Booking New York

[TrueBlueAngel]

DH and I want to book a break away (long weekend) to New York next year for a particular milestone *cough* :blush: but we're not sure the best way to go about it so thought I would ask you knowledgeable dibbers for advice on who the best are to book with, good deals, hotels, what to see, places to eat (especially for this milestone :blush: ).
Do you all just book through a travel agent or are there specialist agents out there?
Any help and advice would be great.
Thanks.

[birchco]

Hi,
We went in November 07, booked flights separately and hotel via expedia. We are going back on 28th Feb this year and have done the same again. Flying with American Airlines from Stansted and booked hotel with expedia again.
New York is FABULOUS, have a great time.

[jeanwales]

We have booked our flights through airmiles for November and just scoured the hotel sites for the best deal.

[TrueBlueAngel]

I forgot to say that we would be going late June into July and wanted to ask what the best area is to stay in for seeing the Statue of Liberty and Ground Zero?

[birchco]

I forgot to say that we would be going late June into July and wanted to ask what the best area is to stay in for seeing the Statue of Liberty and Grund Zero?

We stayed at the Affinia Dumont in November, a 10 - 15 minute taxi ride to Statue of Liberty. From Statue of Liberty we walked to Ground Zero, which was about a 15 minute walk. The Millennium Hilton is right opposite ground zero if thats any help to you.

[tiff]

That would be the financial district, we have been recommended a hotel that has very reasonable rates www.cosmohotel.com and has good reviews on tripadvisor. Its walking distance to Ground Zero and Battery Park where you get the Staten Island ferry where you can see the Statue of Liberty.

[Gaz]

Yo, your finally admitting you have reached the age of your retirement.


When we went last Nov, we booked everything separate, we obviously looked at VA but on the day and times we were looking at, they listed it was actually Continental Airlines aircraft, I checked their website and found for the same flights it was £100 each cheaper, guess what, i booked them, and still received the VA airmiles.


For me we have been twice and both times have stayed in the financial district, if staying over a weekend their is some great deals as this area is quiet. first one we stayed in the the Marriott financial center it was wonderful, every thing was fab, it was one block south of ground zero. the second was the millennium Hilton, this is on the north east corner of ground zero sight. again the hotel was fab, the room massive but the staff were very unhelpful and didnt even try to move the local watch, handbags and other street sellers away from the entrance, they would hound you constantly and never take no for an answer.

Both hotels were within a 5 min walk of Battery park for the ferry for liberty and ellis island. when we needed to go up town we would catch the subway and within mins be where ever we wanted to be. Also one advantage we found the whole area was easy to reach as not a great deal of travellers stay there so the subways and cabs were easy to catch.

[Trollied Flyer]

Hiya i went back in November 2006,, booked thru expedia,,, worked out at 300 quid each,,, included flight and hotel,,,, stayed near the airport at newark,, caught the train into new york at 14 dollars return,,, not too bad,,, the flight was with BMI, was the best flight I have ever had, couldnt fault anything,,, apart from the 2 hour O/ delay but these things happen. Bmi went as far as Chicargo, so we then changed to American airlines, and again couldnt fault.
Would love to go again,,, Ground Zero is just really weird to see,,, brought a tear to my eye and was earily silent. If there is one thing you should do is the Liberty Helicopter Tours,,, best thing ive done. Takes you accross the new york skyline and round the statue of liberty, was amazing,,, wil put some pics up for you:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a200/oneandysinton/Picture002.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a200/oneandysinton/Summer200600151.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a200/oneandysinton/Summer200600149.jpg

[TrueBlueAngel]

Hiya i went back in November 2006,, booked thru expedia,,, worked out at 300 quid each,,, included flight and hotel,,,, stayed near the airport at newark,, caught the train into new york at 14 dollars return,,, not too bad,,, the flight was with BMI, was the best flight I have ever had, couldnt fault anything,,, apart from the 2 hour O/ delay but these things happen. Bmi went as far as Chicargo, so we then changed to American airlines, and again couldnt fault.
Would love to go again,,, Ground Zero is just really weird to see,,, brought a tear to my eye and was earily silent. If there is one thing you should do is the Liberty Helicopter Tours,,, best thing ive done. Takes you accross the new york skyline and round the statue of liberty, was amazing,,, wil put some pics up for yah

I'd love to see some pictures please. Do you recall how much the helicopter tour was?
Thanks.

[highlander447]

I've booked with Asda this time for flights worked out a lot cheaper, although used Kayek and Travelsupermarket to compare prices, booked our room via unpackaged

[UKStitch66]

I spent a few days in NY a couple of years ago and apart from swollen feet had a very interesting time.

Some of the places I visited were the Empire State Building, Ground Zero, Time Square (at midnight) and Central Park. Having watched Enchanted at the pictures scenes from the park reminded of my trip. NY is used on location and I often look closely for things I recognise.

One of my best meals out was at a Morton’s off 5th near Time Square; it was, I imaging, like eating back in the 30’s,

A wonderful place when I go again I will do a show as there are lenty to choose from.

