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

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,495 ✭✭✭omerin


    Anyone know of a cheaper hotel in NY for a few days stay next week? Relatives stuck there until next Sunday due to Aer Lingus cancelling flights and this is the next date.
    Also never get insurance from Mondial! Their emergency 24 hour phone line doesn't operate again until Monday and they need to know if they can book another airline.

    http://www.mondial-assistance.ie/

    Complete joke.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29 tobias12


    Thanks for that. What is in the Asian Vegetarian dish?????? Might try to prebook it. Also get back to me fter your trip and let me know how the flight(s) went...both ways over and back.

    Have a good one.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,420 ✭✭✭✭athtrasna


    Asian Vegetarian out of Dublin tends to be a mushroom curry with a savoury rice. They also substitute any sweet desserts for raisins :confused: Don't order it out of the US, well certainly out of Atlanta it's awful.

    Am lucky that we have frequent flyer status with Skyteam so we were able to get Economy Comfort seats for free on the Delta flights..a little something to help keep me sane. I hate narrow bodied planes!


  • Registered Users Posts: 13 NiallerMc


    :confused:Heading over to New York in a cpl wks (1st time) heading for 4 nights dont have a credit card so was wondering would i be better off bringing just cash or getting something like an o2 money card and putting my money on that or just do half and half??


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 18,966 ✭✭✭✭syklops


    NiallerMc wrote: »
    :confused:Heading over to New York in a cpl wks (1st time) heading for 4 nights dont have a credit card so was wondering would i be better off bringing just cash or getting something like an o2 money card and putting my money on that or just do half and half??

    Well assuming you have a switch or cirrus atm card, your card will work in ATMs in NYC. If I was you I would get 3V card(Is the O2 card similar). While crime is quite low in NYC, I wouldn't like to be wandering around with all my spending money on me. Plus plastic is accepted everywhere. Even taxis, so I would recommend having some kind of plastic for you. Unlike here(Ireland), paying with a card takes the same if not less time than paying with cash.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,625 ✭✭✭✭BaZmO*


    I always bring a small amount of cash when I travel and use ATMs to get cash while I'm there for the day to day stuff, and credit cards for any big purchases. You're only going for 4 days so you'd only have to go to an ATM a couple of times at most.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,089 ✭✭✭✭LizT


    Just be mindful you can be charged anything from 1-3 dollars everytime you withdraw money so you wouldn't want to be doing it a few times a day!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,625 ✭✭✭✭BaZmO*


    lizt wrote: »
    Just be mindful you can be charged anything from 1-3 dollars everytime you withdraw money so you wouldn't want to be doing it a few times a day!
    Yeah but why would you? It'd be a bit silly going to an ATM a few times a day. Sure you wouldn't do that at home.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,089 ✭✭✭✭LizT


    BaZmO* wrote: »
    Yeah but why would you? It'd be a bit silly going to an ATM a few times a day. Sure you wouldn't do that at home.

    Well some people aren't comfortable withdrawing large amounts of money, spend more than they intend to, don't bring out enough money etc. I have gone to the atm 2-3 times a day here when I needed something less than a 50 and then ran out of money.

    Anyway to address the original issue, if you have time you'd probably be better off to get an o2 money card because you can use it as a credit card and you don't have to worry about having large amounts of cash. I got one but as far as I remember you need to give it a week or two before you can activate it.


  • Registered Users Posts: 13 NiallerMc


    Thanks for the advice lads
    Hotel is booked for and fully paid im just wondering upon checking in are they going to be looking for a credit card deposit (i dont have one) to cover any damage etc to rooms as an insurance policy for them? or will they look for some cash??


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    NiallerMc wrote: »
    Thanks for the advice lads
    Hotel is booked for and fully paid im just wondering upon checking in are they going to be looking for a credit card deposit (i dont have one) to cover any damage etc to rooms as an insurance policy for them? or will they look for some cash??

    Most hotels (if not all) will look for a credit card. I don't know how it works if you dont have one though


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,089 ✭✭✭✭LizT


    NiallerMc wrote: »
    Thanks for the advice lads
    Hotel is booked for and fully paid im just wondering upon checking in are they going to be looking for a credit card deposit (i dont have one) to cover any damage etc to rooms as an insurance policy for them? or will they look for some cash??

