New York

[disneydiva1]

Me and DH are planning a 4 night shopping trip to New York this Year.

We will not be taking the children as this will be the first time we have been away on our own since our honeymoon (and I came home early then because I missed them!!!)

But I dont have a clue about where to stay and wondered if all my well travelled friends could recommend some hotel to us. I want something fairly central but not to posh.

Thanks in advance

[UKDEB]

Hi disneydiva1

We stayed at the Omni Berkshire Place at 52nd and Madison - between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue, and really well placed for everything. Don't know whether you would consider it too posh, but we got a really good rate through Hotel Reservations Network. I can highly recommend it - check it out at:

Omni Berkshire Place, New York (http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/default.asp?h_id=23)

[lisag1]

Hi Disneydiva1,

Like Deb, I've also stayed at the Omni Berkshire, it's a lovely hotel 5* standard but it can be expensive we also got ours through Hotel reservation network and paid approx $240/night. HRN are showing it at $199 +/night for March. It's in a fantastic location right by 5th Avenue. Another hotel we've stayed in is the Warwick Hotel and that was also a lovely place to stay. We went at Christmas and it's a little more expensive but it was worth it. The Warwick is showing up on HRN for $179 + per night (weekends $239).

Another good site for recommendations is www.fodors.com where they have a bulletin board, also try www.tripadvisor.com.

Good luck

Lisa

btw New York is an amazing city you'll have a brilliant time there.

[Hellie]

Hi

We have also booked to go to New York in April this year - 42 days and counting! We booked the flights and hotel separately, the flights with BA cost £180 each inc tax - brilliant bargain and I went onto a website for discount bookings and we are staying at the Pennsylvania, not far from Empire State Building for $78.90 per night this works out roughtly to about £50 per night.

I was a bit worried incase the hotel was awful, but Gary's brother lives in New York and he said it is really nice and that most of the hotels have really big/grand lobbies and all the rooms are quite small, I think it is just the decor/amenities which change.

www.hoteldiscounts.com

Hope this helps, and sorry to ramble, but I am getting very excited about it.



Helen

[WebmasterPenny]

When we went last year, we stayed at the Hotel Pennsylvania (http://www.hotelpenn.com/) too, which is bang opposite Madison Square Garden, and just 5 minutes from Times Square & the Empire State Building - a nice central Mid-town location and in walking distance to many main attractions. When I booked, I booked with Expedia though as they had a special rate running at the time - I think it work out about £100 per night after tax (around $150 or so) though this was in May - the rates will vary depending on when you go.

Hellie, great rate! Like Gary's brother said...BIG reception area...marble, brass, mirrors, etc. and the rooms are pretty small and non-descript to be honest, but that is standard in NY so I've heard. The location is good though :)

Penny :)

[BevS97]

I've stayed at the Travelodge in Manhatten - DO NOT STAY THERE! It's was horrible - it was Very Cheap, but unlike our travelodges here which are of a certain standard this was distinctly grotty - we had a lovely window which over looked a brick wall and an area between the buildings which was full of rubbish - there was a mattress down there when we looked out. YUCK!

The 2nd time we went we stayed at 2 hotels, the Days Inn (http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/hotelinfo?SID=OLD&Dest=NYC&LKF=OLD&TRK=_B4_link&PROD=HOTEL&HotelId=NYC+DINN&HName=Days+Inn+NYC&Return=Prev) and the Howard Johnson (http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/hotelinfo?SID=OLD&Dest=NYC&LKF=OLD&TRK=_B4_link&PROD=HOTEL&HotelId=NYC+HOWA&HName=Howard+Johnson+Plaza&Return=Prev) they were exactly the same - across the road from each other on 8th Avenue and about 56th Street.
They could have been the same hotel - everything was identical. It was kind of strange. We only changed hotels because I had left booking it a bit late and couldn't get all the nights at one hotel.
Both hotels were fine - just your basic room with 2 double beds, ice machines on each floor etc - nothing fancy but perfectly acceptable.

I like to stay in the midtown area - here's a map (http://www.hoteldiscounts.com/cgi-bin/citymap?SID=OLD&Dest=NYC2&LKF=OLD&TRK=_B4_link&PROD=HOTEL) showing hotels in that area.

Have a good trip, New York is really fun.

Bev

[signtalker]

I stayed at the YMCA near central park, as i was working out there with my student
obviously no good for what you want, but NY was a great place, I was there in Feb and it was
nicely cold!!!.Would definately go again.
Jules

[Bwalker]

Hi DisneyDiva1!

I hope you have a wonderful time visiting our side of the pond. I was born and raised in New Jersey with a view of the NY Skyline and am writing this from my folks' home right now :)

I know 4 days isn't long enough to see a whole lot but when in Little Italy, eat at Luna's - it was in the movie Moonstruck with Nicholas Cage and Cher. It's hardly fancy but it's authentic New York. Dessert just wouldn't be dessert without eating at Ferrara's.

