NYC Here we come!!

drselect

Was hoping for some helpful information. I am planning a trip to NYC in a few weeks with my family. We plan on driving but I didn't really want to drive into the City itself. Had read someplace about driving to one of the burbs and parking vehicle a train/light rail stop and catching train/light rail into the city. We are staying at a Hotel very near Grand Central Station so if we had to go to Penn station first I figure it wouldn't be a much of problem. Would appreciate any suggestion of a safe place to park vehicle and catch train/light rail?
Thanks for your help.
drselect

cnh

What route are you coming in from: G.W. Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel?

There used to be parking almost immediately upon arrival in the city (through the Lincoln T.) that was reasonably safe, close to Port Authority!

Also, doesn't your Hotel have parking? Many do, some don't. Is it a question of cost? I know parking in the city can get a little steep.

I'm sure the Jersey guys will chime in as it's been a while since I've driven to NYC (I lived there over a decade but that was a while back).

Have fun. Lots and lots to see and do. You can't do it all in a week, a month or even a year!

cnh

Big Dawg

Don't know how long you're staying, or what leads you to want to leave your car in NJ. I lived in the city for years, and now live in NJ. As CNH said, if you drive through the Lincoln Tunnel, you can immediately park above Port Authority. Priced reasonobly for NYC, and with the extra benefit of park/lock yourself (and access whenever you want, 24 hours/day). That's what I'd recommend, rather than pay to park in the suburbs, pay for round-trip tickets on a train, with all of the associated hassles.

First option should be to call hotel and ask for their recommendation.

If your concern is the actual NYC driving, well, just stay calm and ignore horns and hand gestures of the drivers around you and you should be fine.

drselect

We will be staying 4 nights. Not long enough to probably everything we would like but long enough to see one of my children sing on the stage at Carnegie. Coming from the middle of no where (Arkansaw). Have not checked with the hotel yet but we will be driving a van which means parking lots must have clearance of 7 feet. Also don't know what the hotel will charge but I figure it will be similar to what their room rate is. Meaning A night for my van will be more than a night for a hotel room in AR. Also my kids have never been on a train before so it could be fun for the and avoid what I feel will be a hassle of driving. I will give the hotel a call though.

Systems

(Arkansaw)

Geeze, you could at least spell it right!:surprised:

My sister went a couple of years ago, and her hotel was $400/night.
If you smoke, take plenty of cigs, she said a pack was like $15 back then.:eek:

drselect

pepster wrote: »

Geeze, you could at least spell it right!:surprised::

I spelt so that someone for NY or NJ would understand
Don't smoke but really like my Sonics Route 66 and based on what I read on the NET you can now go to jail for having one of those in your possession in NYC:cheesygrin:

drselect

So I checked with the hotel. They said no problem for the van. It will just be $70 for the Valet parking. So I said that does seem to bad until the clarified that it was $70 plus tax for each day. So if I am doing my math correctly it will cost $280 + tax to park my van for 4 days and not use it.

Systems

drselect wrote: »

So I checked with the hotel. They said no problem for the van. It will just be $70 for the Valet parking. So I said that does seem to bad until the clarified that it was $70 plus tax for each day. So if I am doing my math correctly it will cost $280 + tax to park my van for 4 days and not use it.

Man, those prices seem CRAZY!
I have never been to NYC, but the last time I went back to LA, I could not say a word to anyone without them laughing at my accent, so be prepared for that.

drselect

Lasareath wrote: »

You could park in front of my house all 4 days and take a Train from my town into NYC.

Only if I can have a listening session with those 1.2TL. Of course I am still holding a grudge because you dumped those CRS+

drselect

pepster wrote: »

Man, those prices seem CRAZY!
I have never been to NYC, but the last time I went back to LA, I could not say a word to anyone without them laughing at my accent, so be prepared for that.

I am really going to confuse them because my North Dakota accent has been bastardized by my Arkansas accent.:cheesygrin:

Oldfatdogs

Not long enough to probably everything we would like but long enough to see one of my children sing on the stage at Carnegie.

That's got to make you a proud Dad.I hope you enjoy your trip.
Dan

Tankman

One day I would like to get up to da Big Apple try one of dem hotdogs or look into the window of the ABC morning show.

bklynNupe

Lasareath wrote: »

You could park in front of my house all 4 days and take a Train from my town into NYC. It's $7.25 each way per person. Children pay $3.25 (I guess that's 12 and younger, not really sure)

This will save you at least $200+ since you'll need to take the sub-way from New York Penn Station to Grand Central Station

This is probably the best bet. Parking a car with out of town plates in front of a watchful friend's house or if someone has a private parking lot in the outer boroughs is practical if you're looking to save cash. All 5 NYC boroughs has VERY little available free street parking that does not require you to move the car a couple of times a week for sanitation street cleaning. If you fail to move your car, expect a nice fat parking ticket. Parking lots in the outer boroughs is rented mostly on a monthly basis at about 20 bucks a day. Parking in a manhattan lot will cost you 20 to 40 dollars a day plus 17% tax. Most lot parking in NYC cost more than the average monthly car note plus insurance.

