Its as good as booked… Going to New York!

[Dee]

Looks like me and Daz are going to NY in January, guess which one of us is more excited than the other? Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!! *explodes*

Now, I've actually been a few times before, but Daz is an NY virgin, (huh huh) so apart from the usual Empire State/Statue of Liberty sights we have to see, does anyone have any little gems they would like to share? Clubs, restaurants etc? We are after a particularly good steak house, as we will be there for his birthday, and that’s all he wants to do so far

We will be doing the following as well:

Helicopter tour
Basketball game at Madison Square Garden
Horse and carriage ride
Top of the Rock
A zoo (not sure which one yet)
Ice skating (either Wollman Rink or Rockefeller Centre)

Been doing hotel research as well, and the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square is currently top of the list out of, well, one Glowing traveller reviews, and one block from Times Square! Bonus!

Any experiences anyone wants to share with us?

[Knipples]

I have nothing to share, just that I am sick with Jealousy at you going to NY.

[Desmo]

Sounds awesome

America has never been a big draw for me, but the more I hear people talk about it the more it hits my radar. Maybe one day we'll manage to get out there.....when we win a load of money or something, hehehe.

[Dee]

Originally Posted by Desmo

America has never been a big draw for me, but the more I hear people talk about it the more it hits my radar. Maybe one day we'll manage to get out there.....when we win a load of money or something, hehehe.

Couldnt you include it in your trips to Japan? Even if you stopped over in NY for 2-3 days?

[Mondo]

Originally Posted by Knipples

I have nothing to share, just that I am sick with Jealousy at you going to NY.

Ditto !

[Mark]

Been to NY a couple of times, and might go back again someday (depends on other plans).

Looks like you've got most of the boxes ticked.

I've heard of the Hilton Garden Inn but not been there. Bear in mind being one block from Times Square it'll be busy especially at night, but I'm sure you knew that already. First time I was there I stayed about 10 blocks up from there and the second time 20 blocks. I was still in Times Square within 5-10 minutes and if you're feeling lazy you can always hop on the subway.

Other things to consider:
- Ice Hockey at MSG - if one visit there just isn't enough.
- Broadway show - whatever takes your fancy. Don't forget the off-broadway stuff though as it can be cheaper and just as good.
- Shopping. Well duh! I never had a 'thing' for 5th Avenue but I did end up in Macy's (bought a watch there).
- Head over to Booklyn (I think that's the right one). Take your camera. Get that mandatory Manhattan skyline photo that you see on so many postcards - but do a much better job of it as I'm sure you will.
- Carnegie Deli - or the other good deli (name escapes me). Steak has to be done, but why go to NY without going to a deli. Don't go on the day you're planning to leave (I made that mistake), and do ask for a doggy bag. If you don't need one, even with Daz in tow, it'll be a miracle. If you're feeling suitably brave, find Katz's Deli (another good deli apparently) and re-enact that scene from When Harry Met Sally.
- I saw on TV once that they do/did cycle tours in the small hours. Completely different view of NY at that time of day and it's the one time of day that the roads are quiet enough to make it practical. Not sure they'll do that in mid winter though.

[Matblack]

To honest none of the things you've booked were big draws for me, especially the helicopter ride, I'd rather keep the cash and be on the ground close to the city.

We stayed at The Time hotel which is a nice boutique hotel just off Times Sq which is lovely and not over run with business types because the rooms a small for an American hotel.

We did the Empire State, boat trip which is wonderful in Jan with all the ice. We went to Katz's deli (where Harry met Sally), took in some off Broadway shows, went to Tiffany's (bought Aitch's wedding ring there on a whim!), went to ground zero and battery park (men in black HQ building) more shopping, so many things to do which make NY an experience without having to do all the experience things, if that makes any sense? I think my favorite was being on the boat round the statue of Lib with the ice flowing down the river, just beautiful!

Oh we went to the Gogenheim [sp] too

MB

[Dee]

I have researched the hotel inside and out Mark, this is the one we want. 99% of reviews say its not that noisy, I will be requesting a high floor room too

Broadway show, forgot to put that! I quite fancy either Lion King, or Wicked, but that box will certainly be ticked

You mean Katz Deli? Heard good things about that place too
Edit: You just beat me to it MB

I did the helicopter tour last time, and its very high on the list to do again

[Haly]

Sounds like you two are going to have an amazing time!

I'd love to go one day, so many things I'd love to see.

[Mark]

Edited my post. Great minds and all that re: Katz's Deli (had to go look up the name though - been past but not in, for my shame). Didn't know MIB was shot at Battery Park, even though I've been there.

Lion King is good - very much recommended and I've been on the stage there (not during a show, I might add ). Don't know anything about Wicked though.