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Weekend in New York
Rightio I am taking mum, mum in law and OH to New York next year for a long weekend. ABers have already recommended some hotels, Marriot Marquis, Roosevelt and the Helmsley(??). What I now need to know is when would you suggest I go? Its a christmas present to them all so it has to be after December. I was told that Jan and Feb is very very cold (mums are in their 60s and 70s)so was thinking of the first weekend in April (3rd - 8th). Whatcha reckon?
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Oh how frustrating! I just wrote an epistle for you and when hitting enter..it failed.
OK, I�ll have to do over later. However, in the meantime, PLEASE do not book anything until I offer you some more thoughts. Personally, I�d never book anyone in a Helmsley Hotel. Mrs H just passed away and for the past couple of years, her hotels have been drifting in limbo�but if you don�t know about the Venerable Mrs Leona Helsley (aka The Queen of Mean), I think you might wish to bone up before making your decision.
I have spent more nights in the Marriott Marquis than I care to remember. But that was when it was brand new. If you like being in a mega hotel that has the same service concept as virtually every other Marriott in the world, then fine. But personally, I loathe Times Square. The Roosevelt is an interesting choice. Located close to Grand Central Station at Madison Avenue, it�s a reasonably �acceptable� hotel. However, there are many many more that you may enjoy.
If this is your first trip, I would actively encourage you to consider staying at a hotel on Central Park, perhaps even on Central Park South. (I lived on CPS for a number of years.)
Seasons, I prefer, for value, to go the week prior to Valentines Day. In April, the prices start to move up. The weather is indeed unpredictable, it will be cool/cold. Later in April is lovely and Central Park is awash in colours. It�s a personal choice.
Did you know that you �could� actually stop over in �say�Boston..on your way in to New York and get to see that city, for the same price as your direct flights to New York?
http://www.bostonstopover.blogspot.com/
I recall that I provided a number of details about travel to Manhattan in an earlier thread. I�ll check later to see if I can find it for you.
14:15 Thu 04th Oct 2007
OK, I�ll have to do over later. However, in the meantime, PLEASE do not book anything until I offer you some more thoughts. Personally, I�d never book anyone in a Helmsley Hotel. Mrs H just passed away and for the past couple of years, her hotels have been drifting in limbo�but if you don�t know about the Venerable Mrs Leona Helsley (aka The Queen of Mean), I think you might wish to bone up before making your decision.
I have spent more nights in the Marriott Marquis than I care to remember. But that was when it was brand new. If you like being in a mega hotel that has the same service concept as virtually every other Marriott in the world, then fine. But personally, I loathe Times Square. The Roosevelt is an interesting choice. Located close to Grand Central Station at Madison Avenue, it�s a reasonably �acceptable� hotel. However, there are many many more that you may enjoy.
If this is your first trip, I would actively encourage you to consider staying at a hotel on Central Park, perhaps even on Central Park South. (I lived on CPS for a number of years.)
Seasons, I prefer, for value, to go the week prior to Valentines Day. In April, the prices start to move up. The weather is indeed unpredictable, it will be cool/cold. Later in April is lovely and Central Park is awash in colours. It�s a personal choice.
Did you know that you �could� actually stop over in �say�Boston..on your way in to New York and get to see that city, for the same price as your direct flights to New York?
http://www.bostonstopover.blogspot.com/
I recall that I provided a number of details about travel to Manhattan in an earlier thread. I�ll check later to see if I can find it for you.
14:15 Thu 04th Oct 2007
Will your plans be from Friday-Monday, Thursday-Sunday, or what please? It may make a difference in how I reply.
http://bigworldsmallboat.blogspot.com/search?q =the+plaza
I wish you Bon Voyage
Fr Bill
http://bigworldsmallboat.blogspot.com/search?q =the+plaza
I wish you Bon Voyage
Fr Bill
Wow Villagevicar - will have to take you along as our guide!!
