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

lord lucan

BaZmO* wrote: »

I booked a cab online for Newark to Manhattan and it cost me $40 plus tolls. Around $55 in total. Got stung with a fare of $90 heading back to the Airport. Doorman told me it'd only be around $50. Had an argument with the taxi driver but what can you do.
It'll be train next time!

I've never used a taxi from Newark myself,i've always used the train cause i've heard so many varied tales of different fares from there. The train has never let me down yet,though if you had substantial luggage the road option would probably be better.

rovers2001

Hi Guys.
Im planning a return visit to New York in febuary as a surprise birthday present for my wifes 40th.We were there in 2006 staying in Radio city apts.Then we mostly just shopped but this time i want to do more sightseeing and eating/drinking as this time no kids in tow.Im thinking of going back to the same apts although i would like to choose somewhere a bit more special because of the occasion so if anyone has any ideas i would love to hear from you.I have read and read all the reviews of the most popular hotels and to be honest i keep coming back to the radio city apts as i know them.Also any info on the best tours or places of interest to visit.Thanks in advance.

finbarrk

The Radio City apts have a good reputation anyway if you can afford them.
I tried booking them for Paddys week but a bit expensive. Got the Affinia Dumont instead.


http://www.affinia.com/New-York-City-Hotel.aspx?name=Affinia-Dumont&cid=AffiniaDumontBranded_SEARCH_GOOGLE_affinia_dumont_HOME

brianomc

Just a quick word of advice for anyone hoping to see a game at Madison Square Garden while you're there. Most of the events sell out, the rangers have "sold out" all their games for the last 4 years or something. But a lot of season ticket holders don't turn up for whatever reason. I was there for a few games last week and it was at least a 1/4 empty looking.

Anyway, season ticket holders can put their tickets up for sale on http://www.thegarden.com/tickets/ticket-exchange.html so even if ticketmaster or the arena says they are sold out you can still get tickets up to 2 hours before the game starts.

I was in the 300 level along the sides and the view was amazing. Unless you are a complete fanatic for the teams I wouldn't spend much extra to get a little closer.

robbie_62

Hi Guys

Trying to plan a holiday for next year for me \ wife and baby,

Was originally planning on a sun holiday but now im looking at New York

Im going to be very busy next year with work so I want to get a good holiday away with wife and baby next year.

We are looking at going around sept next year,baby will be around 18 Months at the time.

Has anyone taken a baby that age on a flight to new york ?

Really would like to bring him with us as we couldnt bear to leave him at home.

Also,what options would you have with baby on a plane ?

Seat for the baby or on parents lap ?

Thanks for any suggestions !

Rob

metrovelvet

robbie_62 wrote: »

Hi Guys

Trying to plan a holiday for next year for me \ wife and baby,

Was originally planning on a sun holiday but now im looking at New York

Im going to be very busy next year with work so I want to get a good holiday away with wife and baby next year.

We are looking at going around sept next year,baby will be around 18 Months at the time.

Has anyone taken a baby that age on a flight to new york ?

Really would like to bring him with us as we couldnt bear to leave him at home.

Also,what options would you have with baby on a plane ?

Seat for the baby or on parents lap ?

Thanks for any suggestions !

Rob

I have done this trip several times with my baby who is now two. The last one was when he was 18 mos. I have vowed not to do it again until he is 7.

When they are little babies and NOT WALKING and not that aware, then its not that hard. The hardest part is all the gear you have to carry onto the plane. They are still small enough to fit into the bassinette.

BUT when they start walking and are aware OMH welcome to hell. You will be up and down that asile for 7 hours. You will have to make sure they dont knock all of the trays down all over the place when the meals are being served. And they are getting to big for the tiny changing facilities in the airplane.

Now, my son is a great traveller, doesnt cry doesnt scream, but is infinitely curious. You know what this means? This means on the way back doing the redeye, they do not SLEEP, because they are too curious. I remember about 6 babies on that flight, NOT ONE slept. Ok so landing time, which is around 5 am Irish time, midnight NYC time, guess what? He falls asleep just at landing. So then, I had to wake him up to do the seatbelt attachment which attaches around the baby to your seatbelt, while he is screaming in your ears and utterly exhausted. ANd then you have to get off the plane with a screaming baby carrying all that crap you brought for them, the bottles, the dvd player, the dvds, the crayons, the nappies, the puzzles, the comfort toy, etc etc.

