New York City - Jersey City PATH question

I am trying to decide between the various hotel options here. Some are close to the Exchange station and others to the Pavonia station. My ultimate destination is 33rd st in Manhattan. Which stop gets me there with the least cost and/or hassle? I have a party of 5 so it will add up, plus I will be traveling in winter weather conditions, and on a Sunday and Monday, for that matter.

My research (if I'm correct) gives me the following options:
Westin, Hyatt, Doubletree near Exchange
Courtyard near Pavonia

I'd really appreciate some advice as I am not one to use mass transit in my day to day life.

For ease on the PATH train, stay at at hotel near Pavonia/Newport because you will only need to catch the 33rd St PATH train to/from 33rd St. The hotels at Exchange Place require you to change trains at Pavonia/Newport. To me, changing trains isn't a big deal but, then, I grew up taking public transportation. :D You just need to make sure the train you're boarding is the one you want. If you're traveling on a weekend or late at night, not having to wait for a second PATH train might be a plus for you as the trains run less frequently than during the day.

As for cost, the PATH is one flat price...$2.00. You'll need to buy a PATH card at one of the machines. http://www.panynj.gov/path/fares.html

I am trying to decide between the various hotel options here. Some are close to the Exchange station and others to the Pavonia station. My ultimate destination is 33rd st in Manhattan. Which stop gets me there with the least cost and/or hassle? I have a party of 5 so it will add up, plus I will be traveling in winter weather conditions, and on a Sunday and Monday, for that matter.

My research (if I'm correct) gives me the following options:
Westin, Hyatt, Doubletree near Exchange
Courtyard near Pavonia

I'd really appreciate some advice as I am not one to use mass transit in my day to day life.

have you considered the sheraton in weehawkin? take the ferry and the ferry bus. runs 34th st. check the sunday schedule first.

Pavonia is now called Newport ( Adjacent to Newport mall).
The Newport stop on Sundays and Mondays will offer you a direct ride to 33rd street (uptown). The Exchange place stop would require a change at Grove st to the uptown (33rd St) Train.
The fare is $ 2.00 pp each way. (Under 5 rides free) You must buy a single ride ticket or if you are planning to use any NYC Subways or Busses a Metro Card (stored value card) to ride on from the vending machines in the lobby.
The ticket is then used to enter the turnstiles and retrieved to open the gate.
The ride from Pavonia to 33rd St typically takes 20 minutes ( Longer on Sundays as the train first goes to Hoboken and then continues uptown)
Can't vouch for any of the hotels but most are newer and can have outstanding views of lower Manhatan from the River facing rooms.

have you considered the sheraton in weehawkin? take the ferry and the ferry bus. runs 34th st. check the sunday schedule first.Yes, I was in fact trying to avoid this route since I believe the ferry is much more $$ than the PATh train, plus it would leave me near the waterfront and I am trying to get to midtown. Please correct me if I'm wrong. The rates are good at that property.

I'm pretty sure the Doubletree and Westin are closer to Newport than Exchange Place. There's also a Candlewood Suites that's about half way between the two PATH stations.

Yes, I was in fact trying to avoid this route since I believe the ferry is much more $$ than the PATh train, plus it would leave me near the waterfront and I am trying to get to midtown. Please correct me if I'm wrong. The rates are good at that property.

The ferry does cost more than the PATH, but depending on the difference in hotel rate it might be worth it. PATH is $2 per person, ferry is $9 per adult or $6 for kids 6-11. There's also a 10-trip ticket for $76 that you might be able to share (you should call them to confirm).

It's also a more interesting ride taking a boat over the water than a train through a dark tube under it. And the ferry company runs free buses that will take you from the ferry pier at 39th to various points in Midtown, not just to 33rd and 6th like the PATH.

For ease on the PATH train, stay at at hotel near Pavonia/Newport because you will only need to catch the 33rd St PATH train to/from 33rd St. The hotels at Exchange Place require you to change trains at Pavonia/Newport. To me, changing trains isn't a big deal but, then, I grew up taking public transportation. :D You just need to make sure the train you're boarding is the one you want. If you're traveling on a weekend or late at night, not having to wait for a second PATH train might be a plus for you as the trains run less frequently than during the day.

