The NEW YORK Megathread (questions & answers..not chat)

KevR

I think I paid $60 + a tip for a JFK-Manhattan taxi journey (in 2008 though, not too sure if prices are still the same now). Takes roughly an hour depending on traffic.

jesus_thats_gre

Quicker than the cab commute? Are you sure?

Have paid 50-60 dollars on each of the 5 occassions I have been there.

Pythia

borderlinemeath wrote: »

For travelling into Manhatten from JFK just take the airtrain to Jamaica station and then a commuter train into Penn Station. It only costs about $16 and it's much quicker and cheaper than the cab commute.

And then from Penn Station to the subway, perhaps change trains, walk from station to hotel.

Get a taxi on the way in. It's worth it.

borderlinemeath

Pythia wrote: »

And then from Penn Station to the subway, perhaps change trains, walk from station to hotel.

Get a taxi on the way in. It's worth it.

I was there in February, I took a cab into Manhattan and it took over an hour. (regular NYC traffic) I didn't see any sights just a brief glimpse of the skyline as we came over whatever bridge he took us.
And it cost us €75 including tip.

On the way home it had been snowing heavily all day and traffic was really bad so it would have taken a lot longer.
Our hotel was opposite Penn Station on 8th Ave so we didn't have to get a cab or subway to it.

There was no waiting as the train that goes to Jamaica station leaves at least every 10mins. It was full of commuters (both locals and visitors) heading to JFK with their suitcases and took less than half an hour to get to Jamaica station.
The station is connected to the airtrain so there's no distance there either. It's just one stop and then it reaches the terminals in JFK.
In total it took about 40mins and a lot cheaper.

I would never get a cab again after getting the train.
I've also flown into Newark and the bus from there is ok too.:)

KevR

When thinking about JFK-Manhattan taxis, you must also remember that there can be a pretty big queue at the JFK taxi rank sometimes. I remember having to queue for 20-25 mins and then the actual journey took 60 mins in the traffic.

Slunk

Thinkin on getting a car from Newark into Manhattan. Im looking at Dial7 which was listed on the airports transport page. Has anyone ever used this service? Its $44 for two people including luggage. Seems alot cheaper than a taxi.

www.dial7.com

hshortt

Try this first. 27 dollars return, pick up at the airport and drop you in the city. I've used them before, excellent service, very quick and you are not left waiting more than 20 minutes.

Cheers

Slunk

Thanks, Ill have a look at that one. One more thing, we are going shopping in Woodbury Commons, we have tickets for GrayLine bus already. Someone suggested brinigng a small case to put all the shopping in as its easier. Does the bus accomadate people bringing cases and do many people do it??

BaZmO*

Slunk wrote: »

Thinkin on getting a car from Newark into Manhattan. Im looking at Dial7 which was listed on the airports transport page. Has anyone ever used this service? Its $44 for two people including luggage. Seems alot cheaper than a taxi.

www.dial7.com

I used them when I was there last year. You still have to pay the toll fees and you'll also need to ring them when you get there to get them to pick you....plus tips.

After getting fleeced on the way back to Newark I'll never get a taxi to or from Airport when I head back. Taxis only seem worth it if there's a few people going.

hshortt

Slunk wrote: »

Thanks, Ill have a look at that one. One more thing, we are going shopping in Woodbury Commons, we have tickets for GrayLine bus already. Someone suggested brinigng a small case to put all the shopping in as its easier. Does the bus accomadate people bringing cases and do many people do it??

Yep, bring a big case. There is enough room and the driver will store it for you. I've done that myself too and while you might feel silly at the start you'll be happy at the end.

Cheers

borderlinemeath

Slunk wrote: »

Thanks, Ill have a look at that one. One more thing, we are going shopping in Woodbury Commons, we have tickets for GrayLine bus already. Someone suggested brinigng a small case to put all the shopping in as its easier. Does the bus accomadate people bringing cases and do many people do it??

Yes, the buses have plenty of room for suitcases.
Some people bring them, others buy them there.

