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02/17/2014 08:52:21 PM · #1 |
So we're off to USA in May and NY is one of our destinations.
I need some advice on locations to book a hotel, please note nowhere noisy, so Times square is OUT!
Do you think 5 days is enough?
Should we book a trip to Niagra falls from NY or make a special trip and stay there instead?
Best value restaurants.
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02/17/2014 09:52:43 PM · #2 |
all of NY is noisy, Time squares is relatively quiet to stay as the hotels are a bit more upscale its not like New year eve every day, but plan to pay for location.
5 days in the city is plenty.
value restaurants in NY? better leave Manhattan..
Niagara falls is very far from NYC, if you want a cool place with water falls, about an hour and a half west of the city is a place called bushkill falls in buskill PA, near the Delaware water gap which is also a nice day trip. You could probably get a DPC GTG setup there.
Message edited by author 2014-02-17 21:53:13. |
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02/17/2014 09:53:01 PM · #3 |
| NY state or NY city? I'm really no help, but I'm pretty sure there are no quiet places in NYC. :D |
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02/17/2014 09:55:11 PM · #4 |
btw, if you can avoid driving into NYC, i'd suggest that. trust me. north-south is relatively easy, but it will take you an hour to cross East-west, you could probably walk it faster and thats not a joke.
Message edited by author 2014-02-17 21:56:41. |
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02/17/2014 10:17:39 PM · #5 |
Public transit is very good there, so you really don't need a car. I never found driving in NYC to be that big of a deal, but I suppose it depends on where you're coming from. Parking, on the other hand, can be interesting.
I really like going to concerts and shows, so 5 days would be just barely adequate for me. I could spend 5 days at the Met as well.
Don't forget to go to B&H.
All of Manhattan is noisy, but the more upscale hotels have better soundproofing. You might consider hotels in Jersey City or Hoboken. Those places are close to Manhattan, and a lot of the better hotels have nice city views, for less than hotels in the city. They might be marginally quieter as well.
It's a 6+ hour drive to Niagara Falls. One way.
Restaurants? Can't recall. I was always with my brother who lived there until recently, and he always picked the places. I can't remember a single one.
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02/17/2014 10:45:39 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by Mike:
btw, if you can avoid driving into NYC, i'd suggest that. trust me. north-south is relatively easy, but it will take you an hour to cross East-west, you could probably walk it faster and thats not a joke. |
don't worry we have NO desire to drive in NY city, hey you only have to watch any TV show filmed in NY to know that - lol!
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02/17/2014 10:58:26 PM · #7 |
If you plan on NYC primarily, you won't need a car. A taxi from the airport and subways/walking. You are going to want to be somewhere to just step out of the hotel and go every morning. I don't think it's feasible to stay outside of the city, Jersey may be an option, but the commute can be brutal, and the whole point is to be close enough to Broadway shows, museums, central park, street food, shopping, to have access at all hours, no?
Food, hotels- I am not an expert but there is not much value to be found in visiting the #1 tourist visited city in the world. The good news is that the food is fantastic so although it isn't cheap you get what you pay for. Extremely diverse offerings.
By way of trips from the city, as said before, Niagara is in "New York" state but you could get to (Bear on the) Cape, Boston, Maine, Philadelphia, just as quickly, not to mention Montreal or Washington DC just about as easily as Niagara.
You already have good advice from others, and there are many other DPC'ers who live and work in NYC who can probably give you substantially better info than I can. My perspective comes from living about 1.5 hrs away in Connecticut, and traveling to NYC 3 times or so per year. I always feel overwhelmed, excited, impressed, disappointed and both sad to leave and happy to be able to get out every time I go.
Message edited by author 2014-02-17 22:59:41. |
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02/17/2014 11:34:14 PM · #8 |
If you only have 5 days Niagara Falls wouldn't be worth the trip. If you want to visit other City's like Boston, Philadelphia, or Washington you might want to consider taking a bus. It's inexpensive, reliable, has wifi, and is very convenient. We use a company named VAMoose and take the Gold Bus. It's kind of like business class of buses.
Food in NYC doesn't have to be expensive. A decent hotel should be able to recommend some inexpensive restaurants.
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02/17/2014 11:36:45 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by blindjustice:
. I always feel overwhelmed, excited, impressed, disappointed and both sad to leave and happy to be able to get out every time I go. |
I can only imagine!
We've been to USA twice, and never thought of going to NYC but now I think it's time, plus my daughter who loves clothes (whose daughter doesn't) has always dreamed of going to NYC for the shopping, I know shops are everywhere, but she's still a student studying in the USA and there's no way I'll be buying her $1000.000 outfits, but if there are some good outlets where can they be located? |
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02/17/2014 11:37:50 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by insteps:
If you only have 5 days Niagara Falls wouldn't be worth the trip. If you want to visit other City's like Boston, Philadelphia, or Washington you might want to consider taking a bus. It's inexpensive, reliable, has wifi, and is very convenient. We use a company named VAMoose and take the Gold Bus. It's kind of like business class of buses.
