New York Anyone? (Concierge Collection)

[arielslm]

I'm heading to New York and planning on using the one of the two hotels in the Concierge Collection so I can see The Little Mermaid musical at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Any suggestions? I've never been to NYC and could use any tips available. Thanks!!

 

[problemchild718]

I'm heading to New York and planning on using the one of the two hotels in the Concierge Collection so I can see The Little Mermaid musical at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Any suggestions? I've never been to NYC and could use any tips available. Thanks!!

What are your choices? (I'm at work and can't look them up)

 

[arielslm]

Loews Regency Hotel or Shelburne Murray Hill. Thanks for responding!!

 

[SSRFred]

What are the points cost for each? They are different hotels in different areas although only about a mile away from each other. You could walk from one to the other easily.
I lived near the Shelburne, so I am intimate with Murray Hill. It is more residential. You'll have quicker access to public transportation (Grand Central Station), closer to supermarkets, cheaper parking lots etc. (not that I would drive).
The Regency is more upscale in a higher end business/tourist area. You'll be closer to the Madison Ave shops, Central Park Zoo, Carnegie, FAO Schwartz and you still have good access to public transportation.
Again let me say, they are within minutes of each other. If I were going to explore Manhattan, I'd rather be close to 42nd Street. If I were going to spend more time in the hotel and walking nearby I'd opt for 61st Street and Park Ave. Then again a yellow cab can get you anywhere.

 

[arielslm]

I haven't checked on the points yet. My sister and I (31 & 34) are going together to see The Little Mermaid at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. We have NEVER been to NYC and I'm trying to figure out even what airport would be best. Plus do we need to rent a car or depend on public transportation? We are from Cincinnati and I don't know if we would survive traffic in NYC so I'm leaning toward public transportation. We'll probably fly in, in the morning. Spend one or two days sightseeing and seeing the show, and then head home. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for responding!!

 

[DeeCee735]

LaGuardia Airport is closer to Manhattan than JFK. I'd go with that. I live near JFK, it's not a bad ride at all, but LaGuardia is closer, saves you some time on the return trip.

I've never stayed overnight in the city because I live so close, but I think I'd go with the more touristy area, as opposed to the more residental. You're going to love it, the city is awesome! Enjoy the trip and the play and have fun planning.

 

[problemchild718]

I'd go with Lowes b/c of the location.

 

[lizanne]

Don't rent a car if you don't plan on leaving the city. We're from PA and go to NYC at least 4 or 5 times a year. My DH drives, but I would never even attempt it. He worked and lived in the city for about a year.

As a Christmas gift, one of my sons is taking me to see Wicked in NYC. We're taking the train. He's never driven in NYC and I told him there was no way I would go by car. Everything you heard about driving in NYC is true.

 

[SSRFred]

I haven't checked on the points yet. My sister and I (31 & 34) are going together to see The Little Mermaid at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. We have NEVER been to NYC and I'm trying to figure out even what airport would be best. Plus do we need to rent a car or depend on public transportation? We are from Cincinnati and I don't know if we would survive traffic in NYC so I'm leaning toward public transportation. We'll probably fly in, in the morning. Spend one or two days sightseeing and seeing the show, and then head home. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for responding!!

Absolutely do not rent a car. There is no useful parking. The lots will charge you $35 to 50 every time you park.
NYC has one of the most extensive public transportation systems. In addition you have yellow cabs and town car service.
I say take whatever flight is cheapest to either JFK, LGA or EWR(Newark NJ). Newark is about the same distance away as JFK. La Guardia is the closest as mentioned before. All have transportation for hire to and from the city.

 

[nicoleshaun]

Can not help with the hotels so not familiar with either. HOWEVER, once you get your accommodations, get your tickets for the play. It is a very hot ticket right now. The concierge at your hotel could get you tickets if you can not get them yourself, but they will charge you a premium.

 

[wolfyie]

We have exchanged into the Shelburne Murray Hill twice. If it is only the 2 of you, I would go with the Lowes, nicer hotel. Both times we went we had 5 people and the Shelburne has 2 BR suites w/2BA and full kitchen. We would have needed 2 hotel rooms at the Lowe's so we went with the Shelburne. It is OLD and definately shows it's age. We really like the location and the small, quaintness of it, the space is great and awesome views of the Empire State Building out our living room and bedroom windows, but I think if there are only 2 of you, the Lowe's would be better for you. Let me know if you have any other questions. You will LOVE New York!

 

[SamSam]

arielslm , No need to drive, the public transportation is great. I've only been twice, once with family and once with a group of 11 girlfriends(very fun) and we had no problem using the subways. We found New Yorkers to be very helpful and never had a problem finding someone to help us if we having trouble deciding which line (subway) to take. Go and enjoy!

 

[eliza61]

Hey Arielslm,
You're going to love NY (but I'm a native and pretty partial). My suggestion. WALK!! If the weather is nice, take an afternoon and see all the touristy sites. Start at times square (42nd) head over to 5th ave and walk up. You'll pass Rockerfeller Center and the cathedrial. Check out all the swanky stores.. Bergadoff Goodman & Tiffany's alone are worth the trip. See the World of Disney, Trump Towers and all the other stores. How long will you be there?

 

[wintergreen]

The Shelburne Murray Hill is no longer a CC option. Loews Regency is the only one left in NYC.

 

[pampat]

We stayed at the Lowes Regency in August/September over Labour Day last year and really felt at home there. They have a fantastic Library bar which is most restful after a day on your feet, either for a soft drink or a meal. The staff are wonderful, it's a great location, the rooms are large. I can't wait to go back.

We strolled down to the theatres every night (saw three shows - all wonderful), walked round Central Park (3 blocks away) and enjoyed good meals in the vicinity.

We flew into JFK because it was easier for us from the UK, got a prebooked mini bus to the hotel and then walked and cabbed everywhere.

I do envy you, have a wonderful time there.

Pam

 

[lisah0711]

Good things that the Shelburne Murray Hill was removed because it was old and worn. We stayed there in June (not on points) and we would never stay again. For what it is worth the Murray Hill location was super but find another place to stay and enjoy!

 

[snowbunny]

We have NEVER been to NYC and I'm trying to figure out even what airport would be best. Plus do we need to rent a car or depend on public transportation?

OMG...if you have never been to New York City: please do NOT rent a car