    It's probably best to email the hotel in question to clarify this, if they require a credit card explain the situation and see if they can do anything for you.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,420 ✭✭✭✭athtrasna


    Definitely check with the hotel...most that I've heard of want a cash deposit of $500+


  • Registered Users Posts: 13 NiallerMc


    checked with hotel its 50dollars per night,so will just put that onto the o2 money card


  • Registered Users Posts: 13 NiallerMc


    Right lads
    i get into New York (for the 1st time) 3oclock on a Thurs afternoon
    girlfriend wants to hit the shops straight away,im not to sure about that,any tips or ideas would be appreciated on what to do thurs afternoon,am staying up near Grand Central Station


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,420 ✭✭✭✭athtrasna


    Leave the shopping til next day, get the subway from Grand Central over to Brooklyn, have an amazing pizza at Grimaldi's on Fulton St under the bridge then stroll back to Manhattan at dusk across the Brooklyn bridge for one of the most amazing views of the city.

    Having spent hours cooped up in a plane the leg stretch will do you both the world of good, the pizza is among the best in the world, and walking towards that view...it's pure magic!

    PS Don't be put off if there's a queue outside Grimaldis, it moves fast and is worth waiting for. Also they are cash only

    http://www.grimaldisnyc.com/p-i-z-z-a#!__p-i-z-z-a


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,333 ✭✭✭jonnyfingers


    I would second leaving the shopping for the next day. New York can be a tiring place to get around. I presume she'll want to go to places like Bloomingdales on Third Avenue and others around 5th avenue. Even when getting the subway (the 4,5 and 6 run north and South on Lexington Ave and Park Ave from Grand Central) there will still be plenty of walking to do.

    So relax after you get off the plane, get to your hotel. Get the pizza like the previous poster has said and just walk around a bit. You'll be close to Times Square so that could be a destination for the Thursday evening. The city has a great buzz at night so soak it up.

    For the rest of your time it all depend what your interests are. Personally I like going to Central Park for a while to take a rest and have some lunch. The 9/11 memorial should be somewhat open when you're there, that would definitely be worth a visit.

    A trip over the Brooklyn Bridge is also a great thing to do, as has already been mentioned.

    My biggest tip would be not to try and fit everything you want into your stay there. Instead relax and enjoy your time in a fantastic city. Check the Tripadvisor forums for ideas on things to do and places to eat. They can be a great source of information.

    Most of all, have fun.


  • Registered Users Posts: 13 NiallerMc


    thanks guys much appreciated


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,074 ✭✭✭MoyVilla9


    athtrasna wrote: »
    Leave the shopping til next day, get the subway from Grand Central over to Brooklyn, have an amazing pizza at Grimaldi's on Fulton St under the bridge then stroll back to Manhattan at dusk across the Brooklyn bridge for one of the most amazing views of the city.

    Having spent hours cooped up in a plane the leg stretch will do you both the world of good, the pizza is among the best in the world, and walking towards that view...it's pure magic!

    PS Don't be put off if there's a queue outside Grimaldis, it moves fast and is worth waiting for. Also they are cash only

    http://www.grimaldisnyc.com/p-i-z-z-a#!__p-i-z-z-a

    Is Grimaldis' really that good? I've heard a lot about that place but going all the way to Brooklyn for a slice.......


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,625 ✭✭✭✭BaZmO*


    MoyVilla9 wrote: »
    Is Grimaldis' really that good? I've heard a lot about that place but going all the way to Brooklyn for a slice.......
    It's not really about the pizza though, it's about the whole Brooklyn Bridge/NY Skyline experience. When I was there we crossed the bridge in the early evening and the views were amazing. And when we were coming back across, the sun had set and the NY skyline at night with all the lights on was spectacular.

    We didn't get any pizza though! We took a wrong turn and couldn't find the place :o We went right, and the Grimaldis is on the left (I think!)

    For me, the Brooklyn Bridge walk is a must do if you go to NY. The views are amazing and it's free.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,074 ✭✭✭MoyVilla9


    BaZmO* wrote: »
    For me, the Brooklyn Bridge walk is a must do if you go to NY. The views are amazing and it's free.

    Totally agreed. I've walked it countless times and still amazed by it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,420 ✭✭✭✭athtrasna


    MoyVilla9 wrote: »
    Is Grimaldis' really that good? I've heard a lot about that place but going all the way to Brooklyn for a slice.......

