NYC Megathread Archive 1 (to 13/03/08)

Dr_Darkness

Myself and the hubby are going over to NYC for the New Years for 9 days. How much would you say I need in spending money?

Wisesmurf

Dr_Darkness wrote: »

Myself and the hubby are going over to NYC for the New Years for 9 days. How much would you say I need in spending money?

What do you want to do...You can do NY from $100pp/day to infinity. Pre budget in the things you want to do (statue of liberty, rocafella, shopping) and price them up so you can gague what you need then add a budget per day for meals etc.

For instance, I was there last week for 6 days brought $2100 thinking that was loads and spent it all and put more on my card. Spent lots on good resturants tho..mmmm

nytraveller

Figure $150 a day on meals for both.
The rest is up to you

Dr_Darkness

Thanks for the tip. I am not going to go mad spending over there. I am more interested in experiencing the sights and the US culture moreso than anything else.

I was thinking on bringing about 5 to 7 grand, in case of emergencies. I probably wont spend all that though! lol But no harm in being careful I guess...

Wisesmurf

Dr_Darkness wrote: »

I was thinking on bringing about 5 to 7 grand, in case of emergencies. I probably wont spend all that though! lol But no harm in being careful I guess...

Thats a bit overkill mate, Bring a few grand cash and if you have a credit just load that. Most of the shops/resturants primarily deal with cards im my experience and its a hell of alot safer than carrying loads of cash

Dr_Darkness

I would bring a credit card except I dont have one, unfortunately.
I am going to get Travellers Checks as thats a safer option, I guess rather than bringing loasda cash around.

My Laser card is a cirrus/maestro would that work over there? I doubt it though...

BuffyBot

It will work in any ATM with a Cirrus/Maestro/Mastercard logo on it, which should be most of them

Using it like as a payment method, however, might not be so successful.

Dr_Darkness

Ah thanks for clarifying things Buffybot

Pigletlover

And just so you know the charges for withdrawing cash are fairly high too.

abelard

I've recently gotten a longing to head over to NYC and I'm thinking of a few days in January before college starts again. So I have numerous questions, and I'm really daunted by all the different sites and different information so I'm finding research difficult (I've even read back through most of this thread, but there seemed to be lots of different and conflicting information). So if anyone could offer some help with the following questions.

Firstly, I'm really trying to manage it on a budget, so everything has to be as cheap as possible. I've found return flights (inc taxes) for around €330 with Aer Lingus. Can anyone do better (flight dates would be in or around the 10th, coming back 15th/16th)? Or give me any general tips for getting the cheapest possible flights across? Are Aer Lingus generally competitive in price or should I be looking at another airline?

In terms of accommodation, I really can't afford the hotels people in this thread have mentioned (I know some people think €1000+ for 5/6 nights is reasonable, but I just can't afford it). I've had a look through hostel world etc and found places like this or this. The rates are very reasonable (I'd go with someone so we'd be splitting that price], but I'm wondering has anyone any experience with these place or similar. The most important things for me are good location (which they seem to have), half decent staff, and most importantly, security. I'm not a stickler for micro-cleanliness (I am a student after all). Has anyone ever had any issues with stuff being stolen or anything? I would obviously go for a private room, have there any been any reports of staff theft or break ins or anything (probably a bit paranoid I know)?

Are the rates for some of the usual attractions reasonable (again I've seen conflicting information and don't know what the most current is)? The likes of Ellis Isle, Rockafeller, Modern Art Museum etc. Are there any decent all-in pass cards?

Also how reasonable is travel around the city? Can you get week long cards (like London or Paris) for the subway? Are buses a viable alternative? Should I avoid taxi's altogether?

What about eating, can it be done reasonably on a tight budget? I don't mind food that lies somewhere between fast food and decent stuff. Are reasonably priced eateries in abundance?

OK, shopping is where the budget goes out the window. I don't want to spend the whole time shopping (I'm a guy, so I do tire of it, but I still can't resist some of the bargains I've heard about). Are there January sales similar to here? I've heard many tales about Woodbury/Jersey Gardens, are they essentially the same or are there many exclusive shops that would make you want to visit one in particular? Are there any other good spots for getting cheap clothes? I'd be mainly looking for men's casual clothes, Some electronics (just iPods and such), and photographic equipment.

