Help want to go to NYC but know nothing

[Bradleysmummy]

I would really like to go to New York and want to ice skate in Central Park, was thinking about going in January as I hear its quite cheap??

Can anyone recommend a budget hotel or which area to look in, that is quite close to main attractions?? Also give me any advice or info possible, its not going to be a main holiday so looking to find it relativly cheap if its possible.

Also when is the cheapest/best time to go, doesn't have to be jan, and is it best to book now or last minute??

Thanks

[flikflak]

I stayed in the Edison (right next to times sq) which was reasonable but there were 4 of us in the room so thats why!!!

Ice skating in the park is lovely - we also had snow when we were there in March a few years ago. It was freezing cold though so pack the thermals!!

If you do decide to go get yourself a good guide book decide what you want to see and check out the maps abd subway maps to see if you can do things in the same day - we did statue of liberty, Ellis Island and a few other things on one day as they were all close to one another.

Get a subway pass for a few days and away you go!

[ukdiva]

Mid-town Mahattan is the best area to stay for first timers.. but NY is quite easy to get around if you don't mind using the subway system. Central Park is more Upper West side, but you can take the subway up there very easily.

Cheapest time of year to go is probably Feb/March, not sure when the skating stops in Central Park though. Best thing to do is sign up with the online travel operators such as the Flight Centre, Travelbag, Airline Network etc, because they always email their deals and they have lots of different ones throughout the year.

[Catherine]

ooh you will love it, very cold at that time of year. MY DD loved the skating.

[Mike]

I've only been at end April/early May, and it was superb.. warm and springlike, ideal for wandering around the island. Having spoken to friends who've been at various other times, and having done a couple of cities in winter conditions elsewhere, I wouldn't want to go early or late in the season.... it does'nt look much fun in the sleet and snow!

[ViclovesMGM]

I've only been at end April/early May, and it was superb.. warm and springlike, ideal for wandering around the island. Having spoken to friends who've been at various other times, and having done a couple of cities in winter conditions elsewhere, I wouldn't want to go early or late in the season.... it does'nt look much fun in the sleet and snow!

Hmmm, Ill be there in December 09, guessing it will be freezing!

[ukdiva]

I've been in Jan, Feb and April. Jan was my fave time of year... all the xmas decorations still up, the tree in Rockerfeller Center was amazing. I'll never forget looking out my hotel room window at night and seeing the snow falling with the Chrysler Building all lit up in the background... totally magical. :)

Was definately cold tho, when i was there last Feb it was minus 10 at night. Brr!!! *lol*

[Mike]

Hmmm, Ill be there in December 09, guessing it will be freezing!


.. probably!:D Use the Wunderground Trip Planner to see what the weather's been like on your dates historically...

http://www.wunderground.com/tripplanner/index.asp

[PoohBears#1fan]

I was there for a long weekend 2 weeks ago, we stayed near Times Square so everything was walking distance, but it was SO cold, and I'm assured it's normally much colder that time of year, I don't have many pictures as I didn't want to take my hand out of my glove!

The last day was freakishly warm though, the temp jumped up to over 60 from low 30's every day and the ice rink was melting (which was the day we'd planned to go skating!) most odd.

[Mike]

I've been in Jan, Feb and April. Jan was my fave time of year... all the xmas decorations still up, the tree in Rockerfeller Center was amazing. I'll never forget looking out my hotel room window at night and seeing the snow falling with the Chrysler Building all lit up in the background... totally magical. :)

Was definately cold tho, when i was there last Feb it was minus 10 at night. Brr!!! *lol*

... sounds magical,truly, but sunshine, blue skies and T-shirts appeals more...

http://www.megthedog.co.uk/gallery/18ROCKPLUS.jpg

http://www.megthedog.co.uk/gallery/6BELVVIEW.jpg

[sylvy]

:wavey: I got a good deal with ebookers to go on 1st January this year for £679 staying 6 nights at a lovely hotel New York Helmsley it was brilliant. :wave:

[Gill H]

I went in March and it was pretty cold but I loved it. The day we went to Central Park, they had a skating competition which we watched while eating a hot dog and drinking hot spiced 'cider' (non-alcoholic) from a booth. Mmmmmm.