First-timers trip to NYC...help needed please!

[Danibelle]

Cornflake, I agree. I wouldn't stay in NJ either. LIC is on the subway line and could be an affordable way to stay and commute to the city. It is very close and wouldn't be a real time constraint. (Assuming they would have a 7-day metro card, cost wouldn't be an issue either)

I equate it with staying in crystal City in VA on the metro line and visiting DC. Still doable IF the cost of the hotel offsets the cost of travel.

I have done both and Crystal City is a lot closer/easier commute to DC (right next door) than NJ is to Manhattan. Personally, I would save up and stay in Midtown. It is much easier to get to the main tourist spots.

 

[shoney]

I have done both and Crystal City is a lot closer/easier commute to DC (right next door) than NJ is to Manhattan. Personally, I would save up and stay in Midtown. It is much easier to get to the main tourist spots.

I was equating Crystal city to LIC (long island city in Queens), not NJ.

I personally have never done it, but have read many trip reports from people who have and did not regret there decision.

Yes, it is best to stay in the city, but if budget does not allow, then LIC offers some lower cost options.

 

[disneysteve]

Take a look at the Fairfield Inn in Astoria.
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lgaqa-fairfield-inn-new-york-laguardia-airport-astoria/

We stayed there earlier this year. Great location with lots of restaurants in walking distance. The hotel has a free shuttle to the nearby subway station or it is just a short walk. We walked in the morning and called for the shuttle when we came back at night (because the weather was bad). I think it was about a 20-minute train ride into the Times Square area. And the price was much lower than staying in Manhattan.

 

[irishsharon]

whatever you do, do not mention this on tripadvisor....LOL...

You will be met with lots of angry posters ....far worse than the mention of poolhopping or reusing last years mugs here on the DIS.

(Apparently it is illegal...from what I have read there)

OMG!!!!! I had no idea I have only ever rented homes in other states

 

[The Princess]

Just got back last night from spending the weekend in nyc.
Make sure you study,study and study more about the city it was our 1st trip and we were overwhelmed!!!

 

[disneyfan123]

We've gone to NYC twice and found pretty good deals. We flew with Jet Blue into JFK. We used Priceline name your price for our first trip; we had to hotel hop a bit, but all of our hotels were in Times Square so it was easy, and kind of fun. We got the Marriott Marquis and Westin Times Square (top floor with an amazing view!) for $150. We also stayed 2 nights at the Millennium, for about $200/night. The second trip we just stayed at the Millennium for 5 nights and paid about $150/night. Sign up for their newsletter to get some good discounts.

You won't get any discounts for Lion King, but there are lots of good websites, or the TKTS booth to find discounts for other shows.

 

[NotUrsula]

whatever you do, do not mention this on tripadvisor....LOL...

You will be met with lots of angry posters ....far worse than the mention of poolhopping or reusing last years mugs here on the DIS.

(Apparently it is illegal...from what I have read there)

Yes and no. What is illegal is runnig a business renting out the flats in an apartment building short-term as hotel rooms but not paying hotel taxes. Companies were systematically filling empty apts in residential buildings with short-term guests that the building mgmt was not equipped to service, and the full-time residents hated it.

The law was not meant to apply to owners who rent out their own homes on an occasional basis, but they did kind of get caught up in it.

There are still a fair number of apartment-type buildings that have themselves registered as hotels, that take only short-term guests, and that pay the appropriate taxes. Those are still legal and fine to rent in.

 

[shoney]

Yes and no. What is illegal is runnig a business renting out the flats in an apartment building short-term as hotel rooms but not paying hotel taxes. Companies were systematically filling empty apts in residential buildings with short-term guests that the building mgmt was not equipped to service, and the full-time residents hated it.

The law was not meant to apply to owners who rent out their own homes on an occasional basis, but they did kind of get caught up in it.

There are still a fair number of apartment-type buildings that have themselves registered as hotels, that take only short-term guests, and that pay the appropriate taxes. Those are still legal and fine to rent in.

