FLVillan Posted August 12, 2022 Share Posted August 12, 2022 3 hours ago, mottaloo said: Gonna finally...FINALLY book my manhattan trip for sep 2023 (as my honeymoon) but all of a sudden I've developed amnesia as to best sites to book a hotel - apart from booking.com, Expedia, secretescapes etc....are they for lazy buggers and rip folk off ? Better to book direct with the hotel ? Also, want to book a show.....2 years ago I booked jersey boys via Newyork.co.uk just before covid struck - said they'd keep my ref and wait for me but now say the credit expired on July 1st this year (I might've missed the small print) so they're a no no. Again, better to book direct with the theatre ya reckon ? I have £900 aer lingus credit voucher to use, so I will be sorted for flights. All thoughts most welcome Scour the internet for hotels (Hotels.com, kayak.com etc.) then once you've found a couple you like, go to the hotel company sites to book. The agencies like kayak and hotels.com are very often non-refundable, whereas if you book directly through the likes of Marriott, Hilton etc you can cancel up to 36 hours before with no penalty, and they don't usually charge a booking fee. Also a lot of the hotels will have a slightly reduced rate for AAA members and veterans/elderly. I have a AAA membership and in 25 years of booking hotels with the AAA discount I've NEVER been asked to show my membership card yet. If you aren't especially picky on what show you want to see you can wait until you arrive and use the Redbox at Times Square where they sell off remaining tickets at vastly reduced prices. We've seen some great shows on Broadway that way (Mama Mia, Lion King, Phantom etc). Use the subways and walking to get around. Far cheaper than paying for cabs and/or ubers. Manhattan is a massive grid so it's hard to get lost. Subway is easy to navigate once you've come to the realization that it's nothing like the Tube. You can also take a train/subway from JFK or Newark airports into Manhattan. JFK is Airtrain to Jamaica station then a LIRR train into Grand Central. Newark is Airtrain to Newark Airport station (don't get it confused with Newark city station) then a NJ Transit train into Penn Station. Both of these stations are a comfortable walk to Times Square and surrounding areas. NY has had some fairly dramatic increases in crime the past couple of years, so keep your wits about you, keep looking forward and down (tourists are easy to spot cause they're all looking up ). Practice the phrase "I don't carry cash" and keep walking as you'll likely be approached by homeless and/or criminals for money. Stay on the main roads and if a side street looks poorly lit then avoid using it as a shortcut. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villa4europe Posted August 12, 2022 Share Posted August 12, 2022 I stayed at the hotel Indigo in brooklyn which I don't think is officially classed as Williamsburg but its close, I thought it was great, right on top of a good subway station, also on top of a 24 hour cafe with cigarette smoke yellow walls and ceilings 3 NYPD cars parked outside and French toast served with bacon sausage egg and chili sauce it's was perfect, lots round there for a chilled relaxed night like Ecuadorian food trucks and Colombian restaurants, delis and bagelsmith which was incredible, for me personally I could also walk to rough trade after the wife had gone to bed, step out the door of that place and there's an astro pitch pretty much on the river bank with the manhatten skyline behind it, its stunning It was worth it I think just to get out of the manhatten chaos if you don't mind the backwards and forwards And the subway works but it is baffling at times and insanely dangerous on first glance same as all big cities get their metrocard and just load it with $20-30 same as an oyster 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLVillan Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 On 24/07/2022 at 08:34, Risso said: Central Park isn't up to much anyway to be honest. OK it's just about the only decent sized green space in Manhattan, but there's not much there and the zoo is rubbish. I'll second that sentiment. The park really isn't much to write home about. Just unique because it's in the only bit of grass on the island. I used to walk through it on my commute to work every day and the only bit that I liked was the path and tunnel where the scene from Home Alone 2 was filmed.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLVillan Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 On 19/07/2022 at 05:02, Sid4ever said: So far the plan includes Empire State Building, Rockefeller, One World, Ground Zero, Statue of Liberty and a carriage ride in Central Park for our wedding anniversary (the wife's idea). It's first time so unsure how much to plan as I am guessing we will just be in awe of the place. The Intrepid museum (Aircraft Carrier that has a Space Shuttle and Concorde on it's deck among others) is worth a trip if you like that sort of thing, and a walk down the High Line (old railroad that was converted into a park). Staten Island ferry (free) gives you a nice view of NY Harbour and Statue of Liberty. The Top of the Rock will give you (in many opinions) the best view of Manhattan/NYC area. Little Italy has some incredible restaurants. If you want to do some cheap designer clothes shopping there is a store called Century 21 close to Ground Zero/World Trade. Macy's (near 34th St and Penn Station is the US version of Harrods and there is also an open market near there. If you've got the energy you can take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge (East River). Grand Central station is worth a visit (main hall is spectacular and there is a great food court in the lower level (not to mention the only public restrooms in midtown). Bring a good pair of walking shoes and a zippered pocket for your wallet etc. