New York City people

[LoneStarGirl]

So I really want to go on vacation this summer. I am teaching summer school for 19 days and I am getting paid 4,000 to do it. So goldeneagle and I were talking about going somewhere the last week in July or first week in august. We narrowed our vacation spots to St. Louis, Chicago or New York City.

If we go to St. Louis we will drive, stay for 3-4 days, watch the Cardinals play and stop at Lamberts to throw rolls.

If we go to Chicago we might drive, its only 8 hours and we can stop by St. Louis on the way to check out a Cardinals game and then in chicago see the White Sox and Cubs play.

But I REALLY want to go to NYC. The reason is so I can see a game at Yankee Stadium before the season is over and the Yankees move to their new field. We are looking at July 23rd through July 29th... that gives us a chance to see the Yankees, the Mets (playing the Cardinals) and the Red Bulls MLS team... and I can see David Letterman

Now here are where the questions start... I was told that we should stay in New Jersey, because its cheaper to fly into and the hotels are cheaper. And get a taxi to the city every day. Is that true? Or should we stay in New york somewhere? And if so, where? Queens, Manhattan, The Bronx??? Personally I don't care if we stay in a crappy hotel, all we are going to do is sleep there, but I want to be safe.

I think we are going to spend a day in Atlantic City as well.. how far away is that from the City?

We have a lot of questions and figured this was the place to go for answers. So any advice or input would be welcome as I want to book my plane tickets and hotel before July 4th!

[JeeberD]

Originally Posted by LoneStarGirl

...watch the Cardinals play...

I don't even KNOW you anymore...

[ISiddiqui]

Atlantic City is about an hour and a half drive from NYC.

You could also stay in Jersey and take the train in (cab to the train station). It would most likely be cheaper than NYC proper.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by JeeberD

I don't even KNOW you anymore...

She's tired of looking at that hill in CF.

[Lathum]

LSG- the mass transit system is easy to use. You can stay in NJ somewhere and likely take trains into Manhatten. You can also take busses into AC.

I would look in HOboken, Newark, and Jersey City ( some areas may not be great) and also Fort Lee.

Another option is stay on Long Island but to be honest paying a little extra to stay in Manhatten may offset the Mass transit costs, time lost traveling and you won't lose out on the ambiance.


When you have questions about AC let me know, I am very familiar with the city.

[DaddyTorgo]

NYC makes me throw up in my mouth a little.

And LSG - your next post will be 1000! congrats in advance!

[Lathum]

http://www.orbitz.com/App/ViewHotelS...=interstitial#


LSG, this is a search of hotels near Newark airport that are reasonably priced. I would call them in advance to see if they offer shuttle service to a train station or bus station.

Hotwire also had some cheap deals but they don't tell you the name of the hotel.

May I also recomend a day to the Jersey Shore ( Point Pleasant is really nice, great beach, boardwalk with rides/games and an awesome nightlife and has a train that goes there)

[Lathum]

dola- there is also the half priced ticket booth in time square where you can buy same day discount tickets for broadway shows ( Rent is amazing)

[DaddyTorgo]

must see rent...rent is great!

[Logan]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

Atlantic City is about an hour and a half drive from NYC.

I drive fast, and there's no way that can be done. Figure two hours if you fly and don't hit an ounce of traffic.

LSG, Chief Rum started a thread asking about NYC that had similar questions and answers about where to stay; it's here.

This is what I said about staying in NJ vs NYC:

Originally Posted by Logan

My best advice is that if the extra money won't kill you, or seriously hamper the rest of your trip, suck it up and stay at a decent place in the city.

I'm not sure what some of the number differences are that you're looking at, but try to think if it's worth it to stay in Jersey and pay to come into the city for the entire day/night, and then head back to Jersey...or stay in the city, and be able to take the subway down for a stroll through the West Village, have lunch in Little Italy, then take the subway back to your hotel to relax for a bit in the afternoon, and then head back out to walk around Central Park and grab dinner somewhere on the UWS, drinks somewhere else, and then have the short subway/cab back to the hotel.

As someone who has done the day/night trip into the city from Jersey when I was younger, and who currently lives in the city and gets to enjoy the benefits of all the closeness, it's a pretty easy call to me.

[Lathum]

I agree with Logan.

