Josh Jordan's Post Card From New York

New York, New York, so good they named it twice, it’s the city that never sleeps, known as ‘The Big Apple’ and one of the most visited city in the world! It's got everything you could possible want plus a whole lot more that no matter how long you stay, it still wonr be long enough.

With plus over 25 daily direct flights from the UK and good exchange rates, there's never been a better time to pack ya bags, head off to the airport and hitch a ride on a passing 747! New York is yours for the taking!

There are many ways to transport yourselves from the airport to Manhattan – where most of the hotels are and the place you really want to be. Take a famous yellow cab if you want, expect to pay about $45, that is if your driver knows where to go, which is doubtful. There are numerous shuttle companies that will take you into town without going round the houses for around $17. The cheapest way by far is take a local bus, they charge just $2 no matter what the journey!

New York is a pretty big place, so your really want to be somewhere pretty central, midtown Manhattan is a good bet as you’ll be close to the major tourist attractions and the heart of the action. You’ll find hotel’s in this neck of the woods to suit all tastes and budgets, from 2 star dives to 5 star palaces. A word of warning tho - room’s in New York are amongst the smallest in the world, so don't expect too much space!! A nice 3 star property like the Wellington Hotel with set you back between £30 and £50 per person per night, depending on when you go!. It's a good little budget base, just five min’s walk away from Times Square, plus the rooms are are good size! But, for a real touch of luxury then you should probably consider the infamous Waldorf Towers or Astroia or even better then head on up to the hang out for celebs, stars and socialites Le Parker Meridien (You'll be looking at about £60 a night - each) But worry not, there are hundreds of other hotels, no matter how deep of shallow the pocket.

Manhattan is pretty easy to get around, thanks mainly to the simple grid system of named or numbered avenues running the north/south length of the island crossed by the east/west running streets. There’s only one avenue that cuts across the island and that’s the world famous Broadway, so once you remember that, you can find your way around the city just like a local! Try the bus for just a couple of bucks or a famous yellow cab just for the experience or just take a walk and enjoy being in among the tall structures that scrape the sky.

There is just simply so much to do in New York, you’ll find it so hard to fit it all in - no matter how long you’re staying! Ok, so you wanna see a top show on Broadway but don’t want to fork out the sky high prices in advance, well ok, head to the little theatre tickets booth in the corner of Times Square or at the South Street Seaport and grab yourself a returns ticket for the same day for a fraction of the cost. Honestly, it works, just get there early in the day.

South Street SeaPort is a cool place to hangout, shops, bars and eateries there, so after you’ve purchased those cheep show tickets, you can spend some of the bucks you’ve saved enjoying yourself!

Another must is going up the Empire State building, it’s a great experience, just make sure your early in the day or you could face a long wait, but it’s a thrill to climb this classic icon of the New York skyline. Another way to get a birds eye view of the town is to take book a helicopter ride high above the tower blocks. It can be pretty pricey at around $129 for a flight lasting no more than quarter of an hour, but the memories will last a lifetime!

Pop across on the ferry to Ellis & Liberty islands is another ‘must do’ on everyone’s to do list, well come on, no trip to New York would really be complete without going to see the big green lady – Ms Liberty. Take the CircleLine ferry from Battery Park and the ticket including entrance to the Observatory will cost you just $11.50 for an adult.

Keeping to the water, then hey why not get a CircleLine tour of the harbour and New York’s waterways, it’s a great way to get a different view of the city and it doesn’t cost and arm and a leg either!

If sailing’s not your thing, then try another ‘S’ that New York is famous for………Shopping!! Bloomingdale’s on 3rd Avenue is full of the designer names without the designer price tag. Cheap bargains can be found at Century 21 on Courtland Street. DKNY is a cool place to hang at either of their top stores on Broadway or Madison, it’s a little expensive by New York standards, which cheap by our standards. No shopping exposition to New York would complete without a visit to the queen of Department stores – Macys, it’s on West 34th street so it’s nice and central. A few other shopping places you should try and get to include, Borders music and books on Park Avenue. Saks of Fifth Avenue on ermmm Firth Avenue - look out for the ‘special’ special offers on designer gear they sometimes have. Another stop should be Tiffany’s which is also on Fifth, a ring for her, cufflinks for him, a watch for dad, a neck-chain for mum – whatever you get, just keep an eye on those zero’s!!! If you want to buy a present for me, well I’d quite like the Tiffany silver luggage tag, a mere snip at $80!