I just know from reading the boards that the mere mention of a rental gets people crazed. Wouldn't want that to be a first post! LOL this is the faq on it over there...that politely gives the info the regular posters stand by (Im not saying it is right or wrong)
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g...City:New-York:Vacation.Apartment.Rentals.html

 

[NotUrsula]

I just know from reading the boards that the mere mention of a rental gets people crazed. Wouldn't want that to be a first post! LOL this is the faq on it over there...that politely gives the info the regular posters stand by (Im not saying it is right or wrong)
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g...City:New-York:Vacation.Apartment.Rentals.html

That summary pretty much agrees with what I said. The simplest first-step test is whether the quote includes the hotel tax; if it doesn't, the deal is probably not legal. Legitimate apt-style hotels charge the standard hotel tax.

 

[Soupermom]

OP here again. Thanks to everyone for all of the great information! I don't think I want to do the apartment rental, so we can drop that discussion (debate). I've used Priceline before, so I may give that another try. I'd be thrilled if we could stay in Manhattan, 5 in a room, for under $200/night, which sounds like it might be possible. I've only ever used Priceline, does anyone suggestion another, similar website? If I use Priceline, what "area" do you all recommend I choose? How long should I wait to book on Priceline; I plan on going in late June.

I would like to use SW points to fly, but their website is being weird on which airports in the NYC area I can fly into; it seems some service may be changing. Luckily they are only booking through April at this point, so I have time on that.

Thanks again for everyone's help...keep it coming!

 

[FoundMyPrince]

Hello OP - DH and I returned from a trip to NYC a few weeks ago. We love it there - been several times.

Do not rent a car.

Please consider staying outside of the Times Square area. The subway is really easy to use - we walked or took the subway everywhere. We stayed in three different hotels during our 6 night stay. We wanted to get a feel of the various areas. Our favorite was the Marriott in the Financial District ($135 on Priceline.com); it was just across from the Trade Center memorial. Though we attended two shows I still wouldn't want to stay in the TS area - just too circus-like for my taste.

You can download an app for the NYC subway - it was a lifesaver. No need for a guidebook or map - just make sure you have a phone charger with you so you can charge it each night!

Also, if you happen to be foodies, consider taking a food tour. We took a Greenwich Village food tour through foodsofny.com/ and loved it! Our guide was Heather - she was terrific. We learned a lot about the area, loved the food, and even returned twice during our visit to eat in the area, again.

 

[FoundMyPrince]

My family has informed me that they really want to go to NYC next summer for our family vacation. This leaves me feeling ! I love to plan our trips and usually do a great job, but for some reason I am very apprehensive about this target destination. To start...can anyone recommend a good guide book? I usually use the UG series when traveling, but this particular one did not get very good reviews on Amazon. Any suggestions on where to fly into? I'd like to use our SouthWest points, so that would be a consideration. Do we need a rental car? Where should we stay hotel-wise? Activity suggestions? I know we'd like to see: WTC Memorial, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty?, a Broadway show (The Lion King? maybe, is Daniel Radcliffe currently starring in anything?).
It would most like be the four of us plus DD's BoyF, who is like a son to us. I appreciate any helpful suggestions; I know my fellow Disers will point me in the right directions! Thanks!!!

Also, since it's your first time in NYC, consider a bus tour like Grayline. While we didn't do this on our most recent trip, it was of benefit on our first visit years ago. You can get a feel of the city - kind of get your bearings this way. I would not depend on this bus service (Grayline) for your primary transportation, but it might be good for one day - you can get a taste of what is there.

