Aloha peeps,

The lady and I are going on a romantic trip to New York for a few days for her B-day (i don't know why she picked New York instead of Hawaii or something but anyways...) Any ideas on places to stay, things to do etc.? We're looking for places around Times Square.

Can anyone recommend Priceline or Expedia or any similar sites for package deals!? I remember one horror story from long ago on here that scared me, but don't remember which site it was.

Actually, ya know any ideas are welcome, nice restaurants, nice hotels, things to see, places to go, all of that noise.

I swear I posted this earlier.... and now it's gone!? O.o

I like Expedia's site. It's easy to traverse and create travel plans. If something goes awry on the trip like your room is double booked, Expedia's customer support takes care of you pretty well.

Edit: As for stuff to do in NYC, I highly recommend the Museum of Natural History, Museum of Modern Art, and Central Park. Forget the Empire State Building, it's 2 hours of waiting in line to just look over the side up on the top floor.

Times Square is also a cool place to run around as well as Chinatown around Canal Street.

stay at the millenium hilton its across the street from the world trade center and is one of the finest hotels there is.

I always try to use Priceline to get a good deal. The closer you are to the date the better, but I guess it's up to you based on when you're going. Use the name your price feature and start at like 30% of the advertised rates for the 4 or 5 star hotels. The most I've ever paid using it is 1/2 the advertised price. (Once in NY, once in Boston, etc)

I'm also very close (2 hour drive to NYC) so it's much easier for me to pull this tactic off logistically. A bit more difficult for you coming from Texas b/c of the flight costs. What ever you save on "last minute" hotel booking might just become the extra you pay for last minute flight plans. :dunno:

There are sooo many hotels in the city that you can pretty much always get one last minute as long as it's not for some holiday/party/height of tourism dates.

Why times square?

Having lived in nyc for a good deal of my life I just have to say one thing.....why?

Having lived in nyc for a good deal of my life I just have to say one thing.....why?


Went for the first time last year and it's something every American should see IMO, a lot of history, culture, good food. It makes just about any "big city" in the U.S. look like a chump.

My wife uses Expedia, She will go back day after day, And wait till the prices a low.
She has gotten some great deals.

Remember Unite Airline SUX COCK,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

go to the chicken and rice stand on 53rd and 6th. thats pretty romantic enough for me. too bad they upped the price to 6$ tho =(

Where do you want to stay in NYC. Choose a part of te city you may like. Just to throw out a suggestion might suck because you might be really far away from where you want to go/see.

Fifth avenue is a nice place to shop. The village is a nice place to go out at night. Times square is a fun place for tourists.

I used Priceline twice. First time everything worked well. The second time they put me really far from the main area (south beach in Miami) even though it was within their map. In talking with them, they basically told me to piss off, so I am never using them again. I would look at sites like expedia, travelocity, orbitz. For hotel rooms I use www.quikbook.com.

I use Hotwire to get hotels in NYC - look for 4 star hotels or better for $200/night or less - you don't get to see the name of the hotel until you book, but recent grabs include the Millinium at Times Square for $128/night, the Westin Times Square for $146, the Helmsley Park Plaza on the park for $186/night and the best one ever - the LeMeridian in midtown for $129.00.

Weekends, there are always HUGE deals - look for words like "Best Value" and "Customer Favorite!" - and again, 4 stars on the rating or better. You won't go wrong.

What to do? WALK! Walk all around - eat a all the zillions of local restaurants with every cuisine known to man.

One of my favorite restaurants, however, is a bistro/french style restaurant called Raoul's in the SoHo area - fanatastic. Also the meat packing district is hot as well.

Have fun - I love NYC.

SC

I was supposed to get a trip to New York for Christmas... but never did. Damnit.

Go see a Broadway show! They're taking Beauty and the Beast off Broadway soon so that's a good one... or there's always my personal favorite, The Phantom Of The Opera. There's a FABULOUS Italian Restaraunt about two blocks away from Phantom too. Like, face the venue that Phantom is in, walk two blocks that way, then make a right. It's at the middle of the block and you have to go down stairs to get in and it doesn't look like much but inside the back is soooo cute and the food is stellar.

