New York City

Hello everyone,
I need some help with planning a trip to New York City. (I have never been). My grand-daughter is graduating from high school. I promised her a trip to anywhere she wanted to go for her graduation present. I really thought she would choose another trip to the Caribbean, but she didn't and now I need help with hotels in NYC. There will be three of us traveling together. We want a safe, good clean location near Broadway, Rockerfeller Center. Does anyone have any good recommendation. I have looked on the internet and it is overwhelming since I do not have any knowledge of the area. Thanks so much and I am sure Corky (granddaughter) sends her thanks. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
Jo

Crowne Plaza in Times Square is right in the middle of everything.
We stay at Club Quarters downtown by Wall Street but we know the city very well.
There is a Club Quarters near Rock Center.
Good luck. Sounds like fun!
irina

Thanks Irina,
We talked about it last night and decided not to be right in the thick of things. We were checking out the Sheraton, Times Square. I gather it is in the Theater district, but not far from all the happenings. What do you think about the Sheraton, and the area it is in. Is it safe? Thank you for all of your help.
Jo

Yes the area is safe. Most of Manhattan is safe now.
As to the location, it's a walk to some places and the subway choices are more limited.
Being in Times Square now is quite safe also. Pedestrian walkways, less car traffic allowed than before, cafe tables for tourists to sit and rest etc. More trains obviously.
Anywhere will be fine. I can tell you NOT to go to Holiday Inn Express by Penn Station. Friends from PA stayed there and it was horrible.
Good hunting
irina

Great - I just made our plane reservations and thanks to your great info, I feel better about where to stay. Thanks for answering me, I can use all the help I can get! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Jo

We've stayed at the Sheraton often. It's a full service hotel with gym but no spa. It's on 51st and 7th so close enough to the theater district and Times Square without being in the actually hub where it can get very crowded with pedestrians. We use to like the hotel better when it had a big “library” bar that served food and great cocktails but the Sheraton replaced it with the “link cafe” area. There is wi-fi access, a small bar area and a prepackaged small food kiosk area. The hotel does have an onsite breakfast/lunch restaurant as well as a Burger Joint for dinner. The Burger Joint has been many different restaurants so I can’t vouch for the food there.

They have a very nice club level bar if you book in that category it's usually open weekdays only with continental breakfast and appetizers during happy hour.

You are in walking distance to Central Park and Rockefeller Center as well as having public transportation at your finger tips. Rosie O’Grady’s is across the street and gets a nice after-work crowd as well as serves good hearty food. Around the corner is Le Bernandin a Michelin star restaurant and Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain (good food). A short walk is the famous Carnegie Deli and Victor’s Café which is a Cuban restaurant that has been around for years and is also good.

I'd be happy to answer an additional questions you have about the Sheraton.

See Jo?
Fabila has stayed there several times and thinks it's nice and a great location.
I lived downtown in Financial District, so we didn't stay in hotels often. Just now when we visit.
Have a great time in my favorite city!
cheers
irina

Wherever you stay you'll enjoy it.
You'll find some of the best restaurants from all over the world ,deli's, museums and shopping.
I would recommend using Taxi's in the evening for safety reasons.

Not early evening. Subways are fine. I would not take one late in the evening.
Cheers
irina

Thank you each and everyone. We are so excited. My granddaughter has picked out 3 shows to go to. And, I can't wait to see Central Park and the Statue of Liberty. If there is anything we should not miss or a special restarant please chime in. I would love to say I am counting down the days, but I can't, she is graduating and going away to college soon. But, WE are planning to have a great time in NYC!
Jo

Fabila,
We are staying at the Sheraton. Thanks for the vote of confidence there. I needed to hear that. Not ever having been to NYC, I just wanted to be careful. Thank you for taking the time to answer.
Jo

You'll enjoy the hotel. Should you have any questions about attractions, mass transportation, etc. don't forget to use the Concierge.

If you have the time I would recommend going to the MET (Metropolitan Museum) it's a fabulous museum with lots of antiquities. If it's a nice day you can walk around Central Park or rent a bike. Have fun.

