Questions about NYC

The collective board wisdom hasn’t failed me yet, so once again I ask for suggestions. In July of this year, my wife and I are going to Africa and rather than fly all of the way from here to Johannesburg in one fell swoop, we’d like to break it up a bit. So the plan is to fly SEA to JFK, spend two nights in NYC then fly JFK to JNB. I haven’t been to NYC in over 25 years so I haven’t a clue as to logistics and lodging. We’ll arrive in NYC around 4:00 PM on a Thursday and our flight from NYC has a scheduled departure of 11:15 AM on Saturday.

While there we’d like to see the September 11 Memorial & Museum and take in a show, assuming the same day discounted ticket place still exists. So with all of that in mind, what’s the most practical way to get from JFK into the city and back? Do you have any recommendations about where to stay that is convenient to the things we hope to do while there (we don’t need Waldorf expensive)? Any other suggestions about fun/interesting activities would also be appreciated.

Many thanks in advance,

David

David,

I’ll assume you’ll be travelling with plenty of luggage so your options for transport from JFK are either taxi (wait in line for a good bit) or car service (call ahead and they’ll meet you at your luggage carousel). Dial7.com or Carmellimo.com are good, safe & reliable.

As for where to stay, let price dictate more. I mean, if your priority is to catch a Broadway show, then by all means, stay in Midtown. That said, with the subway, you really can move anywhere in the island in a short time. Unless you don’t mind walking too much, avoid staying in the far West or East sides (west of 10th Ave. or east of 2nd Ave.); bit of a trek to mass transit.

The TKTS booth (booths actually) are still around and more popular than ever. http://www.tdf.org/TDF_ServicePage.aspx?id=56
There’s one smack in the middle of Times Square and another in the South Street Seaport. Lines tend to be quite long.

Don’t miss the newly renovated Lincoln Center. Aside from that, just make the trip your own…be it hitting some of the museums, shops on Madison Ave. Greenwich Village or simply strolling through the small streets of the West Village.

Chances are, you’ll have a great time.

Check out www.hotwire.com to get a ‘read’ on hotel pricing. If you are looking for 4 * properties (a safe bet), I’d suggest midtown west. It’s in/near the theatre district.
Lots of people like the Doubletree on Broadway in the 40’s. Also, a Westin on 42nd street and 8th ave. If you prefer cool and hip, try The W Hotel just west of Broadway. Don’t forget Marriott. There’s a Hilton on 6th Ave in the 50’s that’s walkable too. All the majors have properties in the area.

Have a question? Ask away.

I’m just curious: wouldn’t the jet lag hit be as bad from NYC to JoBurg vs Seattle straight to JoBurg?
I ask b/c going to New York for 2 days mean you’re barely going to get over the jetlag of Seattle to New York, be tired in the morning etc… and then bam another jet lag hit? If there are other reasons to go (i.e. family, friends, just feel like checkin’ out NYC,) no doubt… but just to break up the trip I’m not sure is worthwhile? Anyhow just curious /suggestion. Either way enjoy South Africa… it’s a truly memorable experience! [cheers.gif]

I’m not sure of the price differences for the hotels, but if you don’t mind walking a bit further west or taking a cab/public trans to the show, also consider Midtown east. Lots of big name hotels and you’re right near the midtown tunnel when you’re going to/from JFK.

While July in general is quieter just be prepared on Thursday for the rush hour traffic, it could take a while to get into the city. Sat AM should be a breeze getting to the airport.

We did this route on air France. With the layover in Paris. Dealt with the jet lag in Paris and arrived fresh on Joburg.

Great suggestions folks. As I said, this site has not let me down before regarding travel related questions. Mark, we decided to make absolutely sure that we’re at JFK for the outbound flight since missing it for some reason would really screw up our Africa itinerary. Plus, we really want to see the memorial and taking in a show would be fun. As far as jet lag goes, 3 hours doesn’t negatively affect either of us as all of my family is on the east coast and we travel to see someone or another almost every year. Also, we decided to bite the bullet and book business class lay flat seats to and from JNB, so hopefully we can adjust our sleep in route and ward off some of the jet lag.

Thanks again and if you have any more ideas I’d love to hear them.

David

Take a car in from JFK. Dial 7 is fine though you will have to wait 10 minutes or so after you call from the airport. I would stay at The London on 54th between 6th and 7th. Modern, spacious, and one of the better values in midtown. An easy walk to a show. Have dinner at Marea which is close as well, another easy walk.

Get tickets now at telecharge.com if you want to see Book of Mormon. Even this far in advance, your only choice may be premium seats, especially for a weekend performance. Highly recommend the show – it’s quite funny.

Le Bernadin is in the Theater District if you’re looking for a special dinner out. Not cheap but tasty.

Once you decide on the hotel, check out getaroom.com to see if you can get a better price than what is offered direct from the hotel. I’ve had luck getting some great savings this way.

For ticket to 9/11 memorial, you have to reserve the ticket as soon as the day opens up (can’t remember if it’s 30 or 60 days ahead). If you snooze, you lose. The other option is to buy a ticket through one of the on/off boats – the NYT wrote about getting tickets this way a few months ago – do a google search, and it should come up.

Great information Carrie. I would have snoozed and lost had you not pointed that out about Book of Mormon and the 9/11 memorial, and I will also take your advise re. getaroom.com.

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Someone from NY should comment on the cab fare from JFK to Manhattan. It is regulated, correct?

Yes. It’s regulated.

Flat Fare from John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport:

For trips between (to and from) Manhattan and JFK International Airport, the flat fare is $45.00 plus any tolls using Rate Code 2 on the meter. A NY State Tax Surcharge of $.50 will be added to each trip.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/passenger/taxicab_rate.shtml

Make sure to get cabs at designated waiting cab areas in the terminals, where there is a normally a booth and the person manning is would give passengers an official form with regulated fares and tolls, plus added information on who/where to call if cab abuse occurs.

Very important, please tip your cab driver generously.

If you’re going to the WTC memorial you can always visit the other landmark in the area - Chambers St. Wines :wink:.

Not a huge selection of good moderately priced restaurants down there though Landmarc is nice and there’s now a Shake Shack right nearby in Battery Park City. For higher priced options you have Bouley and Corton.