Slunk

BaZmO* wrote: »

I used them when I was there last year. You still have to pay the toll fees and you'll also need to ring them when you get there to get them to pick you....plus tips.

After getting fleeced on the way back to Newark I'll never get a taxi to or from Airport when I head back. Taxis only seem worth it if there's a few people going.

Approx how much is the tolls? We will have a bit of baggage as we will be coming from two weeks in orlando so trains seem a bit of a hassle.

The Euro is at an 18 month low against the dollar so ye all better budget for everything costing a fifth or more than you thought.
A Euro gets you 20c less in the dollar than before Xmas and it's getting worse by the day.It's $1.24 today.
Parity wouldn't surprise me by the end of the year-thats 1€=$1 folks
OUCH for those of us with plans to head to the states this summer.

The tolls are no more than $4.50 iirc coming in from jfk to manhattan iirc.

adox

Deleted User wrote: »

The Euro is at an 18 month low against the dollar so ye all better budget for everything costing a fifth or more than you thought.
A Euro gets you 20c less in the dollar than before Xmas and it's getting worse by the day.It's $1.24 today.
Parity wouldn't surprise me by the end of the year-thats 1€=$1 folks
OUCH for those of us with plans to head to the states this summer.

The tolls are no more than $4.50 iirc coming in from jfk to manhattan iirc.

Yeah its a pain alright about the currency, although its been around $1.35 for most of the year up until the last week, so I`d factor in more like a 10% reduction than expected.

I`m flying out(volcano permitting) on Tuesday. When it dipped last week, I bought 1000 euro worth of dollars and got a rate of $1.26. I wished I bought more now. I`m just going to go with it now, use my credit card for the two weeks I`m over there, and whatever the rate is, well, so be it.

I remember being in Florida a few years back and getting 92 US cents to the Euro so that puts some perspective on it.

New York/The US can still be an incredibly cheap place compared to Ireland, just not as cheap as it was. For a one or two week holiday, its not worrying too much about.

#15

What is the average I should expect to pay for a hotel room in New York per night?
3* or 4*. Either in December or April.

Or can anyone recommend a mid-range place that they have stayed before?
Thanks.

Slunk

Just back from NY. What a place, thought it was great. We got the bus in from Newark airport. $25 return with three stops around midtown. Worked out perfect for us

Dont know how much it would be but we stayed at the dylan hotel, just at grand central station. We were originally to stay somewhere else but after reading reviews on lots of hotels, which were nearly all bad we decided to get travel agent to change it. Lovely spot and on a not so busy street while still being in the middle of everything. Definatley recommend it

adox

Back in NY again after a week in Vegas. Staying in the red roof inn on west 32nd. It's no frills and pricey(although cheap by NY standards) but we love it. Stayed here before and the location is brilliant. I just love this city.

lord lucan

adox wrote: »

Back in NY again after a week in Vegas. Staying in the red roof inn on west 32nd. It's no frills and pricey(although cheap by NY standards) but we love it. Stayed here before and the location is brilliant. I just love this city.

Good choice. I've stayed there about 8 times now,great location,good prices and their loyalty scheme is pretty good too,i've got loads of free nights out of them.:)

adox

lord lucan wrote: »

Good choice. I've stayed there about 8 times now,great location,good prices and their loyalty scheme is pretty good too,i've got loads of free nights out of them.:)

Yeah we reply like it. The location is great. Love the area. My mrs lves the frozen yogurt place straight across the road that all the Korean girls go to. It's our regular stop on the way back.

Have you tried any of the Korean restaurants nearby? We are thinking about trying one out before we head home. The weather here is great at the moment. We were shopping and eating for the first half of the day before heading up to Central Park after lunch for a couple of hours.

Back in the rom now relaxing before heading out for the night in about an hour.

Pythia

adox wrote: »

Yeah we reply like it. The location is great. Love the area. My mrs lves the frozen yogurt place straight across the road that all the Korean girls go to. It's our regular stop on the way back.

Have you tried any of the Korean restaurants nearby? We are thinking about trying one out before we head home. The weather here is great at the moment. We were shopping and eating for the first half of the day before heading up to Central Park after lunch for a couple of hours.

