NYC on a budget!

BD Hotel Group has started a chain of POD Hotels in the City.  The first was Pod51 on 51st Avenue between 1st and 2nd Avenues.  The second is Pod39 on 39th Avenue between Lexington and 34d - just 3 blocks from Grand Central.  These stylishly appointed rooms are smaller but designed to maximize the space.  Climate controlled rooms feature flat screen tvs and free wi-fi.  Pod 39 has a roof top bar with midtown views, a lounge with a fire place, couches and ping pong tables and a lobby restaurant.  Rooms include single beds, bunk beds, double and queens.  Rates range from $85 to $169 for a bunk bed room, $105 to $279   for a double and queens based on season rates.  http://www.thepodhotel.com

A sister property, The Jane, is located in the West Village at Jane Street & West Street.  Once a hotel for sailors, most of the rooms are 50 square feet like a ship's cabin with rates from $99 to $125 with a shared bath.  There are also Captains Cabins with a Queen bed and private bath for $250.   Cafe and bar in this historic property in a great neighborhood.  http://www.thejanenyc.com/

Visit the Holiday Markets

Do you enjoy the European Style Holiday Markets?  There are at least two opening this weekend for a taste of Europe in New York City, one already open and another that opens later in November!  

The first to open is Holiday Shops at Bryant Park. Over 100 boutique style shops nestled through the park near the ice skating rink.  This one is open until January 6th.  Hours are 11 - 8 Monday to Friday, 10 - 9 Saturday and 10 - 6 on Sunday. 

Opening this weekend is Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal.  76 vendors with a unique variety of gifts...many hand crafted in the New York City area.  Last year my sister in law and I bought several gifts here.  Everything from artwork, home decor, bath products, handbags, clothing, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, and men's and children's items.  Open 10-8 Monday through Saturday.  11 to 7 pm on Sunday.  Closed on Thanksgiving Day.   

Also Union Square, at the intersection of Park Avenue South, Broadway, 14th Avenue South and Union Square offers more of a global market and features more food and beverage items to enjoy while shopping.  This one is open 11 - 8 Monday to Friday, 10 - 8 Saturday and 11 - 7 on Sundays.  Also closed Thanksgiving Day.

The last one to open is the Columbus Circle Market at Central Park and Columbus Circle.  Reflecting the neighborhood, this market is a little more elegant featuring mother/daughter apparel, artisan truffles, handmade puzzles and food and beverage vendors.  Open Monday to Saturday 10 - 8, Sunday 11 - 7, and 10-4 on December 24th.  

Alternative to a hotel stay

Are you looking to live like a New Yorker while you visit the city?  A friend just visited Manhattan and stayed at http://1015nyc.com/.  They have five units right near Bryant Park in the heart of mid-town.  There are 2 two bedroom suites, 2 one bedroom suites and 1 studio.  The two bedroom units can sleep 6 in two queen beds and a queen sofa sleeper.  The one bedroom sleeps 4 in a queen bed and a queen sofa sleeper.  All have fully equipped kitchens and have been remodeled recently.  The only downsides I see is are that it is a walk-up --- no elevators, and they have no luggage storage if your flight is much later than the 11 am checkout.  Rates for the 2 bedroom range from $299 to $499, one bedroom $289 to $489 and studio.  Although looking at their availability calendar online, there are some great mid week bargains to be had such as the 2 bedroom for $179 per night for a Monday/Tuesday in November. 

The Market NYC

If you are visiting Greenwich Village, stop into "The Market NYC".  Local artists and designers  display apparel, jewelry, home decor, art, accessories and furniture.  Sometimes there is live music.  "The Market NYC" is open Wednesday to Sunday noon to 8 pm.  159 Bleeker Street between Thompson & Sullivan.

Bleeker Street

The most Italian feeling plaza I have found in NY is on Bleeker Street and Carmine Street in Greenwich Village.  Stopped for a grilled cheese with carmelized onions at Murray's and walked one block west to this cute park.  There is an Italian restaurant on one corner, a gelato shop on another, Molly's Cupcakes across the street and Our Lady of Pompeii looming overall.  What a delightful way to spend a day in the city!

If you are in the city this weekend: FREE CONCERT September 9, 2012 11:30am Times Square

The hottest shows on the coolest street in NYC!   The official kick-off for the new Broadway theatre season at the 20th anniversary of Broadway on Broadway®, presented by United Airlines and the New York Times. "Today" host Kathie Lee Gifford serves as emcee for the annual free outdoor concert in Times Square featuring a live orchestra. Participating shows (subject to change) include Annie, Bring It On: The Musical, Chicago, Mamma Mia!, Newsies, Motown: The Musical, Once,Scandalous: The Life and Trials of Aimee Semple McPherson, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, and the Off Broadway hits Bare and Stomp. There will be special presentations including a sneak peak of season 2 of NBC's "Smash." The fun starts at 11:30am on September 9, but be sure to arrive early to get a great spot. More info at BroadwayOnBroadway.com.

