Best Economy to New York + 5* hotel

Going to surpise the family with a trip for midterm to NY. Dont really want to go via UK as its only a 4 or 5 day break.I have got prices from Delta, Aer Lingus and Continental. All are around the same to be honest but I want to take the best and its been a long time since I have flown to NY. Last time was with Aer Liongus on a very tired looking airbus with very poof IFE.

Who would be best to fly with from Dublin. Also I have some good prices (490 usd per night) from Fitzpatricks Manhatten for a suite that will take the four of us. Those of you who know this hotel will know its in a great area only 5 mins walk from the Plaza / Central Park. But should I look at another hotel as an alternative and does anybody have any suggestions?

The San Carlos Hotel (http://www.sancarloshotel.com) on 50th / Lexington has big rooms, and is friendly. Crucially they have their Suite Deal offer on until the end of March so you can stay 2 nights and get 1 free. I went on a business trip last year and was able to take my parents. There was plenty of room for my girlfriend and I to take the sofa bed (and still get the price underneath company limits!


James

THANKS JAMES

Aer Lingus fly the A330 on DUB-JFK, whereas CO and DL both fly 757s, DL to JFK, CO to EWR.

Both the 757 operated flights probably feature the best choice in terms of IFE at the moment.

All of both CO and DL ETOPS certified 757s are fitted with Panasonic eFX AVOD (this is the successor to MAS S3K the platform which powers vport) throughout.

EI have plans to upgrade the IFE on their A330s, but the first refit aircraft will only be completed during Q1 2009.

Hope this helps.

Mike

thanks Mike - Thats the information I really needed - Is there much difference between JFK and Newark in getting to Manhatten?

quote:Originally posted by porsche911
thanks Mike - Thats the information I really needed - Is there much difference between JFK and Newark in getting to Manhatten?


In my experience, if you get a cab, no.

I don't know whether it's still the case but the route flying into Newark used to include a routing down the Hudson which gave an excellent view of NYC.

Paul

[preiffer]

I've found EWR conistently quicker in terms of taxi times into Manhattan when compared to JFK.

That may be entirely 'luck', but JFK has always taken longer for me.

Just to add to Mikes post. I believe that EI have actually got one (or possibly two) aircraft configured with a newer IFE System. These aircraft were delivered from Airbus last year and there was a TR involving one on a.net. Of course if you book EI it is then a lottery draw as to whether you get the brand new aircraft with the new IFE or the older ones.

With regards to DL, I have flown them a couple of times TATL, and have been very impressed. Overall I would say the crew were a lot friendly than crew I have experienced on VS (but unlike VS there wasn't one gem and the rest just ok). IFE was fantastic and the food pretty good (read: reconisable Y meals and decent hot and quick second meal). Having said that, now they are no longer a FC partner they do loose some appeal.

As for hotel, some years ago, I stayed in a rather large suite at The Salisbury Hotel which is up on 57th, IIRC, so 5 mins from Central Park, close to Nike Town and pretty much opposite Carnegie Hall. Was a very reasonable place but not sure what it is like today.