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Risso Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 Uh oh, he just called it Grand Central station! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villa4europe Posted August 13, 2022 Share Posted August 13, 2022 (edited) I went to macys early December so they had a Christmas sale on Spent maybe 2 hours and $200 in there and if it wasn't for getting there at about 7pm id have spent longer in there, its monstrous and I thought very cheap, probably didn't even see half of it, saw the wooden escalator though! Simple things please simple minds and that definitely made me smile And they had a cinnabon stand in there... Edited August 13, 2022 by villa4europe 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevo985 Posted August 15, 2022 VT Supporter Share Posted August 15, 2022 On 12/08/2022 at 16:44, mottaloo said: Gonna finally...FINALLY book my manhattan trip for sep 2023 (as my honeymoon) but all of a sudden I've developed amnesia as to best sites to book a hotel - apart from booking.com, Expedia, secretescapes etc....are they for lazy buggers and rip folk off ? Better to book direct with the hotel ? Also, want to book a show.....2 years ago I booked jersey boys via Newyork.co.uk just before covid struck - said they'd keep my ref and wait for me but now say the credit expired on July 1st this year (I might've missed the small print) so they're a no no. Again, better to book direct with the theatre ya reckon ? I have £900 aer lingus credit voucher to use, so I will be sorted for flights. All thoughts most welcome There's loads of great info in this thread to be fair. Having a readthrough from start to finish would give you loads of ideas 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevo985 Posted August 15, 2022 VT Supporter Share Posted August 15, 2022 On 12/08/2022 at 21:24, villa4europe said: I stayed at the hotel Indigo in brooklyn which I don't think is officially classed as Williamsburg but its close, I thought it was great, right on top of a good subway station, also on top of a 24 hour cafe with cigarette smoke yellow walls and ceilings 3 NYPD cars parked outside and French toast served with bacon sausage egg and chili sauce it's was perfect, lots round there for a chilled relaxed night like Ecuadorian food trucks and Colombian restaurants, delis and bagelsmith which was incredible, for me personally I could also walk to rough trade after the wife had gone to bed, step out the door of that place and there's an astro pitch pretty much on the river bank with the manhatten skyline behind it, its stunning It was worth it I think just to get out of the manhatten chaos if you don't mind the backwards and forwards And the subway works but it is baffling at times and insanely dangerous on first glance same as all big cities get their metrocard and just load it with $20-30 same as an oyster I believe they've just launched contactless on the subway in New York. 15 years later than the rest of the world but should make things easier 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fightoffyour Posted February 17, 2023 VT Supporter Share Posted February 17, 2023 (edited) Anyone know what the current state of the restaurant scene is? Staying for 5 nights next month. Going to see Hamilton Leithauser playing at Cafe Carlyle. Edited February 17, 2023 by fightoffyour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choffer Posted July 10, 2023 VT Supporter Share Posted July 10, 2023 On 17/02/2023 at 11:51, fightoffyour said: Anyone know what the current state of the restaurant scene is? Staying for 5 nights next month. Going to see Hamilton Leithauser playing at Cafe Carlyle. I’m heading there in a couple of months. Birthday present from the missus. Rangers game at MSG is top of the list but am also doing the Hush Birthplace of HipHop tour. She is also insistent we are going to her favourite restaurant - Beauty and Essex. She used to live there (NYC rather than Essex) so I’ll see if she has any other suggestions. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villa4europe Posted July 11, 2023 Share Posted July 11, 2023 Didn't really do much restaurants but I would say one of my favourite things in NY was the bodegas and delis and it is a proper scene, I was eating at least 1 sandwich a day, I'd say definitely don't bother with the street cart hot dog, do get a bagel but then smash thr bodegas and delis for sandwiches because they're incredible Chopped cheese... You won't regret it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choffer Posted July 11, 2023 VT Supporter Share Posted July 11, 2023 (edited) On 17/02/2023 at 11:51, fightoffyour said: Anyone know what the current state of the restaurant scene is? Staying for 5 nights next month. Going to see Hamilton Leithauser playing at Cafe Carlyle. Recommendations from herself. Some may be easier than others to get reservations. I would tentatively suggest that trying to eat at all of these places will bankrupt you too! https://www.esquinanyc.com https://carbonenewyork.com https://www.hfcnyc.com https://peterluger.com https://katzsdelicatessen.com (a given