I think that's about all I want to know. I realise I could probably manage to find out most of this myself, but I'm having a tough time of it. I would really appreciate any help, advice or answers to any of the above. Thanks.

Dapos

looking for a cheap hostel in nyc. as cheap as u can get really without the place being a dive. somewhere with lockers too.

here are too that i have looked at. what ye think

http://www.hostelnewyork.com/availability.php/HostelNumber.16002
http://www.hostelnewyork.com/availability.php/HostelNumber.1850

bigfeller

abelard wrote: »

Some electronics (just iPods and such), and photographic equipment.

B&H is a block from Madison Square Gardens. It's brilliant.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/HelpCenter/NYSuperStore.jsp
And about the cheapest place for all electronic goods.

seamus

Heading over on Sunday and staying in Radio City apartments.

Got some decent recommendations from this thread, not least that I'm going to avoid the empire state and go up rockefeller instead, cheers guys!

Couple of small ones:

We're going to do one of the open-top bus tours on the first day (to orientate ourselves). We're going to do the downtown tour with the gray line - takes you around all the sights? Any comments on this?

I'm also a bit wary of getting tonnes of cash changed, instead I'd prefer to use the credit card for most things. Is this wise? I'll get some cash obviously for tipping and small stuff, but I'll use the CC if I can, whereever I can.

And finally, can anyone recommend a good romantic restaurant? I'm vegetarian and the better half is coeliac vegetarian. So we're awkward. Price is not an issue, I'd like something really good.

cupthehand

bigfeller wrote: »

B&H is a block from Madison Square Gardens. It's brilliant.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/HelpCenter/NYSuperStore.jsp
And about the cheapest place for all electronic goods.

Met Ben Affleck there last Wednesday!
just got in today from Newark to Shannon, customs non-existant and people with 7 and 8 bags each just walked stright thru no problems :cool:

Pigletlover

seamus wrote: »

Heading over on Sunday and staying in Radio City apartments.

Got some decent recommendations from this thread, not least that I'm going to avoid the empire state and go up rockefeller instead, cheers guys!

Good call

Couple of small ones:

We're going to do one of the open-top bus tours on the first day (to orientate ourselves). We're going to do the downtown tour with the gray line - takes you around all the sights? Any comments on this?

I done this and thought it was ok, you'll see most of the sights just walking around anyway tbh. If you're going to do it though I'd definitely recommend the downtown loop over the uptown one, there's a lot more better known sights on the downtown tour.

I'm also a bit wary of getting tonnes of cash changed, instead I'd prefer to use the credit card for most things. Is this wise? I'll get some cash obviously for tipping and small stuff, but I'll use the CC if I can, whereever I can.

Yes, this is a good idea, cards are accepted everywhere so you won't need to carry much cash. Just check your bill in restaurants because sometimes they just automatically add on a 15% tip when you're paying by card.

And finally, can anyone recommend a good romantic restaurant? I'm vegetarian and the better half is coeliac vegetarian. So we're awkward. Price is not an issue, I'd like something really good.

I don't know of any suited to your requirements but you could try here.

Edit: sorry, I just made a balls of that multiquote thing but hopefully you get what I was trying to say!

datk

seamus wrote: »

Got some decent recommendations from this thread, not least that I'm going to avoid the empire state and go up rockefeller instead, cheers guys!

RE: ESB - It's open til midnight this time of year with hardly any queues. It's great looking out over the lights. But definitely Top of the Rock during the day, apart from lack of queues you get a great contrast between the concrete jungle on one side and Central Park on the other. Make sure you go up the last two levels after you get off the lift. Great views.

Noelie

Anyone know the best way to get tickets to broadway shows? I'm going to get my fiancee tickets for Phantom of the Opera, is it best to buy online before we go or buy over there. will probably go the night of January 2nd.
Thanks.

Ms Inquisitive

You could chance getting tickets at one of the two TKTS booths in the city, however, they don't have all shows available for any specific nights. You'll be working on whatever is left over!

I got tickets for the Lion King last year before we went over on www.broadway.com, you pick them up when you get there. Had no problems with the site!

BuffyBot

Femmy's trip report can be found here

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055201085

queencakes

I am just back from New York a week ago and we got tickets for Phantom of the Opera in an information centre based in Times Square. It was $111 each for tickets and we were seated in the front row.