As for cost, the PATH is one flat price...$2.00. You'll need to buy a PATH card at one of the machines. http://www.panynj.gov/path/fares.htmlThatnks for the link. I had no idea that PATH meant port authority and that's why I couldn't find the schedule on the NJ Transit site. I saw 10 ride tickets for $15. Do you think that would be an option for our group? Just keep swiping it and handing it to the next person till we are all through? BTW, you helped me on a transit issue for Venice some years back Thanks! Wish I could be so knowledgeable.

Pavonia is now called Newport ( Adjacent to Newport mall).
The Newport stop on Sundays and Mondays will offer you a direct ride to 33rd street (uptown). The Exchange place stop would require a change at Grove st to the uptown (33rd St) Train.
The fare is $ 2.00 pp each way. (Under 5 rides free) You must buy a single ride ticket or if you are planning to use any NYC Subways or Busses a Metro Card (stored value card) to ride on from the vending machines in the lobby.
The ticket is then used to enter the turnstiles and retrieved to open the gate. When there is a change of trains, ia an extra fare required? Also, on the Metro Card, could we share one card?

Sharing is allowed for pay-per-ride Metro cards but not for unlimited cards. With a pay-per-ride card, you can use it and then pass it behind you to another person for up to four people. The unlimited card can only be used for one person at a time.
On Path trains There is no extra charge for changing between lines on PATH at thesame station as long as you don't exit the station. Usually either a cross platform transfer or on same track for some trains.

Thatnks for the link. I had no idea that PATH meant port authority and that's why I couldn't find the schedule on the NJ Transit site. I saw 10 ride tickets for $15. Do you think that would be an option for our group? Just keep swiping it and handing it to the next person till we are all through? BTW, you helped me on a transit issue for Venice some years back Thanks! Wish I could be so knowledgeable.:) You're very kind. Yes, you can pass that 10 trip back to the next person as it is NOT an unlimited. Excellent idea for 5 people. Why not pay $1.50 per ride instead of $2. ^

When there is a change of trains, ia an extra fare required?No. You don't go through turnstiles when you change trains.

Also, on the Metro Card, could we share one card?Up to 4 people can share a Metrocard on pay-per-ride Metrocards only, not the unlimited ones. While the pay-per-ride Metrocard is good on PATH, you won't get the 10 trip for $15 on it so if you want that option, you just get a separate PATH card at the PATH station. Not a big deal at all.

Yes, I was in fact trying to avoid this route since I believe the ferry is much more $$ than the PATh train, plus it would leave me near the waterfront and I am trying to get to midtown.Actually, included in the cost of that ferry is bus service. You just pick the bus route that fits your schedule. Just an FYI.

Just be aware that the frequency of the Path trains is much reduced on weekends and after 11PM. It could be a half hour between trains.(Or it seems to be) But if you have a party of 5 traveling together, the wait will be more tolerable.

have you considered the sheraton in weehawkin? take the ferry and the ferry bus. runs 34th st. check the sunday schedule first.

From the Sheraton Weehawken to the New York Waterway dock is at least two miles. I presume there's a bus, yes? If so, then that would mean OP needs two buses, one on each end. So it's train v. bus-boat-bus. I agree with Analise that this is the more scenic route but it probably would take longer.

From the Sheraton Weehawken to the New York Waterway dock is at least two miles. I presume there's a bus, yes? If so, then that would mean OP needs two buses, one on each end. So it's train v. bus-boat-bus. I agree with Analise that this is the more scenic route but it probably would take longer.

I believe the NY Waterway Lincoln Harbor terminal is just a few dozen yards from the Sheraton, no?

I believe the NY Waterway Lincoln Harbor terminal is just a few dozen yards from the Sheraton, no?

Yes, you are absolutely correct! I've never really noticed it while driving there. The other one is so much bigger.

What impact, if any, does the following statement have on OP?

From New York Waterway (http://www.nywaterway.com/LincolnHarborWeehawkenRoute.aspx)

The Lincoln Harbor Ferry to West 39th Street in Midtown Manhattan is a private service operated by NY Waterway for tenants and guests of Lincoln Harbor and the Sheraton in Weehawken, NJ.