    They don't do slices ;) Grimaldi's is one of only two (or maybe now just the only one) pizza places in NY that are allowed use coal burning ovens (they were licensed pre environmental concern days) and the pizza is truly amazing.

    It's not about going there for the pizza. You go there, have great pizza and then stroll back over the bridge. It feels more special than just getting the subway to Brooklyn and walking back over the bridge. Make an evening of it!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29 tobias12


    Folks,

    I am heading to the USA (New York) in late April/early May. So far I am getting prices over and above €600 which is very expensive.

    Does anyone know some good websites which offer cheaper travel or even discount codes for air travel to the USA.

    I am realistic that I won't get it for much cheaper but I was hoping for a return fare around 500/550.

    Any ideas would be gratefully accepted.

    Thanks.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 75 ✭✭leesadin


    Hey there!!! I'm heading to new York in November and have heard from a few people that the customs are going crazy on people coming back! Was just wondering if anybody has come through recently? Also the things I brought back from the states from previous visits will I need receipts to prove that they are old?!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    leesadin wrote: »
    Hey there!!! I'm heading to new York in November and have heard from a few people that the customs are going crazy on people coming back! Was just wondering if anybody has come through recently? Also the things I brought back from the states from previous visits will I need receipts to prove that they are old?!

    I flew in from the States on Sunday and no one in customs batted an eyelid at anyone coming off my flight (or the one from Chicago who's bags were coming out at the same time).


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,074 ✭✭✭MoyVilla9


    leesadin wrote: »
    Hey there!!! I'm heading to new York in November and have heard from a few people that the customs are going crazy on people coming back! Was just wondering if anybody has come through recently? Also the things I brought back from the states from previous visits will I need receipts to prove that they are old?!

    Would you consider August recent? I didn't encounter any problem at all then. I'm flying to the States next friday for a week so if they say anything to me I'll put it on here.


  • Registered Users Posts: 40 malvec


    Hi,

    Just back from NY yesterday. I saw no one being stopped by customs at all, many people had multiple bags.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 75 ✭✭leesadin


    Thanks very much for the replies! That's a great weight of my mind! :-)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 270 ✭✭iwsf


    same here, just back from NY and no hassle.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 115 ✭✭JeanLucPicard


    Hi

    Im flying into JFK and staying in Jersey City.

    Whats the best/cheapest way do you think to get there?

    Thanks


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,930 ✭✭✭✭Zero-Cool


    Hi,

    I'm planning a 5 day break to New York in November with the gf. Will be the 1st time in America and was wondering if anyone knew good sites where I could book a hotel/flight deal. So far, the hotels are over 1000 euro for 5 nights which is a bit pricey. Saying that, I don't want to stay in a crap hole.

    Any recomendations for hotels?

    Thanks!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,049 ✭✭✭furiousox


    CPL 593H



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    sheehy83 wrote: »
    Hi,

    I'm planning a 5 day break to New York in November with the gf. Will be the 1st time in America and was wondering if anyone knew good sites where I could book a hotel/flight deal. So far, the hotels are over 1000 euro for 5 nights which is a bit pricey. Saying that, I don't want to stay in a crap hole.

    Any recomendations for hotels?

    Thanks!

    Welcome to NY pricing! Any decent hotel is going to be over $150-200 a night. If you're not too fussy and don't mid a bit of a gamble, you can get great deals on hotwire.com. The downside is you won't know the exact hotel that you'll be staying in until you pay so there is a bit of a risk but I've used it 4 times now (3 in NY and 1 on Chicago) and never been disappointed. I got great deals and the hotels were decent. You can specify the area you want to stay in and the grade of hotel so you won't end up out in the sticks in a dump.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 556 ✭✭✭Coolnabacky1873


    Hi

    Im flying into JFK and staying in Jersey City.

    Whats the best/cheapest way do you think to get there?

    Thanks

    The cheapest way is a combination of the Subway and PATH train.

    1. From JFK take the airport air train to Howard Beach stop.
    2. Then take the Manhattan bound A train (subway) all the way to West 4th St/Washington Square stop in Manhattan.
    3. Get off, come above ground and walk 5 blocks north to the PATH train stop at 9th St. The PATH train stops at various places in Jersey City.

    Subway map http://mta.info/nyct/maps/subwaymap.pdf
    PATH train map http://www.panynj.gov/path/maps.html
    General subway info http://mta.info/
    General PATH train info http://www.panynj.gov/path/

    Total cost will be $5 airport air train (a pain but unavoidable), $2.50 subway (one trip ticket) and I think the PATH is about $1.75 per ride too, total is less than $10.