I can't recommend seeing this show highly enough - the highlight of our week (apart from getting my photo taken with the naked cowboy) and I wouldn't consider myself a musical lover.

It is absolutely freezing over there so bring scarf, hat ,gloves etc although resist the urge to buy snow boots or really heavy jackets as you really wouldn't have the need for them here.

Pigletlover

I'm going over to New York in a few weeks and am looking for a few pointers.

I'm planning on buying a pair of UGGS, where is the best place to buy them and how much should I expect to pay?

My eyesight's not the best and think I might need glasses, should I get my eyes tested while I'm over there and buy them there, or is the cost roughly the same as here?

I'm flying into Newark, someone mentioned on this thread that it can be difficult to get a taxi to take you across to Manhattan and also that it can be expensive. Roughly how much should I expect to pay and should I book the taxi in advance. I know there's public transport but I'd prefer to get a taxi.

Finally, this may sound a bit strange but I'd like to try to get to Walmart or a similar supermarket. I've done a search and as far as I can see there doesn't seem to be any on Manhattan, would anybody be able to recommend a supermarket that would be easily accessible either by Subway/bus etc. Also if anyone knew of a store specialising in fresh produce - meat fish, veg etc. I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks

Noelie

Thanks for the info queencakes, I done a bit of surfing and found a website selling tickets it's broadwayoffers.com, I've choosen tickets on the Front Mezz so it should have a pretty good view.

Third_Echelon

I'm in the big apple at the moment. It was freezing on sunday/monday, but it is getting milder today. Bit of rain, so no need for snow gear. the city is pretty clear anyway. No snow on the sidewalks

I don't know of any walmarts in NY city area. There is probably a few in Queens or New Jersey. Go to their website and see if there is a store locater. Walmart and Target type places usually have massive stores outside of towns in retail parks or shopping malls.. Probably too expensive to have that type of ground space in Manhattan i'd say

Ginger83

Hi could anyone recommend somewhere to stay in New York around March? Heading for 10 days, mainly shopping but sight-seeing also,thanks.

irishpartyboy

Well I can tell you DON'T STAY in Hotel Pennsylvania.

Highly recommend Shelbourne Murray Hill, not cheap though. Very central, plus a roof top bar which is great. Perhaps a bit chilly around that time....

jon1981

hey,

im staying here http://www.newyorkhelmsley.com/

got a king size room for 7 nights for €1100,

EDIT: meant to say i found it cheaper on ebookers

gidget

[HTML]Well I can tell you DON'T STAY in Hotel Pennsylvania. [/HTML]

Agreed

I stayed in it for 4 days recently and it was horrible. Cold, damp, dirty, cramped and heard rumours of mice sightings. There was 4 of us cramped into what i would call a broom closet of a room. receptionists were as rude, when we complained. Would have checked out within the 1st hour but there were 16 of us in total and places were booked out. Although it was crowded with Irish and the location was great, I know I won't be returning to it in the future.

PowerHouseDan

Myself and my Gf are heading to New York in Jan, Now with only a few days i we dont want to waste or time heading to wasteful shopping malls can someone suggests the best ones to go to?

Dan

jesus_thats_gre

gidget wrote: »

[html]Well I can tell you DON'T STAY in Hotel Pennsylvania. [/html]

Agreed

I stayed in it for 4 days recently and it was horrible. Cold, damp, dirty, cramped and heard rumours of mice sightings. There was 4 of us cramped into what i would call a broom closet of a room. receptionists were as rude, when we complained. Would have checked out within the 1st hour but there were 16 of us in total and places were booked out. Although it was crowded with Irish and the location was great, I know I won't be returning to it in the future.

Weirdly enough, had the same thing but when I complained we got upgraded to a savage room!! Same thing happened with my parents about 6 months beforehand.

The second time I stayed there the room was pefectly fine.

Dub13

jesus_thats_gre wrote: »

Weirdly enough, had the same thing but when I complained we got upgraded to a savage room!! Same thing happened with my parents about 6 months beforehand.

The second time I stayed there the room was pefectly fine.

I have stayed in the Hotel Pennsylvania a few times and never take the first room they offer me,one time I changed the room 3 times in the first hour.

Its fine and a great location they just seem to have a few bad rooms you are grand if you don't get stung for one of these.