New York help

[H18 SFR]

Thinking of going to New York in April Thursday to Monday, flights available for £262 return with some air miles.

Any recommendations where to stay? Totally clueless.

[Peanut Shaz]

Thinking of going to New York in April Thursday to Monday, flights available for £262 return with some air miles.

Any recommendations where to stay? Totally clueless.

A few years ago we stayed in the Ameritania Hotel. Very close to Times Square, Broadway etc. Small rooms but great location, friendly staff and very clean. Not super luxurious but tbh you'll be out most of the day/night.

[WeeRussell]

I stayed in the ‘Washington Jefferson’ a few years ago. Clean and comfortable and excellent location in Hell’s Kitchen, not even ten minutes walk to Central Park/Times Square.

Was one of the more reasonable priced.

[pollution]

The poor exchange rate will make all accommodation very expensive, good luck.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Depends what you’re after.

I’ve stayed in the Nyma in Korea Town (really close to Empire State) and Broadway Plaza (near Flat Iron) in Manhattan. The broadway plaza was nice enough, the Nyma was a bit tired tbh.

I’ve also stayed at The Pod in Williamsburg. The rooms are very small, the shower is above the toilet to save room etc but it was absolutely spotless and the price reflects the size of the room to an extent. I prefer Brooklyn to Manhattan so if I was going back I’d go to The Pod as it’s really just a place to rest your head for me.

[Hibbyradge]

New York arguably has the most expensive real estate in the world so if you want a large hotel room, be prepared to add a zero to your usual spend. If you're not that flush, you'll get a small, but adequate, bedroom.

Otherwise, anything in The City (Manhattan) with a reasonable TripAdvisor rating should be fine. Sleep, shower, go out.

I've stayed in a few different places, all were small, none were cheap, but it's an exciting city to visit.

Tipping is difficult to get used to. To avoid any embarrassment or confusion, just add 15% unless they've already taken a service charge.

If you're sitting at the bar having a beer, you tip $1 a drink unless you're on a tab, but all of that happens across the USA.

Others will give their experiences too, I'm sure.

[hibee_girl]

We’ve just spent a week there and stayed in the Hampton Inn on 35th Street. It was an ideal location for a base, close to Empire State Building, Times Square etc.

Rooms were basic but clean and comfortable and a decent breakfast each morning.

[Bridge hibs]

My Wife is always at me to go to New York but it just doesnt appeal to me for some reason, is it worth a visit for those of you who had the same train of thought but eventually went ?

I dont really drink much these days, but in days of yore I would certainly have liked to experience pubs and beers. I enjoy food but I despise shopping and I can imagine thats my Wifes real motive behind wanting to go 🫣

Am I missing out or is there perhaps better places to visit in America ?

[Hibbyradge]

My Wife is always at me to go to New York but it just doesnt appeal to me for some reason, is it worth a visit for those of you who had the same train of thought but eventually went ?

I dont really drink much these days, but in days of yore I would certainly have liked to experience pubs and beers. I enjoy food but I despise shopping and I can imagine thats my Wifes real motive behind wanting to go 🫣

Am I missing out or is there perhaps better places to visit in America ?

You'll never know if you like it or not unless you try it.

I say that regularly to people who baulk at trying foods because they don't like the look, but it equally applies to travel.

I find New York to be an exciting city. I love being able to walk around and recognise places and biulings from movies and TV shows.

The sheer size of the buildings was breathtaking the first time I went and I will never tire of the view from the top of the Rockefeller Centre. (Much better than the Empire SB).

Getting a chilli dog from a street corner vendor, catching the free Staten Island Ferry, walking the Brooklyn Bridge, taking a yellow cab, seeing Strawberry Fields and Central Park and a million more things to do and places to visit all make it a brilliant trip, imo.

It's a much more interesting city to visit compared to LA, for example, and Vegas is Vegas, completely different.

[archie]

New York arguably has the most expensive real estate in the world so if you want a large hotel room, be prepared to add a zero to your usual spend. If you're not that flush, you'll get a small, but adequate, bedroom.

Otherwise, anything in The City (Manhattan) with a reasonable TripAdvisor rating should be fine. Sleep, shower, go out.