And when in Chinatown, check out Hop Kee's. This is not a tourist place - this is where we locals eat. Or Wo Fat's. The Chinese are extemely hospitable and love when you enjoy their cooking. If you're at all food adventurous, get the House Dinner for Two. You don't know what dishes they'll choose for you, but if you like it and keep eating, they just keep bringing out food. I went to College walking distance from Chinatown and we ate there many times a week (cheap). The Chinese would love to feed the boys -the boys just kept eating and the Chinese would just keep smiling, bringing more food and saying "good boys good boys".

Oh - and one other thing ....... wear black! Nothing says "Mug me" more than a nice bright outfit in New York ;)

Enjoy Enjoy :) :) :)

Aloha,
Lorraine ;)

[vernon]

I've got some good deals on priceline recently (not in NY granted but most of th eUS is in tourist decline and they are eager to get bookings)

[mmouse37]

Welcome to New York!!!! I would also like to add that try out CARMINE'S restaurant for some great Italian food. It's noisy, busy, and alot of fun, just like NYC!!!!

Be prepared....they do serve huge portions, so you might want to split something if its just the two of you.

There are two locations.....here is the website to check it out. www.carminesnyc.com


Enjoy your stay in New York.

MJ

[Enright78]

We visit NY quite a lot as we have family there. We stay at the Drake Swissotel
on 56th and Park Avenue. It is quite posh but very comfortable and you can get good
rates thru internet sites already mentioned.
Things to do; Staten Island Ferry, The Village, dinner at the Russian Tea Room, Carriage ride
through Central Park (bit touristy but very romantic!) MOMA, Carmines as already mentioned, Bloomingdales, Saks (I'd give Macys a miss,it seemed a bit sad and tatty last time we were there). Have a brilliant time, it is the best city in the world!:)

[Hellie]

Not only does everyone on these boards have a wealth of knowledge on WDW, we can also be educated on New York.

Do any of you know of any good diners in New York? I have my Brits Guide to New York and they mention a few, but I would like to know if anyone has actually been to a good one.

Thanks in anticipation.


Helen:D :)

[UKDEB]

We didn't get to any diners, but we did eat at the Carnegie Deli on 7th Avenue. It has photos of Celebs who've eaten there all over the walls and it was immortalized by Woody Allen in <i>Broadway Danny Rose</i>. I think it often gets long lines. We also did on just across the street, but I can't remember its name. We enjoyed the food at both - the sandwiches are enormous and I love those huge bowls of pickles they bring out. We also ate at The Greatest Bar on Earth on the 106th floor of the World Trade Center :(

We were awake at the crack of dawn on our first morning, so we took a stroll and ended up in a cafe for breakfast. One of the options was for 'eggs done your way'. Our friend ordered his breakfast which basically consisted of everything on the menu and asked for ... wait for it ... 'eggs done your way'. Dh and I couldn't stop laughing, but I think the guy must be used to the British - he didn't bat an eyelid. Cooked the eggs his way, I guess! Our friend still doesn't get the joke!

[Hellie]

Debbie

Thanks for the information, I will certainly try the Carnegie Deli. I feel a bit sad that I won't be able to try any of the restaurants at the World Trade Centre as the guide books all really rate them high.

The egg story is good and I am sure most of us Brits have been given horrible eggs at sometime on our travels, due to our lack of knowledge in ordering them. I remember on my first trip to America asking for eggs sunny side up as that is what you hear all the time - boy was I sorry about that!

One of the trips we have booked in advance for our holiday is a tour of NYC with a NYPD officer in a patrol car, sounds fantastic and cannot wait.

Thanks again Helen:cool:

[lisag1]

I can't remember a lot of the delis we used to go to but I do remember the name of a good burger bar/diner called Hamburger Heaven (I think!). If I can remember correctly it's by MOMA. We also had a lovely pre theatre dinner at the Rainbow Rooms followed by a trip to Broadway to see Les Miserables - absolutely FANTASTIC night!!! My DH is normally that interested in the theatre but after seeing that he went out the following day to buy the CD LOL.

Deb - We haven't been to Carnegie Hall and that's probably one of the most famous diners isn't it? I'll put it on my to do list next time.

Lisa

[UKDEB]

Eggs sunny side up - is that where the top is virtually raw? Yeuch! A tour with an NYPD Officer in a patrol car would be amazing - I must definitely do that next time. Please post when you get back and let us know all about it. My friend did chat up a couple of NYPD Officers in Times Square, but that's another story!

Lisa, I really wanted to do the Rainbow Room (along with about a million other restaurants in the 3 days we were there, LOL), but our friends aren't into 'posh' food. Next time we're going to go with my brother and his wife. My brother's even more extravagant than I am and that's not an easy accomplishment! My brother and I have already got it planned for November - we've just got to work on the other halves now. Still, plenty of time .........

