Talk to me about New York!?

[MuckyBedding]

Package holiday or booking an apartment when I get there? what would be cheaper?

I'm assuming an apartment would be cheaper (and better all round) but I'm scared we get all the way across there and said apartment doesn't exist - you hear of these things happening!

It all hinges on when you're going and how many of you there are; that said its almost always substantially cheaper to have a sat pm stay included, I don't know why but it just is!
Accommodation is usually quite small and pretty expensive so if there are a few of you or a family an apt is a good idea, if you're a couple a hotel/ flight package often works out better
There are always deals and new hotels opening so get on trip advisor and see what's said about them
That said if its a good deal they will get booked v v fast!
Ny brill city and can be as expensive as you want... Depending on whether you intend to be a night owl or day sightseer might change the area you want to stay in- of you're only in city in day might be worth looking at Brooklyn and training in,
Hth

You cannot arrive on NYC without arranging accommodation beforehand; the ESTA (electronic travel authoroisation the US insists ALL travellers complete online; there is also a $9 charge for each ESTA completed) demands an address be given for the first nights accommodation.

Apartment scams in NYC are certainly not unknown. NYC also gives residents a hard time re allowing them to rent out their apartment and rules on this are very strict and stringently applied.

Would suggest you book a package or if you're feeling more confident flights and accommodation directly with the airline/hotel via their websites.

I'm going for a Thomas Cook package.

2 adults, 2 teens staying in Manhatten for £3900 - this sound about right? (this price is for two rooms and flights)

how many days? have you tried Expedia? I normally just book flights and hotel via Expedia and it tends to work out quite "cheap". NY is very easy to navigate when you are there, so I wouldn't be too concerned about being central. First time I went I stayed in 38 st. It was ok, but not great. The room was very small. Next time I stayed in 24 st - much better, cheaper, bigger room and only 1 minute away from the tube station. Overall a better deal

Flights are c.400-500 each return, so £2000. You are therefore paying £1,900 for the rooms or £950 per room - depends how long and what hotel. If you give dates and hotel type, can get more info.
BTW - I always book independently whenever I travel and have never had any issues.
Also ESTA is valid for 2 years and multiple entries, so does not need an address. Quote from website

'Visa Waiver Program travelers are not required to have specific plans to travel to the United States before they apply for a travel authorization. If a traveler?s destination address in the United States is unknown when he or she completes the application in ESTA for the travel authorization, the traveler should enter the name of the hotel or approximate location he or she intends to visit. Travelers may update this information when their plans are finalized, but they will not be required to update their destination addresses or itineraries should they change after their travel authorization has been approved. DHS recommends that applications for travel authorization be submitted in ESTA as early as possible, as soon as, or even before travel is planned. ESTA will accept applications from last minute and emergency travelers ? those Visa Waiver Program travelers that arrive at the airport without an approved ESTA.'

Also ensure you use the proper website, not a link through which will charge extra.

We booked accomodation via holiday rentals (or holiday lettings?) direct via owner. Have used them for NYC but also other places in US and in places in Europe too. Not had any problems so far.

I either book on Expedia as a package or flights and hotel separately. Two of my favourite hotels are either The Wellington or the Edison Hotel, both just off of Times Square by a tiny bit so great location really, especially for your DC.