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

BuffyBot · 04-02-2008 10:34AM

I was wondering why the flights to NYC are so expensive Easter week?

You've answered your own question

Ms Inquisitive · 04-02-2008 10:36AM

All this talk of ID is getting me kinda worried.

My bf's sister is heading to NYC in March, a month before her 21st birthday. The rest of us will all be between 23 and 25. Any tips on ID or whats her best options?

Gordon · 04-02-2008 10:41AM

broadwaybaby wrote: »

Jaxy the Garda I.D is a laminated card and they wouldn't accept it from my cousin and she was 24 at the time so I'd say have your passport as they are extremely strict.

Really? I got in ok to some places with a photocopy of my passport. I had to pay a guy 10$ once when I forgot it though, he must have made a little sum from forgetful souls.

Pigletlover · 04-02-2008 11:51AM

I was never asked for ID in a bar in New York and I was 21,22 and 23 when I went. The last time I was there (a few weeks ago), I did need ID to buy tablets for a cold and my driver's licence was accepted.

brophy · 04-02-2008 12:23PM

I was in new york there just before christmas am 24 and the gf is 23 but looks about 21 and we were not asked for id once while there. Have been to a good few other cities in America and would have to say that New York was by FAR the most relaxed when it comes to id. In all other cities the drivers license is accepted.

Ponster · 04-02-2008 12:29PM

Gordon wrote: »

Really? I got in ok to some places with a photocopy of my passport. I had to pay a guy 10$ once when I forgot it though, he must have made a little sum from forgetful souls.

I've had my passport refused once because the guy behind the bar had never seen one before and so therefore couldn't tell if it was fake or not !

Ms Inquisitive · 04-02-2008 12:35PM

He'd never seen an irish passport presented in a pub in New York!!

Jeez, wouldn't say he lasted too long in that bar!

jaxy999 · 04-02-2008 03:20PM

I'd say it all depends on where you go and what's the door policy. From reading the trip advisor NYC forum most American's say the only ID accepted is a US Gov't issued one. We'll probably just chance our driver's license and a copy of passport (fingers crossed!!) No drink is worth losing your passport.

Has anyone ever bought the greyline open top bus tour around NY? Is it value for money? A 48hr pass is something like $50.00 whereas a week long subway and bus metrocard is only $24.00, which is alot cheaper however you see nothing down in the subway? Any opinions,

Ms Inquisitive · 04-02-2008 03:24PM

I would definitely recommend the bus tour! I've been to NYC twice and used it both times! Great way to see the city and it's valid for two full days!

I've never used the subway but think I'm gonna venture into it next time!

unklerosco · 04-02-2008 03:29PM

jaxy999 wrote: »

Has anyone ever bought the greyline open top bus tour around NY? Is it value for money? A 48hr pass is something like $50.00 whereas a week long subway and bus metrocard is only $24.00, which is alot cheaper however you see nothing down in the subway? Any opinions,

Yep they're worth it...

The all loops tour is worth it, book it online n its only $35... U get the Downtown, Uptown, Brooklyn and Night Tours for 48hrs. Well worth it, all the guides I've had where sound n a good laugh and really helpful. If u intend on going sightseeing don't bring much cash with you on the day you do otherwise u'll be in and out of shops. Thats what happened to us...

And you have to use the subway... Get to meet the loons, just don't make eye contact ;-)

Also, u usualy get some class buskers and brilliant break dancing crews in the bigger subway stations.. Worth it just to see them

jaxy999 · 04-02-2008 04:35PM

I think we will go with the tour bus option so.:) It will save on walking and getting stressed on the subway wondering if on the right train and not heading to the Bronx! Last time I was in NY we got the NY city pass and I did not think it was worth it, unless you're literally running around all day to fit everything in. If you're someone who does not plan an itineary (sp) and goes with the flow it's not really value for money in my opinion.

sharkDawg · 04-02-2008 11:36PM

jaxy999 wrote: »

I will be in NYC in May with some friends and we are all in our mid twenties.We know the door policy on bars re ID and being over 21 is strict but we don't want the hassle of carrying our passports at night in case we lose them. Would they accept an Irish driver's license even though they will look so fake to a New Yorker! (laminated pink paper!!) Why can't we be issued with something like a credit card with a photo like most other countries!!
Any tips on what's the best ID or just bring the passport?

