New York in February?

[Oddcat]

Would you go for a 4 day break to New York in February? Very rough itinerary- visit 9/11 museum, day of shopping, Empire State Building, Boat trip to see Statue of Liberty.

Yay or nay ?

YES, but it could be frigid. Hotels will be less expensive though

Too cold to go out type frigid or ok if you wrap up?

Totally fine! I often go in February,

I would but it can be very cold at that time of year, much colder than the UK so be prepared!

mrsbungle can I ask where you stay ?

It's not that cold but the wind is freezing and goes right through you. Late March or early April is a better time. Best time is mid September through end of November.

It’s got to be February really.

I did this last year, it was amazing! Cold but very cool. Boat trip in the snow was amusing but didn't see much so maybe skip that. Take good boots and a hat.

I’ve been in Feb. It had snowed before we went and was starting to thaw so pavements a little icy, but we did all the touristy stuff and seeing Central Park in the snow was lovely. Just a regular coat and scarf was fine, with some warm boots for walking.

Would like to go back in summer to see the other side of it but thoroughly enjoyed it in Feb too.

Thanks all - any hotel or area recommendations?

You need good sturdy boots, and a good warm coat that keeps out wind, and you'll be fine. I personally adore NYC in winter but if you feel the cold you might like it less.

I stayed in Essex House - opposite Central Park- when I visited in February. I would recommend it but, tbh, I have never had a bad hotell in NYC.
It snowed heavy whilst there. The park looked stunning. Snowploughs came down in threes and the roads were cleared quickly. The sidewalks were also efficiently cleared.
You will have a wonderful time I’m sure.

Just had a google, it looks fantastic but a bit over my budget.

If you go in the travel section on MN there's lots of hotel recommendations. I stay with family so can't help.

It will be cold but if you wrap up you'll be fine. I've stayed in a few places, my favourite is the Frederick hotel in TriBeCa (can walk to 9/11 memorial) but if you are looking at a cheaper but still nice hotel options consider Long Island City - just over the bridge in queens but super quick to get into Manhattan. Your itinerary sounds good but I'd also recommend going up top of the rock or Empire State for the views.

We stayed at the Tuscany - a bit out of the way but a stylish boutiquey type hotel, chosen using a spreadsheet detailing price, reviews, location etc (DP is a spreadsheet nerd!!) We had a view of the Chrysler building out of our window and there was an awesome little bakery opposite. Was a couple of years ago now, but I’d recommend it if it’s still there!

He came up with the “RagingWhoreBag factor” which was a calculation taking into account negative reviews, positive reviews and other factors like quirky design, to come up with a score

Oh big yes, I love NYC and have been in January so it's lovely and cold. We've twice stayed in the Hudson, walking distance to times sq and central park, cool bar, v small rooms but v nice. It's been reasonably priced amd close to lots of restaurants and delis, shops etc.

I’m just googling all your recommendations.

Yes I did, it was fine, Warner than here!

Warmer

If you don't want to pay NYC prices but still be in a nice hotel, I'd recommend Jersey City just across the Hudson River (has great views of Manhatten). It's a business area with nice hotels (Westin, Marriot, etc.) and a direct train link into NYC ( PATH train, takes about 15 mins). Hotels are less than $200 a night, because it's not actually in NYC. It quietens down at night as there's alot of offices, but trains run until at least 11 pm so it really depends whether you're sampling the nightlife or not. We visit with children so it's not an issue!

Your itinerary sounds fun, but it probably will be freezing so pack boots, hat, gloves, etc. I'd recommend advance reservations for the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island and the 9/11 memorial, they're usually packed. I'd also think about another museum as a backup in case it's really too cold to be outside too long. There are several right by Central Park (Natural History is fun). You'll have some great food as well. Enjoy!

The Hudson looks a strong possibility- is there a particular airport that’s best to fly to ?

Sorry for using you all as unpaid travel agents !

I've always flown to Newark, actually on one trip we arranged a private car for transfer as it was pretty much same price as taxi once bridge fee added, and was such a luxury not waiting in freezing cold in taxi queue! Have fond memories of the Hudson, we stayed there on our honeymoon and again for dhs 40th, both times received an upgrade so be sure to let them know if it's a special occasion!

RagingWhoreBag can he come and do one for me ? I’ve googled so many and I’m sure the price keeps going up every new search I do