Food in NYC doesn't have to be expensive. A decent hotel should be able to recommend some inexpensive restaurants. |
ok thanks for that, would love to do a bus trip to one of those places. |
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02/18/2014 07:59:54 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by Neat:
Originally posted by blindjustice:
. I always feel overwhelmed, excited, impressed, disappointed and both sad to leave and happy to be able to get out every time I go. |
I can only imagine!
We've been to USA twice, and never thought of going to NYC but now I think it's time, plus my daughter who loves clothes (whose daughter doesn't) has always dreamed of going to NYC for the shopping, I know shops are everywhere, but she's still a student studying in the USA and there's no way I'll be buying her $1000.000 outfits, but if there are some good outlets where can they be located? |
//gonyc.about.com/od/shopping/tp/discount_shop.htm |
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02/18/2014 08:14:35 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by Kelli:
Originally posted by Neat:
Originally posted by blindjustice:
. I always feel overwhelmed, excited, impressed, disappointed and both sad to leave and happy to be able to get out every time I go. |
I can only imagine!
We've been to USA twice, and never thought of going to NYC but now I think it's time, plus my daughter who loves clothes (whose daughter doesn't) has always dreamed of going to NYC for the shopping, I know shops are everywhere, but she's still a student studying in the USA and there's no way I'll be buying her $1000.000 outfits, but if there are some good outlets where can they be located? |
//gonyc.about.com/od/shopping/tp/discount_shop.htm |
thanks Kelli. |
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02/18/2014 08:30:42 AM · #13 |
Since you are going to be in NYC so I am surely you would have plan to visit Statue of liberty if not then you are not missing a big thing but if you are then I would say keep an entire day for that knowing that you are not familiar with the area, also do an online reservation to the state of liberty that would save hell lot of you time!
Keep in mind when you visit any public place in NYC you cannot have a tripod standing on the ground and take family photograph specially places are like Time square and central park. You can use monopod for sure. We usually have a GTG for a day at Rickett Glan state park (it has over 21 waterfalls in 5 miles trail), not sure what time this year we are planning but if we have plan then surely you can join, it would be fun!
About drive, I would say take metro card and use train's they are more convenient then anything else unless if you want to take a cab and have city view :)
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02/18/2014 08:34:01 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by Neat:
Originally posted by blindjustice:
. I always feel overwhelmed, excited, impressed, disappointed and both sad to leave and happy to be able to get out every time I go. |
I can only imagine!
We've been to USA twice, and never thought of going to NYC but now I think it's time, plus my daughter who loves clothes (whose daughter doesn't) has always dreamed of going to NYC for the shopping, I know shops are everywhere, but she's still a student studying in the USA and there's no way I'll be buying her $1000.000 outfits, but if there are some good outlets where can they be located? |
don't shop in the city, 5th avenue is fun, especially at christmas, but if you want outlets you best look elsewhere. there are deals to be had all over the area but manhattan island is not the place for value. you go there knowing you are going to drop some cash and you plan to enjoy yourself doing it.
NYC is an animal that you have to experience once. there isn't another city anywhere that even compares to the scale and lifestyle of NYC. its bigger brighter and more expensive than anything i have yet to encounter. i frequent Philly very often and NYC dwarfs its like you wouldn't believe.
Just figure out ahead of time what you want to do and you should have no problems getting and seeing what you want in 5 days
oh and pay to stay in the city, as suggested, you want to just walk around and have it all right there. there are hundreds of hotels, i would try to stay north of 34th around the 40s, that should give you great walking access to most of the fun nightly commotions and you can public transit to any other tourist spots.
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02/18/2014 08:35:21 AM · #15 |
Adding to what others have already said:
B&H Photo: I don't think I've ever actually bought anything in the store. I get sensory overload when I go in. But it is well worth the experience. It's crazy in there.
Bus trips: Try //us.megabus.com or https://www.boltbus.com . Depending upon where you're going and how early you book, some of their rates are pretty cheap.
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02/18/2014 09:08:18 AM · #16 |
Lot of info thanks everyone. Looks like we have to spend around $400.00 p/n for a decent room, but it could be worth it if we only do it once. My husband has never had a desire to visit NYC, but he figured he might as well get it over and done with. I know I'll love it, especially Central Park, I've always dreamed of going there, would that take a whole day, looks like a lot to see there as well?
And yes would love to see the Statue of liberty, thanks for the info regarding booking ahead!
Thanks  LN13 and Mike also. So much to do! |
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02/18/2014 09:10:46 AM · #17 |
Anita, what do you plan to do in NYC while you are there besides shopping? .... tell us that and we can better advise.
There are very expensive hotels around Central Park and others in the financial area and Brooklyn if you're looking to stay out of Times Square.
