OT-New York City Trip March 2012

[gracie1]

Daughter and I just went the week before Christmas. We live in VA, so It's a good 6.5 hour drive. I've always had good luck with Priceline. If you don't mind what hotel you stay in, and Pick the lowest star rating you are comfortable with, then usually you can save a good amount of money.
Anyway, this time we ended up with the Courtyard by Marriot Jersey City that has been mentioned here for $85 a night. The hotel charges $16 a day to park a car, but it's unlimited access. The area is really safe! It's almost in walking distance to the CakeBoss store in Hoboken. (we didn't walk, we just placed an order online and picked it up at the store( Lobster tails and cannolli's)
Like stated before the Courtyard is right beside the Path train station. $2 each way to 34th street area.
Things that we have done are Free ferry ride to Stanton Island to "see" the Statue of Liberty. It gets you close enough that I really didn't feel like I missed out.
Top of the Rock to me is better, and faster than waiting for Empire long lines. Even the elevator ride to Top of the Rock is cool!
China Town, Little Italy. (we get our feet massaged in Chinatown and she gets her nails done. Little Italy had Ferraris sp? bakery that is as good or better IMHO than CakeBoss. My daughter watched the CakeBoss show, so we've been inside Carlos'.
She's only 8 and in the passed we have ridden the ferris wheel in Toys R Us.
We usually eat at the pizza shops and junk. Johns pizza near Times Square and the LaGuarida or something near the Brooklyn Bridge.
We walked (or at the time, she was still in the stroller) across the Brooklyn Bridge. Very nice skyline view of Manhatten...plus it was free
This last time we got tickets for the 9/11 Memorial..It was fine because we didn't have to wait for tickets and the line wasn't long. (we did have to wait about 30 minutes from when we got tickets to our actually time to stand in line)
We've done central park, but only on the outside. We haven't really walked much into the park.
We did the Museum of Natural History only to see the planitarium. I wouldn't suggest that. (wasted $40 bucks)
We spend alot of time at American Girl store, but I don't think that will be a store you'd visit.
Even though we've been around 6 times, we seem to always do alot of the same stuff, with a little new mixed in.
Saw Mary Poppins (tickets from Broadway box....good seats for $65
Wicked this last trip......$115 a ticket for not so great seats. Not bad, but not great. We got spoiled from Mary poppins, but it's not a hot show like wicked. My dd loved Wicked, I like MP, probably because of the price...lol
So I'm not sure where you are comming from. Driving or flying?.....
my suggestion would be If you are really concerned about where you stay, there's two hotels that I think you would be really ok with. The Courtyard in Jersey City (check there rates, but the week before christmas $170 a night, we did priceline for $85) plus parking.
Sheration in Weehobken (sp?, it's near Jersey City, Seacaucus) they charge $20 to park, but they have the water ferry right at the hotel. The area is safe, but nothing to do or eat nearby that was of mentioned. In Jersey City there's the mall right across the street, nice little breakfest cafe's......My vote is for Jersey City.....
Get a good map.
Good walking shoes. That's the thing. In New York you Walk! So If everybody is in pretty good health/shape it's no big deal. If nobody is used to walking alot, it becomes an issue.
I'd probably try to hang with your neice and let mom and dad do there thing.
Your dad is tripping on how unsafe NY is. I see more single women alone on the subway/trains etc than any other city I go to. Nobody really bothers anybody. Nobody really gives eye contact, don't speak etc. It's just a different way of life, but whenever we've had any questions, people have been the most helpful.
I get turned around alot in NY. I'll think I'm heading in the right direction, walk a block and realize the numbers are going opposite of what I thougth.
I know this is long, but I thought I'd share what has worked good for us.
Another thing is Money. Everything cost, so like any vacation, the more your bring the more your can spend...lol
We did 3 nights and I think for gas/food/tolls/show/room/parking/junk food etc. For an 8 yo and 41 yo...($350is room/park. $240show gas/tolls $130 plus I had $400 cash when I left and only around $20 when I got back, $70 at CakeBoss......It was easlily $1100-1300 for 3 nights.....But it was fun and had some good memories..
I've been before with another family and although I had fun, it had some times of being miserable!
It's easier to please a couple people than awhole group.
So, If your dad is just going because he wants to protect his girls, he might want to sit this one out and let the girls be girls in NY! (just get his checkbook....lol.....
have fun.....