You could do a typically tourist activity and take a little ride with a horse and carriage around Central Park, pick them up between Fifth and Sixth Avenue and the price is fairly fixed, expect $34 for the first 20 minutes, $54 for a 45 to 50 minute ride. It’s romantic, it’s popular and it’s not smelly as the horses wear nappies!

Whilst you up in Central Park, why not take in the Zoo if you like caged animals, not my choice, but some like it, especially the little ones. Explore this lush 843 acres of greenery, it’s well worth it, a picnic is wonderful in summer months especially as you’ll get to see all types of New Yorkers mingling with hotfooted tourists and everyone seems jolly happy!

Any trip to New York need not cost a fortune, there are plenty of things you can do for free or pretty much next to knighting. Every Wednesday you can go to The Bronx Zoo and pay what ever you wish to get in. The same applies to the Guggenhiem Museum on Friday’s between 6 and 8 pm. The Brooklyn Museum Of Art has a free entry system every Saturday at the start of the month after 6pm. New York Hall of Science also let you in for nowt in the afternoons during the summer months, so to does the Botanical Gardens of New York.

There is just so much to see, do and enjoy in ‘The Big Apple’ that to list them all here would take three months solid work and would run into thousands of pages. However, I do recommend you get yourself a good guidebook, like the Lonely Planet guide, or the popular and handy sized NYC & Company official guide to help you plan your trip. It will save you a great deal of time and probably money, so make one of your first points of call the Official Visitor Information Centre just north of Times Square, maps, books, brochures, guides are all yours for the asking.

You never know, you may even see a film or tv show being filmed on the streets, not only are daily morning news shows broadcast live from various venues accross the central area. New York is also the home to evening TV progs like the Jay Leno Show! Plus, it's been home to many films and TV shows over the years, like Gangs of New York, The Sopranos, Manhattan, Kings Of New York, King Kong, Wall Street, Cagney & Lacey, Friends, Taxi oh and who can honestly forget - the true queens of New York - The girls from Sex And The City!!!!! Yeah they all chose new York, because it's got something for everyone, it's the worlds most popular city where pretty much anything is possible, well except smoking that is!

There is so much to do, see and enjoy that you'll wish you were staying longer! It's a vibrant city, there a plenty of good eating places that to list them all here would take another three days and my fingers would be little more than stumps! But stop off at a traditional New York deli for some of the best and strangest sandwiches and begals. Oh, remember if you ask for a coffee and they say 'Regular' they're not talking size, no a coffee regular is something medium strong, white with two sugars! Mind you, with a Starbucks all around, you shouldn't have that problem. However, if you fancy a true slice of new York, head for Dean's Deli on 48th street, wicked meals, cheap prices and friendly staff mean even native New Yorkers like the place!

There's so much I still haven't touched on, like the square garden, that's not a garden and isn't square. Or the Trump Towers, Rockafella Centre, the Upper East Side, the Lower West Side, the Bronx, SoHo, Chelsea and loads of others. But armed with your guide book (an essential purchase) you'll have fun finding your own way in The Big Apple.

For more details on Virgin's award winning flights to New York click the logo above!

Email: sexandtheseafront@yahoo.co.uk

For great holiday deals, check out Last Minute.com

What are the hotels like? Read on and find out!

Milford PlazaNew York City
The Milford Plaza is located in the heart of the Theatre District. Originally built in 1928, The Milford Plaza Hotel, billed as the Lullaby of Broadway, is in a great location in the heart of midtown Manhattan. It is just around the corner from fourteen Broadway theatres and just a short walk from Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Centre, Fifth Avenue shopping, the Jarvis Convention Centre and so much more! The hotel offers a spacious, duplex marble lobby with crystal chandeliers, comfortable, well-appointed accommodations and friendly, courteous service.