I've stayed in a few different places, all were small, none were cheap, but it's an exciting city to visit.

Tipping is difficult to get used to. To avoid any embarrassment or confusion, just add 15% unless they've already taken a service charge.

If you're sitting at the bar having a beer, you tip $1 a drink unless you're on a tab, but all of that happens across the USA.

Others will give their experiences too, I'm sure.Recent experience tells me that 15% would get a dirty look. Restaurant bills regularly come with a suggested 20/22/25% tip!

[He's here!]

My Wife is always at me to go to New York but it just doesnt appeal to me for some reason, is it worth a visit for those of you who had the same train of thought but eventually went ?

I dont really drink much these days, but in days of yore I would certainly have liked to experience pubs and beers. I enjoy food but I despise shopping and I can imagine thats my Wifes real motive behind wanting to go 🫣

Am I missing out or is there perhaps better places to visit in America ?

Been to New York twice but not in recent years. Based on those visits I'd say its definitely worth visiting. America is a phenomenal country to visit. It's just a shame it's become so toxic politically. Personally I like Chicago, but also enjoyed visits to Philadelphia and New Orleans. Wasn't such a fan of Washington.

[bigwheel]

My Wife is always at me to go to New York but it just doesnt appeal to me for some reason, is it worth a visit for those of you who had the same train of thought but eventually went ?

I dont really drink much these days, but in days of yore I would certainly have liked to experience pubs and beers. I enjoy food but I despise shopping and I can imagine thats my Wifes real motive behind wanting to go 🫣

Am I missing out or is there perhaps better places to visit in America ?

Manhattan is one of my favourite cities in the world ..up there with Paris ..buenos Aires ..

It does have great places to eat and drink ..but it is the diversity of people, place, art and culture …

Sure there are shops - but there are also world class parks, galleries , theatre , cinema, art , comedy, the Hudson River …You can bike or walk around Manhattan and the boroughs surrounding it and just experience the smells and the vibrancy . Go over and check it out - and definitely go to Brooklyn too. Great for a different fee and also great views of Manhattan and the cycle or walk across Brooklyn bridge is wonderful…

[LaMotta]

You'll never know if you like it or not unless you try it.

I say that regularly to people who baulk at trying foods because they don't like the look, but it equally applies to travel.

I find New York to be an exciting city. I love being able to walk around and recognise places and biulings from movies and TV shows.

The sheer size of the buildings was breathtaking the first time I went and I will never tire of the view from the top of the Rockefeller Centre. (Much better than the Empire SB).

Getting a chilli dog from a street corner vendor, catching the free Staten Island Ferry, walking the Brooklyn Bridge, taking a yellow cab, seeing Strawberry Fields and Central Park and a million more things to do and places to visit all make it a brilliant trip, imo.

It's a much more interesting city to visit compared to LA, for example, and Vegas is Vegas, completely different.

Making me nostalgic here. :greengrin Was there in 2013 and I'm itching to go back.

[Stairway 2 7]

New York is a great city for a weekend. But no better than Prague, Paris, Berlin, krakow ect, although 3 times the cost due to flights and exchange rates

[Bridge hibs]

You'll never know if you like it or not unless you try it.

I say that regularly to people who baulk at trying foods because they don't like the look, but it equally applies to travel.

I find New York to be an exciting city. I love being able to walk around and recognise places and biulings from movies and TV shows.

The sheer size of the buildings was breathtaking the first time I went and I will never tire of the view from the top of the Rockefeller Centre. (Much better than the Empire SB).

Getting a chilli dog from a street corner vendor, catching the free Staten Island Ferry, walking the Brooklyn Bridge, taking a yellow cab, seeing Strawberry Fields and Central Park and a million more things to do and places to visit all make it a brilliant trip, imo.

