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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

New York - help! Where can we stay that’s in the middle of everywhere?

35 replies

Fairylea · 15/08/2019 07:47

My mum died in March and we have inherited some money. We would like to use some of it to take ds and dd on a once in a lifetime trip to New York. But I don’t have a clue what I’m doing! - the only holidays we’ve been on as a family have been Haven Grin

So... help me. Ds has autism and mild learning disabilities, he is 7. Many people seem to think we’re crazy for attempting a trip somewhere so busy but it’s actually for ds that we’re mainly going - he’s obsessed with New York as he loves the yellow taxis and signs and doesn’t actually mind busy places.

I’ve looked online at Virgin Holidays but I don’t really know what I’m doing, the hotels etc all look okay but I don’t know which area is bad / good / near anything. There’s a couple near Central Park, is that a nice bit to be in??

We’d like to do the 9/11 museum I think and lots of other touristy stuff. Fast food, shops, Times Square.

Is most of it pretty accessible from wherever you stay?

Any advice / tips welcome!

OP posts:
Myfoolishboatisleaning · 15/08/2019 07:50

Chelsea is in the middle of everything, but laid back. Don’t do what everyone else does and stay in Times Square, it is really grim. Whereabouts near Central Park?

Isthebigwomanhere · 15/08/2019 07:52

We stayed opposite top of the rock.
So obviously was able to walk to that, Times Square, st Patrick's cathedral and Radio city.

We walked about or used the subway to get around everywhere else.
The subway was very cheap and easy to use and everywhere was easily accessible.

AuntieMarys · 15/08/2019 07:52

Central Park is a hell of a walk from lower Manhattan! But easy on the subway.
I always stay near the Public Library/Bryant Park.
I personally think 7 is too young for 9/11 museum. It is a very emotional experience.
Book everything in advance to bypass the queues.

EllieFredrickson · 15/08/2019 07:54

Agree you want Midtown which is Bryant Park area down a bit from Grand Central Station. If you can afford it the Giraffe is round there and it great - small and calm with breakfast and snacks provided.

Original poster
Fairylea · 15/08/2019 07:55

Thank you for your comments.

I could go to the 9/11 museum on my own with dd if you think ds wouldn’t cope. I’m not sure how much he would understand though, he is at complex needs school to give you some idea of his level of understanding. We have been on the tube in London before (which is a long way from where we live!) and he loved it so I’m hoping the subway will also be a success.

Lots to think about! Thank you.

OP posts:
Original poster
Fairylea · 15/08/2019 07:55

Dd is 16 by the way.

OP posts:
AuntieMarys · 15/08/2019 08:05

The ferry over to Brooklyn is great....Janes Carousel there and fab views of Manhattan.

Original poster
Fairylea · 15/08/2019 08:16

Just had a quick look at the Giraffe hotel, it looks lovely and has some great reviews. I’ve played about with some dates and it does seem fully booked for a lot of them, I’ll keep fiddling! (I’m looking for end of May / June I think although we can be flexible).

Will have a look at the ferry to Brooklyn.

Lots of areas for me to look at, thank you.

The Marmara in Manhattan was one of the hotels that came up for the dates we wanted and I had a google, reviews seem okay, and apparently it’s next to a subway station. HmmConfused

OP posts:
Thethingswedoforlove · 15/08/2019 08:25

We stayed at the Kimberley suite hotel. Was central enough we found. I always find speaking to Trailfinders excellent as they have great first hand knowledge of a variety of hotels and can get good rates (on flights too). They have access to rates we can’t get as individuals.

Thethingswedoforlove · 15/08/2019 08:26

And I don’t work for them. I have booked several holidays through them. That is all.

LordProfFekkoThePenguinPhD · 15/08/2019 08:28

If you are a happy walker then we always stay on lower Central Park - if you plan it well you can get a corner window with views over the park and a city view. Great to have early morning access to the park for a bit of peace.

Original poster
Fairylea · 15/08/2019 21:20

Thank you for all your suggestions.

OP posts:
loopyloo12 · 15/08/2019 22:25

Hi I stayed at the Roosevelt hotel it was a very good location about 2 blocks from 5th avenue and only about 5/6 blocks from Times Square also my hotel was around the corner from ground central station, if you go nearer towards Christmas try to do the light tour at dyker heights,for shopping go to Woodbury comman and jersey gardens I spent 5 nights in New York and got a lot done you will have an amazing time x

wildgirls · 15/08/2019 22:28

The new Yorker is a good, central hotel close to everything. The 911 museum is a bit of a walk but the best thing to do in NY is get a hop on/hop off bus ticket that will take you to all the sites! Have fun!

