the parade? I am not a parade person, but think maybe I should go just to say I did! Is it worth the crowds, etc? How early does one have to go to have a decent viewing spot?

Priscilla,

See my response to the other 1st trip to NY discussion.

Regards.

Priscilla, please ignore anything that Scott has to say. He obviously is the type of person who hates anyone and anything about NY, and that is a shame. I'm a native NYer, and while I travel to lots of other cities, NY is still an amazing place. Lots to do, lots to see, and even if you don't agree with Rudy Guiliani's politics, he has done an incredible job making NY a safe and wonderful place to visit. I am familiar with the Portland Square Hotel only from the outside as I work right near it. it always seems to be crowded, in fact, on several occasions I have tried to get a room there for my husband and I and they are always sold out. So that's a good sign. It's a great location, just footsteps from Times Square in one direction and 6th Avenue and the Diamond district on 47th St. in the other. As for the parade, my advice is to get a spot early. You are in prime viewing locale. Yes it will be crowded but is worth it 'just to say you did' For real fun, go to Central park West and 77th Street around 5pm the night before to see the workers blow up the balloons. It is free, and usually turns out to be one big party. It is really fun to see this heap of rubber under a net, and try to guess what it is, and then see it come to life. As for Italian food, Little Italy is worth the trip. Tons of restaurants, some good, some just OK. Also Carmines on 44th Street and Broadway is popular, it's a family style place with huge portions. You won't be at a loss for Italian restaurants in NY. Take a look at the Zagats guide, or www.zagats.com or time out NY - www.timeout.come. Have a great time!!!!

I disagree with the previous post's review of Carmine's. The food is mediocre, the atmosphere is loud. Generally a tourist trap. Try smaller quieter restaurants in the Village. Grano on Greenwich Ave near 6th Ave. is excellent and reasonable, and the staff friendly and attentive. But not spaghetti and meatballs.

Priscilla-

If you're not a diehard parade person but want to say you experienced it, go the night before to watch the balloons being inflated instead. It's fascinating, fun, more unusual, and best of all, less crowded. I think they begin after 7:00 or 8:00pm, and the one time I went I was there very late at night/early in the morning, so no matter whether you're a night or morning person there will be something to see. I'm not sure where exactly (Upper West Side, either CPW or Columbus in the 60's/70's), but it would be easy enough to find out (in fact, people have posted about it before so try doing some searches on this forum).

As for Italian food, I'm not a huge Carmine's fan myself and think you could find much better. A friend who is from Italy told me that there's a place on 57th between Lex and 3rd, right next to Le Colonial, that is her favorite Italian place in NYC and that it's always full of Italians. Sorry-she refused to tell me the name so it would be harder for me to spread the word! Some others I'd heard raves for: Barbetta (the granddaddy of NYC Italian), San Domenico, Osterio del Circo.

I'll take everyone's word for it that there is better italian food than at Carmine's, but personally I really enjoyed my meal there and will definately go back! It is loud, but the location is great for the theater (be sure to get a reservation). By the time you share the meals, it was one of the least expensive meals I had. All in all, I would recommend it!

Best Italian in NY on a budget is Piccolo Angolo on the corner of Hudson and Jane in the West Village. Be prepared to wait for a table, as it is postage stamp small and always crowded, and they dont take reservations. Family run, inexpensive, excellent food. Try the owners homemade wine.

For upsacle and expensinve Italian, try Il Nido on E 53 btw 2 and 3. A very pricey treat.