This is our first trip to NY and as such I want to make it a memorable one. Although I am not particularly well off, I am not looking for cheap. Mainly cos the mums will be there and they deserve the best I can afford. So I really would like a 4* at least. As for the timings I thought long weekend, therefore thurs to mon or fri to tuesday. I was looking at last minute.com and there were weekends (4 nights) in 4* for about �600. Is that reasonable? Should I start searching for Feb instead?
This is our first trip to NY and as such I want to make it a memorable one. Although I am not particularly well off, I am not looking for cheap. Mainly cos the mums will be there and they deserve the best I can afford. So I really would like a 4* at least. As for the timings I thought long weekend, therefore thurs to mon or fri to tuesday. I was looking at last minute.com and there were weekends (4 nights) in 4* for about �600. Is that reasonable? Should I start searching for Feb instead?
I have lots of things to share regarding this trip. Hopefully, you won't get bored. First, because it's to the states, dispense with using Lastminute or Travelocity, etc. There are much better options and better value for money. No one going to the states should ever purchase 'package' holidays...actually, that applies to many destinations. Packages actually mask the true costs, therefore you don't really know whether you're getting value for money.
For New York, there are websites for value, however, you have to wait until it's almost time to go to get the best reates: Priceline, etc. In this instance, because there quite a few of you travelling, there are many other options... If you're looking for 4-star, start with the Essex House on Central Park South. However, understand that the pricing is based upon room location and size...Everyone and their dog want a view of Central Park...therefore, you pay for that! I lived at The Plaza as a child..although it's 'there' it's now a memory. I knew leona Helmsley by name and we spent many times together 'chatting.' There is lots I could say, but perhaps shouldn't. I will not recommend the Park Lane and I feel you'd be happier elsewhere. Last trip I was at the Ritz Carlton..however, that's top price...thankfully, my clients were paying for it. I promise to give you extended details later...I keep meaning to add it to one of my stopover blogs..it's just a matter of time. I've been taking groups and individuals to New York and other cities for years & was featured in the Times and a Middle East magazine a few years ago. I'm honoured to share my knowledge.
Fr Bill
For New York, there are websites for value, however, you have to wait until it's almost time to go to get the best reates: Priceline, etc. In this instance, because there quite a few of you travelling, there are many other options... If you're looking for 4-star, start with the Essex House on Central Park South. However, understand that the pricing is based upon room location and size...Everyone and their dog want a view of Central Park...therefore, you pay for that! I lived at The Plaza as a child..although it's 'there' it's now a memory. I knew leona Helmsley by name and we spent many times together 'chatting.' There is lots I could say, but perhaps shouldn't. I will not recommend the Park Lane and I feel you'd be happier elsewhere. Last trip I was at the Ritz Carlton..however, that's top price...thankfully, my clients were paying for it. I promise to give you extended details later...I keep meaning to add it to one of my stopover blogs..it's just a matter of time. I've been taking groups and individuals to New York and other cities for years & was featured in the Times and a Middle East magazine a few years ago. I'm honoured to share my knowledge.
Fr Bill
Have been to NY loads of times [business and pleasure] - you do give no indication of budget - it is expensive - and things do add up esp when you have to remember the flippin 20% service charge!
We stayed at a little hotel called Metro - right on 35th between Macys and Empire State. It had a very good restaurant attached to it. I too would vote against the Times Sq hotels - mayhem! If �� is no issue then perhaps Le Parker Meridien up on 56th with a wonderful rooftop pool [covered!] would suit you.
We stayed at a little hotel called Metro - right on 35th between Macys and Empire State. It had a very good restaurant attached to it. I too would vote against the Times Sq hotels - mayhem! If �� is no issue then perhaps Le Parker Meridien up on 56th with a wonderful rooftop pool [covered!] would suit you.