Growing up in Jersey that commute can be tiresome at times, but not impossible

[Logan]

Right, it sucks to do it when you have to. But when you're on vacation, you don't want the hassle, so use that time and enjoy the city more. Just my 2 cents.

[LoneStarGirl]

Originally Posted by JeeberD

I don't even KNOW you anymore...

I know I know! Its painful to admit, but I really want to go see them play. Its my life goal to see every major league baseball stadium in America... and they are the closest to Little rock.

[LoneStarGirl]

Originally Posted by Lathum

LSG- the mass transit system is easy to use. You can stay in NJ somewhere and likely take trains into Manhatten. You can also take busses into AC.

I would look in HOboken, Newark, and Jersey City ( some areas may not be great) and also Fort Lee.

Another option is stay on Long Island but to be honest paying a little extra to stay in Manhatten may offset the Mass transit costs, time lost traveling and you won't lose out on the ambiance.


When you have questions about AC let me know, I am very familiar with the city.

I think we are looking at maybe flying into Newark and staying the first night or two in Atlantic city... because we are coming in on a Wednesday the hotel prices wont be as expensive as a weekend. How much is the mass transit system? I know Cabs can get expensive, but what about the subway or train?

[LoneStarGirl]

Originally Posted by Logan

I drive fast, and there's no way that can be done. Figure two hours if you fly and don't hit an ounce of traffic.

LSG, Chief Rum started a thread asking about NYC that had similar questions and answers about where to stay; it's here.

This is what I said about staying in NJ vs NYC:

Oh thanks for the link... I trying looking for the thread because I thought I saw one, but couldn't find it.

We can get plane tickets for 230 each, either into Newark or JFK, but I am not going to book them until I know what hotel we are staying at.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by LoneStarGirl

I think we are looking at maybe flying into Newark and staying the first night or two in Atlantic city... because we are coming in on a Wednesday the hotel prices wont be as expensive as a weekend. How much is the mass transit system? I know Cabs can get expensive, but what about the subway or train?

If that's your plan, check prices of one-way flights into Philly. It's about an hour closer to AC than Newark. Plus, Newark is possibly the worst airport in the country to fly into during the summer. Constant delays.

As for mass transit, trains aren't very expensive. Here's the NJ transit website where you can check schedules, and once you pull up your trip, it will tell you how much it is towards the bottom. If you stayed in Newark, the schedule you'd want is Newark Penn Station to New York Penn Station (stupid, we know). For some reason the site isn't working right now. Anyway, the subway is $2 per ride no matter how many stops you go on one line (plus free transfers when applicable).

[Lathum]

There is actualy a decent airport in AC, Jetblue and Spirit fly there

[LoneStarGirl]

Logan and Lathum :

Do you know anything about the Roosevelt Hotel in NY? Priceline has it new Grand Central, 4 stars and a guest rating of 4.2... and its less than 200 a night.

Also, with our plane tickets combined being 500, and if we get this hotel for 200 a night for 5 nights, so for a thousand... how much do you think we would spend on food and transportation for the 5 days? If we stay at the Roosevelt I bet Atlantic City is out of the option, and we will probably fly into LaGardia. Before we buy anything GE wants a precise estimate of costs (he is a tightwad) so he can budget the whole trip

[Lathum]

Where is NYC is it?

AC still isn't out of the question, you can take a bus or train there still from the city.

As for food it depends. You can eat on the cheap at pizza/ fast food or get a decent meal for 20-25 a person without alcohol or maybe a beer/ glass of wine.

Breakfast and lunch will be a little cheaper. The good thing is NYC has so many deli's/bagel shops where you can get a sandwich cheap and easy or pizza by the slice.

Transportation is pretty cheap if you stick to the subway. Don't be scared by the hype, the subway system is very safe and easy to use. All the trains have maps. Cabs will be much more expensive, that time of the year you can walk alot of places.

[LoneStarGirl]

Roosevelt is at midtown

I also found a good deal at radisson lexington in midtown business for 199 and the 5th night is free. And the Mariott at LaGardia is 189 a night... but I dont know if i want to stay at a hotel in the airport.

Tim and I are not big drinkers, so we wont be drinking anywhere we go. We definitely want to try New York Pizza and a hotdog from Central Park. I really want to go to the David Letterman show, and that is free, and Rent would be awesome to see.

