[neilhd]

Ooooohhhhhh. Myyyyyy. Gaaaaahhhhhddd

(say that in a Janice voice).

It seems that, with very little notice, we are going to New York for a few days in between Xmas and New Year!

The reason? Basically so that Ele can go and see the Rockerfeller Christmas tree.

Let me introduce you to the Rockettes:

Me. Neil. 41. Best husband in the world.
DW. Ele. 42. Luckiest wife in the world.
DS. Joe. 14. Very tall.
DD. Jess. 23. Paying for herself.
DSILTB (Son-in-law-to-be). Jordan. 23. Paying for himself.

We considered making a plan to go here during that period earlier in the year (going so far as to arrange the days off work – normally Ele has to work 1 day between Xmas and New Year), but then we changed our 2020 Florida plans to include our DD and her fiancée (with us paying), so then it became a totally unaffordable idea. It still is a totally unaffordable idea, but that doesn't seem to have stopped us.

Anyway, so as I was saying, Ele has always wanted to see the Rockerfeller tree. And I mean, really really really wants to see it. We missed it by a day in 2017, and have been in January again this year with some friends, but again too late to see it. Then this past weekend, Ele started to see posts about the tree arriving and I could see in her face that she was really disappointed in not going to see it. She is a bit Christmas-mad, that one.

So on Saturday morning, whilst Ele was prepping some stuff downstairs ready to re-paint the hallway, I had a quick look for flights on Google Flights. And, quite unexpectedly, found something. Return, with Iberia (via Madrid on the way out), for £349. That is not bad. Ok I've seen prices for under £300 before, but never during December-New Year.

I dug a little deeper and it seemed that actually the times were ok. 10:50 departure from Gatwick, arrive into Madrid, 2h 30 mins layover, then into NYC arriving at 7pm. That's a bit later than I normally like to arrive (like to touch down at 1-2pm), but it's ok. The return flight leaves at 10pm which is perfect. Departing 27th December, returning 31st.

So I went downstairs and hadn't even finished telling her and she was yelling at me to book it. Jess had overheard and was like "£349?! if you're doing that then we're coming too!". She had to quickly arrange a day off work but her boss OK'd it by text message, and so I booked! Have to add baggage on at £80 per bag return, but it's only 4 nights so we can share a suitcase between Ele, Joe and I. Jess and Jordan will share another.

Shortly after, I realised that whilst the flights were cheap, hotels definitely were not. I am good at finding hotel deals. I still have a valid IATA card so can get travel agent discounts. However, there were none to be found. We last stayed at the Intercontinental Barclay, but it was massively expensive – over £500 per night. And really, I couldn't find anything for under £300 per night at all. I began to worry that I was going to have to pay £1500 for 4 nights. And that's just for 1 room. Jess and Jordan would have to pay the same for theirs.

After a fair amount of looking, I happened upon the Hyatt Place Times Square. This is a brand new hotel. At the time me writing this, it hasn't actually opened yet. It opens mid-November. They had rooms – King bed with sofa bed for Joe – on a stay-3-nights-get-4th-free deal, which worked out at £900 total. It's a good location, just off 8th on W39th street. And, as a real bonus, it includes breakfast which should save us some money. That was a good price, so we snapped it up.

Still have to sort out airport transfers. I'm hoping Blacklane will have a Black Friday sale like they did before, as that's the easiest way for 5 people I think (although probably not the cheapest).

Ele is beyond excited, and Joe is as well. He can't believe it's happening only a few weeks from now. We didn't really have a holiday this year (just a few days in the peak district), so he feels like he missed out.

And we've never all gone to NYC together. Ele, Joe and I went when he was 11. Jess and Jordan went together for her 21st, but we've never been at the same time. So we're looking forward to a few festive days as a family in NYC.

Can't wait! Better go check our ESTAs...