New York, New York, hotel help... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jjrodger · #1 08-01-2003, 05:52 PM

My family and I are UK-born and bred. We're coming to America for the first time en masse (I've been a few times myself). We're clocking in to NYC on 8 August 2003 and then on 12 August 2003 the rentals (parents) are heading to Phoenix, Az.

I'm asking for help with a few issues. NYC hotels in particular. Previously I've stayed at the Le Parker Meridien on 57th and 7th. Is it still OK? The alternatives are the Four Seasons and the new Westin Times Square. Any experience?

And what is the latest restaurant scene in NYC (bearing in mind we have our 12 year old sister with us)? We have already booked the Four Seasons 57/57 for brunch on Sunday.

Are any members Manhattan based? PM me if you are, it would be good to meet up.

Finally, I'm thinking of bankrupting myself by taking the Concorde back to blighty, just before they take it out of service. I was going to spend the money on a 190D 2.5 for running around in. Has anyone been on Concorde. It would be a childhood dream for me (actually it wood be an adulthood dream for me) to fly Concorde. Until recently I never dreamed I could afford it, but maybe if I scrimp and save for six months...

suginami · #2 08-01-2003, 09:09 PM

While I stay at the Westin Hotels very frequently on business, I would not stay at the one in Times Square for the simple reason that it is a very busy area.

There are thousands of tourists and cars and taxis. It's just noisy. I don't care how high up your room is, you can still hear the taxis honking their horns at night while you're trying to sleep.

It is a very strange custom in New York. Everyone honks their horns continuously. It does no good. Nothing changes, and nobody seems to even notice the honking. They just ignore it.

In California, we rarely use our horns, only when we are very offended, or cut-off, etc. The object of the honking horn also gets upset because they don't feel they've deserved it. Soooo, you generally end up yelling at each other and giving them the middle finger.

The Meridian and the Four Seasons are two of the best hotels to stay at in the city.

I might avoid the Meridian as the company is in bankruptcy at the moment. It was written in The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday that Hyatt might take over the operations of the hotels in the U.S.

I stayed at The Four Seasons hotel in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, and it was the best hotel I have ever stayed at in my entire life.

jamesnj · #3 08-01-2003, 11:10 PM

JJRodger any Fours Seasons is leagues above Le Meridien and the Westin. Save yourself some grief and just stay at The Carlyle.

JJRodger save your money and buy the car. Forget the Concorde. I guarantee you there will be an outfit that buys them and will start offering 1 or 2 hour amusement rides for a fraction of the cost of your JFK LHR flight.

If you insist on flying the Concorde maybe you can just buy a rt first class ticket that allows you to fly one way on the regular jet and return on the Concorde. They always have deals. Call Amex platinum/Centurion .

300EVIL · #4 08-02-2003, 12:27 AM

Waldorf Astoria

http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=NYCWAHH

elau · #5 08-02-2003, 08:45 PM

I second Park Avenue Doral. Stayed there every time I am in town for business.

Don't forget to stop by the Grand Central for a bowl of oyster soup!!

yal · #6 08-04-2003, 11:17 AM

The plaza rooms are small though.
The W on union square is pretty descent, its surrounded by a neighbourhood atmosphere away from the Times Square mad houses.
To many restaurants to name, you have to be more specific

I do like Blue Smoke on 27th between park and Lex, which is an American southern kind of joint. Very nice and you need reservations.

jjrodger · #7 08-04-2003, 11:54 AM

Thanks for all the tips, it really is a big help. I'm looking at some of the W-hotels; I really want to be in Upper Midtown, though, which is what I liked about the Meridien, although I'm put off by the bankruptcy thing. So far we haven't decided on anything, although I'm booked on Concorde!!! (against all that super-sensible advice.) I've been jumping up and down with excitement for the last 48 hours. I just can't wait for the whole trip, but especially that supersonic flight home. I'll take pictures.

JayGH · #8 08-05-2003, 04:09 PM

www.hotelfares.com

MD2B · #9 08-06-2003, 12:01 AM

I recommend eating at the Tavern on the Green in Central Park. It is a neat experience.

84300DT · #10 08-06-2003, 09:38 PM

jjr,

i have stayed at the Meridian, though it was some years ago.
the suite i had was first rate.

the Carlyle is a good hotel as someone else mentioned, as is the
St Regis.

have a good time, it sounds like a great trip! if there is anything
you need don't hesitate to e-mail/pm.

bob in ct