It's a much more interesting city to visit compared to LA, for example, and Vegas is Vegas, completely different.Thanks for that and I agree with the try it bit. I suppose its hearing from many folk I know who have been with sorta mixed reviews. I also agree one persons tastes dont always have to be the same as mines

I, like you would probably enjoy those buildings that have been used in films, Central park and Staten Island appeal to me. I enjoy those 4 Comedians/ex school mates who play pranks on each other, most of them are from Staten Island (sorry the programme name escapes me)

Edit - Impractical Jokers 😀

[Hibbyradge]

Recent experience tells me that 15% would get a dirty look. Restaurant bills regularly come with a suggested 20/22/25% tip!

I've not been for a while but they're only suggestions.

20% it is then.

[Bridge hibs]

Manhattan is one of my favourite cities in the world ..up there with Paris ..buenos Aires ..

It does have great places to eat and drink ..but it is the diversity of people, place, art and culture …

Sure there are shops - but there are also world class parks, galleries , theatre , cinema, art , comedy, the Hudson River …You can bike or walk around Manhattan and the boroughs surrounding it and just experience the smells and the vibrancy . Go over and check it out - and definitely go to Brooklyn too. Great for a different fee and also great views of Manhattan and the cycle or walk across Brooklyn bridge is wonderful…Thanks mate, when my Wife broaches the subject again (which is very often) I will revisit this thread 😀👍

[Hibbyradge]

Making me nostalgic here. :greengrin Was there in 2013 and I'm itching to go back.

I just did that to myself too! :hilarious

[LaMotta]

New York is a great city for a weekend. But no better than Prague, Paris, Berlin, krakow ect, although 3 times the cost due to flights and exchange rates

Each to their own etc but for me New York is miles ahead of Prague and Paris and other cities I've been to, and also I'd say about 5 days is the right duration for a trip to New York. You are right about cost of course!

[LaMotta]

I just did that to myself too! :hilarious

:tee hee:

[Scouse Hibee]

My Wife is always at me to go to New York but it just doesnt appeal to me for some reason, is it worth a visit for those of you who had the same train of thought but eventually went ?

I dont really drink much these days, but in days of yore I would certainly have liked to experience pubs and beers. I enjoy food but I despise shopping and I can imagine thats my Wifes real motive behind wanting to go 🫣

Am I missing out or is there perhaps better places to visit in America ?

Done Vegas,New York and San Francisco about four years ago, a fantastic trip and well worth it. Been to New York twice now and done pretty much everything I wanted to do there but would highly recommend it.

[Berwickhibby]

Thinking of going to New York in April Thursday to Monday, flights available for £262 return with some air miles.

Any recommendations where to stay? Totally clueless.

The Wyndham New Yorker is a good hotel …near time square with a fantastic diner attached

[Bridge hibs]

Done Vegas,New York and San Francisco a couple of years ago, a fantastic trip and well worth it. Been to New York twice now and done pretty much everything I wanted to do there but would highly recommend it.Is it safe, as in any areas to avoid & if there are places to avoid then thats where I want to send my Wife 🤣

[Bridge hibs]

Apologies H18 SFR, Ive taken over your thread 👍

[Moulin Yarns]

A walk through Chinatown is recommended.

As has been said, NY is one huge film set, last time I was there I came across filming of Tower Heist.

[grunt]

The Wyndham New Yorker is a good hotel …near time square with a fantastic diner attachedAgree with Berwickhibby! :greengrin Stayed here many years ago. Rooms were fairly basic but I agree about the diner - breakfasts were a piece of performance art. It's a nice building too, and centrally located, opposite MSG.

I've also stayed at the Hilton Midtown (paid with points) - a huge sprawling impersonal place but hey, I wasn't paying. And best of all was the Park Lane New York, across from Central Park with views of the park to die for.

[Hibbyradge]

A walk through Chinatown is recommended.

As has been said, NY is one huge film set, last time I was there I came across filming of Tower Heist.

As is eating in Little Italy.

If you're a Sopranos fan, you'll enjoy a drink in The Mulberry Street Bar which was used in the series.

One time I had that whole busy pub in the palm of my hands when I sang American Pie at a karaoke there. It was before Madonna ruined it, absolutely everybody joined in and it was rammed full. My wife got jealous because of all the attention I got from the ladies after it. :hilarious

You wouldn't believe the number of them who told me in broad New York accents that they were 'Scatch' too! A truly great memory.

