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May 29, 2005
# 7
THIS AND THAT ABOUT HERE AND THERE
By Scott H. Grody
FUGAZY INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Here is some great advise for students and budget travelers dreaming about a vacation in New York City
Traveling to New York City may seem a daunting and budget exceeding idea, but it doesn't have to be. With these helpful ideas and guidance from your travel agent you can plan a trip to New York City without breaking the bank -- no matter what your budget.
Can't decide how to spend your time in New York City? Start with this list of New York City's most popular attractions to get started planning your trip to the Big Apple.
1) Empire State Building
Tired of staring up at New York City skyscrapers? Check out New York City from atop the Empire State Building.
2) Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States in honor of the friendship established during the French Revolution. The Statue of Liberty has become an American symbol of freedom and welcome to the immigrants who come to the USA looking for a better life.
3) Grand Central Terminal
Renovations since its opening in 1913 have turned Grand Central into more than just a hub for transportation -- there are shops, dining and more available to visitors. There are group tours available, as well as free tours for individuals on Wednesdays and Fridays.
4) Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center, in midtown Manhattan, is known for its big Christmas tree, ice skating in winter, Today Show concerts, Radio City Music Hall and seemingly endless shopping and dining opportunities.
5) Ellis Island Immigration Museum
See how our forefathers entered America at this fascinating and historical Museum
6) Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is a free ferry from lower Manhattan to Staten Island, used by commuters and tourists wanting a free view of the harbor.
7) American Museum of Natural History
Since opening to the public in 1869, the museum has evolved and grown. In addition to the Rose Center planetarium and regular exhibits, the museum hosts a revolving series of new exhibits, so there is always something new to see.
8) Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim Museum, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is known for its spiral structure and unique museum experience. Displays of modern paintings, sculpture and film rotate throughout the year at the Guggenheim Museum.
9) Metropolitan Museum of Art
Over 2 million works of art from around the world and throughout history are housed at the Met.
10) Museum of Modern Art
Founded in 1929 as the first museum dedicated entirely to contemporary art, MOMA is host to an impressive collection of modern artistic efforts
11)Site Where The Twin Towers One Stood
This site is now hallowed ground…let us never forget and work hard to insure a tragedy like this never occurs again
New York City Restaurant Deals
Enjoy all the delicious cuisine that New York City Restaurants have to offer with great Restaurant deals. Many restaurants participate in New York Restaurant Week, but it's difficult to know which choices are best. And that where your experienced travel agent can help. The value of a Restaurant Week meal varies dramatically from place to place. Your travel agent can get you the list of restaurants and this list has gathered together some of the best bets for Restaurant Week where you can enjoy a great meal, a great deal and great service as well.
Restaurant Week is your chance to check out New York City's best restaurants without breaking the bank. For one week every January & June, New York City's finest restaurants offer affordable prix-fixe menus. Many of the restaurants extend their offers, particularly through Labor Day, so check with your agents for the Restaurant Week list out regardless of when you'll be in town.
Theater Discounts in New York City
Want to see a play on the Great White Way but don't think it'll fit into your budget? With these New York theater discounts, you can laugh at all the folks paying full price for Broadway (& off-Broadway) productions.
Head to the box office to see many shows for around $25.
In addition to the TKTS Booth located right on Broadway , rush and standing room only tickets offer another opportunity to see top quality performances at bargain prices.
Rush tickets are normally available either when the box office opens or a few hours before the production starts. Rush tickets are normally about $20-25 each. Sometimes a student ID is required to purchase tickets (though often with one student ID, two tickets can be purchased). Many times, box offices will only accept cash as payment for rush and standing room only tickets, so arrive at the box office prepared.
With so many variables depending on the production and box office rules, the most accurate information can be found out about rush and standing room only tickets by calling the box office for the particular show you'd like to see.
