New York

[atalost]

Wanting to do a break to New York, staying somewhere central but sensibly priced. Any recommendations and how best to book ie flights separately or through agent m. Also how long should I stay? It’s just myself, hubby and our 18 yr old for his birthday. It’s an extra trip so I don’t want something ridiculously expensive. Thanks

Personally I wouldn't go less than four days especially if it's your first time there. You will never see it all I think it would take a lifetime to do that.

Jet lag is real so a few days ca leave you tired for a long time.

Make sure you do your Esta visas, don’t have any criminal record no matter how small as you won’t be admitted, don’t have anything on social media that can be used by the government and be prepared to be finger printed and facial recognition photos taken (mandatory now).,

Honestly I would choose another country.

I've been twice each time for 5 nights so only 4 full days and honestly it wasn't enough. If you can go for at least 7 nights. Stay in Brooklyn for slightly cheaper accomodation. The subway is easy to use.

Start by making a list of the things you’d like to do, work out roughly how long it will take you, and then factor in jet lag recovery. We stayed for six nights which we thought was ideal.

We always stay at Hotel Kixby in midtown. BA do good packages with them. It used to be called Hotel Metro, we've been staying there since the early 2000s. Perfect location.

If you like history Ellis Island is a must go to

We went for two nights last week and I was so jet lagged I fell asleep in a bar in the evening. So I would say you need a few more nights to acclimatise.

Don’t stay in Brooklyn if it’s your first time. Pretty much everything you’ll want to see is in Manhattan and midtown at that.

I live in New York and friends who come usually do a package with Virgin. Everyone seems happy with the Riu Plaza Times Square and the rooms are pretty big considering location.

5 nights will be fine. Do bring lots of money!

We had to book and cancel 3 times due to Covid but when we finally got there we stayed in the financial district. It worked well for us because DS who came with us had a massive growth spurt and needed a bed rather than a pull out/ sofa bed. The hotel we had was a double, double so he had his own bed. The hotel prices can be massive and you can end up down a rabbit hole. My best piece of advice is work out your budget, stick to it and if you see a hotel just book it and then forget about it. If you look too much into it you will loose hours and hours.

The subway is easy to use. We stayed 6 nights and I want to go back.

Try the BA sale. We are in Scotland so booking separately worked best for us. When we go again, I will try and go via Dublin so we clear immigration there rather than in JFK. We also went in February and had glorious weather at 15/20 degrees every day bar our final day when it turned absolutely freezing.

BA have a sale on ( again ). We’ve used their flight+hotel deals a few times now, get some great value deals.

The 18 year old creates a problem in as much as needing somewhere to sleep, he’ll likely be sharing a room with you OP.

There’s no getting away with spending in NY. Just the tipping is adding 20% on top.

The EU Entry/Exit System being rolled now also takes a facial picture and fingerprints. Is Europe off your travel list too?

Living in Europe and being from a European no it isn’t. No European country really had a leader like trump. It’s not the same. I travel extensively in Europe and haven’t been asked for both of those things yet.

Travelling to the US outside of visiting close family or work is in my opinion crazy (and yes I have been there may times).

Living in Europe and being from a European no it isn’t. No European country really had a leader like trump. It’s not the same. I travel extensively in Europe and haven’t been asked for both of those things yet.

Travelling to the US outside of visiting close family or work is in my opinion crazy (and yes I have been there may times).

It's going to be expensive - just accept that your spending on food and experiences will feel insanely high and you will have a good time! Hotels are pricey too now.

It can be as cheap or as expensive as you want in the city. There is some great street food (pizza, kebabs etc) that doesn’t cost the earth. Diners are still reasonably priced. 9th Avenue is your friend in midtown for cheaper and more authentic meals. Delis provide a proper New York experience at relatively low-cost.

If you’re staying in midtown, you’ll be able to go back to your hotel in between activities and attractions, which is always nice.

Chelsea is a good location. We stay at the Moto.

Went to Germany last week and had to do fingerprints and photo before going through human border guard, so yes it is like that now.

British Airways has a sale on at the moment.

I'd recommend going up to the crown of the Statue of Liberty. Book well in advance. If there are no tickets, keep logging back in and some will appear because they allow free returns - I managed to get 4 tickets for the same day in 2 separate transactions.

I agree about the Esta. We were accepted then 3 days before travel to USA got an email to say DHs had been revoked.

Got through to Washington contact number and they said nothing we could do, once it's been revoked that's it.
I said but we had been accepted a month ago, and she said that means nothing, they are always still investigating.

We think it was a LinkedIn contact from working in a 'banned country' years ago.
Had to cancel our trip as too late for a visa appointment, which is currently around an 86 day wait.

We won't be going to USA again not worth the hassle.

Look for accommodation in or around Nolita, it’s a lovely area with many fantastic restaurants and still fairly central.

use the Uber Share option to get to and from the airport. It works like a bookable mini bus and has numerous designated pick up and drop off points. Will cost you about $20 eaxh and you may find you are the only passengers anyway.

Just jumping on this thread as I’m thinking of going to New York with my daughter in 2027. She’ll be 18. I have never been to New York but would love to go. My daughter is actually going for a 5 night trip with school in February 2026 and I’m extremely jealous of their itinerary! Hence why I am thinking of going. I’m already booked up for Rome and Prague for 2026 so thinking early 2027 for New York (7 nights).

Hotel recommendations good for us too and not ridiculously expensive!

@SpringBaby72 hotel kixby with BA package is brilliant.

I'm there today. It snowed last night and this morning. Right now it's -2 with a Realfeel temp of -7. Different strokes for different folks, but be careful what you wish for! 😂

Crick Museum. Go on a donation day.

What time of year will this be OP? Xx