but included for the sake of completeness!) https://www.carminesnyc.com https://archiestap.com https://clintonstreetbaking.com https://www.cafecluny.com https://jackswifefreda.com https://www.jacobspickles.com Edited to add: https://koirestaurant.com/new-york/ (because @NurembergVillan hasn't yet popped by with his usual recommendation) Edited July 11, 2023 by choffer 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fightoffyour Posted July 11, 2023 VT Supporter Share Posted July 11, 2023 15 minutes ago, choffer said: Recommendations from herself. Some may be easier than others to get reservations. I would tentatively suggest that trying to eat at all of these places will bankrupt you too! https://www.esquinanyc.com https://carbonenewyork.com https://www.hfcnyc.com https://peterluger.com https://katzsdelicatessen.com (a given but included for the sake of completeness!) https://www.carminesnyc.com https://archiestap.com https://clintonstreetbaking.com https://www.cafecluny.com https://jackswifefreda.com https://www.jacobspickles.com Thanks, will check them out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choffer Posted July 11, 2023 VT Supporter Share Posted July 11, 2023 1 hour ago, fightoffyour said: Thanks, will check them out! Feel free to report back on your own findings too once you're back. Can't have her dictating everywhere we eat when we get there Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fightoffyour Posted July 11, 2023 VT Supporter Share Posted July 11, 2023 8 minutes ago, choffer said: Feel free to report back on your own findings too once you're back. Can't have her dictating everywhere we eat when we get there We already went in March, but might be going back in September. We ate in Cafe Carlyle because that's where the gig was and hilariously there was a compulsory meal purchase attached (or drinks, if seated at the bar). That is some legendary fancy place, food was nice enough fix prie steak dinner but nothing mindblowing. Is a very nice venue though. Love the ramen at Momosan, and soup dumplings at the aptly named Joe's Home of Soup Dumplings. Then got recommended the bbq in Hometown Bar-B-Que while at Other Half in Brooklyn, that was pretty awesome. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choffer Posted July 11, 2023 VT Supporter Share Posted July 11, 2023 While I think of it (and I’m probably already pushing things here given I’m going to see The Rangers play at MSG) but does anyone know how easy or not it is to get tickets for Giants or Jets games without getting rinsed? I suspect she will want to go see a Broadway Show but given the trip is for my birthday, I’m going to chance my arm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milfner Posted July 11, 2023 Share Posted July 11, 2023 3 hours ago, choffer said: While I think of it (and I’m probably already pushing things here given I’m going to see The Rangers play at MSG) but does anyone know how easy or not it is to get tickets for Giants or Jets games without getting rinsed? I suspect she will want to go see a Broadway Show but given the trip is for my birthday, I’m going to chance my arm. You've picked a bad year - both will likely be relevant for the first time in a good while. I think the ticket exchanges are your best bet but you'll need to hope they play a small market team so the prices are reasonable. If there's a divisional game or a team with a big following you might struggle. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomav84 Posted July 13, 2023 VT Supporter Share Posted July 13, 2023 On 10/07/2023 at 16:40, choffer said: I’m heading there in a couple of months. Birthday present from the missus. Rangers game at MSG is top of the list but am also doing the Hush Birthplace of HipHop tour. She is also insistent we are going to her favourite restaurant - Beauty and Essex. She used to live there (NYC rather than Essex) so I’ll see if she has any other suggestions. not sure if still the case, or how old you are/look, or even if you drink, but when i went to MSG c.2016 they wouldn't accept UK driving license as a form of ID for alcohol (despite any other bar/restaurant in NYC being fine with it). it's in the arena T&Cs that for non-US residents the only acceptable form of ID for alcohol is a passport. had to sit through what seemed like about 6 hours of stupid basketball whilst sober as a judge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choffer Posted July 13, 2023 VT Supporter Share Posted July 13, 2023 1 minute ago, tomav84 said: not sure if still the case, or how old you are/look, or even if you drink, but when i went to MSG c.2016 they wouldn't accept UK driving license as a form of ID for alcohol (despite any other bar/restaurant in NYC being fine with it). it's in the arena T&Cs that for non-US residents the only acceptable form of ID for alcohol is a passport. had to sit through what seemed like about 6 hours of stupid basketball whilst sober as a judge Doesn’t bother me as I rarely drink but I won’t be passing this info on to the missus. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Risso Posted July 15, 2023 Share Posted July 15, 2023 When I went to the Met Life stadium to watch the NY Giants about ten years ago, the policy there was that they asked for ID if you looked under 40. I got ID'd, for the first time in my life ever, which I was pretty chuffed about as I was 41 at the time. It's the small victories! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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