Another relatively reasonable option is La Guardia Airport Long Term parking lot. I believe it's 15 dollars a day. You can park, then take the MTA M60 bus into Manhattan from Queens. With no traffic, the bus ride is about 25 minutes. The bus will stop at 125th Street and Lexington avenue where you can catch the #4 or #5 train to Grand Central Station. The subway ride is 10 to 15 minutes total. Whatever you do, don't drive that car into Manhattan unless you pack a suitcase full of money. Good luck.

bklynNupe

drselect wrote: »

So I checked with the hotel. They said no problem for the van. It will just be $70 for the Valet parking. So I said that does seem to bad until the clarified that it was $70 plus tax for each day. So if I am doing my math correctly it will cost $280 + tax to park my van for 4 days and not use it.

Check the tax on that lot, it may be 17%. .. we don't use grease in NY. :cheesygrin:

bklynNupe

Lasareath wrote: »

I wouldn't go to the La Guardia Airport Long Term parking lot because driving there sucks!

nothing a little GPS wouldn't resolve. Again, your option is better as stated but I've never had an issue getting to LGA airport parking.

drselect

Did some more searching the net this yesterday and came across the Metropark in NJ anyone familiar with it? http://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=TrainStationLookupFrom&selStation=83

Upstatemax

Have fun in the city!

My tips:

Pull up the subway maps online before you go and get a good understanding of them. This can save you a lot of time and very upset little feet. If you need help in the subways, ask. People are way nicer than you would think. Honestly, they will already have you spotted and expect the questions.

Budget enough money for FOOD. You don't have to break the bank on food in NYC, but have enough money to really enjoy what the city has to offer. Stay away from chains and don't even think about eating in a "tourist" spot (Times Square). You can find really good spots that are reasonable.

One of my favorites:

http://www.giorgiosofgramercy.com/Welcome.tpl

Very good food and if the same bartender is still there, that man knows how to make a Makers Manhattan. I've found a lot of the best places are off the main drags, go down the side streets. What I like to do, while I'm walking around I'll take a note of places that look good that way you're not making split decisions with a hungry family in tow! I like to have a plan!

Again, enjoy the city!

Drenis

Lasareath wrote: »

All Polkies are welcome to listen to my system. But I need to replace a tweeter and/or MW first, I clipped my Tri-Vista the other night and fried a one or both of them.

I didn't think that was possible. Wow Sal, how can you still hear? It's a small room! :razz:

That sucks brotha...

tonyb

I find it hard to believe you clipped the Tri-vista. Maybe you just over drove the drivers Sal.

devani

subway can be confusing for first timers and visitors are very easy to spot...

You can take ferry and park your car at the same time....it's a little cheaper than parking in NYC but will be much safer and its really fun....best part is the ferry bus is free to lower part of NYC...so it pretty much evens out in the end

when finished, take the free bus back to Ferry place and back to jersey side and drive back...

I've been meaning to visit Sal's and hear 1.2TL

drselect

devani wrote: »

subway can be confusing for first timers and visitors are very easy to spot...

You can take ferry and park your car at the same time....it's a little cheaper than parking in NYC but will be much safer and its really fun....best part is the ferry bus is free to lower part of NYC...so it pretty much evens out in the end

when finished, take the free bus back to Ferry place and back to jersey side and drive back...

I know we will have visitor written all over us. Never thought about the Ferry. I know google would be my friend but if you had any specifics/link about the Ferry i would appreciate it.
Thanks.

drselect

Upstatemax wrote: »

Have fun in the city!

My tips:

Budget enough money for FOOD. !

Is this possible?
This is actually one of the things I am really looking forward to. I use to make several business trips a year to San Fran and was introduced to some excellent local dinners/delis/bistros that were non "tourist" spots. Hopefully will get a chance to find a few on this trip. So thanks for the tip.

devani

http://www.nywaterway.com/
for the link, you will be looking at hudson river one....

there are more than one ferry terminals on both NY and NJ sides and you can choose any locations listed in here....whole schedule is in here as well
See the maps for both bus route and ferry route and decide where you want to go

drselect wrote: »

I know we will have visitor written all over us. Never thought about the Ferry. I know google would be my friend but if you had any specifics/link about the Ferry i would appreciate it.
Thanks.

Big Dawg

Metropark is a fine point from which to commute, but keep in mind that it is very busy with daily commuters to NYC. Depending on when you get there you may have trouble finding a place to park. Sal's offer is far and away the best option, although I would probably use the Port Authority parking, which recently increased to $42/day (including tax, I think), to avoid carrying luggage on the train.

drselect

Big Dawg wrote: »

Metropark is a fine point from which to commute, but keep in mind that it is very busy with daily commuters to NYC. Depending on when you get there you may have trouble finding a place to park. Sal's offer is far and away the best option, although I would probably use the Port Authority parking, which recently increased to $42/day (including tax, I think), to avoid carrying luggage on the train.

Thought about trying to get there around 11:00am to avoid rush but if space is going to be a problem then may have to consider latter in the day unless early morning is better. As far as carrying stuff: current plan is packing light and backpacks. Not ideal but rather spend money on good food than parking.:cheesygrin:

drselect

devani wrote: »

http://www.nywaterway.com/
for the link, you will be looking at hudson river one....

there are more than one ferry terminals on both NY and NJ sides and you can choose any locations listed in here....whole schedule is in here as well
See the maps for both bus route and ferry route and decide where you want to go

Thanks will do some checking.

drselect

FWIW. Decided to forgo retirement for a few more years and just drive into the city and park at the hotel. Thanks for all of the advice.
Lasareath thanks for the kind offer and I wish I had time to stop bye but I would hate to unleash the rest of my family on you and they all voted to see the "Cake Boss". Hopefully will be able to meet up with one Polkie for a long awaited transaction. Maybe when I do get to retire I will be back.