Nice review!! I have been keeping my eye on the courtyard in jersey city, but their prices are $359 a night. I can't justify spending that much!

 

[mjkacmom]

Nice review!! I have been keeping my eye on the courtyard in jersey city, but their prices are $359 a night. I can't justify spending that much!

Here's where you need to go to find a hotel out of NYC http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=415

There are folks here who will ask you your dates, and find great deals for you, in and out of the city.

 

[ElenaRN]

I live in NYC, so I don't know about hotels bc I never stayed in one in the city.
Long Island City, Queens is one 5 minute subway stop from midtown. The area has a lot of great cafes etc. It has become very yuppie in the past 5 years. Check out some hotels there.

As far as Broadway shows, I am partial to Wicked and The Lion King. I have seen both about 5 times each.

I second PP recommendation of Top of the Rock. You can see the entire city. Find out what time sunset will be the night you are going and get tickets for that time. The view is breathtaking.

I also 2nd the Staten Island Ferry. It's a free ride and you get a great view of the Statue. You aren't allowed in the Statue anymore, though that might have changed since last I had family visiting, so to me it's a waste to go there. That is unless you had family that came through Ellis Island.

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to the Promenade in downtown Brooklyn, it has a yet another beautiful view of the city. It was much better pre- 9/11 :-(. DUMBO has a bunch of great restaurants.

South Street Seaport and Wall Street are nice areas to walk though as is The Village.

I am not a big museum person but the Museum of Natural History and The Met are wonderful. Also the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens.

If you'll be here for a week, get a week long Unlimited Metro Card. The subway/buses don't take tokens anymore.

 

[rthutchens]

Thanks for the suggestion on the New York pass. It looks like a good money saver. Trip update: my dad has decided to sit this trip out so it will be just us girls.

 

[DisneyFansInLINY]

Check out groupon, travelzoo, etc they have discounted broadyway tickets and restaurants, etc.


Do not stay in Albany! If you want the suburbs, stay on long island which is where I am from and take the long island rail road to Penn station.

 

[VAfamily1998]

I also 2nd the Staten Island Ferry. It's a free ride and you get a great view of the Statue. You aren't allowed in the Statue anymore, though that might have changed since last I had family visiting, so to me it's a waste to go there. That is unless you had family that came through Ellis Island.

We were at the statue of Liberty in April 2011 and people were most definitely allowed in the statue. You have to buy tickets months in advance---we weren't able to go into the crown because it was sold out...but we were able to get tickets to the base.

Our family did not come through Ellis Island, but we still found it very interesting.

 

[RadioMom]

I just found out that I'm going to NYC in March over Spring Break for 6 nights. I have no idea where to begin my planning. I want to stay in a convenient location, any suggestions? What do you recommend for places to visit? I definitely want to see a Broadway show, any suggestions on which ones are best? Also, where can I get tickets at a discount. The trip will consist of myself (38), niece (14), mother (64) and father (67). Dad decided to go cause he doesn't think the city is safe for his girls. He suggested we stay in Albany and take the train to the city everyday. I think it sounds crazy.

Thanks for all input!

I could just cry! I typed out a HUGE reply to you and it's gone.
So, my condensed version is this:
Do not stay in Albany. Way to far. I've been to NY 3 times this year, once with my daugther and twice on my own and never felt safer! And don't be intimidated by the subway! People are very accommodating and will often ask you if you need help. New Yorkers are very proud of their city and want you to have a great experience.
My suggestions:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art or Natural History Museum if you're museum folks
30 Rockefeller Center over the Empire State Building - better price, better experience plus the architecture will take your breath away
Jacques Torres Chocolate at 30 Rock - get the warm chocolate chip cookie and find a place to sit down because it will make your knees buckle!!
Best Street Meat - the hot dog/sausage carts with the tributes to war vets. Great quality, good price, tastes great!
The Apple Store - It's just neat to check out and FAO Schwartz Toy Store is next door.
St. Patrick's Cathedral - Unreal and a must see, even if you're not Catholic.
Best Pizza - Two Boots in Grand Central or on Bleeker Street
Times Square - pretty typical mall stores, but check out the Disney Store and Toys R Us. They're neat

WASHROOMS - you might have trouble finding a clean washroom. Not surprising! Bring your own packet of kleenex and you can always trust a Starbucks to have a washroom. Or Bon Pain (like a deli) also has nice washrooms and GREAT food!! (I sound like George Costanza I know but when you gotta go you gotta go!)