Josh Says One of the most popular hotels in New York due to good prices and unrivalled location. 2 minute walk to Times Square. Good basic hotel in a good area, ideal for New York on a Budget!

______________________

Thirty ThirtyNew York City
This 12-story Midtown hotel is 4 blocks from both the Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden, and 6 blocks from Macy’s. The 350 rooms feature original artwork, kitchenettes with refrigerator and microwave, and free premium channels. The building formerly housed the Martha Washington women’s hotel, and later, the Danceteria nightclub, where Madonna got her start.

Josh says A nice 3* to 3 1/2 star hotel, not too far from the Empire State Building and Macy’s department store. A good choice for those on a budget but want to be as close to the centre as possible. A popular choice! Nice rooms with comfy beds!

_____________________

Wellington HotelNew York City
The Wellington is conveniently situated on 7th Avenue at 55th Street, just one city block from Carnegie Hall. From the elegantly appointed lobby, to each of the superbly decorated guest rooms, staying at the Wellington Hotel is designed to make travelling as comfortable as being at home. Centrally located in Midtown Manhattan, the Wellington Hotel is within walking distance of Times Square, Rockefeller Centre, Radio City Music Hall, Lincoln Centre, Central Park, Fifth Avenue Shopping, as well as world famous fine dining. Transportation is steps from the front door and can easily carry you in minutes to any of the attractions on Manhattan.

Josh Says This is a nice 3 star hotel in a good area, close to the action. Friendly staff and a good choice, I like it's location and it's cheaper than a many hotels of it's rating!

_______________________

The Barclay New York - Intercontinental.

Welcome to InterContinental The Barclay New York. This New York hotel truly captures the luxury and attitude of "the city that never sleeps.” Built in the Roaring Twenties by the New York Central Railroad, this historic, elegant New York accommodation celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. It remains one of the most luxurious New York hotels near Park Avenue.
The InterContinental Barclay is a New York hotel that will complement and enhance your stay. Guests enjoy a combination of elegance and convenience that few New York City hotels can match. Minutes from LaGuardia and JFK Airports to the doors of this legendary luxury hotel, New York unfolds before our guests in its bold glamour. Guests can easily visit the United Nations, Wall Street, Broadway Theaters, or world-famous Central Park. In fact, because of its proximity to the United Nations, this charming New York City hotel has been the choice of nearly every visiting head of state including President Ronald Reagan, François Mitterrand, Nelson Mandela and others.
When celebrities stay in the Big Apple, they too, have a favorite luxury hotel, New York’s InterContinental The Barclay. The Barclay Hotel has also been the home away from home for such celebrities as Bette Davis, Marlon Brando and Ernest Hemingway.

Josh says, Top class hotel, I've only been in the lobby, but that was nice, I'm told the rooms are a good size, comfortable and the staff seem friendly. This is a high end hotel, with a price to match, but it's still good value compared with other 4 and 5 star hotels and why not push the boat out while your in the big apple!



InterContinental - The Barclay New York - Click Here

Holiday Inn Soho

The Holiday Inn Manhattan Downtown hotel is New York's best kept secret with an enviable location bordering Tribeca and Soho, and only steps away from Little Italy and Greenwich Village.
Spend your day enjoying the artistry of Soho, the mystique of Chinatown, and the charm of the Village. Each turn will bring you to a street filled with eclectic shopping, outstanding cuisine, and cultural attractions. Conveniently located for all your downtown business needs, we are moments from Federal Plaza, the Financial District, and Wall Street.

Josh says; This is a good hotel, the rooms are as you would expect from a Holiday, this hotel also has a little lounge/restaurant and a tiny bar area which is great for a little lite snack. This is a good base if you want to sample the delights of Soho, Chinatown, little Italy and Greenwich Village.



