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Original poster

Train trip and hotel NEW YORK

37 replies

Willabywallaby · 16/10/2011 14:48

Hi,

I tagged this on the end of a thread but that seemed to kill it, so trying again.

I'm going to visit my brother in Boston next year at the end of March for a fortnight. I thought we could take the train to New York for a few days.

It would be me, Dh and 2DSs (6 and 3). Does anyone have any experience of the train and suggestions for hotels in New York?

Many thanks.

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Original poster
Willabywallaby · 18/10/2011 22:24

So I've started trawling the internet, not sure whether to do an apartment or hotel, and where?

It's all a bit mind boggling!

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elastamum · 18/10/2011 22:27

We me, DS1 10, DS2 9, stayed in fench quarters apartments just off times square. Loved it

elastamum · 18/10/2011 22:30

I did NY, just me and my boys. (am a LP). We had an absolute blast, but it cost a fortune! Have used the train between NY and Philly. Much better than flying and goes right into Grand central, which is an adventure in itself!

feedtheghoul · 18/10/2011 22:35

Dh and I did Amtrak between Boston and New York. It was fantastic and really easy. I remember some attractive coastline at one point but to be honest we were seriously hung over that day Grin so it was all abit bleary eyed!

We stayed at The Belvedere in Hells Kitchen, a really good location (don't be put off by the name!) and were really impressed. But this was about 8 years ago and it was ranked No1 on TripAdvisor then. I have just looked and it is 118 now though reviews don't look all bad. It is a good location, only a few minutes walk from Times Square.

Original poster
Willabywallaby · 19/10/2011 09:13

Should I just google French Quarters Apartments?

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Original poster
Willabywallaby · 19/10/2011 09:21

Unfortunately says not suitable for children and is $750 a night, just coming to terms with the $500 a night rooms.

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Original poster
Willabywallaby · 19/10/2011 09:24

Belvedere looks good option, with fridge and micro!.. and under $400.

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feedtheghoul · 19/10/2011 23:03

Yes we found the fridge handy. I remember all the reviews saying that it offered a lot of space compared to similar priced manhattan hotels, though I have nothing else to compare it to.

Geordieminx · 19/10/2011 23:08

We stayed at the Hilton near ground zero 2 years ago and got a really good deal

Original poster
Willabywallaby · 20/10/2011 14:21

Do you know the name of the Hilton my friend recommended the Marriott in times square but there are about 5!

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Geordieminx · 20/10/2011 15:13

Millenium Hilton ground zero

Bellavita · 20/10/2011 15:22

We are staying at the Waldorf Astoria next June. Looks fab and quite reasonable.

ManicMother7777 · 20/10/2011 16:48

We stayed in these apartments - fantastic when you've got kids.

mummytime · 20/10/2011 17:10

DH recently stayed in the Hilton Ground Zero, and had a good time.

I've done the train in the other direction, and was very impressed compared with the UK line to the North East. We actually forked out for business class (with 2 kids), but the standard class looked quite nice and roomy.
In the US always look for and ask for a discount, you rarely have to pay the rack rate (but that is the maximum they can charge).

MrsCog · 20/10/2011 17:29

We stayed in the Hotel Girraffe which was amazing - I think we paid about $300 a night. That included a buffet continental breakfast and wine and cheese from 5-7pm :)

Original poster
Willabywallaby · 20/10/2011 19:15

I do like the idea of the Radio City Apartments, I also like the way they include the tax, I assume the others I've looked are before tax?

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Original poster
Willabywallaby · 20/10/2011 19:16

Hilton a little out of budget at $750.

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Geordieminx · 20/10/2011 19:31

Christ we didn't pay anything like that... Think it was about $600 for 3 nights

Geordieminx · 20/10/2011 19:35

Try hotels4u.com

Original poster
Willabywallaby · 20/10/2011 21:06

Thanks Geordieminx, showing no availability through hotels4u.com

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AttilaTheMeerkat · 28/10/2011 10:58

The New York Marriott Marquis is the one you were thinking of with regards to Times Square. The Millenium Hilton is also nice but is located quite a long way south of Times Square.

Another hotel I would suggest in that area is Doubletree Guest Suites. Would suggest you book either directly throught their websites.

NYC hotel rooms are pricey anyway due to demand and high rates of occupancy tax levied by the state.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 28/10/2011 10:59

What is your budget per night realistically?. You may well have to revise it upwards.

ChallahBaloo · 28/10/2011 11:07

Try www.nyhabitat.com/ (used it twice) or www.airbnb.com/ (recommended by a resident newyorker)

Both are loads cheaper than the rates above. Remember you won't be in the room/apartment that much anyway. Upper West or Upper East would be good with kids as they are just a train or bus ride to midtown but you have central park on your doorstep for the odd break from the NYC madness. (madness in a good way!)

RoseC · 28/10/2011 11:20

I did this trip two years ago! Grin

I went to NYC, then Boston, then back via NYC to Washington. When in New York I stayed in the Pod Hotel as it seemed the best for the price. It was relatively easy to get to and I could walk everywhere I wanted to go (admittedly didn't go to Statue of Liberty and some other places as I want to go to those with my DSis). It was about a twenty minute, max, walk from Central Park and thirty minutes from Macy's. There was a great, cheap breakfast diner around the corner. With some rooms you have to share showers but they are v posh (think four star hotel style - chrome and tiles and they were huge so no issues with damp clothes) and there is a lighting system above the bedroom doors that tells you which ones are free. I think larger rooms have en-suites.

I found that AmTrak was expensive so caught the bus to New York. I took Bolt Bus there and Megabus back. Megabus was vile and very claustrophobic but Bolt Bus had lovely huge leather seats, wifi and was clean. It was also extremely cheap, about $15 one way, but tickets sell out quickly.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 28/10/2011 13:57

Be very careful re apartments in NYC; there are many scams surrounding such arrangements.