Priceline sucks. I've used them before and gotten royally screwed over. I even started a thread on it. I've had good luck with hotels.com though.

What I've started doing is to look at those sites for best prices and then when I pick a place I call the hotel directly for a rate. It's usually the same and sometimes even cheaper than those sites. I've had hotels upgrade my rooms for free when they've run out of rooms when I've called them directly to book a room. That will never happen with an online booking company. For the best flight rates, book them early. Prices change constantly and waiting even one day can affect what you'll pay.

Stay away from Priceline!!!! Use ANYONE else but them!!!

Thanks guys..this is exactly the kind of stuff I was hoping for. Sorry for the late response.
in response:

Jisoo: Thanks man, I can't wait to run around China Town...

Feras: I really liked the Millenium, and we've been looking at that one and a few others as well, but something about that one gets me...maybe it's just because it's the kewlest looking building in the world...

dmc: I'm weary of using the "name your price" thing... what if I don't like the choice they give me? I'm pretty much screwed right, because you have to put in your credit card number an everything? Or do I have the process all messed up in my head? Times Square simply because it's what she wants, plus, there is a small chance that one of her good friends could be in New York around the same time we'll be there, if we get lucky and things work out, the girl will be in Times Square visiting her friends, so again if we're lucky, I'll get to save the day with a trip to New York, her getting to see her best friend who she hasn't seen in person for a few years, and just generally look like the mastermind who planned it all? See where I'm going with this!? ;P

Dtorre: ^^

funspork: That's what I've been doing too... but expedia seems pricier than the other two usually.... but who knows, we'll see.

lljayarzll: 53rd and 6th... got it;P

Fanman: Thanks man, pretty much Times Square area, as close as possible. I've been looking and it looks like the city blocks there are huge. At first a hotel a few blocks away didn't seem too bad, but looking at how big the blocks are now I'm wondering...yeah, I look forward to 5th avenue >.> Thanks again, I'll check those sites out.

Stew: thanks man, you sound "seasoned" in this, haha I'll look those up though...the LeMeridian is your favorte huh!? I'll look at them.

Kimmy: Sorry >_< Beauty and the Beast is the shizzle, I was actually just thinking she'd love that.

RG: That's the thread I was trying to remember, I'll go dig that up and refresh my memory.

Anyone have any first hand experience with Westin in Times Square!? I think that's the one she likes!?

Thanks guys..this is exactly the kind of stuff I was hoping for. Sorry for the late response.
in response:

Jisoo: Thanks man, I can't wait to run around China Town...

Feras: I really liked the Millenium, and we've been looking at that one and a few others as well, but something about that one gets me...maybe it's just because it's the kewlest looking building in the world...

dmc: I'm weary of using the "name your price" thing... what if I don't like the choice they give me? I'm pretty much screwed right, because you have to put in your credit card number an everything? Or do I have the process all messed up in my head? Times Square simply because it's what she wants, plus, there is a small chance that one of her good friends could be in New York around the same time we'll be there, if we get lucky and things work out, the girl will be in Times Square visiting her friends, so again if we're lucky, I'll get to save the day with a trip to New York, her getting to see her best friend who she hasn't seen in person for a few years, and just generally look like the mastermind who planned it all? See where I'm going with this!? ;P

Dtorre: ^^

funspork: That's what I've been doing too... but expedia seems pricier than the other two usually.... but who knows, we'll see.

lljayarzll: 53rd and 6th... got it;P

Fanman: Thanks man, pretty much Times Square area, as close as possible. I've been looking and it looks like the city blocks there are huge. At first a hotel a few blocks away didn't seem too bad, but looking at how big the blocks are now I'm wondering...yeah, I look forward to 5th avenue >.> Thanks again, I'll check those sites out.

Stew: thanks man, you sound "seasoned" in this, haha I'll look those up though...the LeMeridian is your favorte huh!? I'll look at them.

Kimmy: Sorry >_< Beauty and the Beast is the shizzle, I was actually just thinking she'd love that.