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02/18/2014 09:15:06 AM · #18 |
Originally posted by Neat:
Lot of info thanks everyone. Looks like we have to spend around $400.00 p/n for a decent room, but it could be worth it if we only do it once. My husband has never had a desire to visit NYC, but he figured he might as well get it over and done with. I know I'll love it, especially Central Park, I've always dreamed of going there, would that take a whole day, looks like a lot to see there as well?
And yes would love to see the Statue of liberty, thanks for the info regarding booking ahead!
Thanks LN13 and Mike also. So much to do! |
you should be able to find cheaper. i wouldn't pay more than $200-$250 a night. you only need a play to sleep that is decent and has a bathroom with hot water.
tip: look for 3 star hotels with 4 star or better user reviews.
not sure when you plan to stay:
//www.kayak.com/hotels/New-York-City,NY-c15830/2014-04-14/2014-04-18/2guests
Message edited by author 2014-02-18 09:19:03. |
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02/18/2014 09:19:13 AM · #19 |
My daughter's the one who wants to shop, I really couldn't care less. I just want to see the main attractions, the tourist hot spots, cliched or not. I'm open to suggestion.
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02/18/2014 09:23:06 AM · #20 |
Originally posted by Mike:
Originally posted by Neat:
Lot of info thanks everyone. Looks like we have to spend around $400.00 p/n for a decent room, but it could be worth it if we only do it once. My husband has never had a desire to visit NYC, but he figured he might as well get it over and done with. I know I'll love it, especially Central Park, I've always dreamed of going there, would that take a whole day, looks like a lot to see there as well?
And yes would love to see the Statue of liberty, thanks for the info regarding booking ahead!
Thanks LN13 and Mike also. So much to do! |
you should be able to find cheaper. i wouldn't pay more than $200-$250 a night. you only need a play to sleep that is decent and has a bathroom with hot water.
tip: look for 3 star hotels with 4 star or better user reviews.
not sure when you plan to stay:
//www.kayak.com/hotels/New-York-City,NY-c15830/2014-04-14/2014-04-18/2guests |
Ok great never heard of Kayak before, that's awesome. We plan on being in NYC around the 22nd May for around 5 to 6 nights, off to bed now, I'll check out the website tomw. But you add some more info, the more the merrier. |
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02/18/2014 09:25:12 AM · #21 |
Originally posted by Neat:
My daughter's the one who wants to shop, I really couldn't care less. I just want to see the main attractions, the tourist hot spots, cliched or not. I'm open to suggestion. |
As a family do you do museums, like long walks In the park, does a boat trip around the island sound appealing? Do you want to visit world financial center? |
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02/18/2014 09:34:09 AM · #22 |
| When we stayed there this past December, we were in a fairly inexpensive hotel in Midtown...on 45th between 6th and 7th. You should be able to find decently priced hotels. |
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02/18/2014 09:44:35 AM · #23 |
| I found The Muse to be fantastically well-placed as a hotel and good value for what was on offer. Don't pay extra for the wine reception though. |
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02/18/2014 10:10:47 AM · #24 |
Couple of other things you would have to keep in mind starting with:
Sales tax: 4.5% in addition to the state sales tax of 4% and the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD) surcharge of 0.375%. This makes the total sales and use tax rate in New York City 8.875%. Food, prescription drugs, and non-prescription drugs are exempt. Clothing and footwear costing less than $110 per item or pair is also exempt.
Cigarette tax: if smoke New York City has their own cigarette of $1.50 per pack of 20 cigarettes. This is in addition to the state cigarette tax of $4.35 for a total cigarette tax in NYC of $5.85 per pack.
Hotel taxes: For any room costing more than $40 a night, the state and local tax is equal to: $3.50 per night, plus 14.375% of room rental charges. This tax rate includes NYC and state sales taxes as well as the hotel occupancy tax of 5.875%. Rooms renting for less than $40 are subject to the same rates, but lower nightly dollar amount fees.
This would help you to plan out your budget!
At the same time the other option could be that you stay in Jersey City or Hoboken in NJ, it might be a bit cheaper to stay and there are many options to go to NYC from these two places, two best options are PATH (train) or waterway taxi to other side of river.
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02/18/2014 10:30:00 AM · #25 |
About 6 months ago we got a good deal at this hotel.
Hotel Indigo
It was nice and we highly recommend it. We chose it because it's about 3 blocks from the VAMoose bus station. A short walk to the Flatiron Building and Adorama if you want to see a huge camera store. Whole Foods grocery store is close by too. The hotel recommended a small cafe name "Guy and Gallard" that was just around the corner. Nothing fancy but clean and inexpensive. All this being said NYC is more fun if your itinerary isn't to rigid so my advice is read as much as you can and decide what's most important to you.
Message edited by author 2014-02-18 10:31:12. |
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