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Post by jo on Dec 2, 2012 11:54:51 GMT -5
So, no Paris in January  BUT we scored tickets to see Eric Clapton and 30 of his closest guitar friends at Madison Square Gardens in April ;D We'll be in NYC for 3 nights (April 11, 12 and 13). Looking for hotel recommendations (midtown, hopefully not more than $250/night :  and recommendations for places to eat. Looking at the Distrikt boutique hotel ~ good reviews but the street looks kind of iffy  Eataly and Momofuku Noodle Bar are on the radar but may be too touristy. We will hit the Laduree for sure ;D Can do a nice dinner on the Thursday evening but the concerts are on Friday and Saturday nights, so lunch will be our main meal on those days. You guys know what I like in Paris (small new bistros, market driven menus, good meals around 100 - 130 euros for 2 including wine). Anything going on at that time that I should know about? Any neighbourhoods I should check out? Any great shopping deals I shouldn't miss? Any and all help appreciated!! Jo |
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Post by PariS on Dec 2, 2012 12:49:20 GMT -5
Sounds great, Jo! I'll be paying attention to the answers you receive here, as Darryl and I are probably going to NYC in Oct. for a conference. We're thinking we'll take advantage of being halfway to Paris and fly over for 2 weeks after NYC  |
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Post by jo on Dec 2, 2012 12:56:20 GMT -5
Annette, I like the way you think!! Any excuse to get to Paris works for me, lol
Jo
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Post by jo on Dec 2, 2012 13:21:10 GMT -5
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Post by holger on Dec 2, 2012 14:21:04 GMT -5
Hey, sounds like fun. Keep posting. Have no idea of anyone's schedules as yet for April or October but might try to take a train in for a lunch. I do go to upstate New York for three days to run a workshop but other than that might have a chance to get in.
We have stayed at The Muse one of the Kimpton group when doing theatre in NYC. There are other Kimptons which we love but the Muse is the most central. I think they may have another hotel closer to Madison Square Gardens.
I actually prefer to stay on the Upper West Side near the Museum of Natural History as it is more of a neighborhood and then either take the bus or subway elsewhere--or if late--splurge on a taxi. The hotel I stayed at was the Beacon but it was about 5-6 years ago. Comfortable and many rooms do have small kitchenettes. You could look at current reviews on Trip Advisor.
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Post by janetnj on Dec 2, 2012 16:51:29 GMT -5
Sounds like a great trip.
I'm with Holger - I like the Upper West Side. But the shows are at MSG so staying in midtown makes sense.
I've gotten a couple of good hotel deals using Travelzoo. When I met Mez in August they had a promotion at the Algonquin which was great. Looks like the current deals only go out through March.
I'm staying at the Mela New Year's Eve - I'll let you know how it is.
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Post by jo on Dec 2, 2012 18:04:48 GMT -5
Hey Janet,
Yes, so far the travel zoo deals only go through March. We may stay at the Travel Inn just because it offers free parking (which will save us about $150 over 3 days!). My brothers have stayed there, it's not fancy, but it's clean and the location works for us. My 2 brothers are also going to the concert (driving in from Montreal) and are probably staying at the Travel Inn so we may just stay there as well. As long as it's clean, that's all I'm asking for, lol
I'm already driving Den crazy with my restaurant list ~ Momofuku is looking like a real possibility ~ any comments either way?
Geordy, you're a native NYer ~ any restaurant, bakery or other recommendations of stuff we shouldn't miss?
jo
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Post by geordy on Dec 4, 2012 18:23:34 GMT -5
Hey Jo, I'm not very good at NYC hotels as I di=on't stay in them  and for years friends and family stayed with me! After seeing Mez's report/photos on Trip Advisor of the Blakely I said I might start recommending that! But the Travel Inn looks nice..next time in the area I'll take a personal look!....and if the parking is important...you are driving down? Oh the food....a lot of folks coming here have an idea of what they want to sample....and there is SO much to choose from.....and the scene changes daily! Since Asian is not a passion of mine have not been to any of the Momofuko options but friends rave! Maybe now I'll get there before April  ! What are your dates? Will look thru the websites you posted and note any personal recommendations.....and keep in touch via PMs..including Annette! ...as we go along. If I try or hear of anything wonderful will send it your way! Know your time is limited.are you going to the concerts 2 nites?  ?....but would love to meet.....meal, drink, coffee, whatever fits your schedule , if possible. |
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Post by Jody on Dec 4, 2012 19:00:25 GMT -5
Jo DO IT!! NAncy 's lots of fun!!!The one place I want to go in NYC is LeCirque. It"s owned by the cousin of the owner of our favorite restaurant in London Which we have visited for 35 years,I want to see if it's as good!!
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Post by jo on Dec 5, 2012 6:14:52 GMT -5
Yes, we will be driving in (it was either points for flights or points for hotels ~ Since it's much cheaper to drive than fly, we're using the points for our 3 nights in NYC). Parking is about $50/day so a hotel that includes it saves us enough for a nice meal, lol. The Travel Inn is really not a boutique, trendy hotel, but it's clean and well located. It's still about $250/night with tax  We're trying to save where we can since the tickets were, ahem, "not cheap" We'll be in town from April 11 to 14. The concerts on on the 12 and 13 (Friday and Saturday). Geordy, maybe we can hook up for a drink or coffee at some point ~ I'd really like that. I'm seeing that prices at some of the nicer, more well known restaurants are more expensive than Paris, once you add in wine, tax and tip. We'll probably only do 1 on the Thursday night where we don't have to rush and look for a couple of cool places to have lunch on the other days. Jo |
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Post by geordy on Dec 5, 2012 7:00:22 GMT -5
You hit it right on the head Jo! For instance Jody's Le Cirque has a prix fixte at lunch which is not that bad...but say 60 in Paris means 60 plus a nominal tip...here it is plus tax(over 8%)...then plus tip...20% or so! And then the wine...very few reasonable bottles and by the glass...usually in the teens and up for a joint like that! And few menus with the wine pairings included option. Which is not to say reasonable dining is not possible...just not like in France! And Le Cirque is lovely! And just about any type of ethnic food you can think of! |
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Post by mez on Dec 6, 2012 9:58:36 GMT -5
The Travel Inn gets recommended on TA as a Manhattan hotel with parking. I did like the Blakely and would stay there again. No parking but there is a Hertz rental agency right next door. I think there's also a parking garage. On the other hand, meeting Janet at the Algonquin was a lot of fun. It's on my list for a future visit if within budget. You really could go nuts choosing a hotel in NYC.
The two blogs linked above are good and there are always multiple discussions on Chowhound.
If the weather is nice and you plan to visit MOMA, they have a nice restaurant on the fifth floor. A table on the terrace gives you a nice view of the sculpture garden.
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Post by janetnj on May 2, 2013 12:46:01 GMT -5
Jo - did you end up staying at the Travel Inn? How did you like it?
I need to book a hotel for 3 nights in May and it's one of the few reasonably priced options.
Thanks!
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and for years friends and family stayed with me! 
?....but would love to meet.....meal, drink, coffee, whatever fits your schedule , if possible.
hahahha