New York City Travel Answers

Take a look at my NYC page for suggestions. The, go to: nycvisit.com Joan

As for Hotels, I've suggested the Wyndham in Times Square several times (and have yet to get a complaint). It's right in the middle of everything, and any time I go to NYC, I stay there. It's great! (Plus, the TKTS booth is about 2 blocks away). Kinda nifty if you ask me! ;) Jeff-

The Waldorf and the Plaza Hotel are, in fact, overrated. The lobby areas of both hotels are quite nice, but the rooms themselves are relatively shabby. (I have stayed in both, in the last two years.) There are many nicer places to stay--try for places that have been built or completely renovated in the last few years. If you want to stay in Midtown, the W hotels (there are several) are a good choice; there are also quite a few newer places around. It all depends on how much you want to spend, but you can do pretty well on a budget of about250/night these days. Expedia.com has very good internet-only special rates. Be prepared for very small rooms no matter where you stay. Even in very expensive Manhattan hotels, the rooms are much smaller than those found in identical hotel chains elsewhere. That's just NY real estate for you. If you do want to have a Plaza experience, have lunch or tea in the big dining room in the lobby. It's a lovely setting and the waiters can be very gracious. Just don't stay in the hotel!

Gotta agree w/ Julie. However, the rooms @ the Wyndham are *rather* spacious (I was *quite* surprised). Made the big mistake of staying at the Best Western in Times Square.... I lasted less than an hour.... (I don't work for the Wyndham, by the way). (LOL!) The Doubletree looks fairly nice as well. Jeff-

> However, the rooms @ the Wyndham are *rather* spacious (I was *quite* surprised). There are definitely exceptions. I had to stay at the Grand Hyatt (yuck) last fall and had a room that was positively palatial. It was a shock. I usually stay in East Midtown, which is not the most tourist-oriented area. My favorite hotels there are the Swissotel Drake (expensive, Park and 56th) and the Roger Williams (less expensive, and an excellent continental breakfast, Madison and 31st). I have yet to find a hotel I really like on the West Side. Avoid the Roosevelt at all costs.

The Roosevelt is *still* open? I thought it shut down years ago... (Talk about a 'flop house') Jeff-

The Roosevelt was renovated a few years ago, but I still can't imagine it's luxurious. Try looking at www.quikbook.com. They often have very good deals in Manhattan - even better if you phone them. The Shoreham near 56th and Fifth is a very nice "boutique" sort of hotel and if you want to be away from the mobs, The Wales at 92nd and Madison is lovely with some great restaurants nearby and the museums.

June- Is the Rainbow Room still open in the GE building? Jeff-

Jeff.. I'm not sure what's open there and not. I think the restaurant part has closed, and maybe just the bar is open. I saw Anthony Newley at Rainbows and Stars about 5 years ago.. long time ago, and I'm sure that room is now closed. It used to be very nice there.. like the Tower Suite, Windows on the World etc. Things change.

June- I think we're the only people on the planet who even knows who Anthony Newley *is* (ROFL!) Jeff- (I gotta get out more often!)

The Roosevelt is still there, unfortunately. I had a conference there about two years ago and had to stay in the hotel. Totally disgusting, and the price was completely preposterous--over300 for a room I wouldn't put my dog in. The boutique hotels are usually good but beware the tiny rooms--I always feel like I'm staying in a renovated SRO. I think the Rainbow Room is open, as a bar and for private parties. I remember getting turned away from it five years ago because I had jeans on(!). I was trying to celebrate getting hired at my new job. Ended up at something rather less swanky (McSwiggans on 2nd Ave) but probably more enjoyable.

Take her to Aida, on brodway great show

My friend, MissAntarctica, is off this weekend for a "romantic New York weekend" that her husband organised for her b'day & their wedding anniversary. They are staying at the Library Hotel. I'll get her to put in a comment about that when she returns on Tuesday. What are your wife's interests? Might want to find out if there is some special show on at one of the art galleries if that is her taste. Check out the Broadway productions and the off-broadway ones too. SHOPPING!!!! Or just browsing. Set up an appointment for her at some swish hair salon. See about tickets for Saturday Night Live...

thanks for all of your very useful ideas.Her shopping interests are fashion boutiques-clothes and jewelar of unique kind..any suggestions.

Just got back. The Library Hotel was great, and the Romance Package was a good deal and lived up to its name. They threw in lots of treats like champagne, chocolates etc. It was close to everything, and very tranquil. I'd highly recommend it. I'll do a page on it when I have more time.

Both the Fashion District and the Diamond District are within easy walking distance from Times Square (as is Macy's - well, it's kind of a hike, but do-able). Jeff-

To June and Jeff: I also know who Anthony Newly is. Don't any of you remember "The Roar of the Greasepaint, the Smell of the Crowd" or "Stop the World I Want to Get Off?" Those were two great shows. Joan

Hi Joan.. I'm glad we're not the only ones remembering Tony Newley. I told Jeff privately that I was lucky to meet him twice not long before he died. I have a good friend in London who knew his family pretty well. He was a really nice man in person - very kind.