Would it be unrealistic for us to plan on spending less than a thousand on food and transportation for 5 days?

[Logan]

Originally Posted by LoneStarGirl

Roosevelt is at midtown

I also found a good deal at radisson lexington in midtown business for 199 and the 5th night is free. And the Mariott at LaGardia is 189 a night... but I dont know if i want to stay at a hotel in the airport.

Tim and I are not big drinkers, so we wont be drinking anywhere we go. We definitely want to try New York Pizza and a hotdog from Central Park. I really want to go to the David Letterman show, and that is free, and Rent would be awesome to see.

Would it be unrealistic for us to plan on spending less than a thousand on food and transportation for 5 days?

The Roosevelt is a block from my office -- 45th and Madison. Good location as it's right by Grand Central and you can walk to the park from there. I'm pretty sure I've heard of people staying there and liking it.

Is there really a perception of Central Park hot dogs being so good ? They're the same dirty water dogs you find on any corner in the city, so don't worry about going all the way to the park for that. If you want a more special dog, Gray's Papaya is famous.

If you're not drinking, you can absolutely spend less than a thousand on food/transportation. Even with a few (fairly) high priced dinners thrown in among some cheaper breakfasts/lunches.

[Lathum]

http://www.njtransit.com/sf/sf_servl...SchedulesP2PTo

this is the link to the NJ transit bus schedule. If you are staying in NYC select New York ( port Authority)

[panerd]

If your choices are New York City, Chicago, and St. Louis you have to go New York! My girlfriend and I went over spring break for the first time and we stayed at the Beekman Tower Hotel. It is located over by the United Nations but actually wasn't far from any of the major attractions by subway or even by foot. You should check out what the price is, we stayed really cheap. And while the room wasn't spectacular it had a kitchen, bedroom area, and large bath which is pretty much unheard of in Manhatten for the price we paid. We actually were about 2 blocks from where that giant crane collapsed. (There is a thread I started in the arcive with a lot of the same questions you have, but it is centered more around broadway plays)

If you are thinking about plays, there is a website theatermania.com that a FOFC board member recommended and the tickets are as cheap as those booths are and you don't have to waste any of your vacation waiting in line and screwing with them. I will defer to the experts (Logan, Lathem, etc) but I can probably answer questions from the point of view of somebody who had never been there before and what was the cool stuff from that point of view.
Baseball hadn't started yet so I can't help there.

I can also answer St. Louis questions, but don't find this town all that exciting. Cardinals, yes. Then maybe a casino or bars but not much of a vacation. Do New York!

[King of New York]

Originally Posted by Logan

The Roosevelt is a block from my office -- 45th and Madison. Good location as it's right by Grand Central and you can walk to the park from there. I'm pretty sure I've heard of people staying there and liking it.

Is there really a perception of Central Park hot dogs being so good ? They're the same dirty water dogs you find on any corner in the city, so don't worry about going all the way to the park for that. If you want a more special dog, Gray's Papaya is famous.

If you're not drinking, you can absolutely spend less than a thousand on food/transportation. Even with a few (fairly) high priced dinners thrown in among some cheaper breakfasts/lunches.

That's a sweet location.

My advice: stay in Manhattan. That way, when it's 2 AM and you want to wander the streets that are still thronged with people doing who knows what, you can. You do not want to spend your vacation taking the same trains as all the working stiffs making their daily commute.

[panerd]

Oh and if you have ever been to Vegas Atlantic City is probably going to be a letdown. I am pretty much a gambling addict, been to Vegas 8 times, Tunica, Reno, Atlantic City, Iowa riverboats, Illinios riverboats, Kentucky riverboats, obviously St. Louis all of the time. And my impression of Atlantic City was a bunch of rude assholes with not much going on besides gambling. I would spend more time in New York and take a trip to Kentucky to gamble.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by panerd

Oh and if you have ever been to Vegas Atlantic City is probably going to be a letdown. I am pretty much a gambling addict, been to Vegas 8 times, Tunica, Reno, Atlantic City, Iowa riverboats, Illinios riverboats, Kentucky riverboats, obviously St. Louis all of the time. And my impression of Atlantic City was a bunch of rude assholes with not much going on besides gambling. I would spend more time in New York and take a trip to Kentucky to gamble.

this is pretty close to accurate.

