Want to go to NYC this week

[chica69]

I have a this week off from work and had originally decided to enjoy a 'staycation' but now that I am in the first hour of it, I want to go away. I am thinking of NYC (my favourite place in the world) but just checked Porter Airlines and $650+. planning a few days, 3 max, so that price was too steep.

Any suggestions other than a 12 hour bus/train ride. Appreciate all serious suggestions.

 

[ig-88]

you could fly out of buffalo

us air has direct buf-lga for around $275

 

[jgd]

the train

I took the train once and it was great. You go right into downtown NYC and we stayed at the Hotel Pennsylvania, right above the train station. The view going along the Hudson River was great.
The only problem was the hours it took to cross the border. If I was to do it again I would try to cross the border and pick up the train on the other side.
Cannot recall the cost, but we saved money on taxis from the airport and arrived very relaxed.

 

[tboy]

First thing: ewwww why would you want to go to NYC??? Hot and crowded and just plain stinky.....

Secondly: The Pennsylvania? EWWWW I stayed there a couple of times and maybe back in the day it was nice but now? *shudders* (least, the last time I stayed there).

I'd stay at the Edison if I were you...

http://www.edisonhotelnyc.com/

But I'd also be looking for travel deals online at expedia etc. You should be able to get a better mid week rate than that.....

 

[JEFF247]

Train is awesome!!

I took the train once and it was great. You go right into downtown NYC and we stayed at the Hotel Pennsylvania, right above the train station. The view going along the Hudson River was great.
The only problem was the hours it took to cross the border. If I was to do it again I would try to cross the border and pick up the train on the other side.
Cannot recall the cost, but we saved money on taxis from the airport and arrived very relaxed.

Especially along the Hudson. Southwest also has flights to LaGuardia for about the same.

 

[jiiimmm]

Been to NYC several times, I can't stand it, nothing relaxing about it but my wife loved every minute of it. To each his own.

 

[Gyaos]

I have a this week off from work and had originally decided to enjoy a 'staycation' but now that I am in the first hour of it, I want to go away. I am thinking of NYC (my favourite place in the world) but just checked Porter Airlines and $650+. planning a few days, 3 max, so that price was too steep. Any suggestions other than a 12 hour bus/train ride. Appreciate all serious suggestions.

You fly. Why are you looking at Harry Potter Airlines for? When you are in this decision mode, last minute, use frequent flier miles. Don't have them? Well, what do you want from me? Fly to Bangkok. Can't help those on the first hour wishing to be a "road warrior".

Gyaos Baltar.

 

[spankingman]

We were in NYC a few years ago.We drove and stayed in Sacaucus NJ right by the Meadowlands on a relatives advice .The Hotel guy said to take the bus AFTER 900 am which got us to the Port Authority Terminal by Times Square.

My cousin who is Canadian but has lived and worked(Diplomatic Service) in NYC for 25 years but now retired and back in Canada gave us the Royal Tour, places where most Tour people don't take you.

NYC is a GREAT place to visit!!!!!!!!!! We were there a year after 911 so it was pretty sombre around ground zero etc. I would recomend everyone go to NYC at least once in their lifetime.

 

[Aardvark154]

Currently New York City is six and a half degrees (celsius) hotter than Toronto. Although I fully agree that everyone owes it to themself to visit New York, August is not the time of the year to do that hotter than the hinges of Hell, and as humid as a sauna.

In most years mid-to late April is delightful in New York with lots of flowers, early May as well. Also early to mid-October can also be nice.

As to transportation if you can arrange it going by rail and returning by air is a good way to do it. In Buffalo the Airport and Depew Station are not all that far apart by Taxi.

 

[Ironhead]

I love NYC, my home away from home. If for some reason I no longer wanted to live here in Toronto NYC is probably where I would end up.

I stayed at the Penn in Dec '90. My friend and I had tickets for the Rangers when the Bruins came for a visit, game ended 5-5. On our way home we swung by Giant Stadium and Brendan Byrne.
Back in high school('80 or '81) I went on a class trip and we took in a game at Yankee Stadium. Billy Martin was with the visiting A's at the time.
Last time I was there in '04, my gf and I went to see the Mets put a hurtin' on the Phillies. When we got of the subway we could see Arthur Ashe Stadium/Billy Jean King Tennis Center.

