Sudden NYC trip on a budget

[LisaInNc]

Oy Vey!

My 11 year old daughter was selected for a Jeopardy interview on December 2 in NYC. She took the test a few weeks ago. I am thrilled but in a slight panic. They gave us 2 weeks notice. Wasn't that nice of them?

So we are planing a quick NYC trip and I have to do it budget because it's such short notice.

We are in NC and flights are crazy with this short notice. We were going to just drive but the Amtrak seems like a better option. Once I look at gas, tolls and parking I think it's the way to go. We are retired military and my husband is a full time student so they offer discounts.

We have been to NYC a few times.

Finding a hotel right now has not been easy I am still looking. I need to stay under $200 a night.

LOVE Restaurant.com and would love any recommendations for restaurants that are on it in NYC. I love small non touristy out of the way foodie places. Nothing too ethnic I have a 11 year old with me.

We are eating one meal at the Carnegie Deli, DD's request. I know there probably isn't' a discount out there for that one.

We are planing one Broadway show and will get whatever is available from Tkts we have done that successfully before.

Reading everything I can find on the Dis about NYC trips.

Anyone have any great restaurants that are on restaurant.com?

Thanks!
Lisa

 

[chimilady]

If you're going in 2 weeks, I would try and catch the Radio City Xmas show, it's incredible!

 

[clh2]

We are staying at the Roosevelt Hotel a couple weeks after you are going - and the hotel rates weren't horrid. (Not great, but not horrid), There is a code of FACEB2 for 10% off the room rate, and free WiFi.

Another option - since there are only two of you - have you considered using priceline and bidding on a room? You might get a room with only one bed - Priceline doesn't guarantee 2 beds. There are websites that explain how the process works, and shows what people are getting for their bids. Can't think of the website name.

If going to see the 9-11 memorial - you do need tickets in advance. It is free - but you still need the tickets.

 

[Tinetine]

The frugal traveler recently had an article for the New York Times on hotel rooms for around 150$ a night. I'm not sure if I am aloud to post the link, but I'm sure you can google it and find the article. The rooms were very basic , though.

 

[LisaInNc]

Thanks, I was not going to use Priceline because there were 3 of us going, my husband was going to join us but we got word from Jeopardy that only one parent can accompany the child to the audition so he might stay home.

Lisa

 

[Kat77]

Watching this thread. My two high schoolers are visiting NYC in April. They will be on their own for some meals.

 

[msmama]

There are a lot of people still displaced from Sandy so finding a hotel may be harder than usual as people don't know when they will be able to move home.

Guy Fieri just got a SCATHING review in the NYT for his new restaurant, lol! Bad enough that it makes me want to check it out!

 

[FoundMyPrince]

Thanks, I was not going to use Priceline because there were 3 of us going, my husband was going to join us but we got word from Jeopardy that only one parent can accompany the child to the audition so he might stay home.

Lisa

We used Priceline for a hotel in August; paid $135 for the Downtown Marriott. Very close to the subway - no problems. Loved it!

I don't know of any discounts for the Carnegie Deli, but you can split a sandwich/cheesecake for a small fee (maybe $4?). The portions are enormous and prices are $$.

Check out travelzoo.com for their discounts and "top 20" list that comes out each week. They usually have a great price on a NYC hotel each week.

 

[Sagginit]

carnegie deli portions are huge, i would definitely split unless they have kids meal. i have used restaurant.com but don't think its always that budget. i used it for vegas since meals were going to be $$$ but if it is just the two of you it may be tough to reach the minimums on some of those places. i just checked and i am not familiar with any of the places on it.

if you are any where near one of these i ate here the other day and it was amazing! http://www.bareburger.com/ , my coworkers rave about 5 napkins http://5napkinburger.com/ , and of course there is shake shack. i can't eat here but i have also been told wonderful things about http://16handles.com/locations.php. in the past few weeks i have eaten at some really great places in the village but you probably won't go downtown.

i second the rockettes. if it is just the two of you go one day earlier in the day to the box office. see what kind of deal they can cut you for tickets that day. last year i believe we paid like less than $50 for amazing orchestra seats 15 min before the show.

the hotel may blow your budget a bit since its the holiday season and you will be there over the weekend. i would start with that since budget food and shows are easier to find.