[kazzie]

Hi Helen,

We stayed at The Metro which we loved, its the block next to the Empire State Building.

Can you tell me how you arranged the tour with the police officer,I've never heard of that it sounds fantastic?

LOL Deb,I can imagine the other story!Those NYPD officers have a definite something about them.My DH took a photo of me with one and I couldn't help feeling I'd like to be 'rescued' by him;)

[Hellie]

Hi Karen

I saw the trip in the Brits Guide and thought it would be really good, so I asked Gary's brother to organise it for us (he lives in New York). I have not got many details on me today, but I will get them for Monday. You need to have four people for the trip and it costs around $80 per person, sorry to be so vauge. I am just hoping that the Officer looks like Jimmy Smits and not his partner!!;)

We are going to a show on the Saturday (hopefully Chicago with Denise Van Outen) and would like to go somewhere swanky for dinner before hand, any suggestions? I would ask Gary's brother but his idea of a slap up meal is a pot noodle!


Thanks


Helen:smooth:

[kazzie]

Helen,

Thanks I would really appreciate more info on the police tour thing when you get it,it sounds brilliant.

Chigago will be wonderful,is denise out there yet?

We didn't eat at any posh restaurants when we were there so can'thelp with that,only at All Stars cafe which we really enjoyed.

[UKDEB]

Ooh, Jimmy Smits. Drool.:tongue:

[kazzie]

What have I missed:rolleyes: Who is he?:confused:

[Hellie]

Karen

He is the dishy looking one in NYPD Blue - and used to be in LA Law.:smooth:

Denise started in Chicago on Monday night to rave reviews.

[kazzie]

Oh I don't watch those programmes,my lose then;) I don't like to miss seeing someone easy on the eye!!

Helen thats fantastic you get to see Denise in the role.Did you know that before you bought the tickets?

[SMAX]

We stayed at the Ramada Milford Plaza for our 14th Anniversary last year. The hotel is just off times square and the subways is just outside. It is really well place to get around. Walking distance to the Empire state building and Macy's. It is not a posh place, and it is used a lot by the airline pilots for stopovers etc. But it is really cheap and for the money we couldnt fault it. Just dont expect the Ritz :)

[lisag1]

Hi Deb,

I've emailed the Rainbow Rooms the other day to see if they still have the pre-theatre dinners. Unfortunately they don't but they did send me a menu for the Rainbow Grill. Here it is................................. I hope your brother is still feeling extravagant!!!!!


I think we paid approx $60 per head for a 3 course set dinner.


THE
RAINBOW GRILL

Rainbow Grill Tasters


Tomato and Mozzarella With black olive paste 19.95
Prosciutto di Parma With parmesan chunks 23.95
Marinated Salmon With asparagus 23.95
Tuna Tartare Raw, chopped fresh tuna 23.95
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail With red cocktail sauce and lemon 25.95
Steak Tartare Chopped raw filet 26.95
Soup of the Day Changes daily 12.00

From the oven
21.95

Spinach cannelloni
With ricotta cheese, tomatoes, zucchini

Rice Pilaf alla Valenziana
Paella with shrimp

Ghocchi all Romana
With tomatoes and Parmesan cheese


From the Grill

Dry Aged Prime Sirloin Steak 48.50
Grilled Fresh Fish of the Day 37.95
Grilled free Range Chicken 35.75

All served with French fries and Grilled Vegetables
Grill dishes available Friday and Saturday


Special Combination Platters
(For 2 or more)

The Prosciutto Tower 33.95
Prosciutto, melon and Parmesan chunks served with breads

The Seafood Sampler 36.95
Jumbo shrimp, crab claws and oysters, served on ice with lemon

The Sandwich Selection 23.95
Assorted small sandwiches

Cheese and Fruit Platter 25.95
Select Italian cheeses with seasonal fruits and crackers

The Mignon Pastry Platter 21.95
Select miniature pastries, tarts and confections


Small Sandwiches
8.95

Chicken and Lettuce-2pcs
Shrimp-2pcs
Egg and anchovy-2pcs


Sandwiches

Sirloin Hamburger 25.95
With onions

Croque Monsieur 21.95
Ham and creamed Swiss cheese

Vegetarian Club Sandwich 21.95
Grilled vegetables, goat cheese, tomato

Club Sandwich 23.95
Chicken, tomato, bacon, lettuce

Smoked Salmon 24.95
Tomato, red onion, horseradish

Roast Beef 24.95
With arugula and mustard



Desserts

13.95

Cakes made in our own Pastry Kitchen Daily selection
Select Cheeses with Fruits Italian cheeses with seasonal fruits and crackers Fruits and crackers


Golden Oscetra Caviar

Per oz. 125.00
With frozen vodka and accompaniments

:eek: