I'm going to be heading to 'the city' in early February for what I'll probably make into 4 days (one work, three play).

I'm torn as to what hotel to choose for my stay. I'm a big time Marriott man, so the Marquis is attractive. However, I'm also trying to add up some Hyatt points so the one on Park Ave. sounds nice. Does anyone have any hotel suggestions for me? I want to be in a nice part of town as my wife will accompany me.

I think I already know the answer to this one, but should I get a car? Logic tells me no...just take a cab from the airport or maybe get a limo if my wife does join me.

Any tips for New York City would be appreciated!

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Between the two I'd definitely go Marquis but that is not my favorite either. Its just that the Grand Hyatt is such a generally poor choice unless you're depending on Grand Central and in a hurry!

You may want to try the Stanhope, which is now a Park Hyatt. It's a great place, well located on the West side at Museum row etc. Perfect for checking out the Met etc in your spare time!

This is a job for Catman!!! I'm sure he has a few tips for NYC.

I would definitely avoid getting a car. I have been to NY several times and have spent long lengths of time there. I have never gotten a car and it has never been a problem. You spend more time searching for a place to park and then you pay exhorbitant prices when you do find a place. I always take a taxi from the airport and then use the subway and taxis to get around. It is all very convenient and much less of hassle. It is also very inexpensive.

I always go up to Columbus Circle first thing and grab a Fun Pass for the Subway/Bus system. That gives me total freedom to roam the city at will. At night, however, my favorite thing is to just walk. We stay at 56th and 7th so it is a great walk to the Park, theater, restaurants, shopping, whatever.

Oh you are so lucky to be going to NYC for the first time. What a wonderful memory it will be for you.

DUP>

[This message has been edited by MIKE MAHONEY (edited 01-17-2000).]

First for travel purposes DON'T rent a car for Manhattan.. You'll spend all your time trying to find parking. And the parking garage fees are ALL high. Second get yourself a Metro Card for the NYC bus and NYC subway(believe me still very safe at reasonable hours and gets you where you need to go in no time)..The New York Metrocard is $4.00 per day unlimited use. If you spending more time in Mahattan I recommend the 7 day Unlimted Ride card for $17.00 You can buy the cards at newsstands and RiteAid Pharmacies in NYC...Third... Marriott if you are Marriott Rewards member you know about the specials they have going on till the mid of April or so. The Marriott on the eastside in the 40's is offering a lower rate on weekends and other dates... Ask for a high floor at this property... The east side Marriott is a centralized property. Highly recommend it... Have a good stay in the big apple!
just my ten cents worth!

Mike

dingo,

You didn't specifically mention which area of the city you preferred to stay in, although it's looks like you're looking at midtown. If you don't mind downtown, check out The Marriott at the World Trade Center. It's quite nice.

I personally love staying downtown, esp. on the weekends. Hotel rooms are plentiful then so the rates are attractive; there's good shopping at the WTC and at Century 21 (across the street from the WTC); and the subway service is good to that part of town. (Cabs to midtown run $8-10 depending on the time of day.) You're also close to lots tourist attractions such as Battery Park, Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty, South Street Seaport, the stock exchange, Wall Street, the Woolworth Building.

Did I mention Krispy Kremes are available at the WTC? It's the official donut of Flyertalk, you know.


[This message has been edited by essxjay (edited 01-17-2000).]

Oh Boy! A first time visitor! Fresh meat for all the urban myths and legends!

But seriously, most of the advice above has been well-founded. If you're a Marriott kind of guy, by all means stay at the Marquis. It's one of their flagship properties now, it's relatively new, and you won't be disappointed. Besides, you may as well be in the middle of the new Times Square eating shopping and looking "mall". If only they could bring back about 25% of the old sleaze, but no more. I know, it doesn't work that way. I blame the Mayor and PremEx, in that order.

Do yourself a favor and banish all thoughts of a car from your mind. (The same advice applies to downtown Chicago, Washington, and New Orleans.) We don't want you filling your neighbors in on the secret of the discount $35 per day parking garages you found. Honestly, driving is not the way we New Yorkers show our best face to the world, even if the biggest offenders are from New Jersey and Pakistan.

One more thing: stop in Chicago on the way and bring some warm weather with you.

Why did you mention Century 21? New
York's best kept secret.. You right
the Marriotts downtown at the World
Trade and World Financial Centre are
excellent options. Very inexpensive
on WEEKENDS.. VERY close to
Chinatown, Little Italy and Soho.
And don't forget to take NYC
cheapest tourist ride.. I believe
its still.25?? Free?? .. With the Staten Island
Ferry... you'll see the Statue of
Liberty on the right side and the
views of lower Mantattan are
awsome...Anything else you want to
know?

Mike

[This message has been edited by MIKE MAHONEY (edited 01-17-2000).]

The Staten Island Ferry has been free in both directions (used to be free from SI to Manhattan, $0.50 from Manhattan to SI) for about 2-3 years now. Yes, there ARE still things to be had for nothing in NYC.

Sorry for letting the cat out of the bag, Mike Mahoney. Actually, I read about it in Travel and Leisure a few months ago so I don't think it's a state secret any more.

If you do stay at the Mariott Marquis, be sure to have a drink at the revolving bar. Makes a full revolution about every 20 minutes. Of course, I'm easily amused by such things.

[This message has been edited by essxjay (edited 01-17-2000).]

BTW, OMNI, Punki- I just checked out of "your place" at 57 & 7th Av a few hours earlier today- on the Park Central side. Big weekend with "tax free" clothes shopping, Knicks, Rangers at home, etc.

Took a tour of the Manhattan Club and in return they paid me a $75. credit for one nights stay in the form of a Bergdorf-Goodmann Gift Cert. And TWO certs for future stays a the Manhattan Club. The room rate was $99. with tax included. That's about $24. for a total of 3 nights or $8. per night! Best hotel rate I ever got anywhere, no less in midtown Manhattan.

The best part, however, is not only did the Knicks and Rangers both win, but that my son finally got an official NY Rangers (2000 edition) puck off Mike Richter's (his idol) stick! We sit just behind the goal. He couldn't hold back the huge grin as the cameras honed in.

Eat at Bernadin's. Lutece is not worth the money. Is Mama Leone's still around? Now that is kitsch!

Don't drive - thieves will only have to break into your car. At least that was our experience!

Visit the Palace Hotel, even if the Queen is missing in action. The mansion that makes up the core is gorgeous, as are the Plaza and Waldorf-Astoria. Einar and I spent a morning once just gaping at the historic, wonderful hotels, all within walking distance of each other.

At the risk of sounding like a tourist, I'd suggest you take one of the double-decker bus tours to orient yourself to what it all means...uptown, downtown, midtown, Harlem, etc. I know one of the stops where you can buy tickets is across from The Plaza Hotel. I believe it's something like $20 or $25, you get two days to take the tour and it's a hop on-hop off type of thing. After doing that, everything will make so much more sense.

Also, if you're interested in your immigrant ancestors, a visit to Ellis Island is grand. Allow 4-5 hours to look at all the exhibits. You can have a simple lunch there, too.

Have a great time!