But if you can get past that, NYC is great and worth it.

robbie_62

LOL thanks for the vivid images !

Yeah he is walking and is def curious,Can just picture him ending up in the Flight deck !!

Do you mind me asking what kind of planes do Aer Lingus use on flights to the US ?

Is there much room to get around ?

Do the flight attendants mind if you take the baby down the aisle for a walk now and then ?

I wouldnt mind him moving around a bit as I wouldnt expect him to stay in one place for that long anyway,

Thanks for the info !

metrovelvet

I have to say in my experience Aer Lingus staff are amazing and the only way I would fly with a small child, especially on a transatlantic. I am a single parent and travel alone with my son so I have him in one arm often and all the crap that comes with him in another. [He is now old enough to squiggle away and run down the aisle saying hello to everyone while his mother fumbles with all the crap trying to find the seat]. But the staff have often sat with him if I have to get to go to the bathroom and have been so accommodating. The ONLY airline to let families on first. Will warm bottles for you. They are just so understanding. They have even looked for seats where their are empty ones in case the child wants to stretch out. I cant say enough good things about AL.

Aer Lingus use the Airbus. It has two isles so it is spacious enough, but you still wont escape cabin fever with a 7 hour flight.

Delta, USAIR and continental use a one aisle plane - NO WAY. Dont do it. They even seated me by the engine with him once. Bad news.

xzanti

Get this.. we are booked into Radio City apartments since last January.. Our tour operator has just gotten in touch with us and offered us an "upgrade" to the a "4 star" place on 32nd Street with 2 bathrooms.. I just had a look on Google Earth and it's like 5 times the distance from Times Square as Radio City.. What's their game have they double booked the hotel or what?

I had a look at the place they were 'upgrading' us to and it doesn't even look like a 4 star infact it doesn't even have a decent website just a PDF brochure job with feck all pics on it..

Needless to say we've declined their offer.. Has this happened to anyone else??

Update - They are ringing Radio City to see if they can "accommodate us" :eek: we have this booked since January 09 wft is going on???
__________________

Ponster

For what it's worth, I'd prefer to be on 32th street than 49th as anytime I'm in the city I tend to do my shopping and entertaining south of Times Square.

Who is the tour operator ?

lord lucan

Ponster wrote: »

For what it's worth, I'd prefer to be on 32th street than 49th as anytime I'm in the city I tend to do my shopping and entertaining south of Times Square.

Who is the tour operator ?

Yeah,around the corner from 32nd street you have Macys,Manhattan Mall(mainly the JCPennys mall now) and a few sports shops(modells) and shoe shops. Most shops around time square are touristy shops and cheap electrical shops.

xzanti

Ponster wrote: »

For what it's worth, I'd prefer to be on 32th street than 49th as anytime I'm in the city I tend to do my shopping and entertaining south of Times Square.

Who is the tour operator ?

Sunway... They've cleared it up now anyway and we're still booked into Radio City.. No explanation why they were trying to move us but I don't care once our plans aren't affected..

It's more a principal thing though tbh.. Trying to 'upgrade' us to a place that looked nowhere near the 4 stars they were trying to convince us it was.. after we booked our trip a year ago.. I think not.. I don't like these companies trying to screw people over..

Anyway all sorted now happy days.. *touch wood*

rovers2001

Hi Guys.

Just want to ask what is the quickest easiest and i suppose cheapest way out to Woodbury Common and return.Last time we were there three years ago there was eight of us and we had a mini bus so cost was very little when divided up but this time there is only two.Any help appreciated thanks.

Captain Slow IRL

rovers2001 wrote: »

Hi Guys.

Just want to ask what is the quickest easiest and i suppose cheapest way out to Woodbury Common and return..................

http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/directions.asp?id=7

rovers2001

Thats a fantastic help thanks alot much appreciated.

docmol

Captain Slow IRL wrote: »

Is there any museum in NY that has a tyrannosaurus rex skeleton on display?! Or any other big dynosaurs?

Natural History Museum on central park. Awesome. You will need at least a day to even begin to explore it.

Captain Slow IRL

docmol wrote: »

Natural History Museum on central park. Awesome. You will need at least a day to even begin to explore it.

Been there, done that, got the blisters on my feet!

delboyfagan

Hi,

Anybody travelled business class with delta to New York? if so, any good?