    From the airport this trip will prob take 2 hours and might be a bit tricky for the uninitiated.

    Other than that the easiest would be a taxi but would probably cost about $70-$80+ dollars.

    Just found this link, would have saved me writing all that!
    http://www.destinationjerseycity.com/getting-around/airports/john-f-kennedy-airport-jfk/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,024 ✭✭✭✭adox


    The hotels seem to have got even more expensive in the last couple of years. We are heading over in September and usually stay at The Red Roof Inn. A couple of years ago, the last time we were there, its around $160.00 per night.
    This time its over $200! Cant justify the price.
    Has anyone found a half decent hotel sub $200?

    The Mrs has relatives out in Brooklyn who we have stayed the odd night with before. We are going to stay out there this time and get the subway in and out of the city.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 499 ✭✭tankbarry


    anybody use the New York City pass just wondering is it worth buying, can you get into empire state building , top of the rock, statue of liberty, intrepid and all the usual stuff. Just trying to decide if its worth it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 13,420 ✭✭✭✭athtrasna


    In a word No. Unless you want to schedule every minute of every day you simply won't get value out of the ticket compared to picking a few things every day and spending as much time as you want to appreciate them.

    The Intrepid and Statue of Liberty are currently no go areas, and as for Top of the Rock and Empire State, the only thing you get out of doing both is seeing the other one from the top - it's the same Skyline. I would recommend Top of the Rock as a more pleasant experience plus you get to see the iconic Empire State from it.


  • Registered Users Posts: 12 bbeck11


    tankbarry wrote: »
    anybody use the New York City pass just wondering is it worth buying, can you get into empire state building , top of the rock, statue of liberty, intrepid and all the usual stuff. Just trying to decide if its worth it.

    Are you looking to buy the "New York Pass" or the New York "City Pass" They are two different ways to see attractions. The city pass gives you access to certain attractions within a longer period of time versus The New York Pass is a card you purchase and once you start it...it expires at Midnight on the last day. Lets say you purchase the two day pass for $130 USD and you can then go to over 80 different attractions for free over the two days. You have to use it for two consecutive days and you will want to start it early on the first day so you get the most for your money. The tourist attractions are extremely expensive in NYC so THIS IS WORTH THE MONEY. You will go from attraction to attraction guilt free. Instead of the mentality of "i want to see it but it is expensive" you will have time to explore and think "the more I see the more I am saving".

    Tips for the New York Pass:
    -Start early on your first day and it expires at midnight on the last day.
    -You can get the hop-on/ hop-off bus package in addition but if you can brave taking the subway...you will see a lot more!
    -Use the restaurant discounts- certain places give you free drinks and appetizers
    -If you go to the statue of liberty... go first thing in the morning when it opens. You get a fast track for your tickets but the airport-like security lines grow up to 2-3+ hours by the afternoon.
    - Take advantage of the fast track. If you are limited with time choose to go to Top of the Rock over the Empire State Building. If you go to top of the rock you can SEE the empire state building in the skyline which makes the experience better.
    -Check out broadway shows at the discount. (You can go anytime during your trip which means you do not have to see the show while the pass is active!)
    -Plan your days in a way that makes sense. If you are going to statue of liberty---- start there and do attractions downtown before going to midtown so you make the most of your time and metro card money. A metro ride is only $2.25 each.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 472 ✭✭crapmanjoe


    athtrasna wrote: »
    In a word No. Unless you want to schedule every minute of every day you simply won't get value out of the ticket compared to picking a few things every day and spending as much time as you want to appreciate them.

    The Intrepid and Statue of Liberty are currently no go areas, and as for Top of the Rock and Empire State, the only thing you get out of doing both is seeing the other one from the top - it's the same Skyline. I would recommend Top of the Rock as a more pleasant experience plus you get to see the iconic Empire State from it.

    Plus with top of the rock you get to see the park and the line is generally really quick


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,074 ✭✭✭MoyVilla9


    athtrasna wrote: »
    In a word No. Unless you want to schedule every minute of every day you simply won't get value out of the ticket compared to picking a few things every day and spending as much time as you want to appreciate them.

    The Intrepid and Statue of Liberty are currently no go areas, and as for Top of the Rock and Empire State, the only thing you get out of doing both is seeing the other one from the top - it's the same Skyline. I would recommend Top of the Rock as a more pleasant experience plus you get to see the iconic Empire State from it.