RG: That's the thread I was trying to remember, I'll go dig that up and refresh my memory.

Anyone have any first hand experience with Westin in Times Square!? I think that's the one she likes!?

Westin Times Square - stayed there 3 weeks ago - very nice hotel. You can never go wrong with a Westin, especially when traveling with a bed companion - as their beds are the best in the business, and they've also got great showers. Overall, very nice hotel - good bar, good amentities, and of course the ever-important "Heavenly Bed" there.

Cannot go wrong!

Thanks guys..this is exactly the kind of stuff I was hoping for. Sorry for the late response.
in response:

Jisoo: Thanks man, I can't wait to run around China Town...

Feras: I really liked the Millenium, and we've been looking at that one and a few others as well, but something about that one gets me...maybe it's just because it's the kewlest looking building in the world...

dmc: I'm weary of using the "name your price" thing... what if I don't like the choice they give me? I'm pretty much screwed right, because you have to put in your credit card number an everything? Or do I have the process all messed up in my head? Times Square simply because it's what she wants, plus, there is a small chance that one of her good friends could be in New York around the same time we'll be there, if we get lucky and things work out, the girl will be in Times Square visiting her friends, so again if we're lucky, I'll get to save the day with a trip to New York, her getting to see her best friend who she hasn't seen in person for a few years, and just generally look like the mastermind who planned it all? See where I'm going with this!? ;P

Dtorre: ^^

funspork: That's what I've been doing too... but expedia seems pricier than the other two usually.... but who knows, we'll see.

lljayarzll: 53rd and 6th... got it;P

Fanman: Thanks man, pretty much Times Square area, as close as possible. I've been looking and it looks like the city blocks there are huge. At first a hotel a few blocks away didn't seem too bad, but looking at how big the blocks are now I'm wondering...yeah, I look forward to 5th avenue >.> Thanks again, I'll check those sites out.

Stew: thanks man, you sound "seasoned" in this, haha I'll look those up though...the LeMeridian is your favorte huh!? I'll look at them.

Kimmy: Sorry >_< Beauty and the Beast is the shizzle, I was actually just thinking she'd love that.

RG: That's the thread I was trying to remember, I'll go dig that up and refresh my memory.

Anyone have any first hand experience with Westin in Times Square!? I think that's the one she likes!?

If you go to Expedia.com you can get user reviews for hotels around NYC. From the front page on the website, just select "Hotel" in the "Build Your Trip" section and then you can select hotels based on being near a city, an attraction, an airport, or US address (I like this one the best).

Then just put in your date range and it'll pull up all hotels closest to where you're looking for. Most of those hotels (especially the bigger ones) will have user reviews on a scale of 1 to 5 and will have pictures. It's pretty comprehensive, I like the functionality a lot.

dmc: I'm weary of using the "name your price" thing... what if I don't like the choice they give me? I'm pretty much screwed right, because you have to put in your credit card number an everything? Or do I have the process all messed up in my head? Times Square simply because it's what she wants, plus, there is a small chance that one of her good friends could be in New York around the same time we'll be there, if we get lucky and things work out, the girl will be in Times Square visiting her friends, so again if we're lucky, I'll get to save the day with a trip to New York, her getting to see her best friend who she hasn't seen in person for a few years, and just generally look like the mastermind who planned it all? See where I'm going with this!? ;P

You can select a star level for the hotel as well as the "zone" (or whatever they call it) that you want the hotel to be in. But I doubt the "zone" would be narrow enough to ensure you're in Times Sq. - it'll prlly just be a large section of Manhatten that includes TS. And for your purposes, Priceline (or at least the "name ur price" portion) won't work b/c you just don't have much control over hotel choice. So while it's not too likely you'll not like the choice they give you since it's going to be a 4 or 5 star hotel, you are locked into the price if some hotel accepts it.

GL!!

Rn - you should have a great time since your being proactive about the planning. I say if you stay away from the torist crap (unlike me) your lady is gonna (use imagination here) until you beg her to stop. I was only there for a day and some change but did have some fun with a friend watching high dollar prostitutes in the park working old croggies.

