VintageKrug - 11/02/2011 11:25 GMT
A twentysomething colleague is venturing off on a business trip to Manhattan, her first visit to the Big Apple, and I wanted to put together a few recommendations.
Whenever I visit now, I generally just have my meetings and head off to see friends in the evenings, so rarely do all the tourist stuff. Nonetheless, I think there are a few “must-dos” which I hope I’ve covered here; it would be helpful if any BTers had any more “off the beaten track” suggestions.
She has three days to play with, though as it’s an extended business trip, she will be on her own (though perfectly capable of looking after herself!).
I have recommended she stick to new properties to avoid the rat-infested shoe boxes which afflict the city, so the new www.andaz.com is the property which made the cut.
I have nine key suggestions already made, what else is out there...:
1. Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island
Choose your day wisely for this trip; a crisp fresh day with plenty of visibility is best. Leave as early as possible to avoid the huge lines for the ferry, and it’s best to book ahead. Personally I would recommend doing both Ellis and the Statue in one ticket, and the audio guide brings it all to life; you probably won’t ever take this ferry ride again so you may as well do the full whammy, and especially when travelling alone it’s an ideal opportunity to learn all about the history of US Immigration.
You have two choices for boarding; Battery Park or Liberty State Park (in New Jersey). The lines are shorter at Liberty State Park, if you happen to be staying on that side of the Hudson or can get there easily, and you can still return to Battery Park itself at the end of your trip.
www.statuecruises.com/ferry-service/schedule-options.aspx
2. Battery Park
Worth making a point of checking out Fritz Koenig’s “Sphere”, which used to stand in between the Twin Towers and remarkably survived almost intact. A poignant place to consider the events which happened almost a decade ago.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battery_Park
3. The Ritz-Carlton
My favourite hotel in NYC, well worth checking out the bar for a Club Sandwich before you head onwards!
www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/NewYorkBatteryPark/Default.htm
4. Wall Street & Ground Zero
Worth taking a photo underneath the Wall St. sign and then heading over to Ground Zero and the 9/11 Museum:
www.national911memorial.org
5. Rockerfeller Center
The ice rink should still be there, so follow the path of countless movies and try out some skating, or just sit and people watch with a coffee. There are some great shops in the vicinity……and Top of the Rock is also recommended if you would like a great view of the skyline; it’s a little overpriced for Dinner, but probably something everyone should do once in their life:
www.rockefellercenter.com/
6. Broadway/Off Broadway Show
Seeing a show or play while in New York is a great idea; the range is huge and the quality outstanding. Check out www.tkts.com for or www.broadway.com for deals. If you haven’t already seen it, check out www.avenueq.com though this is technically “off Broadway” right now.
7. Concorde
Worth a look:
www.intrepidmuseum.org/
8. Culture
I have three favourite Museums I always recommend; some really great exhibitions, though the Frick is more of a Permanent Collection it is great to see this “Greatest Hits” of art in the context in which it was meant to be seen; a private home.
www.frick.org
Guggenheim is always stunning if only for the (newly restored) building itself, but ensure you get the audioguide and go up the escalator and walk down as was originally intended; they try and make you walk up these days which is pointless.
www.guggenheim.org
Finally, the Museum of Modern Art is always popular; get here early as it fills up quickly and the crowds at weekends can impact your ability to enjoy what is on display.
www.moma.org/
9. The Village
Weather dependent, a stroll around The Village is always a good way to pass a more leisurely afternoon with plenty of kooky stores and an escape from the bustle of Downtown.
Plenty of excellent restaurants, including places like www.teaandsympathynewyork.com but too many to list here!!
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What other recommendations would you make?
Charles-P - 11/02/2011 11:51 GMT
The Russian Tea Rooms - Just says 'New York' to me like no other place. Also my sister recently took the "Sex and the City Hotspots Tour' if she is a fan of the TV show I'm told it is well worth it.
I would say the top of the Rockerfeller centre is a must for the view, and is usually not too busy.
The "Beast" (may have changed name) speed boat ride is fun, and leaves from Pier 42 or 83 (depending on season - post April).
I would also suggest a walk around part of central park (downtown end) as that is beautiful.
The bar at the top of the Marriott Marquis is nice, though you really need to be with someone.
