Help with New York trip please.

[bamamom]

My DD11 and I are try to plan a trip to New York for Thanksgiving. We will be arriving on Wed and leaving on Sat. This will be the first trip to NYC for both of us . So therefore I know NOTHING about NY. Of course we want to see the parade, GMA or Today show, American Girl store (we have eaten at the cafe in Atlanta so she doesnt really want to eat there just "do" the store), and what else we can do. She said "she wants to be able to look out the hotel room window and see the streets like in the movies" Any suggestions of hotels and what section to stay. Where not to go? All tips will be greatly appreciated. Does anyone know anything about Le Parker Meridien Hotel or Omni Berkshire Place? Thanks so much in advance this will be our first large trip without DH and DS13

 

[Lucky4me]

They had some great prices a few weeks back on Hotwire for a 4 star hotel in Midtown East that week. They don't tell you the name of the hotel, but I know from experience, it's the Sheraton on 9th ave and 50 something, forgot. Very close to all the action and very safe. You want to stay in at least a 3 to 4 star hotel to make sure it's decent.
This is a great time to visit nyc.
If you get that hotel, you should be walking distance from the things you already listed you want to do. The shopping alone could easily take up three days.
But you'll want to get on the subway to go see the Statue Of Liberty (there's a free ferry that will take you by it, don't pay for it) maybe the Twin Towers site? Your dd may be too young for that. Chinatown is an experience, my 14yo dd loved it. There are all kinds of things happening in the parks at that time of year, lighting ceremonies, music, food, gift shops and just a very festive atmosphere. You could go see the tree at Rockefeller center, it's amazing in person. On 42nd and 11th ave is the new museum on the ship Intrepid, but not sure if your dd would be interested in that. There are many museums within walking distance of that hotel I mentioned.
You could go see a play. Sometimes Skyauction has fantastic deals on broadway plays.
Or you could go to TKS at 9am one day and get 1/2 price tickets.
There are other discount websites for play tickets, but I don't think none as cheap as these places. There are so many more things I haven't mentioned and there are many websites to find them-just google things to do in Manhattan.

We'll be in nyc Thanksgiving week too and I can't wait. I was there in June and I'm already missing it.

Good luck and have a great time!

 

[cybrkitn]

DH and I are going in next month to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and just booked the Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

There are a few hotels that I came across while searching that have parade views. The best thing to do would be to Google it. When I did that, the Millenium, two Sheraton hotels and a few others popped up. Also, your best bet would be to make sure you book the hotel early. I'm guessing that hotels fill up fast as it gets closer.

DH and I have gone into the City by train one year to see the Thanksgiving Parade and it was crowded! We weren't in front of Macy's but further down the street where we could just make out the overhang that everyone stops in front of. I'm surprised that we still made it back to my parent's house in time for Thanksgiving dinner, but we did.

Enjoy your planning!

 

[LoraJ]

I would book somewhere that you can guarantee a view. Many times you may end up looking at another building. We stayed in the city one night when my parents were in town and chose the new Westin on 8th and 43rd. When booking there, you could specify a room with a city view. We got a room where you could see 42nd Street and the buildings of Times Square. It was a really nice hotel.

 

[Minnie_me]

We did this a couple of years ago and had a GREAT TIME!!!

One cool thing is that after the parade, the parade route (or much of it) remained closed. So you can walk right in the streets of Times Square - no traffic at all! We loved that!!

Be aware that some of the stores are actually CLOSED on Thanksgiving! We were kind of surprised by this, given the number of tourists on hand.

Where are you eating Thanksgiving dinner?? We ate at Carmine's, which is a wonderful Italian family-style restaurant. They served Thanksgiving dinner (their regular menu was also available) at your table just like you were at home -- big bowls of mashed potatoes and stuffing, the turkey on a platter, etc. It was really nice.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

We stayed at the Sheraton when DD was in the parade. Hotel room was nice (small), but none of the views would be pararde views. The walk to the parade was short though, one block.

We aslo stayed at the Hilton Times Square. This was definetely more in the heart of the action, but we didn't like the view and it was just an okay stay for the money.

Last but not least, we stayed at the Waldorf Astoria. This was the best room by far but it is actually away from all the action. Required more cabs than any other stay. (Must admit it was the middle of December so we didn't even look for the Subway station).


My girlfriend stays all the time for business and swears by the Residence Inn on the Avenue of the Americas. We were originally staying here but for the week we were there only the Times Square Hilton had points stay available.

We had Thanksgiving dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner. We enjoyed it very much. A LOT of the restaurants are open but require Reservations.

Since DD was beat from being up so early for the parade, we actually just went back to the room after dinner. The majority of stores and attractions were closed the year we were there.

Have a great time.

 

[luvwinnie]

I would definitely try to see the Museum of Natural History. Have fun!