I have stayed at the W Hotel in Times Square. It was great. The rooms were bigger than I thought, the decor was very modern & stylish. The restaurant there, the blue fin is quite good & the Whiskey was really fun.

Is the restaurant that Kimberly mentioned Carmines ? I love that place. Great food ! But book in advance, it's pretty busy.

Little Italy and the Village are cool. Chinatown is a must. Ground Zero is also very powerful. Battery Park is also pretty fun. There's always something weird going on in Times Square and Union Square. You'll have plenty to do.

My favorite hotel was the World Trade Center Marriott... but, well... you know.

I've always found great airline tickets at www.kayak.com then just purchased the hotel through expedia. Heads up when you fly into NYC at either major airport the taxis charge a flat rate of $50 to go to manhatten (aka times square) so have an extra $100 or so ready to just commute to and from the airport into times square. As for hotels the one feras mention is AWESOME.

Westin Times Square - stayed there 3 weeks ago - very nice hotel. You can never go wrong with a Westin, especially when traveling with a bed companion - as their beds are the best in the business, and they've also got great showers. Overall, very nice hotel - good bar, good amentities, and of course the ever-important "Heavenly Bed" there.

Cannot go wrong!

Awesome! Thanks man! I think that's the one she likes the most so far, and the location is perfect! Bed and shower are without a doubt, the two most important things... I'm going to look a little more before pulling the trigger, but it sounding better and better.

If you go to Expedia.com you can get user reviews for hotels around NYC. From the front page on the website, just select "Hotel" in the "Build Your Trip" section and then you can select hotels based on being near a city, an attraction, an airport, or US address (I like this one the best).

Then just put in your date range and it'll pull up all hotels closest to where you're looking for. Most of those hotels (especially the bigger ones) will have user reviews on a scale of 1 to 5 and will have pictures. It's pretty comprehensive, I like the functionality a lot.

Thanks man, I need to look more before pulling the trigger because there are so many awesome hotels there... ack!

You can select a star level for the hotel as well as the "zone" (or whatever they call it) that you want the hotel to be in. But I doubt the "zone" would be narrow enough to ensure you're in Times Sq. - it'll prlly just be a large section of Manhatten that includes TS. And for your purposes, Priceline (or at least the "name ur price" portion) won't work b/c you just don't have much control over hotel choice. So while it's not too likely you'll not like the choice they give you since it's going to be a 4 or 5 star hotel, you are locked into the price if some hotel accepts it.

GL!!
You changed your avi! Nice...
Well, thanks anyways man, I may try it anyway, the girlfriend doesn't want me to spend too much on her (or that's what she SAYS anyway). So if she keeps on mentioning it, I'll try this to save some money.

Rn - you should have a great time since your being proactive about the planning. I say if you stay away from the torist crap (unlike me) your lady is gonna (use imagination here) until you beg her to stop. I was only there for a day and some change but did have some fun with a friend watching high dollar prostitutes in the park working old croggies.

You are correct sir, it is gonna be a great week indeed! That's the second thing though, narrowing down all the things to do! The only thing we're definately doing is the ferry ride around the city at night... everything else is still up in the air.

I have stayed at the W Hotel in Times Square. It was great. The rooms were bigger than I thought, the decor was very modern & stylish. The restaurant there, the blue fin is quite good & the Whiskey was really fun.

Is the restaurant that Kimberly mentioned Carmines ? I love that place. Great food ! But book in advance, it's pretty busy.

Awesome, another point for the Westin. Ack! So many things to do and places to eat! Pray for my wallet guys... pray for it...

Ack! Posting when half asleep... I posted like 6 times! Sorry mods.

Rootski: Awesome, more ideas... I guess we won't run out of things to do... Haha! lol

Dills: Damn taxi drivers.... >_< Awesome, I'll check that site too, and another point for the Millenium Hilton... >.>

Ok, just wanted to say New York was awesome! Thanks for all your help and ideas, I'll try to post a full write up later with pics and everything. tell then....