The Waldorf Astoria is very nice, I believe it is a Hilton hotel. It is very near to central station. Im sorry I dont know how much it cost as I did not pay. Tripadvisor is a great website for reviews of hotels:
http://www.tripadvisor.com
http://www.tripadvisor.com
alijangra: I eat downstairs in Oscars quite often. It is a nice place. However, if you're a New Yorker, there are hundreds of other places with much lower prices and a a bit of a truer 'taste' of New York.
JK: as you may have seen from the site, it's not promoting anything, it is merely informational, providing sights and stops in Boston. I suppose it would have made more sense for me to have clipped the data and then pasted it. Again, I'm learning. Nowhere was I selling anything, asking for anything, soliciting, nor preaching anything..other than perhaps to use our talents to share information.
The Metro: Yes, it's an 'acceptable' for economical visits. However, as Maggoty is going to endure the mother-in-law thing (bless your socks), we need to find something a bit more 'upmarket' (said with all due respect.)
Yes, the Waldorf is lovely: Set on Park Avenue, next to St Barnabus Church where Dudley Moore and Liza Minelli were filmed in Arthur. However, I would tend to suggest that Maggot slip around the corner to the Intercontinental, which is slightly smaller and a bit lower in price. Don't get me wrong, I do love the Waldorf...and its quirks...(be sure to look at the hotel, particularly the rubber gasket that surrounds the hotel to buffer the sounds of the underground!)
Continued:
JK: as you may have seen from the site, it's not promoting anything, it is merely informational, providing sights and stops in Boston. I suppose it would have made more sense for me to have clipped the data and then pasted it. Again, I'm learning. Nowhere was I selling anything, asking for anything, soliciting, nor preaching anything..other than perhaps to use our talents to share information.
The Metro: Yes, it's an 'acceptable' for economical visits. However, as Maggoty is going to endure the mother-in-law thing (bless your socks), we need to find something a bit more 'upmarket' (said with all due respect.)
Yes, the Waldorf is lovely: Set on Park Avenue, next to St Barnabus Church where Dudley Moore and Liza Minelli were filmed in Arthur. However, I would tend to suggest that Maggot slip around the corner to the Intercontinental, which is slightly smaller and a bit lower in price. Don't get me wrong, I do love the Waldorf...and its quirks...(be sure to look at the hotel, particularly the rubber gasket that surrounds the hotel to buffer the sounds of the underground!)
Continued:
Part 2:
As you can see Maggoty, there�s a general consensus to stay away from Times Square. Agreed. The Meridien is on 57th street and is, almost literally, in the shadow of the Park Lane that faces into Central Park. If this is your first, again, I might like to suggest that �we� put you in a hotel that is actually on the park. (Remember Dudley Moore�s line: � Bitterman, drive through the park � you know how I looove the park!)
Le Meridien is comparable to the Essex House in rates. (BTW, The Essex House was featured in the film �Love Affair� the remake of an Affair to Remember, with Warren Beatty and Annette Benning). Some people may suggest boutique hotels. They can be interesting whilst they�re in vogue. Sadly though, they quickly fall out of vogue and as a consequence, they have high turnover, especially among all the �actors� who haven�t yet been discovered. And of course, the �trendies� move on quickly and then the service and cleanliness crumbles away.
If you�re gagging to be near Times Square� we could put you at the famous literary hotel, the Algonquin, which is actually next to the Diamond District at 44th and Avenue of the Americas (aka 6th Ave.)
By the way�if you�re a carnivore, you MUST dine at Gallagher�s Steak House. It�s at 52nd and Broadway, next to the Novotel Hotel and across from the famous Rose Ballroom. http://www.gallaghersnysteakhouse.com/ It�s one of Manhattan�s oldest and one of my favourites! There�s also Sparks Steak House on 46th between Lexington and 3rd. And whilst I love the food, I�m always slightly nervous as that is where one of Gotti�s victims was machined gunned down as he came out the restaurant. The staff look straight out of a scene from the Sopranos!