The Grey line double decker tour is not bad for seeing a lot quickly, and certainly uptown where I would not be comfortable doing myself.
robsmith100 - 11/02/2011 13:43 GMT
and if she feels a little peckish running around, the lads here in the office recomend:
Katz Deli - www.katzdeli.com
Carnegie deli - www.carnegiedeli.com
Both good places for catching celebs!!
Indeed Katz's deli brings more than just good food - the famous scene from "When Harry Met Sally" - many happy memories..................
It was either BA or Finnair showing a film recently about a food critics view on "off beaten track" New York eateries including a new English female chef, who has taken New York by storm. I would highly recommend a review of any inflight documentary about New York (if is shows)
Some lovely bistros around SoHo - nothing should be planned other than a sunny day and fresh legs.
The very best of New York is "found", not planned!
EdTraveller - 11/02/2011 14:55 GMT
VK, I would recommend the Grand Central Oyster Bar for its location, its magnificent and affordable seafood and for amazing people watching. Weekday lunchtimes are best, and its a great place if you are on your own as it has bar stool eating as well as formal tables.
Kaicat75 - 11/02/2011 15:49 GMT
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a an amazing view across central park from the roof terrace. Worth the effort if its a good day weather wise.
http://www.metmuseum.org
The is one thing i advise against is the horse and carriage ride round central park. A complete waste of money and time. Walk round the park instead you will see more and its beautiful.
Also, depending exactly when she is going its worth checking what events are on in Central Park. The New York Philharmonic used to play a season of concerts there - all completely free.
PatJordan - 11/02/2011 23:10 GMT
The Crowne Plaza Times Square is perfectly located: across the road from the Rockefeller Centre. Views of Times Square from their Club lounge are amazing. The upper level rooms also overlook the Hudson river (and the Concorde).
Gray Line Sightseeing Tours are a great way of getting around the City and very informative. The best ticket is the "all loops", it includes a night tour and all tours begin beside the Crowne Plaza.
Manhattan is a very safe city: I have walked around it very late at night and felt perfectly safe, this is inportant, particularly for a lady on her own.
Another good hotel is the Embassy Suites Hotel: just beside Ground Zero. Very nice hotel with good manager's reception.
Yellow Cabs from airports to Manhattan are fixed fare and very well controlled, and very safe too.
Interestingly, some of the souvenir shops around Times Square are not that expensive.
The Staten Island Ferry gives brilliant views of the Statue of Liberty, and amazingly for NY is free!
The Hersheys and M&M chocolate shops are also on Times Square, and a delight for chocolate lovers.
VK, I hope your friend enjoys New York. As I said before, Manhattan is very safe. I feel safer there than in most cities.
The sole annoyance I had last October was the number of people touting for business for comedy shows....at every street cornes my wife and I were asked "Sir, do you like stand up comedy?" My standard response "No, I can't stand it" registered with only one chap..he was Irish too!
Hope this is of some help to you, VK.
If the weather is clear, it is worth considering a helicopter trip around Manhattan, stunning views.
NTarrant - 12/02/2011 15:58 GMT
Maxie's on the corner of 48th and 7th, I think, it is one block over from the Crowne Plaza mentioned above. (It is mentioned in the musical 42nd Street, so Mrs T tells me!). Really large portions and you can have meals to share!
Novotel is nice particularly with a view down Broadway.
Grand Central Station with a visit to Juniors for the Cheesecake.
Open top bus tour particularly at night.
Daytripper - 12/02/2011 20:06 GMT
Century 21, a massive 'outlet mall' style department store right next door to Ground Zero, which has bowled over every female co-traveller I've visited NYC with (and plenty of males as well...)
In the fashion stakes, miles ahead of the bland out-of-town outlet malls that dot America. This store is something special.
http://www.c21stores.com/location_manhattan.html
I think a hotel your colleague would like is the Setai (member of LHW), on 5th Ave. I stayed there for the first time in November and will go back in March. It's not the cheapest but they include WiFi, free (non-alcoholic) mini-bar, amazing wide screen HD TV, tv in the mirror of a very large bathroom etc..
Do not bother with the breakfast though, it's expensive, a la carte with not much choice. There is a nice cafe just outside though.
wishee71 - 12/02/2011 21:15 GMT
Circle Line Ferry is a must and yes the R'Fella centre is still a good spot. Just returned this morning and had lunch there yesterday!
