NYC Info Needed

[Minnie824]

We're thinking of taking a little mini-trip to New York City between xmas and new years, and we've never been there. It would be DH, myself, DD13 & DD10. I need suggestions of nice hotels.. I priced some like the ritz which is over $1000 per night...thats a little much... but something maybe $5-600 and safe and in a nice location. Also, what things are must do activities? Is the statue of liberty open in the winter? I know we'd like to go skating at Rockefeller center and with 2 girls, obviously shopping. Open to any other ideas. Thanks!

 

[ashley0139]

We're thinking of taking a little mini-trip to New York City between xmas and new years, and we've never been there. It would be DH, myself, DD13 & DD10. I need suggestions of nice hotels.. I priced some like the ritz which is over $1000 per night...thats a little much... but something maybe $5-600 and safe and in a nice location. Also, what things are must do activities? Is the statue of liberty open in the winter? I know we'd like to go skating at Rockefeller center and with 2 girls, obviously shopping. Open to any other ideas. Thanks!

The Marriot Marquis in Times Square is a great hotel to stay in. Central to everything and nice. As far as things to do, definitely see a show or too. Walk through Central Park. There are of course tons of museums which are great in the winter because they are inside.

 

[disneydee6]

Times Square has cheaper hotel offers. Museums (the discovery museum in times square, the MoMA, and museum of natural history, the metropolitan museum of art, so many!!), broadway show, shop in SoHo (and visit chinatown or little italy). Visit Saks 5th Ave for xmas displays. The NY Botanical Garden in the BX (A bit of a shlep) has an exhibit for the holidays.

Hopstop is a good phone app to help you navigate the subways if you are unfamiliar.

Also, be sure to wear the right shoes if you are doing walking. Sidewalks with construction + slushy snow (if there's any at the time) = soaking wet shoes!

 

[elphaba91]

We are staying at the Hotel Edison, right in the theatre district. We are in one of the older rooms but there are also some remodeled rooms and suites that are really nice and would be in your budget.

 

[Tozzie]

We're thinking of taking a little mini-trip to New York City between xmas and new years, and we've never been there. It would be DH, myself, DD13 & DD10. I need suggestions of nice hotels.. I priced some like the ritz which is over $1000 per night...thats a little much... but something maybe $5-600 and safe and in a nice location. Also, what things are must do activities? Is the statue of liberty open in the winter? I know we'd like to go skating at Rockefeller center and with 2 girls, obviously shopping. Open to any other ideas. Thanks!

Oh goodness, you are coming at a very crowded popular time of year. All Hotels will be at a premium. Lady Liberty should be open but the hours may be shorter.

ice skating- Go early, the wait time to get on the ice can be very long. As an alternative there is also Ice Skating in Bryant Park.

There is the train show at the NY Botanical Gardens which is in the Bronx but easily accesible by the subway.

Ok my tired Brain can't think but there are tons of things to see and do in NYC I will post more as I think

 

[holycow]

We stayed at the Marriot Marquis and it was wonderfully located.

What a wonderful time to go!

 

[Aliceacc]

Be sure to see St. Patrick's Cathedral, and all the store Christmas windows on 5th Ave.

 

[antmaril]

We, too, stayed at The Marriott Marquis. Very nice hotel in a great location in Times Square.

 

[Minnie824]

Thanks for the info! Any specific museums you'd recommend, and I forgot to ask... what good restaurants?

 

[weeniecat2442]

I lived in Brooklyn and worked in Manhattan for a bit...one thing I always liked to do with out of town guests...and something that is free...is walk the Brooklyn bridge. it may be a bit cold that time of year but the view is amazing!

 

[lorimay]

We have stayed at The Marriott Marquis a few times and love it.
But we have also stayed at The Trump SOHO, its amazing first class service all the way.

I would also suggest The Rockettes Christmas show its a must see at least once.

Lombardi's for Pizza and Ferrara's for dessert.
Google Christmas time in NYC all sorts of great ideas will be there.
Have a wonderful time!

 

[MomiTo2SwtGuys]

We stayed at The Renaissance in Times Square. I loved it. Close to everything. I really want to stay at The Hilton in Times Square.

 

[clori]

My girls are now 10 and 14. We go to NYC periodically to visit family in Manhattan. Some things they have enjoyed over the years include the National Museum of Mathematics, United Nations Tour, Sony Wonder Technology Lab - all take 1-2 hours. They liked visiting the USS Intrepid, FAO Scwartz, Top of the Rock, NBC Studios Tour, Radio City Music tour etc.

I believe to go inside the Statue of Liberty you most likely need advanced time tickets and combined with Ellis Island can be a full day. The girls enjoyed the audio tour at both places.

Check out the Newyorkpass.com The pass can be a great deal but if not it is still a informative website describing many touristy places.

 

[DaretoDis]

Just two words...Shake Shack.

 

[frndshpcptn]

Just two words...Shake Shack.

But only the original location in Madison Square Park. The others are just not as good.

 

[ashley0139]

Thanks for the info! Any specific museums you'd recommend, and I forgot to ask... what good restaurants?

It's New York... you'll find a good restaurant on every block. You need to specify price, type of food, location, where you're willing to travel to, etc.

 

[mjkacmom]

Thanks for the info! Any specific museums you'd recommend, and I forgot to ask... what good restaurants?

In general, stay away from Times Square restaurants. See the Christmas Spectacular. Prepare for crowds!

 

[wilkeliza]

My suggestion is actually not to stay in Times Square. We usually put family up in the W Union Square. You are right next to good food and a subway hub but not in crowded loud Times Square. Also much bigger rooms than the postage stamps you get in Times Square.

Also the Ace Hotel is another great option. I actually live on the same block. It is walking distance to Macy's/Harold Square and Madisson Square Garden and only two subway stops from the heart of Times Square.

 

[Minnie824]

It's New York... you'll find a good restaurant on every block. You need to specify price, type of food, location, where you're willing to travel to, etc.

Pizza, Italian, Steak, Bakery, Burgers. Anything close to places we'll go, so Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center. I'm not really familar w/the locations at all. Cost, would like nice restaurants.. I would definitely like to try Shake Shack, but for other restaurants, Wildfire, Gibsons, Mastros...those type are fine too.

 

[suzannen]

My suggestion is actually not to stay in Times Square. We usually put family up in the W Union Square. You are right next to good food and a subway hub but not in crowded loud Times Square. Also much bigger rooms than the postage stamps you get in Times Square.

Also the Ace Hotel is another great option. I actually live on the same block. It is walking distance to Macy's/Harold Square and Madisson Square Garden and only two subway stops from the heart of Times Square.

I second this! That particular week will not only be unbearably crowded (with pickpockets all around), but the city will also be building stages & starting to set up barricades for New Year's Eve. Visit it, but don't stay there this time of year! Trust me, I worked right by there for 25 years & even diehard NYers try to avoid it like the plague then).

I would look into a place like The Warwick located at 6th Avenue & 54th, right near Radio City Music Hall (get tix in advance), and an easy walk to the Modern Museum of Art, Rockefeller Center & 5th Ave shopping, Times Sq, etc. Another good option is the NY Marriott East Side on Lexington & 49th Street - also within walking distance of all of the above.

Also, the original Shake Shack is getting ready to close for a 5-month renovation during the winter months and they are not sure exactly when it will reopen.