Nightlife / Bars / Music Savings
Save a buck or two with the discounts at bars, clubs and music venues around New York City. From free drinks to discount admission, these New York City bars, clubs and music venues offer great deals for visitors and residents alike. Go on-line and register for these free bees at www.about.com
Free Concerts And Movies
Summer Concerts
From Bryant Park and Lincoln Center to Prospect and Central Parks, there are musical performances (many outdoors and many free) throughout the summer.
Bryant Park 2003 Film Screenings
Every Monday night during the summer, you can see great films for free in Bryant Park.
Top 10 New York City Inexpensive Hotels
Don't blow your travel budget on your hotel in New York City. These really inexpensive New York City hotels offer safe, clean accommodations with a variety of amenities, primarily under $150 per night. This list of low cost New York City hotels offers visitors an alternative to the rather high prices of many New York City hotels. If these cheap New York City hotels are outside your price range, check out a New York City Hostel. Your travel agents will get you the best reservations at the best prices.
1) Chelsea Savoy Hotel
One of the best bargains at this well-located Chelsea hotel is the quad room, which accommodates up to four guests for $145-225 a night. Conveniently located to several subways and good nightlife and dining options, each room in this hotel has a private bath, cable television, and goose-down pillows. Rates include continental breakfast served beginning at 7:30 a.m
2) Colonial House Inn
Housed in an 1850s townhouse, the Colonial House Inn. Continental breakfast, a rooftop patio and an internet kiosk are available for guest use. Economy and standard rooms have shared baths; deluxe rooms have private baths. Sink, cable tv, and some rooms have fridges and/or fireplaces.
3) Cosmopolitan Hotel-Tribeca
All rooms at this downtown New York City hotel offer cable tv and private baths. It's well located for visitors who want to explore downtown New York City, and the subway is located just across the street for guests who want to further explore the city. Rooms with two double beds offer a great deal at $159 for groups of four traveling together.
4) The Gershwin
Primarily frequented by European and Asian guests, this New York City hotel offers a fun, funky vibe and clean rooms for a great price. Most rooms offer private baths, but there are also some dormitory-style accommodations. Available suites are great for families & groups of students. Be sure to have your travel agent check for specials.
5) Larchmont Hotel
If you don't mind shared baths, this West Village hotel offers great value in a great neighborhood. Rooms feature tvs, phones, robes and sinks, with full baths available in the hall. Continental breakfast is included and there are shared kitchenettes on every floor
6) The Marcel
Small, yet stylish rooms are the norm at this hotel. Rooms are clean, and all feature private baths. New York City bagel breakfast is served daily and there is a cappuccino machine in the lobby available 24 hours a day. Rooms feature down pillows, cd players and on-demand movies, as well as room service.
7) The Milburn
This Upper West Side gem offers reasonable accommodations in a safe, family-friendly neighborhood. Rooms include free wi-fi and access to an indoor pool a block away. In-room kitchenettes make it easy to save money. Even the least expensive rooms can accommodate up to four guests, and there is no additional charge for children staying with their parents.
8) New Yorker Hotel
Part of the Ramada chain, this hotel is conveniently located to both subways and the Jacob Javitts Center. Rooms are small and sometimes a bit worn, but they are reliably clean and often have great specials.
9) Red Roof Inn
Owned by the same group that owns the Super 8 Hotel, this is an equally well-appointed and located New York City hotel for the price. Free WiFi access and continental breakfast; all rooms have private baths, cable, & coffee makers. A solid choice when rates are low, but you can do better when rates climb toward $200.
10) Super 8 Hotel Times Square
You'll have to rethink your concept of the Super 8, as this hotel is more upscale than the typical highway-side motels. Free WiFi access & continental breakfast; all rooms have private baths, cable, & coffee makers. The hotel is well located for exploring midtown and close to subways making it easy to explore New York City.
New York is a great town and with helpful advice from your travel agent you can enjoy this great city at reasonable prices. However as the great check Emeril would say….”When you want to step it up a few notches ” New York’s Palaces , Pleasure Domes and Gastronomical Evenings can offer you a vacation fitting the demands of a Prince or Princess. In NYC there is something foe every budget.
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