Back in the rom now relaxing before heading out for the night in about an hour.

I love the RRI! Stayed there 3 times now. Always thought some of those Korean places looked a little dodgy so I always avoided them. The California Pizza Kitchen is lovely and nearby if you want something casual.

Pythia

lord lucan wrote: »

Good choice. I've stayed there about 8 times now,great location,good prices and their loyalty scheme is pretty good too,i've got loads of free nights out of them.:)

Do they take the vouchers there or do you need more than one to make up a free night?

lord lucan

Pythia wrote: »

Do they take the vouchers there or do you need more than one to make up a free night?

The Manhattan RRI requires 2 free night certificates for a one night stay. The only pain in the arse is you have to ring their call centre in Ohio and give each certificate number individually when booking a stay.

adox

Last day here today. Just for future reference, they have changed the name of the hotel today. I'm sitting in the lobby watching them finish the sign. It's now called The New York Manhattan Hotel. It also has nyma on the sides of the sign.

lord lucan

adox wrote: »

Last day here today. Just for future reference, they have changed the name of the hotel today. I'm sitting in the lobby watching them finish the sign. It's now called The New York Manhattan Hotel. It also has nyma on the sides of the sign.

Check out Foleys around the corner on 33rd between 5th & B/Way. Great boozer.;)

fleets

Going to New York for a week in July, any suggestions for the Manhattan area?

robo

fleets wrote: »

Going to New York for a week in July, any suggestions for the Manhattan area?

Suggestions for what - entertainment, accomodation, food, etc? Can you be specific on what you are looking for?

rovers2001

Bateaux dinner cruise fantastic sights and food lovely quite expensive but well worth it in my opinion.Also a show on broadway we did phantom of the opera excellent.

cailin13

Hi all, looking for any tips for cheapish nice clean hotel for 3 nights at end of October? Any tips / recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Budget about 200euro a night max.

rovers2001

Radio city Apartments five minutes from Time square on west 49th street.Stayed there twice reasonably cheap and clean.

Dr.Winston O'Boogie

Looking to go to New York mid July, and need a cheap hostel or hotel for about 4 nights. Any ideas??

BaZmO*

niallo24 wrote: »

Any ideas??

Read back over the thread?

ncmc

I am heading to New York in August and due to the falling euro, I won't have that much money for shopping. However I would love to buy something unique and unusual like a vintage handbag or jewellry. Has anyone been to any of the flea markets in the city? I know there are ones in Brooklyn and Hells Kitchen, any info about quality of stuff, prices etc?

Thanks in advance!

gandalf

cailin13 wrote: »

Hi all, looking for any tips for cheapish nice clean hotel for 3 nights at end of October? Any tips / recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Budget about 200euro a night max.

Stayed in the Grand Hyatt New York beside Central Station in Jan and it worked out at around €500 for 4 nights. Great location to see the sights. Hotel was ok a bit dated on the inside but it did what we wanted.

Check the different hotel booking sites and the prices varied between the ones that I used by over €100.

I'd recommend seeing The Phantom of the Opera as well. That was an excellent night out (bought the tickets for the wifes birthday!).

ncmc

niallo24 wrote: »

Looking to go to New York mid July, and need a cheap hostel or hotel for about 4 nights. Any ideas??

'Cheap' is kind of a relative term in Manhatten. For any kind of basic hotel that isn't a complete flea pit, you would be looking at $150 plus per night (plus taxes of 14%). That said, there are good deals out there for July and August (the summer being considered low season due to the heat). This website seems to have some good offers http://www.dealbase.com/New-York-City-hotel-deals-discounts-47 you could also have a look at www.travelzoo.com and www.quikbook.com don't forget to add those taxes of 14% on to every price you see though.

cork*girl

Looking at going to New York in October for 5nights.. there will be 5 of us.. anyone have any experience of the Affinia Dumont or any other hotel that accommadates 5people? or any recommendations are welcome!!

skazy

Does anyone have any restaurant or bar recommendations in NYC?

