New York - 1st timer questions

Thinking of going to the Big Apple for the first time at end of April as there are some econ fares for £269 atm.

I've never been so don't know the good/bad areas etc.

Any suggestions on a nice hotel near the main "tourist" attractions that isn't too expensive. Looking at stopping for 5 nights.

Also, any suggestions of what to do in NY if this is a first time visit, and probably only time as we are looking to emigrate in a year or so anyway.


Thx.

Originally posted by AndyR
Thinking of going to the Big Apple for the first time at end of April as there are some econ fares for £269 atm.

I've never been so don't know the good/bad areas etc.

Any suggestions on a nice hotel near the main "tourist" attractions that isn't too expensive. Looking at stopping for 5 nights.

Also, any suggestions of what to do in NY if this is a first time visit, and probably only time as we are looking to emigrate in a year or so anyway.


Thx.

Hi Andy

Hotel will really come down to what price you want to pay and how much luxury you want....

Metro on 35th St is a good location, art deco styling, great rooftop terrace with views of the Empire State Building, Free Tea & Coffee 24hrs, would class it at around 3 Star and very comfortable (then again you won't be in your hotel that much!). It's 50 yards from a subway station and 2 minutes walk to Macy's

Things to do

Wow where do I begin......

Staten Island Ferry
Ellis Island
Tenement Museum & Tour on the lower east side (really great insight into the way NYC used to be)
Empire State Building or Rockerfeller building
Shop on 5th Avenue - Get your 'Big Brown Bag' from Bloomingdales
Shop in Macy's - claim your tax discount
Times Sq - pretty naff but you have to go there
Visit Katz (on the lower east side) or Carnegie Deli for lunch
Try out Gordon Ramsay's new Restaurant
Go to Grimaldi's Pizza Restaurant over the Brooklyn Bridge, then walk back over the bridge into Manhattan afterwards
Take time out to visit Central Park esp on a Sunday if you can
Just enjoy walking the neighbourhoods
Buy a pass for the subway - much cheaper in the long run
Buy a slice of Cheesecake from Juniors in Grand Central Station - wow it's good!

Most of all just have fun and enjoy the place

NYC is far safer than people think, just do the sensible thing and don't act too much like a tourist and you'll be fine. Wouldn't recommend walking around the South Bronx after dark but other than that I find the place less intimidating than London

Jon B

See this thread for info on NY hotels.

VS.

Hi,

I went to NYC for the first time last June, and had a great time. We stayed at Murry Hill Shelburne Hotel, it is very central to Macy's, Empire State etc....It is an all suite hotel, however it is more of
a serviced apartment, but the rooms are very large for NY, it has a great roof bar with views of the Empire State. Don't forget when you go to Macy's go to the visitor centre and show them your passport, and they give you a 11% discount.....[^][y][^]

One thing i really recommend is going tot the top of the rock, the lines are a lot shorter, and the views are SO much better than going up the Empire State, and you get the view of the Empire State too.

Like Jonb said, it is very safe, as long as you are careful in like any major city.

Enjoy it!!! [y]

Don't forget when you go to Macy's go to the visitor centre and show them your passport, and they give you a 11% discount.....

I heard about this last week - is it a new measure or have I lost out on hundreds of £s?

VS.

Originally posted by VS045

Don't forget when you go to Macy's go to the visitor centre and show them your passport, and they give you a 11% discount.....

I heard about this last week - is it a new measure or have I lost out on hundreds of £s?

VS.

Been there a while. Bloomingdales also do it. You just need some form of ID with an address. My photocard driving licence has done the job before, as I don't carry my passport around with me.

Thanks[y] Does this apply to all Macy's stores or just Manhattan?

VS.

Originally posted by VS045
Thanks[y] Does this apply to all Macy's stores or just Manhattan?

VS.

See here:

This program is provided free of charge, including shipping, duty and taxes, and allows your clients to save 11% on almost everything at over 400 Macy's stores.

[ChuckC]

Hi, Andy:
There are very few "bad" areas of NYC any longer; the city has seen a great resurgence of civic pride in the last ten years or so.

Jon B's list is excellent. If you have time for everything on his list you'll be a true New Yorker.

Enjoy the city.

Chuck-

Dear Andy

Although Gordon Ramseys's restaurant has taken a bit of a beating from the food critics, I'd still recommend it.

Decker and I took some friends there for lunch a couple of weeks after it opened. We had the Tasting Menu, and spent 3 hours enjoying good food and good wine. So if you get the chance, give it a go. Not cheap, but fun!

I'd also say take in a Broadway Show ( often a lot cheaper than London), go to the Herseys(sp) shop(crap chocolate, but still a NY landmark), and do a boat tour round the Statue of Liberty. Have fun!

Mrs D

Thx everyone, lot of good stuff there. Eating out is an issue as the wife is a Cealiac so we have to find somewhere that does gluten free food for her, but thanks anyway.

Flight price atm is whats tempting me, although I am thinking of a trip to the Indy 500 now and using miles to get a reward flight to ORD.

Thanks for your time, can't wait to visit NY.

Thanks, locutus!

I'll certainly remember that next time I'm in Macy's which will hopefully be next week.

VS.