Pre Trip Report
Pre travel day and Day 1 14/15 February 2019
We had kept this trip secret for 8 months and then it all went wrong the day before ! I had told one friend about our trip, you know the one, the friend who is indiscreet and the glass half full type. Called me the night before asking if I had thermals, snow boots etc and how glad she hadn't gone to New York in February. Didn't even realise that he was in but of course he was and heard the conversation. He is a good lad and didn't say anything but I knew that he knew !
Jonathan and I had the day off work, picked up the cake kindly made by one of his customers. Collected Eleanor from school William from work and we were away for 4pm. KFC on the way to Premier Inn North, cake when we were in the Premier Inn. At least Eleanor was surprised with the New York cake ! Then the worst night sleep of my life ! Both William and Jonathan had colds and the snoring...
Left at 7am and a very easy 5 minute journey to the Long Stay car park. Security took about 30 minutes. Had planned on going to Frankie and Benny's for breakfast but the queue was too long and ended up in Burger King. A bacon roll and drinks for 4, pretty gross and almost £25. Looking forward to the new food options in the airport.
Really good flight, sausage and mash followed by a rather dry cheese roll for afternoon tea and 2 g & t's later we were in New York City !
Immigration and bag collection were both quick and we were heading out in about 45 minutes. At this point we were still deciding on subway or taxi. Went for the airtrain and subway which was so easy.
I had copied instructions from here on the Dibb from Marypoppins ( i think it was you...a big thank you as the instructions made it so easy) I bought the tickets from the newsagents kiosk as there was no queue and there were lots waiting at the automated machines. The shop assistant sold us the 10 ticket air train ticket for $25 so for the 4 of us $12.50 each way. I have 2 journeys left if someone is going soon and wants them. The subway ticket was $33 each. The kiosk only takes cash. Managed the subway right up to the 28th station (next to our hotel) and then it went right past the station because someone was ill at the station ! Got off next stop and walked back, only about 5 minutes.
Checked in at the Broadway Plaza. From outside it was full of hordings and looked a bit off putting. The staff at the desk were really helpful, a $100 security deposit, no resort fees and a room with a bit of an Empire State View on the 4th floor handily next to the breakfast room.
First visit was the Empire State Building. We were lucky to exchange the $40 offer from Sightseeing Pass before they stopped offering the ESB. Entry should have been $38. We were all wrapped in thermals and big coats up but it was 14c and we could have managed without.
Spent about 1.5 hours there then headed back. Asked at reception where to get take out pizzas. He said he used Famous Pizzas about 5 minutes walk away. $17 for a 19” pizza which we ate in the room then zonked out for the night.
Steps 12109