 

[tboy]

The penn, jesus really? I mean, once upon a time it was probably a great hotel but every square inch has been painted over at least 50 times, and the first time I stayed there my "room" wasn't big enough for me, the bed, AND my suitcase. Seriously. I couldn't leave it open unless it was on the bed because there wasn't enough space. In the bathroom there wasn't enough counter space to put my contact lens case, the solution AND my toothbrush. I had to keep my tooth brush in my pocket.

I asked to be moved the next day and they put me into a suite. It was HUGE but once upon a time I guess they had shared bathrooms. There was a hallway connecting the bathroom to the room next door. I couldn't relax because any minute I was expecting the person in the next room to come waltzing in while I was taking a dump.

Sorry, I will not only pass on the Penn but advise ANYONE to not stay there. EVER. The Edison is a much nicer place, cheaper, just as close to everything, and they have a fantastic diner that serves real coleslaw, and real deli meats. (only place I've found that was better was Coleman's on St Catherines in Montreal...now that's a deli! lol).

 

[Sean Scully]

I took the train once and it was great. You go right into downtown NYC and we stayed at the Hotel Pennsylvania, right above the train station. The view going along the Hudson River was great.
The only problem was the hours it took to cross the border. If I was to do it again I would try to cross the border and pick up the train on the other side.
Cannot recall the cost, but we saved money on taxis from the airport and arrived very relaxed.

Yes the train is a very relaxing journey ,it arrives in Penn Station, very centrally located

 

[Ironhead]

The room my friend and I had was big enough. Two double beds and more then enough room for suitcases. I do not recall the washroom, but if I do not remember then it was probably ok by me.

We are talking the Penn, across the street from MSG ?

 

[spankingman]

Whats the travel time from Buffalo-NYC?

 

[Kyra.Graves]

Did you try Hotwire?
I just checked the Hotel/Airfare packages on there and NYC depending on the date (this week) is booking for approx. $1100 3 nights for a 3.5 star in Manhattan single occupancy airfare included. Not the best I've seen it but not bad and when you book airfare and hotel you know which hotel you are booking (as opposed to just hotel which is 'blind') so you can comparison shop.
I'm sure priceline has some better deals on hotels but then you run into the issues with last minute airfare again.

 

[pjoe43]

I used to drive to NYC, took 8 hours from Buffalo. I love visiting NYC but wouldn't want to live there. People are too cold and not friendly. Great to visit though.

 

[Aardvark154]

Whats the travel time from Buffalo-NYC?

By rail between eight and eight and a half hours.

 

[C Dick]

I love NYC, been many times. I really enjoy the drive, it is an easy day's drive, lots of nice scenary. Make sure you arrive not at rush hour, and arrange parking in advance with your hotel.

 

[WoodPeckr]

...., and arrange parking in advance with your hotel.

Good point, because there is no parking to be found in NYC if you take your car....

I've been there dozens of times and you don't need a car at all. The few times I drove in, finding parking was almost impossible.

 

[alexmst]

I used to drive to NYC from DC many times, usually arriving just after lunch and leaving after dinner around 11. Never had any trouble parking, but what I did was pull into the first huge parking garage after coming out of the tunnel, then hail a cab or take the crosstown bus to 5th ave or wherever you want to be. Same when you want to leave - cab it back to the parkig garage (remeber to write down which one you are in). Then you just have to drive a couple of blocks and you are back in the tunnel and on the highway.

I went in August once - yes, very hot and sticky but lots of happy tourists who are friendly and will take your pic pn your camera if you return the favour or chat in Central Park. Most tourists I met were Brits.

Driving there from Toronto I have done as well and agree it is an easy one day drive and yes you should arrange for parking with your hotel. Last time I was there I stayed at the Essex House, which was nice. Be warned that overnight parking at a 4* can be $50 per day. No point in driving to places in Manhattan as there is usually not a place to park when you get there.

I didnt take the train from Toronto, but know someone who did and they said it was fine except for the delays with INS at the border. Too bad they don't have pre-clearance at Union Station like they do at Pearson for air passangers...that would make the train even more popular.