NYC Trip Report - June 9 to June 12, 2006

Thanks to the advice of all of the great people on this board, my sister and I had an amazing trip last week! Thank you, this board is the best resource for trip planning! I wanted to share our trip details and will try to answer any questions if you have them. We are two sisters, ages 26 and 23, who wanted to see the sites and experience the Big Apple! I had been twice before on brief trips, and it was my sister’s first visit. We were there for four days, June 9-12.

Flights – We got a great deal on a sale with American Airlines and flew into and out of LaGuardia. All of the flights were fine and the flight attendants were very pleasant. LaGuardia was much less busy than I was expecting and we were able to get in and out very quickly. We also enjoyed their food selection (lots of choices) and ate lunch there before flying back.

Accommodations – We stayed at the Hilton New York on 6th Avenue between 53rd and 54th Streets and thought it was fabulous. We were on a budget, and I had booked the Radio City Apartments in advance for about $150 a night including taxes/fees. However, since we were able to cancel with them up to 48 hours before the trip, I bid on Priceline the week of the trip for a four-star hotel in the Midtown West area and got the Hilton for only $143 per night with taxes/fees! What an amazing deal! We were a little worried that they might give us a “sub par” room since we got it for such a cheap rate, but after getting advice from this forum (and others), I called in advance to confirm the reservation and requested a non-smoking room with two beds. When I checked in, the clerk noted my request and gave us a great room, what I thought was huge by NYC standards, with two beds! At Radio City we would have had only one queen bed, as that’s all they had available when we reserved. So, we were really beside ourselves with the deal we got on the room at the Hilton! The location was excellent for us, the staff was friendly enough, and we never had to wait more than a few seconds for an elevator (we were on the 5th floor). Room was a little worn, but clean, loved the beds and bedding. No real view, but we didn’t care. Hotel restaurants were very expensive and they did charge $3.50 per bag to store our bags when we checked out, but other than that we loved it! Great experience with Priceline. Highly recommend biddingfortravel.com and betterbidding.com for advice using Priceline.

Transportation – Our main mode was walking! I had what I thought were comfortable shoes, I had worn them all over Vegas a few weeks before and they were fine, but walking in NYC is a whole different animal! Our feet killed by the end of each day, but I guess it’s all part of the experience. Before we left I emailed the MTA and they sent me a huge packets with all of their maps. We carried around the NYC bus map everywhere we went, since it seemed to be the clearest and the smallest. It got us everywhere we needed to go! I had the addresses of the places we wanted to see, and we never got lost. We did ride the bus a few times, which we preferred to the subway because we could people-watch and see more in the process. The bus was very easy to ride. Also rode the subway when we walked the Brooklyn Bridge. The subway is still a bit confusing to me, especially because there were routes closed for construction, etc. But, we got where we needed to go. We did take a few cabs as well, and I was so proud of my sis for catching a cab for us after a night out (I was worried about taking the subway/bus at night after drinking)!

Activities – Here is a sampling of what we did!

TOP OF THE ROCK – Thanks to advice from this board, we did the Top of the Rock on the first night we where there and absolutely adored it. I had been up in the Empire State Building twice before, and I liked this much better (seems many people do). It was not crowded at all, and the views were awesome. Since we were closer to the ground than the ESB, we could see more of NYC in detail. Views of Central Park and the ESB were great! We went up right before the sun set (8:15 PM), so we got to see everything before the lights came on and after. Highly recommended. Bring your camera for sure, we got some awesome pics! We booked online before we went, but every day we did see people handing out 10% off coupons at Rockefeller Plaza.

STATEN ISLAND FERRY – Loved that this is free! Very easy to ride, wonderful views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline. Very breezy and a bit cool, but you can sit inside or out. My sister really enjoyed this. It takes about an hour and a half for the whole process, but we thought it was worth it.

BROOKLYN BRIDGE – We walked the Brooklyn Bridge and also enjoyed it very much. Such a marvel. Got great pics. Our feet were very sore at this point but it didn’t take as long to walk it as we thought it would.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT/WALL STREET – Walked around here and took in all the buildings, the famous bull statue, etc. Both of us work in business so it was very interesting to us. Not a lot going on here as it was a Saturday, but we still thought it was neat.

CHINATOWN – What an experience! The madness of all of the vendors was something to see. My sis bought a necklace which she wore every day after, and I enjoyed browsing. Very crowded (on Saturday) but very fun. Still can’t get over all the knock-off stuff, never knew how much existed!

PREY BAR AND LOUNGE – We had so much fun here! My sister really wanted to go out somewhere and dance, so after spending hours on citysearch.com and sheckys.com before the trip, we picked this place (Flatiron area). Great drinks, bartenders, we made lots of new friends our age, and danced all night long! We’ll always remember it!

CENTRAL PARK – Didn’t have time to see a lot in the Park – hopefully next trip! We did have a lunch “picnic” there and found it very relaxing. Everything is so green! We happened to go on Sunday at the same time as the Puerto Rico Day Parade, so the whole area, especially getting in and out of the Park, was crowded (reportedly over a million people lined the streets). Actually, that day could have been one of the largest masses of people I have ever walked in!

RENT – A highlight of the trip! Neither of us had ever seen a Broadway show before, and we loved it. Kept my attention the entire time, and the singing was amazing. We got tickets ahead of time using broadwaybox.com, and even though we were in the balcony, we could still see perfectly. We did feel a little too dressed up (even though we were only wearing simple black dresses), but oh well. The show we saw was at 7 PM on Sunday. The performers were so talented and professional. Loved it!

