New York City Thread II

[sandd]

Hello junetwentythree - looking into apartments for short term rentals instead. I've been browsing HomeAway and VRBO. I also tried looking at AirBnb and others. Would you have other suggestions? We prefer a small one bedder with kitchen and living area.

[sandd]

NYers, is E 30th St, between Madison and Park Ave ok?

[junetwentythree]

^ Hi sis sandd That's a good area. Pretty busy, business oriented, lots of small shops, plenty of restaurants. Access to the 6 (green line) and R (yellow line) closeby. Not too far from Herald Square (Macy's), Madison Square Garden.

I've only looked into AirBnB for my parents but I've not actually booked using them. But I've heard both good and bad. I'm probably not the best person to ask about sites to find accommodations  but I can definitely give advice on the areas you're looking into! 

[iamsuperizch]

^^^we got our 1BR flat via Airbnb.  We stayed there for a week only.  It was ok naman.  Patty Laurel-Filart booked their NY flat via Roomorama so I guess you could check it out too.  You can read it here and here.

[sandd]

Hello junetwentythree, thanks for the input. I am looking at different areas and noticed the east side is slightly reasonable. I have not tried airbnb either but will have to try this time. Most of the advertisers pointed me to their proper website and company, that makes it less stressful knowing they are legit and most of them doesn't required full payment which is good as well. Also found one around Hells Kitchen W47th that OK too?

Hello iamsuperrizch, yeah tried roomorama as well. Most of these types of accommodation sites do share database I found. Most of the listings are similar it all comes down to their policies I assume. Thanks for your input.

[junetwentythree]

^ Hell's Kitchen is a relatively good area. Kinda depends where. It's definitely closer to more attractions though and you have a bit more options so far as subway lines. Do you by any chance have cross streets?

[mama squeak!]

^^I always use airbnb for our trips in Europe. So far all of them are good experiences. We wanted to use airbnb sana for our NYC trip since renting an apartment is really way cheaper than staying at hotels there. We didn't use airbnb this time since our visit will be shorter and our arrival will be very late at night. More convenient for us to get a hotel instead.

[sandd]

^ Hell's Kitchen is a relatively good area. Kinda depends where. It's definitely closer to more attractions though and you have a bit more options so far as subway lines. Do you by any chance have cross streets?

On 9th Ave. When I started searching, I really liked the Soho area, pero ngayon i think it's way too far from everything however there is no questioning location is good it also comes hand in hand with higher rates. I've looked at suites at Christopher's at Chelsea too. I am getting confused now! 

mama squeak, I'd agree it's cheaper and good for the longer stay. And in comparison, a $350 hotel will be a small cube room as oppose to a $350 apartment with bigger moving space is why I like the apartments better.

[junetwentythree]

9th Ave is pretty far West. Know that Avenues are longer so you can gauge distance this way.
Check out this link http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/17/nyregion/thecity/17fyi.html?_r=0 for more info.

The areas you mentioned are great. While they're not immediately in the vicinity of the tourist attractions, part of the NYC experience I think is seeing the city away from the where the normal touristy attractions would be. Also, if you have time, seeing the city on foot is best! But whenever you get tired, the subway is so convenient that you can just hop on one just about anywhere 

[sandd]

Oh sorry june, i meant W47th along 9th is pretty much Hells Kitchen area still right?

[junetwentythree]

Yep it is still Hell's Kitchen.

[sandd]

junetwentythree you are very helpful. I feel I am really close to booking an apartment!

[junetwentythree]

^ Glad to be of help, sis sandd ! When are you guys coming to NYC?

[sandd]

junetwentythree we'll be there on 7- 15 Nov! Autumn in NY! Wahhh love that movie back in the days. How cold does it get there at that time?

[junetwentythree]

It gets pretty chilly. But it's that cold, crisp air that's gorgeous Fall weather. I'd bring a coat for sure, a lighter one, with a scarf and perhaps a hat. That should suffice. You're visiting during one of my favorite times of the year (Spring is the other)  you'll see the leaves turn and fall lol but it's just beautiful.

[sandd]

I am so looking forward to it. We were meant to go in October but had to move a month later due to work. I plan to travel light with the basic cold weather essentials. Everything in Australia is expensive so I plan to bring heaps of sale shopping coming back! hahaha.. I hope I will be successful in that department as well.

[junetwentythree]

I hope you are too! I'm not sure what big sales there are during that time but there's always something! Definitely hit up Soho, but deviate a bit from the usual shops on Broadway. The Lower East Side also has some hidden gems of great boutiques and such. Also if you get up to the Lincoln Center area, there's a Century 21 up there now, far less crowded compared to the one downtown.

[sandd]

Sis even the regular priced items are way cheaper in the US than over here, so I would treat that as a bargain! No major sales required but of course would be lot better is there is one.
Will note those down as I enjoy checking out independent smallish boutiques. Good price and very original designs.
So tell me, what is the big obvious difference between West and East?

[junetwentythree]

Oh wow sis sandd! Didn't realize it was so expensive in Australia! A fellow from Melbourne chatted me up a few weeks ago and he kept saying I should visit Australia but he made no mention shopping would be more expensive! Gotta keep that in mind when I visit because I would like to one day.

I guess it kinda depends what part of the city you're in. The East and the West Village are pretty comparable, so far restaurants, shops, nightlife, crowds. Midtown, the West side is a bit more industry (garment) and touristy, while the East side is more residential and business oriented. Then you get to the Upper West side where it becomes more residential, but still with its fair share of restaurants. The Upper East side is pretty similar, just a tad bit different in look and feel. Harlem and East Harlem are also slightly different, I personally prefer East Harlem better in terms of food selection .

I'm an east-sider  Work in the UES and live in the LES. I rarely venture in the west side these days, when I do, I usually stay downtown (West Village). I guess you can say I prefer the east side There's already so much to do here. There's a saying about New Yorkers who never leave their neighborhoods because everything is within a 2 block radius 

[sandd]

Oh sis junetwentythree do not let me scare you! Haha.. Sydney is an expensive city compared to Melbourne. Both are very different in so many ways but authentically Aussie! I do not live in the city proper itself and I can relate to your radius concept. There are so many good stuff in all different areas that we are pretty much happy not having to go to the city not unless necessary.

The only way to experience a place is just to go there and we'll learn for the next trip, that is if there is a next one! I am so excited, still haven't booked our accommodation, it's a bit frustrating with the vacation rentals, they appear to be available on dates searched but when you drop them a message they'll advise otherwise. We are however set in getting an apartment rather than a hotel. I am eyeing one around the Fashion Institute of technology. Hoping it's available and I will lock it in.

You should definitely visit Australia, just do not do shopping here!