I highly recommend the restaurant Serendipity. It's in the Upper East Side, on 60th Street. Awesome food, really neat atmosphere, and they have frozen hot chocolate; but make reservations if you want to eat there. The wait for a table is CRAZY otherwise.

Garrett Popcorn in Penn Plaza. If you like popcorn, they are so good.

Step Up Boutique on Mulberry St in Little Italy is a neat little scarfs and accessories store. And Little Italy is full of so many good restaurants too.

If you get a chance, go to the 9/11 Memorial. Take lots of tissues with you. You will need them.

Personally, I usually take taxis when in NYC because of my schedule. I have always been told to be cautious of the black cars that operate as taxis. I've taken them a few times and have not had any major problems. I just always check the drivers credentials and make sure I get quoted a price before we take off. They tend to be more expensive than the regular yellow taxis.

Hope you all have a fantastic trip. It's a wonderful city! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

When did Serendipity start taking reservations, and is it for large groups only?

First time I went to Serendipity was in 2008 and almost always have had reservations when I've gone. I usually make them a few weeks in advance. Maybe they limit the number of reservations they take? I'm not really sure. I do know that its not for large groups only because I've made reservations for just 2 people in the past.

Was not aware of that I will have to try it.

Here are two restaurant recommendations in Columbus Circle

1. Robert (at the Museum of Art and Design, 2 Columbus Circle) Has great views of Central Park and a hip/fun decor. Menu is slightly pricey ($35 entrees) but the service was great and the food good. Make a reservation and ask for a table by the window.
2. Dizzy's Club Coca Cola in the AOL Time Warner building. Great jazz music combined with very good American food. The stage is set in front of floor to ceiling windows overlooking Columbus Circle and Central Park, and the room is intimate enough that there are no bad tables. Prices are surprisingly reasonable. You must have a reservation, usually the bands do two sets, and you must be on time.

My favorite mexican restaurant in the city is Cafe Frida (two locations on Upper West Side) One has an outdoor garden in the back that is very pleasant for summer dining. Not very touristy at all.

Also, one of the nicer spots in Central Park is the Conservatory Garden, entrance at E 104th St and 5th Ave.

Finally, the Tenement Museum (103 Orchard St, Lower East Side) is one of my favorite museums. The docents are superb, and the tours give you a real feel for what it was like to live in NYC as an immigrant in the 19th or early 20th centuries.

Enjoy your trip, there is a ton to see and do in NYC outside of Times Square and the usual tourist attractions.

Go to the top of the Rock. Go an hour before dusk. You will see NY by day, by dusk and by night. Great views of Manhattan both North and South. Staten Island ferry was free when we went a allows great views of Manhattan on the return trip. Enjoy.

If you are thinking about doing the Empire State Building you may want to buy ticket ahead of time on line. We stood in line forever just to buys tickets. Then had to go stand in another long line to got to the top. But well worth in since it was my 1st and only time.

http://www.esbnyc.com/buy-tickets

How was the trip or has it yet to happen?

Has anyone ever gone with a one year old? We are going next December (December 2016) and my 6 week old will be about 15 months old. There will be 7 of us including him but I need some words of encouragement haha.

Lot's of one year olds in New York City.
No worries. LOL
Central Park zoo,
cheers
irina

Haha I meant on a "vacation" trip to NYC in Dec with a 1 year old.

Is the Central Park zoo open during all seasons?

centralparkzoo.com

Magical time of year for any kid. Tree in Rock Center,
ice skaters, holiday lights etc.
Have a great time.
irina

Thanks Irna, once we get all the details finalized (dates, lodging) I'll come back with more posts.

But good to know it won't automatically be a disaster with a little tike in the big city!

Yes Brian,
Where are you staying?
irina

No idea still, apparently it's happening from a Wed-Sun between Thanksgiving and Christmas. As soon as actual reservations start to happen I'll report back!

You could also look at The New Yorker which is at 8th and 34th. I live here and stay there when i do a trade show in the city. Clean, safe very convenient to everything in NYC from it's Penn Station location.