[Trollied Flyer]

well when i booked the helicopter ride it was done through a travel agent in uk and you got 5 things at a reasonable price like bus tours and entry to Empire state Building

Here are more Pictures:


http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=28507&l=a0cb9&id=563327533


and this is for the Helicpoter ride: worth the money!
http://www.allnewyorktours.com/Body.asp?mode=2&Page=SearchByModeCity&Type=AI&TY=AI&SearchName=Helicopter&eType=Activities&pref=02&aid=ltg1338&gclid=CMCE78zZo5ECFQ_clAodYldbXw

[Diane]

Hi, we went to New York booking Miles + Money with Virgin and arranging our own accommodation. We stayed on the Upper West Side but you may find this a little too far from the action if you are only staying a weekend, we were there a week so had more time to spare.

Here are a few useful websites:

http://www.libertyhelicopters.com/tours/

www.telecharge.com (for Broadway Show booking)

http://www.thingstodo-newyork.com/ (for lots of other pre-bookable excursions/tours)

Hope this helps.

Diane x

[TrueBlueAngel]

well when i booked the helicopter ride it was done through a travel agent in uk and you got 5 things at a reasonable price like bus tours and entry to Empire state Building

Here are more Pictures:


http://www../album.php?aid=28507&l=a0cb9&id=563327533


and this is for the Helicpoter ride: worth the money!
http://www.allnewyorktours.com/Body.asp?mode=2&Page=SearchByModeCity&Type=AI&TY=AI&SearchName=Helicopter&eType=Activities&pref=02&aid=ltg1338&gclid=CMCE78zZo5ECFQ_clAodYldbXw

Your link for your pics dont work :(

[Trollied Flyer]

Your link for your pics dont work :(

oooohhhh do they not,,, right welll coz im doing nothing else hehe,,, i will post them one by one lol,,,
thort it wold have worked been a face book link,,, weird

[Trollied Flyer]

New York:

Flag at Ground Zero
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a200/oneandysinton/Summer200600150.jpg

Across from the Bridge
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a200/oneandysinton/Summer200600152.jpg

On the bus Tour
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a200/oneandysinton/Summer200600154.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a200/oneandysinton/Summer200600155.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a200/oneandysinton/Summer200600147.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a200/oneandysinton/Summer200600139.jpg

[Catherine]

You will love New York, its fantastic, we are off next week for our 3rd visit within a year so that tells you somat.

We booked Miles plus money flights with Virgin, hotel always direct, The Westin NY at Times Square.

There are many fabulous hotels around and next time we are thinking of The Affina all suite hotels.

Must Do's

TOTR. (Top of the Rock), at evening, much better than ESB
Helipcopter flight, expensive but well worth it.
Evening, Dinner/dance cruise, wonderful and such great views.
Central park

I could go on and on.

[TrueBlueAngel]

Thankyou for the pics, they're great. I think the Financial area is where I would like to stay. Just need a good hotel recommended. is Newark the nearest airport to land at?

[sylvy]

NY was fabulous we went 1st Jan and stayed in NY.Helmsley lovely hotel and quite central for getting around,subway is never far away from anywhere hope you enjoy it.Some lovely restraunts in Grand Central Station well worth a visit its a great building. :wave:

[TrueBlueAngel]

Is Midtown central for amenities? I'm finding it hard to find a good hotel in the Financial District, unless someone can recommend a good one. I have looked at Radisson Lexington Hotel NY in Midtown. Anyone been there?

[Gaz]

Is Midtown central for amenities? I'm finding it hard to find a good hotel in the Financial District, unless someone can recommend a good one. I have looked at Radisson Lexington Hotel NY in Midtown. Anyone been there?

Have you priced up the Marriott Financial center or the Millennium Hilton (both are in the financial district). We have stayed in both, so if you need any info let me know, i can occasionally get deals on the marriott so if you interesteed let me know your dates and i can check.

[Gaz]

Shaz

Here are some photos of the hilton and its view

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/gaz70_album/Nov%20new%20york/IMG_2776.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/gaz70_album/Nov%20new%20york/IMG_2773.jpg

The entrance and loby

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/gaz70_album/Nov%20new%20york/IMG_2779-1.jpg


Our room with a view

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/gaz70_album/Nov%20new%20york/IMG_3727.jpg

at night

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/gaz70_album/Nov%20new%20york/IMG_3197.jpg

[Gaz]

This was the marriott

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/gaz70_album/new%20york/IMG_0235.jpg

and its view

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/gaz70_album/new%20york/IMG_0229.jpg

[Gaz]

And here are some photos as we walked across Brooklyn Bridge

South of Bridge

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/gaz70_album/Nov%20new%20york/lowermanhattenpanoramic.jpg

North of Bridge

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/gaz70_album/Nov%20new%20york/uppermanhattenpanoramic.jpg

[Gaz]

Now Top Of the Rock at night time

North view

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/gaz70_album/Nov%20new%20york/nighttimerocknorthview.jpg

South view

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t271/gaz70_album/Nov%20new%20york/nighttimerocksouthview1.jpg



I have hundreds of photos of our trips, i wont bore you anymore so if you want let me know and i will send you the link. Give me a few days as i am having to re-arrange all my online photos as i posted some on a different website but i have been told that they have been abused so i have cancelled all the links.

[TrueBlueAngel]

Thanks for those, Gaz. They look fab! I probably have seen those 2 hotels, I've looked at so many, my eyes are blurred...lol. I'll relook at them and see what the prices are - I'm currently looking on expedia at this year's prices with flights to give me an idea for next year.