Irish drivers licenses are fine, my friends and i were over on a j1 last summer and weren't refused entry anywhere in Manhattan with our licenses, and our licences looked extra fake!!!;)

Pigletlover · 05-02-2008 11:57AM

jaxy999 wrote: »

I'd say it all depends on where you go and what's the door policy. From reading the trip advisor NYC forum most American's say the only ID accepted is a US Gov't issued one. We'll probably just chance our driver's license and a copy of passport (fingers crossed!!) No drink is worth losing your passport.

Has anyone ever bought the greyline open top bus tour around NY? Is it value for money? A 48hr pass is something like $50.00 whereas a week long subway and bus metrocard is only $24.00, which is alot cheaper however you see nothing down in the subway? Any opinions,

The tour bus is a good way of seeing all the sights but if you want to get from A to B the Subway is much quicker and the 7 day pass for $24 is brilliant value. The Subway is definitely the best way to travel imo, you're never too far from a station and the 7 day pass works out as a couple of euro a day.

lord lucan · 05-02-2008 12:22PM

brophy wrote: »

I was in new york there just before christmas am 24 and the gf is 23 but looks about 21 and we were not asked for id once while there. Have been to a good few other cities in America and would have to say that New York was by FAR the most relaxed when it comes to id. In all other cities the drivers license is accepted.

thats my experience too,never been carded in a NY bar. was asked for i.d. when getting a beer at yankee stadium though,and i'm 33:eek:

jaxy999 · 06-02-2008 04:33PM

The greyline open top tour bus company have a special offer on right now on their website for the NYC all loop tour 48hrs. $50.00 reduced down to $25.00.

https://www.coachusa.com/newyorksightseeing/booking.asp?action=ProductDetail&SEE=1&productId=1053

collgal · 07-02-2008 10:52PM

Am travelling to NYC in April. Hoping to book a restaurant for dinner to celebrate my birthday - one of those big round "?0" birthdays! Would like it to be somewhere special/cool/memorable.
The "21 Club" and Gordon :mad: Ramsays place at The London have been suggested to me. Not sure if I'd like to eat in a Gordon place though!
Anyone tried either of those?
Or anyone got any other good suggestions?
All help appreciated.

Ps. I booked our accomodation through expedia.ie. Got a great deal on one of their 24 hour 25% off specials. Had a list of 5 possible hotels all with good location that I checked on the site daily - it paid off on the end. Saved almost €300!!

bluebell1 · 07-02-2008 11:25PM

Was in NY in September last year and ate in Gordon Ramseys place, really like it. Not too posh. We had the tasting menu think it was seven or eight courses, fabulous food!

brettmirl · 07-02-2008 11:41PM

+1 for Gordon Ramsays place.

I ate at Maze which is the informal section as opposed to formal dining room. Maze also does lunch which i think you can only get in the formal dining room at the weekends.

Ms Inquisitive · 08-02-2008 09:58AM

What about the revolving restaurant in the Marriott in Times Square.

The name totally escapes me at the moment! Maybe someone else can help.

unklerosco · 08-02-2008 10:10AM

There's a review of that restaurant a few pages back....

Third_Echelon · 08-02-2008 11:29AM

Ben Bensons.... Savage place for steaks etc.

Looking around 80 to 100 dollars per head, but my god it is worth it!

http://benbensons.com/index2.htm

keefg · 08-02-2008 08:13PM

Can anyone tell me the approx cost of a taxi from Newark Airport to the city (midtown)?

thanks

datk · 10-02-2008 12:32AM

keefg wrote: »

Can anyone tell me the approx cost of a taxi from Newark Airport to the city (midtown)?

thanks

I think you'd be looking at $50+.