I must wrap for the evening as I have a funeral in the morning. Will add more some time late tomorrow. And JK..no matter
As you can see Maggoty, there�s a general consensus to stay away from Times Square. Agreed. The Meridien is on 57th street and is, almost literally, in the shadow of the Park Lane that faces into Central Park. If this is your first, again, I might like to suggest that �we� put you in a hotel that is actually on the park. (Remember Dudley Moore�s line: � Bitterman, drive through the park � you know how I looove the park!)
Le Meridien is comparable to the Essex House in rates. (BTW, The Essex House was featured in the film �Love Affair� the remake of an Affair to Remember, with Warren Beatty and Annette Benning). Some people may suggest boutique hotels. They can be interesting whilst they�re in vogue. Sadly though, they quickly fall out of vogue and as a consequence, they have high turnover, especially among all the �actors� who haven�t yet been discovered. And of course, the �trendies� move on quickly and then the service and cleanliness crumbles away.
If you�re gagging to be near Times Square� we could put you at the famous literary hotel, the Algonquin, which is actually next to the Diamond District at 44th and Avenue of the Americas (aka 6th Ave.)
By the way�if you�re a carnivore, you MUST dine at Gallagher�s Steak House. It�s at 52nd and Broadway, next to the Novotel Hotel and across from the famous Rose Ballroom. http://www.gallaghersnysteakhouse.com/ It�s one of Manhattan�s oldest and one of my favourites! There�s also Sparks Steak House on 46th between Lexington and 3rd. And whilst I love the food, I�m always slightly nervous as that is where one of Gotti�s victims was machined gunned down as he came out the restaurant. The staff look straight out of a scene from the Sopranos!
I must wrap for the evening as I have a funeral in the morning. Will add more some time late tomorrow. And JK..no matter
VillageVicar... Peter Luger's kicks ass over any other steak house in New York (or probably the world) http://peterluger.com/
p.s. Next time I have the foie gras french toast at the Parker Meridien ('Norma's) will you take my confession? ;)
p.s. Next time I have the foie gras french toast at the Parker Meridien ('Norma's) will you take my confession? ;)
BBWChat: I was surprised to see this booking engine site: Something is seriously wrong with it! There are ONLY 4 Five Star hotels in Manhattan!
Four Seasons Hotel New York
Mandarin Oriental, New York
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
The St. Regis
Even the famous Carlysle has slipped to a 4 star rating, yet they haven't even mentioned it as a top property.
http://thecarlyle.com/
I'm wondering whether this site is listing hotels as 5 star to lure people into booking through them, believing they're offering fantastic values for that grade a hotel. Have you used them before? Regardless, when booking 5Stars, there are compelling reasons to book directly with the hotel.
Having said all of this: There ARE lots of AAA 5 Diamond Hotels. However, the exacting and strenuous rating process is quite different, plus the fact that AAA is a paid membership programme.
I always loved the irony of Leona Helmsley promoting in her advertising years ago, her AAA 5 Diamond status at the Helmsley Palace. But she never could achieve that ever elusive 5th star for the hotel. There was a plethora of reasons, but she never understood. Sadly, there were thousands of people who could have told her...had she only listened!
Be well
Fr B
Four Seasons Hotel New York
Mandarin Oriental, New York
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
The St. Regis
Even the famous Carlysle has slipped to a 4 star rating, yet they haven't even mentioned it as a top property.
http://thecarlyle.com/
I'm wondering whether this site is listing hotels as 5 star to lure people into booking through them, believing they're offering fantastic values for that grade a hotel. Have you used them before? Regardless, when booking 5Stars, there are compelling reasons to book directly with the hotel.
Having said all of this: There ARE lots of AAA 5 Diamond Hotels. However, the exacting and strenuous rating process is quite different, plus the fact that AAA is a paid membership programme.
I always loved the irony of Leona Helmsley promoting in her advertising years ago, her AAA 5 Diamond status at the Helmsley Palace. But she never could achieve that ever elusive 5th star for the hotel. There was a plethora of reasons, but she never understood. Sadly, there were thousands of people who could have told her...had she only listened!
Be well
Fr B
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