Anybody stayed in New York Palace Hotel or Jumeirah Essex - any comments good or bad.

RGds,

D

steve-o

The Delta seats are usually old-style (not lie-flat), but still very comfortable. The staff are usually very friendly. Food is pretty decent. Wine is so-so. There's a good selection of recent movies. The Anna Livia lounge in Dublin is pretty rubbish, but the Delta lounges in JFK are nice.

If you are paying for it yourself, Delta have some good deals at the moment for December/January - €999 return all-in.

delboyfagan

delboyfagan wrote: »

Hi,

Anybody travelled business class with delta to New York? if so, any good?

Anybody stayed in New York Palace Hotel or Jumeirah Essex - any comments good or bad.

RGds,

D

If you are going to spend a few bob on a new york hotel as opposed to budget,then I wouldn't recommend those two.
Theres actually some great deals at the plaza at the moment [the famous one-see fairmont hotels.com] and the pierre which is all newly refurbished.
The plaza athenee is also high brow http://www.plaza-athenee.com/default.asp thats without mentioning,the mandarin oriental,the four seasons,the ritz carlton central park etc etc

As for the type of seat on delta business elete to new york,It's not fully flat I understand..at least the one to Atlanta isn't.
It's a cradle seat with avod etc

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11886964-post6.html

millyvanilli

hI
this may be answered before but can not find it Going to New York on this Monday and was just wondering how much in value can you bring back as gifts etc..don't want to break the law:)
Thanks..Great thread by the way..thanks for all info
MV

BuffyBot

This site breaks it down

madonna123

used to live in NYC.. happy days!!!!

mackey087

not sure to be honest, just leave no tags on the stuff you buy, when you go pack a full case of clothes even if it means leaving some of your older stuff. i heard that passengers going with light luggage are being stopped coming back with heavy luggage. same as every where, look around dont buy the first thing you see. even the outlets

The_Thing

Hi all,

Just wondering what is the limit on the value of goods that one can bring home before the Irish Customs apply charges.

Apart from the duty free allowance on Alcohol, etc, is everything else taxable?

Thanks.

sold

http://www.revenue.ie/en/customs/leaflets/import-procedures-guide.pdf

The_Thing

Thank you, sold.

gurramok

I hope customs crack down on those who breach the limits, just because its mostly middle class types who do this NY shopping rather than NI shopping doesn't make it more tolerable in those 'be patriotic stakes'.

sceptre

Travel & Holidays would make far more sense for the original query - nothing to do with Politics. Moved to the appropriate forum.

rocco

Myself and my wife are looking to go to New York were allot of shopping will be done. I was just wondering if anyone knows if there is a major difference in the baggaga allowance weight of the Airlines that fly into New York. Another addition to this one we are looking to fly out on the 24th of feb returning the 1st of March. Using Sky Scanner the cheapest direct flights are with Aer Lingus at €408 each flying out of Dub and into JFK . I know its a bit of a lottery but if any expierenced traveller to NYC can suggest if they will come down or go up ?


Thanks

a_chara

Hi,
Originaly posted this in the things to do in thread but may be better answered in here?
Does anyone have any recomendations for things to do in New York for new years eve please?

I'll be there with my gf (both mid twenties), we're thinking about going on one of the cruises which cost about $160 each with dinner and free bar, other options are to pay into a club or pub which cost around the same for general admission - also sounds like they'll be a bit crowded to be honest.
The times square thing seems a bit restricted also, most sites saying we'd need to go very early and wait around in pens and can't move for the day - don't know how true that is but I haven't really been sold on the idea anyway.

Anyone on here been over there at New Year before? any suggestions welcome, thanks.

Pythia

We went to NYC for NYE 2 years ago. We went to TGI Fridays on Times Square. This cost about $250 each and included all you can eat buffet, open bar and, crucially, we were allowed out onto Times Square for midnight. The food was actually really nice and I'm quite picky. Would definitely recommend it if you can afford it.

hshortt

Consider getting yourself onto the Brookyln Bridge instead of Times Square. Some info here

Enjoy.

nikki 122

miss new york so much it was the most amazing holiday ever, went ice skating in the rockafeller centre went for a run in central park, ive never been so cold in my life but was soooo worth it........ i have to reccomend 5 guys burgers for any meat lover this is the place for you, it does not look like much but has the best burgers ever, the standard is a double and all extras are free, its on 56th and 8th, woodbury common is not as impressive as id expected especially after prime outlets in orlando, best advice for trip to new york = wear comfy shoes have a small digital camera and bring massage cream for your legs everynight!!