The train (NJ Transit) is a painless way to get into the city and doesn't take that long, it's $15 one way.

Femelade · 11-02-2008 10:46AM

Ms Inquisitive wrote: »

What about the revolving restaurant in the Marriott in Times Square.

The name totally escapes me at the moment! Maybe someone else can help.

The view.
We went there in december, fairly pricey, over 200 dollars for the 2 of us.
But i liked it, the food was nice and the view was amazing.

hshortt · 11-02-2008 11:41AM

I hated that place! Can only see out on 3/4 of the rotation. Very expensive, buffet type desserts. Just YUK!

For a great night out, grab a cab and go to Grimaldi's under the Brooklyn bridge. Eat a fantastic pizza then take the 200metre stroll to the waterfront next to the Ice Cream factory!

The view here is spectacular and you can end the evening with a romatic stroll back over the Brooklyn bridge taking in the wonders of Manhattan Skyline.

This stands out as one of the best things I've done in New York for years, and you won't break the bank either!

http://www.grimaldis.com/brooklyn.htm

cheerio
Howard

Pigletlover · 11-02-2008 04:07PM

keefg wrote: »

Can anyone tell me the approx cost of a taxi from Newark Airport to the city (midtown)?

thanks

It cost us $60 plus tolls and a dollar per bag. I don't know how much the tolls were, I think it was $9 but I'm not 100%. It worked out at $80 including a tip. On the way back to the airport it was a bit more expensive as you have to pay whatever is on the meter plus tolls and an extra charge of $15.

Flynn · 11-02-2008 06:47PM

Hey I'm heading off on a RTW starting in NY for Paddy's will be there from the 12th - 18th
I'm meeting friends on the 15th - 18th and will be sharing a hotel with them but for the first 3 days i'm looking for a hostel close to the centre of it all.. Where i could meet fellow travelers (maybe to go for a pint with).. I checked out hostelworld.com but there is so many.. Anyone got first hand experince.. Was looking at one in chelsea but it doesn't seem like a good place to meet people based on customer reviews..

Also what could i do on my own for those 3 days.? I'll be trying to save money to do all the usuals when i meet up with friends. So swinging more towards going to see a gig in a bar, walking around taking in the sights etc.. rather than a helicopter ride!

thanks

p to the e · 15-02-2008 07:28PM

Flynn wrote: »

Hey I'm heading off on a RTW starting in NY for Paddy's will be there from the 12th - 18th

Also what could i do on my own for those 3 days.?

trust me if you're there for Paddy's day you won't be bored on that particular day. my best advice to you for the other days is just go walking. sounds like a regular stupid tourist thing to do but get a subway (cheap and easy to navigate and an experience in itself) down to maybe the brooklyn bridge which is downtown and literally just walk north. take in China town, Little Italy than hit Fifth Avenue and stick with it until central park. there's numerous quaint cafes and bars where you can watch the world go by.

joolsveer · 17-02-2008 03:46PM

keefg wrote: »

Can anyone tell me the approx cost of a taxi from Newark Airport to the city (midtown)?

thanks

I got a taxi (with my wife and daughter) on Thursday last from midtown Manhattan to Newark Liberty Airport. It cost just under $70. This included $8 for tolls and a charge of $15 for coming back empty. It was 5pm and the traffic was murder.

FutureGuy · 18-02-2008 08:05PM

Hi everyone

Myself and my girlfriend are spending 3 days in NYC on the way home from Orlando from the 1st-4th April. We've everything booked for the holiday, apart from the hotel in NYC!

We're looking for something in Manhatten that is quiet (if there is such a thing!) but we've found it hard to find a hotel for under $1000 for the 3 nights.

We have also looked at the apartments that were discussed earlier in the thread, but would prefer a hotel.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Tony

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

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