Goneback2school · 15/08/2019 22:32

We stayed at the Grand Hyatt years ago on honeymoon, it's not very budget friendly but was lovely and is attached to Grand Central station so everywhere was easily accessible.

Barbeasty · 18/08/2019 13:30

We did a family guided tour of the 9/11 museum and both DC (9 and 6) and DH & I got a lot out of it. It started in the memorial area, where we learnt loads about the specifics of the design and little things like the white roses on certain names are put out by staff on their birthday.

It was really sensitively done and I'd definitely recommend it.

Owlbabie5 · 18/08/2019 18:56

We’ve just stayed st the Affinia Gardens near Central Park. Quiet road with huge rooms more like an apartment. Think we had a 1 bedroom junior suite with a kitchen, dining area and lounge. Great if it becomes overwhelming and you want to stay in at night. Lovely staff on desk. Subway near by and you can walk to Central Park. We got a good deal with BA( it was cheaper than the Affinia site).

Owlbabie5 · 18/08/2019 19:09

I wouldn’t take children that young to the 9/11 museum.It was done respectfully but I found it quite upsetting and wished I just paid my respects at the memorial. Took one of my 15 year olds and wish I hadn’t.

LordProfFekkoThePenguinPhD · 18/08/2019 19:14

Even the memorial had me blubbing. I knew people in the buildings (no one was lost though) - and have first responders on the family. It is just breathtaking to see the names and the spacw

crustycrab · 18/08/2019 19:25

I definitely wouldn't take children to 9/11 museum. The memorial yes, museum no.

Avoid Times Square. Personally I'd stay in TriBeCa (don't miss Ghostbusters firehouse) or LES. Plenty of places to eat, close enough to walk to charging bull/wall st/staten Island ferry (free).

Buy 33 dollar unlimited subway passes and use them. Manhattan is huge. I'd avoid hop on hop off buses and packages from virgin etc. Easy enough to book your own flights and hotel.

LordProfFekkoThePenguinPhD · 18/08/2019 19:35

Maybe try to get a tour of the UN building? We downloaded self guided walking tours - brilliant to spot buildings etc that you might otherwise have just walked past.

Times Square and broadway are hellish - but worth a quick stride through early morning just to see them.

The Highline is my favourite - and again print off a guide as there aren’t many plaques to point out places of interest you can see from it.

And my favourite diner - Andrews on 7th! www.andrewsny.com/

MouthyHarpy · 18/08/2019 19:41

I always stay in Central Park West with friends, but if I'm paying for a hotel, I stay in the Village near Union Square. Not midtown at all, but more interesting than Chelsea ...

Avoid Times Square - it's awful tourists

If you're there at the right time - take the ferry out to Governor's Island. It's got interesting history, art installations & exhibitions to look at, & artists to talk to, plus great food & drink, and then hammocks to relax in.

Walk the Highline - it's crowded (mostly locals, rather than obvious tourists).

Staten Island zoo is fun, and Ellis Island might be better than the 9/11 memorial. Ellis Island celebrates the foundation of (white European) USA on migrants - in these times of growing xenophobia, it's great to see the evidence of and pride in America's immigrant foundations.

WeeM · 18/08/2019 19:55

I am a big fan of Greenwich village, although there’s not too many hotels in it but you’ll get some nearby. It’s quieter, quite a few playparks and a nice laid back vibe. You can jump on the subway to wherever you want. Definitely don’t stay in times Square!

sparkleyes · 18/08/2019 20:07

Hi

Midtown is great we stayed in the garment district booked through Expedia and flew with virgin and stayed in Marriott. A local travel agent would be a good start to help you plan and book and generally not more expensive than online and likely have knowledge.

Google maps is brilliant for getting around out in your location and where u are going and tells u how to get to nearest tube station and which tube to get on etc makes it so easy.

I think a 7 year old would be fine to go the museum 9/11. It's a huge space and they will gain and understanding of the atrocities. There are quiet spaces inside for reflection which you can avoid if you don't think appropriate.

We bought an online NYC pass where we could pick to visit different attractions such as Empire State Rockefeller etc.

Enjoy x

crustycrab · 18/08/2019 20:22

There are warnings at the museum that it may not be suitable for children under 10. If your ds could be upset by it then I wouldn't risk it. I know adults who were affected for days afterwards and who altered their plans for the rest of the day etc.

Worth a search of the reviews on tripadvisor. Battery park is nearby, he might enjoy that with his dad whilst you and daughter go to the museum.

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