Visiting NYC - where to stay? Help me New Yorkers!

[Geoff738]

Well, just booked a place. The Ramada in Murray hill. Not exactly my ideal, but central.

We have a friend who lives in Jackson Heights swing through town last week and he convinced me/us that Jersey and Brooklyn didn't make all that much sense for us. We're not driving. I'll be getting off a plane in Newark, but that's about it. Brooklyn didn't seem to have much, if any, price advantage, so Murray Hill, here we come. Long island City was a possible option. i just don't know enough about it.

Ok, off to see if the Yankees are gonna be in town while we're there.

Cheers,
Geoff

[Tim Armstrong]

Have big fun!

Tim

[banjohabit]

Originally Posted by ADinNYC

There's a nice Courtyard Marriot up by me and it may be cheaper since it's away from the touristy areas. It's a pretty easy walk to the 6 train, Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...per-east-side/

+ 1. my wife always stays there when she's in town. reasonable and convenient.

[Geoff738]

Originally Posted by Tim Armstrong

Have big fun!

Tim

Gonna try! Have now booked flights, so, looks like we're coming for sure. As long as I can get my son on a plane. Which I am a little bit worried about.

Gonna have to review the threads re: NYC guitar stores. Probably won't have time to slip into more than one or two.

Will have to learn the subway system. I always seem to manage to get on an express train when I really only wanted to go two stops. And those double decker stations freak me out.

I'm planning on seeing Jim Campilongo on the 24th (Sept). Anybody up for joining me?

Cheers,
Geoff

[SpiderWeb]

I'm not a New Yorker but I love the city and visit frequently. Sheraton Lincoln Harbor in Weehawken, New Jersey across the Hudson River from Midtown is a good place to stay...city-view rooms have a beautiful view of the city. Take the ferry (then free bus to strategic points in the city), or train across to the city...very reasonable...have stayed there several times, most recently two weeks ago...(don't forget to visit Rudy's SoHo and Mandolin Brothers while you're there...)

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sherat...ropertyID=1177

[SteveO]

30th St guitars on the West Side is worth a visit if you are in the area.Lots of vintage stuff,including the building.

[B.G.L.]

Washington Square Hotel. 10-15 minutes from the Strand by foot. Food EVERYWHERE. Close to the subway by, like, a block or two. Not in mid-town. 5-10 minutes from Matt Uminov Guitars.
My wife and I lived at 106 MacDougal for a few years in the mid-90s. Which is right down the street from Washington square park.
That's where I plan to stay when we take our boys to NYC for the first time. Hope to do it in a year or so.
God, I miss NYC sometimes. This thread makes me ache....

[ADinNYC]

Originally Posted by Geoff738

Gonna try! Have now booked flights, so, looks like we're coming for sure. As long as I can get my son on a plane. Which I am a little bit worried about.

Gonna have to review the threads re: NYC guitar stores. Probably won't have time to slip into more than one or two.

Will have to learn the subway system. I always seem to manage to get on an express train when I really only wanted to go two stops. And those double decker stations freak me out.

I'm planning on seeing Jim Campilongo on the 24th (Sept). Anybody up for joining me?

Cheers,
Geoff

Hey Geoff,

I'd definitely be into going. Send me a PM and we can trade contact info.

Andy

[Nick JD]

Last time I was there I stayed in a Sheraton (tiny little place) in Times Square just around the corner from the port authority. Was perfect for getting around Manhattan by foot.

[Whoa Tele]

I used to play at a place called The Rodeo Bar and I always liked the place. They had a horse trailor for a bar and they served drinks out of the side which was a nice touch.

[Chud]

Originally Posted by Whoa Tele

I used to play at a place called The Rodeo Bar and I always liked the place. They had a horse trailor for a bar and they served drinks out of the side which was a nice touch.

If that's the one on about 28th & 3rd Ave it's still there and still has some good music now and then.

[Geoff738]

Originally Posted by ADinNYC

Hey Geoff,

I'd definitely be into going. Send me a PM and we can trade contact info.

Andy

Will do closer to the date. I did just check Jim's website and it looks like he's in town. Looking forward to it.