Unless you are going to gamble AC is a waste.

[Chief Rum]

Yup, the link to my thread was already posted, LSG, so you can check that out, too (as I am guessing you have).

FWIW, I am crashing at a friend of a friend's place in Brooklyn when I go there in August. I am planning on going mass transit (subway most likely) pretty much everywhere.

I am also going to attend a Yankees game against the Royals, and plan to see the Roosevelt Center and visit Central Park, among other sights. I am going to try to not appear to be an obvious tourist, but probably can't be helped. I am also planning on catching a Broadway play (haven't decided which one).

[JetsIn06]

Atlantic City sucks. Stick to NYC if you want to have a good time.

[LoneStarGirl]

Originally Posted by JetsIn06

Atlantic City sucks. Stick to NYC if you want to have a good time.

I never wanted to go to Atlantic City.. that is definitely my poker playing husband.

I am all psyched about going... the Roosevelt hotel is where I am wanting to stay. Now that I am doing all this research and making plans GE is getting a little hesitant. He said he would rather pay off our Ashley furniture credit card bill and go to New York next year. Of course the credit card isn't due until 2011 and Yankee Stadium wont be there next year, so I am really trying to find cheap deals that he cannot say no to.

And if that doesn't work I am just going to have to buy plane tickets behind his back cuz I really want to go!

[Logan]

AC nightlife has improved by an infinite amount over the past few years. The Pier at Caesars, The Quarter at Tropicana, the clubs at Borgata, beach bars, etc...fun times can be had all around. I know you said you guys aren't drinkers, so just saying...

[ISiddiqui]

Originally Posted by Logan

AC nightlife has improved by an infinite amount over the past few years. The Pier at Caesars, The Quarter at Tropicana, the clubs at Borgata, beach bars, etc...fun times can be had all around. I know you said you guys aren't drinkers, so just saying...

Oh yeah... The Pier is very nice and so is the Quarter. Definitely have upped the ante for AC casinos. Haven't been to the Borgata, but I hear it's like a Vegas casino. The Pier, btw, has some great restaurants on the top floor. And I always wanted to try the Red Lenin (or whatever) restaurant in the Quarter.

[Lathum]

If GE wants to play Poker in AC his best bet is the Taj or Borgata

[Lathum]

dola- Borgata is similar to a vegas casino

[Logan]

The new tower at the Borgata (well, it looks like a tower but they market it as a new hotel), The Water Club, was supposed to open this weekend, and is supposedly amazing.

[molson]

Originally Posted by LoneStarGirl

I really want to go to the David Letterman show, and that is free, and Rent would be awesome to see.

Have you called to get on the list yet? Letterman can be a tough ticket (or at least it used to be). You used to have to call months in advance and hope they call you back.

If he's booked or on vacation, you can usually get into Conan on shorter notice.

[LoneStarGirl]

Originally Posted by molson

Have you called to get on the list yet? Letterman can be a tough ticket (or at least it used to be). You used to have to call months in advance and hope they call you back.

If he's booked or on vacation, you can usually get into Conan on shorter notice.

I Went to his website and filled out a form... should I call as well? I am going to do the same for Conan, I forgot he was in NYC

[LoneStarGirl]

Oh and GE found out David Beckham and the Galaxy were playing in NYC July 19th so it looks like this trip is definitely going to come together. Thank goodness for soccer

[GoldenEagle]

Well, we are heading back to the NYC. I have have booked a trip for March 20th-28th. Two things are different from when LSG first started this thread. We have obviously been there before and I am now a big drinker. I guess marriage can do that to you.

We are going to see the grand opening of Red Bull stadium. They open against Santos FC on March 20th (I am hoping Robinho takes the pitch so I can start a Man City reject chant) and will host the Fire on March 27th.

For lodging, we are staying at the Wingate Inn. I wanted to pick a hotel close to Penn Station, as we are thinking of taking day trips to Washington D.C./Boston/Atlantic City. It had good reviews on trip advisor and is reasonably priced.

We are flying into Newark this time around. I understand that I take the Air Tran from the airport to the Newark Penn Station. From Newark Penn Station, I go to New York Penn Station (couldn't you New Yorkers thought of more original names?). The only concern is that our flight lands at 2:30. We have to get from Newark to our hotel and back into New Jersey by around 5:30 PM for the soccer game.