Curlz24

Hi,
Does anybody know the best hotels to stay in while in New York City?
Not looking for the most expensive but they would have to be a min 3star!!!
Also if anybody knows of any particular websites that provide excellent packages to the USA that would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks again.

Ms Happy

rocco wrote: »

Myself and my wife are looking to go to New York were allot of shopping will be done. I was just wondering if anyone knows if there is a major difference in the baggaga allowance weight of the Airlines that fly into New York. Another addition to this one we are looking to fly out on the 24th of feb returning the 1st of March. Using Sky Scanner the cheapest direct flights are with Aer Lingus at €408 each flying out of Dub and into JFK . I know its a bit of a lottery but if any expierenced traveller to NYC can suggest if they will come down or go up ?


Thanks

Hi Rocco,

I've been to NY 5 times now, my 6th trip will overlap with yours 26th Feb-2nd March PM me your details and I'll send you own NY guide. I keep adding to it each time i go

chemgirl

Hiya me and my sister are heading to new york on monday. We are flying with delta and i've been reading on this forum that the terminal is horrible im just wondering how bad is bad as this is our first trip away together and my sister has a disability! Thanks for the help

Ms Happy

chemgirl wrote: »

Hiya me and my sister are heading to new york on monday. We are flying with delta and i've been reading on this forum that the terminal is horrible im just wondering how bad is bad as this is our first trip away together and my sister has a disability! Thanks for the help

It ain't the best i'm afraid, it could be worse though....

Bring a good book and grab a coffee, the duty free is ok.

chemgirl

Ms Happy wrote: »

It ain't the best i'm afraid, it could be worse though....

Bring a good book and grab a coffee, the duty free is ok.

thanks

ToniTuddle

Ok I've read through EVERY single post on this thread.
Excellent info I have to say.

Heading to New York for the whole summer(YaY!)
Just wondering if anyone has done anything a bit different from the normal tourist stuff.

I'm going to try and get as much of this done as possible(from all your suggestions):
-NFL game(or some sport)
-Shopping(all those various places mentioned)
-Broadway
-Helicopter over Manhatten
-Rockafeller Plaza/Centre
-Museum
-Restaurants (revolving one definitely!)
-Brooklyn Bridge walk
-Staten Ferry/Statue Liberty/Ellis Island
-Ground Zero
-Madison Square Garden

Fair enough that is plenty to keep me going all summer..

BUT

I'd like some other funky/out-there/mad type things to do?

I'm going to try and get hold of some episodes of "How Low Can You Go?"
As those lads always had mad things to do in whatever country they were in. I know they went all aroud America and no doubt hit NYC.

If anyone here has any info/advice I'd be very grateful!
Thanks

Amyjackson4

Go to a rangers hockey game, serendipity 3 restaurant and have the frozen hot chocolate(its famous), dylans candy bar, birdland jazz bar. You should go onto cbs.com and book tickets to the david letterman show, its loads of fun! Check out The Cloisters its part of the met. If you are a movie fan they do tours of famous movie location. I lived in new york and it took me a while to get around a lot of stuff! Its very hard to go somewhere were their isn't tourist to be honest, you might find someones office but thats about it! Since you are there for the summer you should venture out of new york for a day! I know lots of restaurants, clubs, pubs and cafes! Let me know if you want any recommendations!

Blizzard

finbarrk wrote: »

Has anyone been at the Patricks Day parade? Just wondering how long does it go on for and what's the weather usually like then? Will the kids get bored with it after a while?

Parade starts at 11am and finishes around 4-5pm. Check out link below to see the schedule of marchers and you could try to pinpoint the parts you want to see. Keep in mind the parade goes on for a 2 mile stretch or so - so you need to pick your viewing spot and get there early as the popular areas will be busy and you may not get to view easily - especially for kids. You could do a search to see if you could find a good spot to view from. I used to work in NYC and usually viewed from one of the streets in the 40's. If the day is good it's an unbelievably great day out. Keep in mind it's NY and snow is not uncommon - or freezing temperatures - just keep a look out for weather info before you leave - you could also experience a perfectly sunny, mild spring day! Enjoy and have fun.:)

http://www.saintpatricksdayparade.com/NYC/newyorkcity.htm

finbarrk

Does anyone know when does the Ice skating finish up in the Rockefeller Center? We are going in March and are wondering will it still be there.