[archie]

I've not been for a while but they're only suggestions.

20% it is then.Not really. The minimum wage for waiters is lower than for other jobs because of tips. So the tips are a key part of their earnings.

[Hibbyradge]

Not really. The minimum wage for waiters is lower than for other jobs because of tips. So the tips are a key part of their earnings.

I know that, which is why it's important to tip as much as you can afford, depending on good service, but it doesn't have to be 20%+ although next time I go, I'll give that.

[speedy_gonzales]

Another gentle reminder re tips, you tip your chosen %age over the bill, not bill+tax.
Whilst most servers will be happy to accept more, I was pulled up once for over-tipping in a bar. Apparently it makes you come across as a total c*ck. I assure you I wasn't (on that occasion 🙄)

[HH81]

My Wife is always at me to go to New York but it just doesnt appeal to me for some reason, is it worth a visit for those of you who had the same train of thought but eventually went ?

I dont really drink much these days, but in days of yore I would certainly have liked to experience pubs and beers. I enjoy food but I despise shopping and I can imagine thats my Wifes real motive behind wanting to go 🫣

Am I missing out or is there perhaps better places to visit in America ?

Miles better places than New York. In fact I'd say it's in my bottom 2 visited with LA.

I hate shopping myself to be honest. Only thing I liked about it was times square and 9/11 bit (although it was sad it was good to see the new momorial.

Top 3 places for me are

Florida and San Diego joint
Vegas 3rd.

I can see the appeal to some but it wasn't for me.

[danhibees1875]

Worth seeing I would say, although I'm not sure I would go back. It was cool to see a lot of the sights and marvel in it all, but I'd struggle to say anything that I particularly enjoyed and would want to do again (there was a lobster roll in Brooklyn I'd have again actually!).

Particularly so if it's got even more expensive since I went (2016).

The tipping culture is mad - we done a fancy meal whilst there and the tip was more than we paid for lunch the next day. Although we're going that way too - everywhere in Edinburgh seems to just add 10% on now as default.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Miles better places than New York. In fact I'd say it's in my bottom 2 visited with LA.

I hate shopping myself to be honest. Only thing I liked about it was times square and 9/11 bit (although it was sad it was good to see the new momorial.

Top 3 places for me are

Florida and San Diego joint
Vegas 3rd.

I can see the appeal to some but it wasn't for me.

Without sounding like a dick if you’re favourite bits were Times Square then you’re not doing it right :greengrin

[H18BYM]

Thinking of going to New York in April Thursday to Monday, flights available for £262 return with some air miles.

Any recommendations where to stay? Totally clueless.

I love New York - heading there next month for a week, just before Christmas, with the wife and kids.

On accommodation, I'd recommend using Booking.com, find hotels that offer free cancellation and include all taxes (not all do and these can add up). Book something you like the look of that is affordable, but keep shopping around and checking the likes of trip advisor for traveller photos and reviews. Book more than one if you need to, ordinarily you can cancel right up until the day before you travel. We've stayed in various parts of the City, as others have said, the rooms will be small but tend just to be for sleeping anyway.

I'd recommend avoiding the Times Square area, it's crazy busy, so maybe anywhere less than 35th Street or above 50th Street.

Also, be prepared for the smell of marijuana, it's really strong just walking around.

[Paulie Walnuts]

If anyone is going and is into pizza then I couldn’t recommend Lucali in Carrol Gardens, Brooklyn enough.

It’s the best pizza I’ve ever had by a mile and I’ve had most of the famous ones in NY and Italy.

[Allant1981]

Been to New York quite a few times, last time we went we stayed in the marmara Park Hotel in manhattan, from memory we paid about £1400 for 3 nights for the wife and I, might be more now, loads and loads to do in New York, the tourist stuff is good but try get talking to locals as well, my aunt and uncle stay in long island and always used to give recommendations for things to do and places they have been to eat,usually a bit cheaper than the restaurants in the tourist hot spots, China town was probably my favourite place to visit the last time

[Fuzzywuzzy]

Bull mcabes in st marks is a good pub to visit. Had a cracking day in there many moons ago