ScrubsfanChris

Was wondering, what is the cheapest time of year to book flights to New York from Cork or Shannon?

Thanks.

Pythia

I've been to NYC three times in January and found it was about the cheapest month you could go in terms of hotel and flights. Of course the trade off is the freezing weather!

Happy_Lady

Balthazar is a lovely restaurant in NYC...

Its on Spring st.

jack presley

Take in a Mets game at Citiffield. Good excuse to have a few beers in the sun!

Toto Wolfcastle

I'm heading to NY in a couple of weeks. Usually on holidays we'll just find restaurants when we're there but now were are restricted by a special diet so I want to look up some places beforehand so that we're not walking around looking for places.

Any restaurant recommendations for breakfast or dinner?

Pythia

janeybabe wrote: »

I'm heading to NY in a couple of weeks. Usually on holidays we'll just find restaurants when we're there but now were are restricted by a special diet so I want to look up some places beforehand so that we're not walking around looking for places.

Any restaurant recommendations for breakfast or dinner?

Where will you be based? Have you seen menupages.com?

Toto Wolfcastle

We're staying around Lexington Avenue between 37th and 38th street. I had a look at menupages but tbh there is a lot there and I was a bit confused.

Louloug

hi there,

we are travelling to NYC in October. I am taking my parents with us- as a surprise so I have to organize the entire trip.

Looking for tips on, or if anyone got good deals on the following:
- where to get broadway tickets (did anyone get them from the stall in Times Square??)
- where to get JETS tickets (how far the stadium is away from NYC- it looks OK online distance wise)
- any nice/reasonable hotels or apartments

I have been in NYC twice, and last time we stayed in the Radisson on Lexington- it cost 495euro for the week- looking at prices now I think this was an unreal deal!!

Would appreciate any advice, thanks!

Louloug

cork*girl wrote: »

Looking at going to New York in October for 5nights.. there will be 5 of us.. anyone have any experience of the Affinia Dumont or any other hotel that accommadates 5people? or any recommendations are welcome!!

hi there,
I am going the same time- just wondering did you find anywhere reasonable?
There are 4 of us.

trustno1

Heading to New York at the beginning of November, can anyone tell me what to expect (roughly) weather wise?, is it absolutely freezing around that time?, or bearable???

Thanks in advance!..

lord lucan

trustno1 wrote: »

Heading to New York at the beginning of November, can anyone tell me what to expect (roughly) weather wise?, is it absolutely freezing around that time?, or bearable???

Thanks in advance!..

The couple of times i've been there in mid-November the temp has been in the mid teens. A hoodie or light jacket will do the job.

BrianJD

Because of budgetry requirements and the fact that I have the food tastes of a ten year old, can somebody tell me what price a standard hot dog from a vendor costs in NY.

Also, is fasting 2 weeks before the trip for said Hot Dogs, leaving it too late?:o

Thanks in advance!

lord lucan

BrianJD wrote: »

Because of budgetry requirements and the fact that I have the food tastes of a ten year old, can somebody tell me what price a standard hot dog from a vendor costs in NY.

Also, is fasting 2 weeks before the trip for said Hot Dogs, leaving it too late?:o

Thanks in advance!

They cost anywhere between $1-$2. Depends on where the vendor is. A vendor in Times Sq. might charge $2 because there's loads of tourists and business will be easier to come by. Go 2 blocks across and you may find a vendor selling them for $1 because there's less footfall.

Not sure why you'd fast,they're not that filling or fattening. They're handy as a light snack on the go but wouldn't fill you up for lunch by any means!

Omega28

me and the girlfriend are thinking of going at the start of next month for 5 nights. We were thinking of staying in the Doubletree Guest Suites New York or The Hilton Garden Inn.

Were willing to spend a max of 1100 euro per person for flights and accom. is this being realistic getting it for this price?

we were looking to leave the between the 4th-6th of sept. A max of 1100euro, even at that I'm pushing my limit! Does anyone know where I could get a good deal? I'v been doing alot of googling but prices are very high!

anyone got any tips? or any help at all I'd appreciate

thanks:)