MACY’S – SHOPPING ON 5th AVENUE – We finally got to go to the famous Macy’s. Didn’t have much time to shop but it was neat to see. Enjoyed all the shops on 5th Avenue. We particularly liked H%26amp;M – cheap, trendy clothes – and we don’t have any of these where we live. I could have spent days shopping in NYC, but we had limited time of course.

ROCKEFELLER PLAZA – This was one of our favorite areas in the city for some reason. Always something going on, very clean and fun. We didn’t get up early enough to join in the Today show hoopla, but maybe on another trip. We did see them setting up/taking down, getting ready for a concert, and we saw the Saturday AM anchor signing autographs. Fun stores and restaurants, great area.

Food – We were very happy that we stuck to a modest food budget, but still enjoyed good eats! The number of places to eat in NYC is mind-boggling. Here’s what we tried:

JOHN’S PIZZERIA – We ate at the one near Times Square (44th Street and 8th Avenue I think) and thought it was great. Neat atmosphere in the old church, and we split a pizza which was so tasty! VERY loud in here, but we enjoyed it. Very affordable and convenient location.

DEAN AND DELUCA – Thanks to advice received here, we had coffee/breakfast here twice (the one at Rockefeller) and thought it was great. Lots of neat stuff to choose from. I really liked the bagels.

OLIVA GOURMET – This was in the Financial District and I found it on menupages.com. Cute atmosphere, and lots of neat fresh food – sandwiches, salads, pasta, sushi, desserts, fruit, etc. A real NYC experience. Pretty affordable too.

GRAND SICHUAN – We at the Chinatown location. It seemed very authentic, and we are glad we tried it, but I did not like what I had at all, and it didn’t seem to sit well with my stomach. We did have fun people-watching out the window. I was glad I tried something new, but I enjoyed NY Noodletown, where I ate on my last trip, a lot more.

WHOLE FOODS AT COLUMBUS CIRCLE – Got stuff here to take to on our picnic in the Park (thanks to advice received here)! Very busy, but an overwhelming amount of good stuff. We have these here, but this one was much bigger. Very convenient to the Park.

ROSIE O’GRADY’s - Ate here after Rent. We had planned to eat at Film City Café, but we couldn’t get anyone to wait on us! Then we sat down at a place called Lindy’s, and almost fell out of our seats at the prices for hamburgers! Ended up at Rosie O’Grady’s and enjoyed it! We sat at the bar and had burgers and fries off the bar menu (affordable) and also split some cheesecake. The bartender/server was very sweet and it wasn’t crowded or smoky. Good food!

MAISON – Near our hotel, we ate here for breakfast. Cute restaurant and neat outdoor tables. I think it was recommended to me on this board? A fun way to spend our last morning in the city. Food was pretty good too. I had strawberry pancakes! They are open 24 hours.

Well, that’s all I can really think of for now. Of course there were so many other things we wanted to do, there just wasn%26#39;t enough time! Thanks everyone for your advice, and thanks NYC for the best trip! We’ll be back!

NYC Trip Report - June 9 to June 12, 2006

Thanks for sharing your trip with us. I love to read all the reports. Sounds like you had a wonderful bonding experience with your sister and found some fun places to eat (and drink) and sample the wonders of New York City.

Thanks again.

NYC Trip Report - June 9 to June 12, 2006

Sounds like you had a great time, thanks for the tips %26amp; sharing your experiences.

Awesome trip report... Full of handy hints... Was dope the way it was written, easy to read and enjoy...

love and light...

Great way of setting out your report. It was really easy to read and has some smashing ideas for others.

Great report - glad you both had a great time and still managed to save somethings for %26#39;next time%26#39; :)

Monalua,

I am so glad things worked out well for you, especially with priceline and the Hilton. Now you can be one of the resident experts on this subject as well.

I love the Hilton%26#39;s location...near Rockefeller Plaza, Central Park, MoMa and just a couple minute walk to Times Square, without being in the ';fishbowl'; iteself.

Sorry about your experience at Grand Sichuan, I hate when that happens anywhere. Glad you were able to bounce back. As for Rosie O%26#39;Grady%26#39;s, I once had a wonderful cesear salad there. It%26#39;s not bad for what it is.

Congratulations on your hotel deal. A little research really paid off. I think the NY Hilton%26#39;s location is better than Radio City Apts. too. Did you happen to pass by it just to take a look?

I love the Puerto Rico Day parade, it%26#39;s quite an experience. I have a suburban California friend who I took a couple of years ago, and she had a panic attack in the midst of so many people partying so hard!

I hope you post a photo link, I%26#39;d love to see your TOTR pics.

Was it Martin who served you at Rosie O%26#39;Grady%26#39;s?

Terrific report with lots of good suggestions. Glad you had such a wonderful time. Has anyone ever NOT had a great vacation in NYC?

Sounds like your research before your trip really paid off - and your post is wonderful reading. Walking in NYC is not like walking anywhere else ... always recommend bringing two pair of already broken in walking shoes on a trip to NYC - so you can change them every day. That does seem to help. Hope you both make it back sometime soon. Ta. MMM!

monalua ~

Can you please tell me about the security at the hotel in the evening? We are not arriving in from the airport until around midnight and I read on one of the reports they check who%26#39;s coming in at night?

I%26#39;m trying to be unobtrusive checking in as I pricelined this hotel but have an extra person with me... :-( Now I%26#39;m all worried!