Holiday Inn - Manhattan-Downtown/Soho - Click here

Holiday Inn 57th Street - Midtown!

Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood, The Holiday Inn Midtown 57th Street is conveniently located to famous New York attractions. Just three blocks from Central Park and Carnegie Hall with Lincoln Center nearby.
Situated within the Theater District, a Broadway show is a moment away. Fabulous shopping at Tiffany's, Niketown, Fifth Avenue, and 57th Street boutiques.

Josh says; It's a Holiday Inn, it's midtown, it's up near Central Park, it's a good sized hotel with 596 odd rooms and was renovated in 2004 so it's still kinda fresh. The rooms are a reasonable size with all the normal kit. Oh and there is a nice, slightly windy pool up top! Great in summer!


Holiday Inn - New York City-Midtown-57Th St. - Click Here

Crowne Plaza Times Square.

Experience Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan conveniently located in the heart of New York's world-famous Times Square. It's so close to all the cities hot spots - a great base to tour the city from. Centrally located near historic tourist attractions such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Madison Square Garden!
Nice rooms, well sized, and all have colour TV's, In-room movies, CD Players, Coffee Maker, 2 phones, Video check-out, Hairdryer, Iron & Board, In-room safe, Internet TV, Wi-fi broadband, free newspaper and complimentary breakfast.

Josh says, You cant want for a better location if you want to be in the heart of all the action - Times Square. It's close to everything Oh and just round the corner from the Hershey store! The rooms are well sized and typical of Crowne Plaza style and have everything you need for an enjoyable stay. The little cafe/restaurant thing in the lobby is a nice place to look out on Times Square, foods a bit over-priced for what you get, so stick to breakfast and a coffee! Nice hotel and not too pricey


Crowne Plaza Hotel - Times Square Manhattan - Click here

Le Parker Meridien

The hotel is located off Avenue of the Americas, close to central park and fashionable shopping. The hotel's rooms are designed with French ambience and decor and are larger than the New York norm. They offer far reaching views of Central Park and the Manhattan Skyline. The hotel boasts comfortable, ergonomically inspired rooms that offer both deluxe and practical amenities to please the tourist as much as the business traveler. All guestrooms have high speed internet access. The hotel has a top class restaurant and is also minutes from fine dining, entertainment and upscale shopping on 57th Street.

Josh says, This is a great high class hotel, the rooms are nice, beds big and comfy. There is a great bar, fully of nice people and the trendies!

______________________

Mandarin Oriental

Situated on the Northwest corner of Columbus Circle in the Time Warner Center, the hotel is in close proximity to Central Park, the theatre district, Lincoln Center, Fifth Avenue shopping and more.

The sophisticated and luxuriously appointed guestrooms and suites feature stunning views over Central Park, the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline. The guestrooms reflect the exotic oriental heritage of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, while incorporating the contemporary elements of the hotel's New York City location.

The French-Japanese restaurant overlooks Central Park, featuring an artistic and modern approach to French and Japanese cuisine in an environment that reflects balance, simplicity, and the concept of wellness.

Josh says This is a first class hotel, worth the money if you can dig that deep! All the rooms have DVD players and flat screen tv's. Stylish and so cool, loads of famous people have stayed here and as soon as you walk into the lobby on the 34th floor you'll see why. The views are stunning and I mean that! Ask for a park view room if you can, cuz they have the best views. You'll have to book in advance if you want a window table in the restaurant in the evening (usually about 5 weeks!) However, lunch time is easy! Love this hotel!

Holidays in New York

_____________________

Oh hey, how are you getting to the airport? Driving? Parking can be a nightmare and really expensive, so why not pre-book it and save time and money. HolidayExtra's can sure take the sting out of parking and make it so much easier. There also arrange airport hotels, transfers and even business class lounge access.

For more details;

Don't forget to keep up to date with the latest from Josh Jordan and the gang at :-

www.sexandtheseafront.blogspot.com

Blogroll Me!

Holidays in New York