We are just back from a first time visit to new York and have had the most fabulous time!
The trip was our delayed honeymoon and we were very excited when we finally arrived!
We flew BA from Edinburgh to Heathrow and then Heathrow to JFK. The flight was fine- a lot of turbulence but pretty straight forward. On arriving at JFK we were frustrated to find that despite there being about 20 customs desks, there were only 5 people working them. Our flight was full and the wait was a bit longer than felt really necessary. Photos and finger printing was straight forward.
After leaving JFk we had decided to just get a taxi and crossed over the street and were helped by the taxi controller. I had read about other ways into Manhattan but we decided on the easiest option. It took about 45 minutes to get to Manhattan and cost a flat fare of $45 plus $4 tolls and tip.
We had booked into the Doubletrees Suites in Times Square on the Sweet Romance package. Despite some mixed reviews on the site, we thought it was great. We had a corner suite on the 14th floor- it wasn%26#39;t noisy and there were good views right down to the river and of Times Square itself. Breakfast was included in the package and we also had the option to eat in our room. When the in room hairdryer broke, the electrician came to the room, checked it and replaced it less than 10 minutes after it was ist reported. We found the staff helpful and liked the security to get into the hotel. The suite was a good size for a city hotel and we were glad to have the lounge facilities. Although we didn%26#39;t use the kitchen at all, we saw plenty people bringing in food which would be great for keeping to a budget.
On the Friday, we checked in, unpacked and had a wander through Times Square. For 1st time visitors it is all really exciting- the lights, the sounds, etc. We then went back, got changed and wandered to the Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant- it was touristy but a lot of fun! Nice food and reasonable prices. After that we went up the Empire State Building at about 9pm- that was just amazing and we were fascinated by the sheer number of planes you could see. There were very small queues and we were very quickly at the top.
The next day we went to the Times Square Visitor Centre and bought Grey Line bus tickets- we took the tour to the Statue of Liberty and then went and got ferry tickets and entry passes for later that day. We walked to Ground Zero and looked at the plans for the site.
We did go to Century 21 but found it wasn%26#39;t really for us. Perhaps it is fine if you have lots of time to rake around to find bargains- we were too concerned with getting out in the city. We then caught the bus tour again up to the Rockefeller and looked about there. Got the subway to South Ferry and crossed to the Statue of Liberty. It is a real must- it was a cold and windy day but the trip out on the ferry gives such a great view of Manhattan and the views from the observatory were great- $10 each made this one of the bargains of the trip. Be prepared though for very long security checks both before the boat and on the island.
That night we went to the Rainbow Room for dinner- again we had heard mixed reports but it was a wedding gift. We had a lovely night- the views were stunning and we had a table right at the window- we arrived at 9pm and left after 12. We didn%26#39;t feel rushed but the service was efficient and the food good. We would recommend it.
On Sunday we went to Macys and shopped- I had a free facial at Bliss which was good and spent too much money on cosmetics! After that we caught the Grey Line uptown loop. As it was the weekend the Gates opened it was chaos around Central Park and the tour took much longer than scheduled. Not sure what we made of the gates.......
Got off at the Met and looked around but it really needs a day of its own to do it service. Went to FAO Schwartz, marvelled at the $15000 life size elephant and bought hot chocolates. Back to the hotel and out for dinner in Chinatown. Didn%26#39;t have a place in mind, but wandered and got a table at a place called Shanghai Cuisine. Brill meal- 3 courses and wine and tip cost $54. Very busy with Chinese families celebrating the Lunar New Year. Wandered around Chinatown and Little Italy before heading back to bed.
Went to Woodbury Common on Monday- some good deals and some rubbish. was worth the trip as we got good running trainers and clothes for my husband at brill prices. However, having been in Florida and visited outlet malls there, we didn%26#39;t think it was as good and perhaps it is worth checking out on line the shops before heading out there. Back in Manhattan we finished or shoping in american Eagle and Ann Taylor Loft before collapsing back for a rest.
That night, we phoned a restaurant we saw in a guide and got a table. It was called Lamasseria at 235 West 48th Street. Again- good food and reasonable prices- fabby desserts! After that, back to Times Square and some drinks.
On the last day we went to the Intrepid Air and Museum- it was great. Has a very nice 9/11 memorial too which I didn%26#39;t expect. Checked out the hotel at 1pm and stored luggage there. walked to carnegie%26#39;s deli for lunch- it just has to be seen to be believed. Walked around Greenwich Village and then Central park. Left at 6.30pm for taxi back to airprot- cost $36 plus $4 tolls and tips this time!
We loved New York. We found that you have to make choices though- If you want to sight see it is very hard to really get into the night life- we were exhausted and in bed by 1am every night. Being used to the London Underground, we found NY less organised. Many of the trains do not have route maps on and so you end up digging out the guide book and checking your route- left us feeling like very obvious tourists and that is something you generally dont want to do. Just now the exchange rate is so good for Brits that it makes the whole trip very affordable.
Having been all over USA- LA, San Francisco, Las Vegas, san Diego, Minneapolis- we adored NYC and cannot wait to come back!
Trip report- 11th- 15th Feb
It sounds as though you had a marvellous time Lesley.
I agree with what you said about prioritising: it is hard to do it all, eg, shop, sight-see, nightlife etc. For me, daytime sightseeing is what it%26#39;s all about. You can fit a lot in if you have had a decent night%26#39;s sleep as opposed to a late-night after a few drinks ;-)
Thanks for sharing your trip-report.
Trip report- 11th- 15th Feb
Excellent report.
I always find these personally experiences are the best way to find out the do%26#39;s and don%26#39;ts and give food for thought.
Any more out there?
I have been to NY several times (although not for quite a few years!) and I am visiting again next Sat for 6 nights - can%26#39;t wait.
It is my husband%26#39;s first time so I really want to show him a good time.
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