Ferry tickets must be purchased through a Lincoln Harbor tenant organization. Visitors can purchase tickets at NY Waterway's Manhattan ferry terminal, located at W. 39th St. and 12th Ave. Call 1-800-53-FERRY for directions or more information.

By the way, for your amusement, from the hotel's Google Maps Page (http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=Sheraton+Lincoln+Harbor+Hotel,+Harbor+Boul evard,+Weehawken,+NJ&hl=en&cid=93385694452427471):

Located just five minutes from midtown Manhattan. - From the owner

:D:D:D:D

I don't think anyone short of the President with helicopters, motorcades and closed streets could go from Weehawken to the Empire State Building in five minutes.

Up to 4 people can share a Metrocard on pay-per-ride Metrocards only, not the unlimited ones.I'm pretty sure more than 4 people can use a pay-per-ride Metrocard on NYC Transit. However, the free bus<->subway or bus<->bus transfer is only valid for up to 4 passengers.

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.601 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)

Up to 4 people can share a Metrocard on pay-per-ride Metrocards only, not the unlimited ones.I'm pretty sure more than 4 people can use a pay-per-ride Metrocard on NYC Transit. However, the free bus<->subway or bus<->bus transfer is only valid for up to 4 passengers.

I think that an attempted fifth swipe of a pay-per-ride card at the same location within 18 minutes will be rejected, with a "just used" message appearing at the subway turnstile or bus farebox. At least, there have been reports to that effect here on FT.

Also, the change in Pavonia/Newport is going in the opposite direction. I definitely agree with other posters to stay near Pavonia/Newport.

For ease on the PATH train, stay at at hotel near Pavonia/Newport because you will only need to catch the 33rd St PATH train to/from 33rd St. The hotels at Exchange Place require you to change trains at Pavonia/Newport. To me, changing trains isn't a big deal but, then, I grew up taking public transportation. :D You just need to make sure the train you're boarding is the one you want. If you're traveling on a weekend or late at night, not having to wait for a second PATH train might be a plus for you as the trains run less frequently than during the day.

As for cost, the PATH is one flat price...$2.00. You'll need to buy a PATH card at one of the machines. http://www.panynj.gov/path/fares.html

I stayed at the Candlewood (halfway between Newport and Exchange Place) a few weeks ago and liked it. But (especially with two small children) it was a bit of a walk to either station.

With that said, the hotel does operate a regular shuttle van to/from both stations. It's also adjacent to the Harborside light rail station, and the light rail will take you to either PATH station, though it's probably quicker to walk.

And I wish I'd known about the ten-ride-for-$15 PATH deal -- we'd have taken that in a heartbeat. I just loaded up a MetroCard and paid.

I think that an attempted fifth swipe of a pay-per-ride card at the same location within 18 minutes will be rejected, with a "just used" message appearing at the subway turnstile or bus farebox. At least, there have been reports to that effect here on FT.
OK, I think you may be right. Not sure why I thought otherwise, perhaps the policy changed at some point, or else I'm just making things up. :eek:
http://mta.info/metrocard/compare.htm

Back from my trip and wanted to share a bit of informations about the 10 ride PATH card. This option is available only if you purchase a Smart Card, which is not sold in the Newport station and costs $5. So this bargain appears to be geared to regular transit riders as opposed to tourists.

Courtyard was a great place to stay with regard to PATH. About a 30 second walk from the entrance to the station. And late at night we really appreciated the more direct routing. Thanks for the advice everyone!

Back from my trip and wanted to share a bit of informations about the 10 ride PATH card. This option is available only if you purchase a Smart Card, which is not sold in the Newport station and costs $5. So this bargain appears to be geared to regular transit riders as opposed to tourists.

There actually is a version of the 10 ride card that doesn't require you to buy a Smart Card, but it isn't sold at every station. I buy mine at the Hudson News at the WTC or Hoboken stations; the sundries store in the office building directly outside of the Exchange Place station also sells them.

Glad you had a nice trip!