Central Park - Take the pedal carts over the hansom cabs. You'll see more of the park, less money, longer tour and you can get some cool NY info on who lives where!

Harbour Cruises - a wonderful, affordable way to see all around the island including the Statue of Liberty (it goes past). You'll get incredible photo ops too.

I found the World Trade Center Site incredibly moving. I couldn't go into the Memorial. I had a ticket, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. But go down and experience the area. It's very haunting. And tour the financial district and Zuccotti Park (Occupy Wall Street) as well. The power of the world in just a few blocks is quite incredible.

 

[Kaizen]

Thank you to everyone who is posting. This is all great information!! I am looking to play tour guide to some people who have never been since I have been a few times (not much of an experienced tour guide but I guess with all this information, I am going to look like a genius!! Keep 'em coming!!

 

[AMVmom]

I was born and raised and used to live in NYC and I can tell you right now it is a LOT safer than what it used to be; however you still have to watch your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

Whenever we go back (usually once or more a month to see family) I take the kids to FAO Schwartz and the Disney Store; you don't have to buy anything and you can spend hours in either store, sometimes the Disney store will have pin trading there and character meet and greets too.

South Street Seaport is nice too although it can be a bit chilly later in the day depending on when you go. The food court can be a little pricey. In the warmer months they may have performers there.

The museums are always nice, Metropolitan Museum of Art has a great Egyptian wing and especially amazing to see is the Temple of Dendur. It's in the Sackler wing and its a very sunny room. You definitely have to go see it and the kids will love it. However if the kids are scared of mummies just make sure to not go into that room in particular (my oldest always stays far away from that area). They have a nice Japanese garden too.

Chinatown can be confusing to tour as is Little Italy; just a warning as the fishmarkets in Chinatown can be very fishy smelling if you or the kids are sensitive to smells (again I have one who is and we have to steer clear of those areas). I personally love that area as I grew up there so I am a little biased . There is a bakery in Little Italy, Ferrara's, which is famous and has been there for more than 100 years. They are known for their cannolis and they also have an expresso bar there.

Macy's on 34th street if you go to the Cellar (downstairs) the kids may love it, there is a candy shop and sometimes they will demonstrate products and give taste tests (that new soda machine that is out now they were demonstrating in December and my son must've tried every sugar free flavor they had, the lady was so nice about it too).

Have fun in NYC! I miss it (not living there though), there is so much to do and contrary to popular belief, New Yorkers are actually pretty nice people; so if you ever need help don't be afraid to ask for directions, most people will try to help you.

 

[AMVmom]

OMG I am so sorry! For some crazy odd reason I thought you were bringing little kids with you, my bad.

I still think FAO Schwartz and Disney store are worthwhile visits, I can lose myself in either one for long periods of time.

If I were you then the other places I would go would be Tiffany's (just nice to go in and see all their jewelry), maybe bring some food with you and have "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and Tourneau's on 57th. The salespeople can be snooty but hey, it's worth it just to walk into the store and sightsee. Besides, I never talk to the salespeople as I have no intention or the money to shop there

 

[momof3ds]

I am from NYC and just returned for a visit a few months ago. Stayed at the "On the Ave Hotel" http://www.ontheave-nyc.com/?__utma...d=referral|utmcct=/&__utmv=-&__utmk=197688367

Walking distance to central park and the museum of natural history. A subway station around the corner, taxi's were easy to get as well, there is a corner store where you can get snacks, fruit, etc. Used that for a quick and easy breakfast or late night snack as well.

 

[cornflake]

I am from NYC and just returned for a visit a few months ago. Stayed at the "On the Ave Hotel" http://www.ontheave-nyc.com/?__utma...d=referral|utmcct=/&__utmv=-&__utmk=197688367

Walking distance to central park and the museum of natural history. A subway station around the corner, taxi's were easy to get as well, there is a corner store where you can get snacks, fruit, etc. Used that for a quick and easy breakfast or late night snack as well.

Heh, welcome to NY; that's the 24-hour supermarket you're referring to.

 

[rthutchens]

What are your thoughts on staying in Jersey? Would it be inconvenient to take afternoon breaks?

 

[cornflake]

What are your thoughts on staying in Jersey? Would it be inconvenient to take afternoon breaks?