Amyjackson4

It tends to finish up about april so you should be ok. It can get a bit manic and its only really worth if the christmas decorations are up. I'd recommend the Wollman rink in central park. It a lot more picturesque and a little bit quieter. I'd save Rockerfeller for a christmas visit.

ToniTuddle

Amyjackson4 wrote: »

Go to a rangers hockey game, serendipity 3 restaurant and have the frozen hot chocolate(its famous), dylans candy bar, birdland jazz bar. You should go onto cbs.com and book tickets to the david letterman show, its loads of fun! Check out The Cloisters its part of the met. If you are a movie fan they do tours of famous movie location. I lived in new york and it took me a while to get around a lot of stuff! Its very hard to go somewhere were their isn't tourist to be honest, you might find someones office but thats about it! Since you are there for the summer you should venture out of new york for a day! I know lots of restaurants, clubs, pubs and cafes! Let me know if you want any recommendations!

Frozen hot chocolate? Madness! I like it
LOVE that film, so shall definitely check it out.

Yeah I've added a few others to the list

-Madame Tussauds
-Museum of Sex (no idea what in under God it's going to be like but shall check it out!)
-Bronx/Queens Zoo
-Apollo Theater+ Sunday Morning Gospel thingy in Harlem
-Markets (early on Sat morning around Hell's Kitchen-meant to be very good)
-Movies+TV sites tour/Sex+The City Tour/Sopranos Tour
-Niagra Falls Day Trip
-Washington Day Trip
-Pacha Nightclub

People should check out- This website for cheaper passes into many attractions

Best to look through them all before buying the first one.
One of the New York passes get you into way more attractions than the other. Plus pick out the best helicopter option for you.


All I have to do now is find a nightclub that is purely 70s.
Another one that is 80s
And only that is like the 1920s!!!!

No entry unless you are dressed up in the appropriate gear
There has to be places like that somewhere in NY!!

I think I have covered loads of non-alcoholic activities so if you could pop up a few suggestions here for some clubs and pubs that would be great.
Either the names or if you can't remember the name what streets they are on would be great.

I've heard NY changes so much though and they are always looking for the latest fancy bar and so loads end up opening and shutting down pretty quick.


EDIT: As well as "dance" nightclubs...is there any good metal bars/clubs or rock bars?
Alternative music bars. Those types of places.
Cheers!

finbarrk

Amyjackson4 wrote: »

It tends to finish up about april so you should be ok. It can get a bit manic and its only really worth if the christmas decorations are up. I'd recommend the Wollman rink in central park. It a lot more picturesque and a little bit quieter. I'd save Rockerfeller for a christmas visit.

Thanks for that info Amy, I'll try the Central park one I'd say because we were planning to go up there to see the zoo anyway.

rocco

Guys I'm looking to go to a New york Knicks game when I'm over in New York and dont want to pay over the odds for tickets. I am going for the experience more than anything I wouldn't be a huge Basketball fan. I was looking at getting tickets off the site below.Anyone have a recommendation of what would be a fair price to be again I don't need court side seats but I don't want to be looking at it from the roof tops. If anyone has been to Madison before I would love to hear from you.

http://www.thegarden.com/tickets/ticket-exchange.html

Cheers
Ian

finbarrk

Whatever you do don't buy tickets off the guys selling them outside the Garden. They will be duds. I got caught myself.

#15

Can anyone recommend an apartment or a reasonably priced hotel? I'm going for two weeks in July. I want a nice enough place (just clean and comfortable really) but I don't wanna break the bank.

yabadabado

rocco wrote: »

Guys I'm looking to go to a New york Knicks game when I'm over in New York and dont want to pay over the odds for tickets. I am going for the experience more than anything I wouldn't be a huge Basketball fan. I was looking at getting tickets off the site below.Anyone have a recommendation of what would be a fair price to be again I don't need court side seats but I don't want to be looking at it from the roof tops. If anyone has been to Madison before I would love to hear from you.

http://www.thegarden.com/tickets/ticket-exchange.html

Cheers
Ian

its a great experience.worth spending $100+ on a seat.
thread on basketball board.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055719060