As the must try it once venue for a newbie - the Rainbow Room, is history, the Salon de Ning Bar and lounge at the Peninsula Hotel is one of the best pre or post theatre or diner venues. Wrap up if winter or spring for the rooftop.
blondcat - 13/02/2011 00:54 GMT
Putting a female slant on it - the shopping really cannot be overlooked!
Send her up 5th to Abercrombie - the smell is amazing and a free polaroid with the obligatory male model in the shop doorway never goes a miss.
If she has a bit more cash to spend - the designer shoe floor in Saks is just heaven, plus Tiffany's is on 5th.
I'm going in a week for work - doesn't matter how many times I go it's so exciting looking fwd to it! I hope she is a great time :-)
Blondcat, mrs. LP agrees with you completely!
On where to stay, I have just discovered the Chatwal Hotel on 130, W44th. It looks great and they have some interesting winter offers right now.
Also, don't forget a visit to the iconic Apple Store for some amazing accessories that I have not seen in Europe.
Potakas - 15/02/2011 06:41 GMT
Nice thread VK, thanks very much, this one is going to help me as i will be there for the first time next month.
I would appreciate some suggestions, i want to stay on a Marriott property (as only there i have status) and i was thinking the Renaissance New York Hotel 57, it looks nice, i read some good reviews and i found a good LNF rate for about 170$ per night. Is this property nice placed? I have never been to Manhattan before so i have no idea what are the distances like ( I have as a guide google maps).
I would appreciate if someone can give me any other Marriott's properties recommendation, not necessarily about how good the property is but about the place i should be in Manhattan.
My budget is maximum 200$ per night so no ''The Ritz-Carlton Central Park'' ;(
I want to visit the financial district and World Trade center (But should i stay there?)
Regards
VintageKrug - 15/02/2011 07:49 GMT
Don't forget your Marriott points can be used for free stays at the R-C!
Potakas - 15/02/2011 08:01 GMT
I was thinking that I will never use them ... so, I had as an option to earn BA miles.... The good think is that on the return i have UD for first time :D ( because of your suggestions mainly!! So thanks!!)
KSHaggag - 15/02/2011 10:17 GMT
Hello P.Sepsas !
It gives me GREAT pleasure to say something here ,not only as a sales Manager working for the Marriott Global Sales Organization ,but also as a New York lover ....!!...
Well,my Lady .....I would strongly recommend ,as a first time visitor to the Big Apple to be well and nicely located ,even if your hotel is not the best in the world ,but come on ,you will always be in good hands with Marriott !!!...this is NOT a sales call..but let me recommend the Marriott East Side hotel ,conveniently located in the heart of Manhattan and close to almost everything you need to see ...Times Square is just a 15 min stroll .....walking down 5th Avenue is an experience like no other ...the Renaissance 57th is also not far from the Marriott east Side ......If I want to indulge ,I stay at the Ritz Carlton Battery Park ..to see the Financial district ,Wall Street ,etc ..you don t really need to stay on Battery Park ( Ritz Carlton ) ,but if you wanna enjoy a panorama of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ,there is NOTHING like a room at the Ritz Carlton Battery park with a Hudson River view ....!....however ,midtown Manhattan is rather far from there ..can jump in a cab ...not expensive ,though!....NY is a very personal experience ..I do endorse the recommendations of all Gentlemen on the forum ,but you need to leave something unveiled always for a next visit ........!!!!!!!!....You will wish the clock stops when you are there coz there is always something to do EVERY single second ...
Oupss..Times Square is the heart of it all ,we have the Marriott Marquis and the Renaissance Times Square but I personally like to be a bit far from it ( 10-15 min walk ) in order to be enticed to walk and explore .........I hope I did not confuse you ..in short ...Rockefeller Center ,Times Square ,5th,6th Avenues,Central Park ,Battery Park are a must on your first visit ....You will however need a rest after your visit to recap and recharge ....
If you have enough points to redeem with Marriott Rewards ,you can go for the Ritz carlton Battery Park but not on your first visit ....concentrate on midtown Manhattan first ,but do take the cruise to Ellis Island ...enjoy NY!