For dining, we are going to go back to a fabulous Italian restaurant we ate on our last trip. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of it. I know it was near Little Italy, but not actually in Little Italy. I remember it being near Houston Street. I also want to check out Peter Lugar's while we are there.

I am looking for good beer bars, with the intent to tryout some new beers that we don't get in the South. A quick google search tells me that Spuyten Duyvil, d.b.a, Blind Tiger, and Hop Devil Grill are my best bests. Has anyone visited these places?

[Ramzavail]

Gotta go to McSorley's.

Peter Lugar's is overrated.

[Karlifornia]

Originally Posted by GoldenEagle

I also want to check out Peter Lugar's while we are there.

This is on my Bucket List.

[Ramzavail]

overrated. really.

[JS19]

I second McSorley's, however, I am also a fan of Peter Luger's, so to each his own. I would also recommend Peculiar Pub on Bleeker. It has a few hundred beers from countries all around the world.

[Ramzavail]

just as a sidepoint - if you are staying in midtown NYC, Peter Luger's isn't in manhattan, its in brooklyn. So, its not that convenient to go to.

[Logan]

I think it's wrong to say that Peter Luger's is overrated, but for my time and money, I'd rather go to Wolfgang's right in midtown http://wolfgangssteakhouse.com ... same menu, better location, and a better service experience.

The Ginger Man on 36th between 5th and Madison is a good place with a lot of beers on tap.

[KWhit]

McSorleys.

Best bar in the US.

[GoldenEagle]

Originally Posted by Logan

I think it's wrong to say that Peter Luger's is overrated, but for my time and money, I'd rather go to Wolfgang's right in midtown Wolfgang's Steakhouse ... same menu, better location, and a better service experience.

The Ginger Man on 36th between 5th and Madison is a good place with a lot of beers on tap.

About how much would I spend at Wolfgangs vs. Peter Lugar's?

[GoldenEagle]

Originally Posted by Logan

The Ginger Man on 36th between 5th and Madison is a good place with a lot of beers on tap.

That looks like my kind of place. I checked the website for happy hour or daily specials, but didn't see anything. Do you know if the run any?

[Logan]

Originally Posted by GoldenEagle

About how much would I spend at Wolfgangs vs. Peter Lugar's?

Sorry, I probably wasn't clear...it's very similarly priced (if not exactly). So with it being easier to get to and a more upscale environment with better service, I'd send you to Wolfgang's. You can definitely eat and drink very well for $100 per person, but could get under that if you want to keep it cheaper.

The steak runs $38 per person and you and the wife will likely have trouble finishing the steak for two. Add in a slice of bacon each (they're famous for it, thick cut canadian bacon that is amazing) and maybe share a tomato/mozzarella salad for your appetizer, and then grab a side of creamed spinach and a potato to go along with your porterhouse and that leaves you under $60 per person without alcohol and before tax/tip. If you're looking to spend a bit more, the seafood tower appetizer is also amazing (think they priced it at $33/person last time I got it) but make sure you still get the bacon!

Originally Posted by GoldenEagle

That looks like my kind of place. I checked the website for happy hour or daily specials, but didn't see anything. Do you know if the run any?

Don't remember anything official, but I was there last Saturday night and remember seeing a chalkboard inside offering $2 off Chimay during February. Not much else though.

[miked]

Originally Posted by GoldenEagle

The only concern is that our flight lands at 2:30. We have to get from Newark to our hotel and back into New Jersey by around 5:30 PM for the soccer game.

This is highly unlikely, especially if you are going to trek to Newark Penn to New York Penn. One option that might save a little time is to take the bus from Newark Airport to Port Authority. It's only about 8 blocks (maybe) away from Penn Station, plenty of cabs if you are rushing, and I think the buses leave every 15-20 minutes.

[molson]

Originally Posted by KWhit

McSorleys.

Best bar in the US.

I wish it was just maybe 25% less crowded, but I've had a lot of fun there.

I've also never been there on a weeknight.

The best part is a lot of people don't realize they're ordering two beers with each order, so there tends to be a lot of "spares" lying around. Or at least, this was cool in my 20s - I hope I'm not still this cheap/morally questionable.