Oh my god yes. Also expensive. Even if you're taking the train, you've got to take a train or what have you to the station, wait for the train to Jersey, if it's anyplace near rush hour it's insanely crowded, then if you want to come back, same deal... you do not want to do that.

 

[Trixiezzz]

I am subscribing to this thread because we will be going to NYC in late May.

But all the hotel rates I'm finding (for 2 beds: 2 adults, 2 kids) are in the $300-$400 range, which is too much for us!

I have found a Hilton Garden Inn in the Soho/Tribeca area that is reasonable. Can anyone recommend this hotel and/or location?

If not, the best prices I've seen are in the Secaucus area, which as a previous poster said, would involve taking a bus or train in every day.

 

[cluvsdisney]

What are your thoughts on staying in Jersey? Would it be inconvenient to take afternoon breaks?

It may not be convenient for afternoon breaks but it's not terribly inconvenient either. It really depends on where you are in Manhattan and where you are staying in Jersey. If you are staying someplace in Jersey near the PATH train, it really doesn't take that long to get there. There are 6 stations in Manhattan from the World Trade Center to 33rd Street. I did a round trip from Penn to Jersey City & back in less than an hour.

It's $2.00 each way but they also have multi-ride passes that reduces the fare to $1.50 each way.

for more info (maps, schedules, etc)
http://www.panynj.gov/path/

 

[cornflake]

I am subscribing to this thread because we will be going to NYC in late May.

But all the hotel rates I'm finding (for 2 beds: 2 adults, 2 kids) are in the $300-$400 range, which is too much for us!

I have found a Hilton Garden Inn in the Soho/Tribeca area that is reasonable. Can anyone recommend this hotel and/or location?

If not, the best prices I've seen are in the Secaucus area, which as a previous poster said, would involve taking a bus or train in every day.

That's the time of year you're looking. I just looked where that is - fun location, right by Canal, right by Tribeca, very nice. I dunno from the hotel itself but nice location.

I would not not not stay in Jersey and certainly not in Secaucus - there's nothing in Secaucus but hotels and big box stores and outlets - it's not really walkable at all except within each little strip mally area and it's pretty desolate in general. The outlet strip malls are also not the cute little walkabout planned ones mostly, they're... let's call it industrial. There's a lot of office space in Secaucus too, so it's the strip mall things with like an Olive Garden, an office bldg, a hotel, and a little mallish area and after dark it's nothing but the hotel. Don't do it. Also not easy to get back from Secaucus, I *think* you have to do the bus to/from there.

 

[minnierocks]

What are your thoughts on staying in Jersey? Would it be inconvenient to take afternoon breaks?

This is what we are doing...we are staying in Secaucus in May. We are right across the street from the bus station and it's $7 RT to go into the city. We have friends that have done this and we are taking their experience that it was easy to do and it's a good alternative on a budget. Is staying in Jersey ideal? Nope...and we realize that but it is way cheaper than staying in the city. We are driving, not flying, so it keeps me from having to navigate to a hotel in the downtown NYC area....and it keeps it within budget for everyone in our group ($129/night with a free full breakfast). I would rather go and stay in Jersey than not go at all. I am certain that there are pros and cons, but for us...it was a good solution.

 

[mjkacmom]

This is what we are doing...we are staying in Secaucus in May. We are right across the street from the bus station and it's $7 RT to go into the city. We have friends that have done this and we are taking their experience that it was easy to do and it's a good alternative on a budget. Is staying in Jersey ideal? Nope...and we realize that but it is way cheaper than staying in the city. We are driving, not flying, so it keeps me from having to navigate to a hotel in the downtown NYC area....and it keeps it within budget for everyone in our group ($129/night with a free full breakfast). I would rather go and stay in Jersey than not go at all. I am certain that there are pros and cons, but for us...it was a good solution.

Just avoid getting in and out of the city during rush hour - it can take up to an hour just to get through the tunnel.

 

[Lewisc]

Wicked and Lion King are never offered at the TKTS booth and are rarely discounted.

Check travelzoo for hotel discounts. PL only guarantees double occupancy and some hotels only give PL customers a room with one double bed and a room which isn't big enough to accommodate a rolling bed. PL works fine for a family booking a room in Orlando but not in cities like NY.

Make sure you're saving a lot of $$$ if you book a hotel in non-peak areas. A cab ride after a Broadway show and even mass transit fares will eat away at your savings.