 

[Anthony1971]

SWA only flies into LaGuarda. This airport is a little closer to NYC then JFK not that it matters as far as getting to NYC by Taxi. You can take a train from JFK or Newark (EWR) however you will likely not save much if anything at all.
NYC in the summer well lets say come as close to the cooler parts as you can - late august or early June. Why lets just say stand by the kitchen vents of your nearest fast food place on a hot summer day then multiple this by lets say 50. I have worked here for ?? years and it still makes me sometimes.
As far as the rest you will find plenty to do kust by walking anywhere. Hotels... the closer you are to the main tourist parts the more expensive but be carefull of reviews of all as what you here is likley true... It is not cheap here so if you want a decent place to stay either pay or stay in NJ or Queens however you will be spending a good amount of time on trains.
Touristy things are not for me so I can not help but as I said just walking in most parts you will find plenty... Do not limit yourself to Mitown the village, SOHO, NOHO, Wall Street, Battery Park, Chelsea.... Offer what will seem like a different city... and most can be walked to if you do not mind walking

 

[KCMiller]

SWA only flies into LaGuarda. This airport is a little closer to NYC then JFK not that it matters as far as getting to NYC by Taxi. You can take a train from JFK or Newark (EWR) however you will likely not save much if anything at all.
NYC in the summer well lets say come as close to the cooler parts as you can - late august or early June. Why lets just say stand by the kitchen vents of your nearest fast food place on a hot summer day then multiple this by lets say 50. I have worked here for ?? years and it still makes me sometimes.
As far as the rest you will find plenty to do kust by walking anywhere. Hotels... the closer you are to the main tourist parts the more expensive but be carefull of reviews of all as what you here is likley true... It is not cheap here so if you want a decent place to stay either pay or stay in NJ or Queens however you will be spending a good amount of time on trains.
Touristy things are not for me so I can not help but as I said just walking in most parts you will find plenty... Do not limit yourself to Mitown the village, SOHO, NOHO, Wall Street, Battery Park, Chelsea.... Offer what will seem like a different city... and most can be walked to if you do not mind walking

A small correction - Southwest flies into Newark as well as LaGuardia.

KC

 

[DizneyDogs]

I would recommend either the New York Pass (good for 70+ attractions) or Citypass (good for 6 attractions) depending on what all you want to do.

We went with the NY Pass and it saved us a ton. We also enjoyed the Top of the Rock and visiting the museums.

 

[Soupermom]

Thanks everyone! Your info is very helpful. What days of the week would you suggest staying/visiting the city. I think we will be there 6 nights, 5 full days. Are weekdays/weekends better for certain activities?

I'm thinking staying in the financial district might be a little better for us...Times Square might just be too crowded overall, but I do want to visit things in that area. Hmmm....just thinking aloud I guess.

 

[nunzia]

We are also planning a first time trip to New York..next April (coming in by train). We're going with friends who have been there several times, so not as scary as it would be otherwise. We are booked Sheraton New York Tower..close but not TOO close to Times Square so we've heard. Also will take a tour with a company that does some bus/some walking/some subway to hopefully get a feel for the place. Have already bought Mary Poppins tickets, still want to get Newsies and maybe Chaplin or Nice Work If You Can Get It..maybe there will be something good at other venues? Anyway..it is all new and a bit nerveracking

 

[4shinystars]

The odds of you getting a room in NYC on Priceline that will fit 5 is extremely slim. The rooms I've gotten were barely big enough for 2. You are not guaranteed a specific size room, and if you bid on 2 rooms, you probably won't have them next to each other. My niece did this last year since they had 2 adults and 2 teens and Priceline wouldn't guarantee a room with 2 doubles. They booked 2 rooms. Got a nice hotel but the rooms were on different floors and both were very, very small.
Like others have said the Affinia chain is good for space, and travelzoo has regular specials. Check as your dates get closer.

 

[Soupermom]

How exactly does Travelzoo work? Is it reliable? Thanks!

 

[LisaRN97]

Once you get everything booked, I can recommend some good places for 'snacks'! I live in NJ but work in NYC....I love cookies and cupcakes and can tell you where to get the best of those! (Levain Bakery for cookies). I recommend staying in midtown as well, there is so much to see and do there and the subways are very accessible from there. You can even take the subway right up to Yankee stadium if you wanted to catch a game. Like I said, I work in the city, but I have my own bucket list of things that I'd like to do and places I love to see.