Cheers,
Geoff

[soul-o]

To me, part of the magic
Of New Yawk was always staying at the Chelsea Hotel, but that's not an option anymore.

[Tony474]

Originally Posted by Geoff738

I'm planning on seeing Jim Campilongo on the 24th (Sept). Anybody up for joining me?

Great stuff. Last time I was in NYC, Aaron (BBB) and I caught his show at the Living Room and it was most enjoyable.

[Codger]

Just got back from a week in NYC. I know this is about where to stay and. It what to do, but I thought I'd give a plug for "Free Tours By Foot". The idea is that the tour is free, but if you like it, you tip what you feel is appropriate. Last week we did the Harlem tour and the High Line tour, previously had done Central Park and Lower Manhatten. They've all been fun and informative.
http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/new-y...rs/default.asp

[ADinNYC]

Originally Posted by ADinNYC

Hey Geoff,

I'd definitely be into going. Send me a PM and we can trade contact info.

Andy

Eric Johnson is playing the 24th and the 25th at BB King's too.

[Uncle Joe]

Originally Posted by RevMike

Well, as a NY resident (but NOT a native)....I kind of try to avoid Brooklyn.

Wow. That's crazy. I think the nicest spot in the five boroughs is Brooklyn Heights.

For staying in the city for the first time I'd go for a deal on a Times Square hotel. You can walk, catch a cab or subway to anywhere in the city from there. Fly into Newark airport and take the train into Manhattan. It's the easiest, least stressful, least expensive way to get from an area airport into the city. The staff at Newark airport will show you where to go (I can't believe I'm actually saying this but it is true now) to catch the Sky rail to the city bound train.

Make sure to enjoy a meal on Mulberry Street.

Before you leave, take a walk along the promenade in Brooklyn Heights...

[Geoff738]

Just a wee bump.

So far on the itinerary we have Central Park and the transit museum in Brooklyn. Other possibilities include the Natural history museum, the zoo. I know the Yankees are in town for part of our visit, but I haven't looked into ticket availability.

Other than that I'm hoping to wander about the village and/or LES for a bit. Maybe even hit a guitar shop or two. My wife wants to visit the Alexander Hamilton house. It has moved since we were there last.

Anybody have strong feelings about Coney Island and/or Rockaway beach?

I suppose much will depend on the weather.

If anybody has recommendations for a Chinese dumpling place, or decent places to eat and drink in or near Murray Hill, please let me know. I think we're fairly close to a lot of Korean places there? Good Indian or Mexican in that neck of the woods I'd also like to know about.

If I want to know what's going on in the city is the Village voice about the best source of info?

Thanks again!

Cheers,
Geoff

[bdkphoto]

Originally Posted by Geoff738

Just a wee bump.

So far on the itinerary we have Central Park and the transit museum in Brooklyn. Other possibilities include the Natural history museum, the zoo. I know the Yankees are in town for part of our visit, but I haven't looked into ticket availability.

Other than that I'm hoping to wander about the village and/or LES for a bit. Maybe even hit a guitar shop or two. My wife wants to visit the Alexander Hamilton house. It has moved since we were there last.

Anybody have strong feelings about Coney Island and/or Rockaway beach?

I suppose much will depend on the weather.

If anybody has recommendations for a Chinese dumpling place, or decent places to eat and drink in or near Murray Hill, please let me know. I think we're fairly close to a lot of Korean places there? Good Indian or Mexican in that neck of the woods I'd also like to know about.

If I want to know what's going on in the city is the Village voice about the best source of info?

Thanks again!

Cheers,
Geoff

Just south of you in the 20-30's 3rd ave and Lex is "Curry Hill" tons of Indian and more - just follow your nose. Rodeo Bar is a t 27th and 3rd, good tex mex food and good music (no cover).

Coney Island is fun, walk the Boardwalk to Brighton Beach and enjoy Russia and the old jewish neighborhood- Rockaways are nice but not as visually interesting as Coney Island.

[Geoff738]

One last bump.

Can somebody tell me how to avoid getting on an express subway? I do that at least once every visit and I have no idea how you tell.

And, anybody else interested in joining us (I think Andy is still interested) at the Living Room on Monday eve to see Jim Campilongo?

Cheers,
Geoff