Need help with NYC please

[nell Member Find all posts View Profile Close nell]

I will be taking my daughter to NYC end of this month for teen vogue's "fashion u". We've never been there and I was wondering what is the best airport to fly into. We will be staying at one of the Starwood properties in Manhatten. The venue is primarily Hudson Theatre and nearby. Any help on which hotel would be closest and best airport would be appreciated. We'll be arriving late Friday. Since I'm not familiar with the city, I don't want to be traveling all over creation trying to get where I'm going. Any other helpful tidbit would also be welcome!

Jonelle

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

Ooo, Ooo, Ooo I just got back.

About the airport, fly into wherever you can get the best price, La Guardia or JFK. La Guardia is closer to the city, but I had no problem getting in or out of JFK this past weekend. I used Super Shuttle to get from the airport to my hotel and paid $15.00 one way. I was also lucky enough to be the first person dropped off once we got into the city.

I flew into JFK as I could get a direct flight from Oakland on Jet Blue. I was willing to take some extra time getting into Manhatten in order to NOT have to change planes in Denver or Chicago.

I am a NYC novice, but in doing some checking it looks like Houston would be the airport you'd fly out of??? If so, you can get direct flights on both Jet Blue (into JFK) or Southwest (into La Guradia). Didn't check the other airlines as I'd think those two would have the cheapest fares.

When you say you'll be staying at a Starwood property, does that mean any hotel under the Starwood umbrella? Looks like the Hudson Theater is around 44th between 6th and 7th. And it looks like the closest Starwood property is the W Hotel, but there are several others that aren't far.

Hopefully someone else more familiar with the city will chime in.

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

I like LGA the best, JFK as well but Newark which I hate is also easy to get into Manhattan.

[wackymother Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wackymother]

See, I like Newark and LGA and loathe JFK. Anyway, all easy to get into NYC from.

And the Hudson Theater is on West 44th between 6th and Broadway, right? (I looked it up.) The closest Starwood hotels would be...

W New York/Times Square at Bway and 47th (very close, about three short blocks)
Westin New York at 270 West 43rd (also very close)
Sheraton Manhattan at 7th and 51st (easy walk to the theater, seven short blocks)
Sheraton NY Hotel and Towers at 7th and 53rd (still walkable, an easy 1/2 mile)
St Regis at 7th and 53rd (still easy)

After that, looking at Starwood's website, you start to get a little farther away although anything in midtown would be pretty close to Times Square (which is where the theater is).

[nell Member Find all posts View Profile Close nell]

Thanks for all the help. Yes it's easiest for me to fly out of IAH in Houston. Seems the cheapest flights so far are either in and out of Newark or flying into JFK and out of Newark. I need evening flight on Friday and evening on Sunday (must see the fashion show at Bloomingdale's don't you know). DD is 16 and can't miss school without adding more hours of make up to the 5 hrs of homework each night. I think I've narrowed it down to the W Times Square or the Westin Times Square with your help. If I don't get in til about 10:30pm should I consider taking a shuttle or would I be better off with a taxi?

I'll have to try Jet Blue-didn't realize they flew out of Houston.

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

If I don't get in til about 10:30pm should I consider taking a shuttle or would I be better off with a taxi?

Arriving that late I'd want to get out of the airport fast. I waited about 30 minutes for Super Shuttle (which is the usual wait) so you might want to do a cab, or a car. I don't know how long it would take you to get the cab, might depend on how many flights are getting in since the aiports use a "queue" method. Avery gave me this information for a car service she used to use when she lived in the city. She said it's about the same price as a cab. Carmel 212-666-6666, http://www.carmellimo.com/Airports.shtml

[wackymother Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wackymother]

Yes, I'd arrange for a car service or take a cab. Be sure to give the car service your cell phone number and to keep their phone number accessible for when you arrive at the airport, just in case.

[nell Member Find all posts View Profile Close nell]

Thanks again. Where does the Super Shuttle drop you off? Though I think I would be more comfortable with a car at that time of night. Is two hours ahead of flight enough time to be at the airport. I don't know what to expect with the security lines in NY.

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

Thanks again. Where does the Super Shuttle drop you off? Though I think I would be more comfortable with a car at that time of night. Is two hours ahead of flight enough time to be at the airport. I don't know what to expect with the security lines in NY.

If you are flying into JfK or LGA use the car service I use. They are cheaper than a cab and you get a Lincoln town car as a ride.
New Pubelo Car service
718 458 3772
718 458 6464

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

Thanks again. Where does the Super Shuttle drop you off? Though I think I would be more comfortable with a car at that time of night. Is two hours ahead of flight enough time to be at the airport. I don't know what to expect with the security lines in NY.

Super Shuttle will drop you at your hotel. But, at that time of night I'd use a car service. That way someone will be there when you arrive. When I flew from Oakland to JFK on an early morning flight (which is usually about the busiest time) I went right through security, no lines to speak of. It's been like that the last two times I've flown. And coming back through JFK was a breeze as well. I have no idea about Houston. Two hours would be plenty of time, most airlines advise 90 minutes if you're checking luggage.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

At that hour, take a car service. Try Frank's, or the one Luanne posted (Carmel). The W is cool, your dd will like it.

[nell Member Find all posts View Profile Close nell]

Super Shuttle will drop you at your hotel. But, at that time of night I'd use a car service. That way someone will be there when you arrive. When I flew from Oakland to JFK on an early morning flight (which is usually about the busiest time) I went right through security, no lines to speak of. It's been like that the last two times I've flown. And coming back through JFK was a breeze as well. I have no idea about Houston. Two hours would be plenty of time, most airlines advise 90 minutes if you're checking luggage.

That's good to hear. I'm familiar with Houston's airport lines but didn't know how busy New York's lines would be.

At that hour, take a car service. Try Frank's, or the one Luanne posted (Carmel). The W is cool, your dd will like it.

I've definitely decided to get a car service (thanks Frank and Luanne). DD would prefer the W (haven't given her the options yet) but I lean toward the Westin.

Hmmm, maybe I won't give her any options.

[Luanne Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Luanne]

DD would prefer the W (haven't given her the options yet) but I lean toward the Westin.

Hmmm, maybe I won't give her any options.

I'd take Avery's advice and stay at the W. That gal knows NYC.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

I'd take Avery's advice and stay at the W. That gal knows NYC.

You won't go wrong at either. I said your DD would like the W b/c it has a 'cool' entry and 7th floor lobby, is right in the 'heart' of Times Square since it's on 47th and 7th, near the old TKTS booth... The Westin is beautiful, I love the architecture of the building. That's where would want to stay! It's just a few blocks from the W, on 8th Avenue and 43rd st.. technically one avenue over from the center of Times Square, but not significant. I haven't been INSIDE it, but it looks amazing. If you want the Westin, go for it, I'm sure you wil love it, and I doubt DD will complain! You can always go to the lounge at the W for a drink/soda (7th floor).

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

I have been to the W a few times. Great place. In fact it is my favorite hidden gem in the city. In fact I was there 3 weeks ago.