    If you plan on actually sight seeing for the day, and not just hopping into one or two attractions, then you can very well make it worth it. You just need to plan it right.

    If you start early in the morning and go until evening you can make some huge savings. I have. Used The New York Pass from 9am to 3.30 and ended up saving quite a bit, but that was full on going from place to place (i.e. starting in downtown, seeing all the stuff there and then heading up to midtown/times square.)

    In the end it depends on what type of tourist you are. Do you like to see a lot in a day or will you spend hours in one place? I'm the type who likes to see a lot so it worked for me.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 499 ✭✭tankbarry


    I would like to see a lot. Not sure what pass to get probaly get the pass that you can see the most with


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,074 ✭✭✭MoyVilla9


    tankbarry wrote: »
    I would like to see a lot. Not sure what pass to get probaly get the pass that you can see the most with

    I think The New York Pass is the only one which has a large amount of attractions and the number you can visit is unlimited. I would personally use them.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 53,028 ✭✭✭✭ButtersSuki


    Hi folks,

    Can anyone answer this?

    I'm buying a large dog bed in NY next week and the retailer won't/doesn't ship to Ireland.

    Does anyone have any experience of posting or shipping via courier from NY to Ireland?
    Anything I should watch out for?
    Is it prohibitively expensive?
    Will I still have to pay duties etc. here when it lands?

    Any help greatly appreciated!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,921 ✭✭✭silja


    It is quite expensive, yes. International post is very expensive, and coruiers more so.
    Do you have a friend or family member over in the USA that would agree to receive the dog bed and ship it on? I have done that a few times for mates who wanted specific things where retailers would not ship abroad.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 53,028 ✭✭✭✭ButtersSuki


    silja wrote: »
    It is quite expensive, yes. International post is very expensive, and coruiers more so.
    Do you have a friend or family member over in the USA that would agree to receive the dog bed and ship it on? I have done that a few times for mates who wanted specific things where retailers would not ship abroad.


    Hi,

    Thanks for your reply.

    I do, but don't really want to ask them. I was going to ship or post myself to myself and mark it as a "gift". What difference does a resident posting/shipping it mean? Could I for example make up an address for my American-self if that would help?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,921 ✭✭✭silja


    Hi,

    Thanks for your reply.

    I do, but don't really want to ask them. I was going to ship or post myself to myself and mark it as a "gift". What difference does a resident posting/shipping it mean? Could I for example make up an address for my American-self if that would help?

    I am not sure I understand.. are you currently in NY and have the bed in your possession? If so yes, just ship it to your address in Ireland if you don't want to carry it in the lugage.

    If you are in Ireland and want to buy the bed online, then you cannot ship it "yourself to yourself" if the retailer won't ship to Ireland. I am saying it would be significantly cheaper for you to have it sent to a friend in the USA, when then changes the address label and sends it to you in Ireland (with you paying postage of course), than to get a courier company to do same.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 53,028 ✭✭✭✭ButtersSuki


    silja wrote: »
    I am not sure I understand.. are you currently in NY and have the bed in your possession? If so yes, just ship it to your address in Ireland if you don't want to carry it in the lugage.

    If you are in Ireland and want to buy the bed online, then you cannot ship it "yourself to yourself" if the retailer won't ship to Ireland. I am saying it would be significantly cheaper for you to have it sent to a friend in the USA, when then changes the address label and sends it to you in Ireland (with you paying postage of course), than to get a courier company to do same.


    Sorry for the confusion.

    In Dublin today, in NY next Wed where I'm collecting the bed and then to decide whether to post/ship or take it in my luggage. It is big, so I'm guessing it will one of the former.

    My real question then I guess is will I have to pay duty/excise when it lands here in Dublin?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,921 ✭✭✭silja


    Good question. If the retailer sends it then you'd have to, but if you as a private person send it then I would say no, because once you have taken posession of it it is a "used item for personal use".


  • Registered Users Posts: 129 ✭✭NewYork1979


    Hi there

    Does anyone know anything about the following hotels:-

    Sheraton Tribeca or The Hilton Fashion District?

    I'm between those two and the New Yorker..


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,625 ✭✭✭✭BaZmO*


    I'm between those two and the New Yorker..
    Why don't you pop in and have a look so? :p


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