A shot in the dark!

[wilki32]

Firstly a Happy New Year to everyone here.

I read a thread that named a couple of people that are travel consultants but can't find it now! DW is 30 in a couple of weeks and I would love to surprise her with a trip to New York but as I've never been there would like advise on where/what and how.

If anyone remembers it would be appreciated as I would love this to be extra special.

ps would love to take her to Disney but I think I would have a very unhappy DD!

 

[carolfoy]

Hi Wilki, first of all fly either Bristol with Continental to Newark or Lhr to Jfk with ba or virgin, both have flights on airline network/expedia etc. book a limo at jfk for extra luxury!!! many many good and fairly reasonable hotels, the thirty thirty, New yorker, ****ord Plaza are all pretty reasonable but you can't beat the waldorf or Plaza for top of the range. pre book or when you get there a big apple double decker bus tour to find your way around and get your bearings, make sure you get the Empire state, ground zero, staten island ferry and central park into your visit. Anytime is a good time although will get very stuffy in summer and very cold in winter, I'd recommend may/june.

 

[Frances999]

Hi

We have been numerous times now and bought a timeshare in NYC in August. I would be happy to help with any specific questions you might have

We stayed at the Hilton (avenue of the americas) and this is where we bought our timeshare (at the Hilton Club). The location is unbeatable - a 5 minute stroll North to central park (and great views of central park), about 10 minutes to Times Square and less than that to Fifth Avenue shopping.

We found the weather fine at the end of July - it was hot but easy to cope with and nowhere near as bad as Florida in the summer. We went in December too and it was very chilly, but similar to England.

The statue of Liberty makes for a wonderful day out, but make sure you book online in advance if you actually want to go into the statue. Statue Reservations do tickets which include the circle line ferry and the admission passes to the statue. Numbers are limited and it is virtually impossible to get them "on the day" so make sure you book in advance.

There isn't much to see at Ground Zero but the location makes it handy for combining with a trip to the Statue of Liberty. At the Empire State Building be sure to get a "Tour Guide Tony" - it is really great (even DS enjoyed it!).

The Museum of Modern Art (recently opened) is really nice and the Natural History Museum makes for a good few hours as well, it can be combined with central park quite easily to fill most of a day.

There are lots of great Broadway shows at the moment, we always book in advance but you see people queueing for ages at the TKTS boothes across the city.

There's so much more too!

 

[Claire L]

If you like musicals and ABBA then Mamma Mia! is an excellent show to see on Broadway. You must also go to Grand Central Station and if you like seafood try the Oyster Bar for a meal Going to the top of the Empire State in both daylight and darkness is great totally different perspective at night!
For hotels Times Sq is central and has loads at reasonable prices. We stayed at the Millenium Un Plaza in 2003, fab hotel and about a 15 minute walk to Times Sq.

Claire

 

[Miffy2003]

What a lovely idea!

Just moving this across to community for you.

 

[jen_uk]

I stayed at the Novotel on Times sq and we had the most amazing view ever! It was really convenient for all the touristy stuff as well.

 

[wilki32]

Thank you very much, plans maybe delayed as we have just found out DW is going in for an operation at the end of January, may give me a little more time to prepare!

 

[Claire L]

Hope all goes well with the op and as you say more time to plan to make this a really special surprise

Claire