[OT] Accomodation in New York

[Morrus]

Either directly before or directly after GenCon this year (likely after) I'll be spending a week or so in New York and probably annoy the hell out of nemmerle. As I've never been to New York (or even to the US!). Does anyone have any advice on cheap accomodation for a small group (probably 4 or so) people?

Ideally, I want to book the accomodation asap (arranging flights in the next couple of weeks or so).

Also - we're thinking of renting a car for a few days so we can pop up to Boston to visit the resident feline buccaneer.

The likely travel arrangements are: London - New York (flight, obviously). Then, possibly, rent a car, drive out to GenCon for a couple of days, drive back to New York and, during the following week drive up to Boston.

Also - how much of a drive is Chicago, and what accomodation is there there (assuming Mark is willing to show us round the city! ).

 

[Mark]

I'm a couple of hours (a bit less, really) south of Milwaukee (GenCon). If you intend to see New York on the way back to London, maybe you could stop here on the way in, stay over a night, and then rent your car here and we'll make the trip north together.

It's my plan to head up to GenCon on Wednesday (hotel reservations are set for me), so if you came into Chicago on Monday or Tuesday we could do the town for a day or two before hitting Milwaukee.

There's plenty to do and I'd be happy to be your tour guide to the Windy City. I'll bet we could even plan something with the other local ENBers...

 

[Morrus]

How long are you planning on staying at GenCon, Mark? It lokos like I'm going to have to be there for the Friday (for that thing, y'know...).

It might be easier to do it the other way around - GenCon - Chicago - New York, all depending on timing, of course.

 

[ColonelHardisson]

New York to Chicago is about 16 hours.

 

[trentonjoe]

1.Does anyone have any advice on cheap accomodation for a small group (probably 4 or so) people?


2.Also - we're thinking of renting a car for a few days so we can pop up to Boston to visit the resident feline buccaneer.

3.The likely travel arrangements are: London - New York (flight, obviously). Then, possibly, rent a car, drive out to GenCon for a couple of days, drive back to New York and, during the following week drive up to Boston.

4.Also - how much of a drive is Chicago, and what accomodation is there there (assuming Mark is willing to show us round the city! ).

I added the numbers to help with the answering.

1. The farther you get out of NY the cheaper it willl be. I don't know but if you booked the flights yet but it will be easier to fly into Newark, NJ. YOu can proabably stay somewhere near the airport (there is a Hyatt and others within a mile) that you probably can stay at for $100 a night or so. To get significantly cheaper you's have to go about 25 miles away. Newark is a 25 minute drive (w/o traffic) from NYC.


2. You didn't ask but Boston is about a 5-6 hour drive from NYC.

3. I hope you have more than a week!?

4. Chicago is atleast a 12 hour drive from NYC. YOu prettty much get on Route 80 and drive. It's a hike. Easy but far. Remember, Chicago is huge. Six or seven million people live there so lodging will be numerous.


I would try Travelocity for lodging. I don't know if you have AAA in England but they also a great resource. Credit card companies are also a good place to look for deals. I would plan to spend a 100 bucks american a night though.

Hope that helps.

 

[trentonjoe]

It might be easier to do it the other way around - GenCon - Chicago - New York, all depending on timing, of course.

That would be easier. You don't want to drive from Chicago and New YOurk more than once. You can fly from Wisconcin to Newark for $120 bucks, too. That's another option.

 

[Umbran]

The area commonly called "New York City" is a pretty big place, actually - including Manhattan, Brooklyn, and depending who you talk to, often Queens as well. You're likely to get better results on the accomodation question if you can be a touch more specific.

As for the trip up to Boston - the drive isn't too bad. Though I wouldn't envy a non-native trying to get a car out of the NYC area (especially Manhattan itself). While driving in P-cat's part of town and in the suburbs isn't too bad, you would not want to take a car to sightsee in Boston proper.

There's also regular Amtrak trains from NYC to Boston that are fast, comfortable, pleasant, and pretty conventient if you are already in Manhattan. Getting you to P-cat's from the train station would be a breeze via public transit. Whether this is a good option depends on how the $$ come out, and exactly what you want to do in the area. But you should know the option is available.

 

[Dieter]

Manhattan, in a word, is expensive. Cheap is not a word you use downtown, but you may find cheaper accomedations in Brooklyn or in New Jersey.

Book as early as you can since summer tourists will be flocking to NYC in mobs.

Avoid taking the bus, it's unreliable and slow as hell. Take the subway...very clean, safe, and cheap. You can get to anywhere in the city for USD 1.50. Cabs are fast bet for short trips around town, but I cannot vouch for your driver's ability or care for human life. Travelling down FDR drive at 80MPH while swerving around delivery trucks is an NYC adventure in itself.

Cabbing from the airport to Manhattan will cost you (IIRC) USD35.

Advice for renting a car and driving in NYC, don't. Unless you work there or live there, don't even think about it. Parking is an expensive commodity and you will pay dearly for it.

 

[V-2]

Morrus, have a look at this place. They're offering a four-person suite for less than $200/night. Divided by four that ain't so bad for a downtown Manhattan location. (It's pretty unbeatable, actually.) And friends who've stayed there tell me it's clean and pleasant.

 

[yongi]

The Chelsea Star

For a funky place in midtown-ish Manhattan (8th & 30th), check out the Chelsea Star. It's a bit primitive (backpacker friendly kinda joint) but quite pleasant. I stayed there on my first trip to NYC and was quite pleased.

Prices are pretty resonable for a place that close to Penn Station. And the bakery that is the home of the Baby Watson Cheesecake is right around the corner. Get'cha some!

Oh yeah, Madonna supposedly lived there at one point, too. And be sure to check out the Star Trek theme room The financee and I wound up in the Madame Butterfly room right next door.

Anyway. it's a thought.

http://www.chelseastar.com/

peace,
-y-