Broadway Week Sept 4-16, 2012

Two for 1 Tickets during Broadway Week September 4 - 16.  Follow this link to order tickets to the hottest shows:  http://editor.ne16.com/vo/?MailID=24965494&m=8b42c8bd-7987-45c1-b5fb-72bbec921773

Shows include:  Evita, Chicago, Once, Peter and the Star Catcher, Porgy and Bess, Spiderman - Turn Off the Dark, and Wicked.  My daughter and nephew just saw Peter and the Star Catcher and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Daffy's closing

Sad News that Daffy's stores are closing....but if you are willing to do a little hunting, there are great deals to be found  Each week from now until the official closing in October they will increase the percentage off of items in store.  Right now everything is about 30% off their usual discounted price.  See Daffy's listings under shopping for locations!

New York Restaurant Week has been announced for July 16 - August 10.   Reservations are being accepted now.  Prices are $24.07 for lunch and $35 for dinner.  Visit the NYCGO.com website to see which restaurants participate and make your reservations!




http://links.mkt355.com/servlet/MailView?ms=NDYzNjIyMAS2&r=MjM5NTY2NDQ4NDAS1&j=Mjc3ODI1Njc4S0&mt=1&rt=0

NYC Maps for Iphone, and IPad

NY & Co, the official tourism web sight of New York City, along with CityMaps.com have combined to create a FREE I Phone/IPad App with a great interactive map of Manhattan.  

Using easy-to-recognize logos and names of stores, restaurants, bars and more, NYC Map makes it simple to figure out exactly where you want to go and what you want to do and see. “You are here.” Now where do you want to be?

 
Navigation and filtering features: 
•Filter businesses by type to see only what you need on the map: restaurants, shopping, entertainment, bars & nightlife, hotels, OpenTable restaurants. •View parking locations and rates. •Easily center the map on your current location or choose any neighborhood in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, or Staten Island. •Complete business-profile information (phone number, website, hours, photos, etc.). 

Real-time information and offers: 
•Real-time display of available daily deals from sites like Groupon, Living Social, restaurants.com, nycgo.com and more. •Complete restaurant information, including menus and reservations via OpenTable. •Real-time display of local businesses' tweets. •Complete movie theater information, including movies, show times, tickets and trailers via Fandango.

Serendipity3

I enjoyed my first Frozen Hot Chocolate from Serendipity3 with Mary Crawford. A delicious treat that we walked off on the Upper East Side shopping. We both had Chicken Pot pies for lunch and found them quite tasty without being heavy.   Serendipity3 is located on E 60th Street between 2nd & 3rd Avenues.

Special offer on Hilton Hotels

Follow this link for savings at the Hilton Family of hotels in NYC.  http://www.seasonofsavings.com/photos/springpdf/hilton.pdf

If you are planning a trip to NYC for fall 2012, check into this offer from Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Spectacular:
http://content.msg.com/?IKkK.pxHmEWoi5m3ero2IOhPNHazpLjQI

Fleet Week

Every year the City of New York hosts Fleet Week.  This year thousands of Marines, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen will sail in May 23 -30 2012 to celebrate the Bicentennial of The War of 1812.  They will join nine Tall Ships including the 370 foot Juan Sebastian Elcano built in 1927 which now serves as a Naval training vessel for the Spanish Navy.  The Navy's Blue Angels will also be giving air demonstrations.  Boats are available for touring and exhibitions are scheduled each day.  For more information see:  http://www.fleetweeknewyork.com/index.html

Hotels

The most frequent questions I get are how to get a good deal on a hotel, where do I stay, etc.  My husband recently found this website http://www.tingo.com  which I have checked into.  The idea is that you book through them for a "Money-Back" room with a pre-payment on your credit card  and if the price drops on the hotel room before your stay, they will re-book you at the lower rate and refund the purchase automatically to your credit card.  You will receive an email notifying you of the change.  Their rates are very good anyhow, so if you book and it doesn't go down, you've still received a great deal.   A quick search of hotels in Manhattan yielded Hilton Manhattan East, Milford Plaza, The Standard in East Village, The Plaza, Waldorf Astoria and many quality boutique hotels.  An interesting alternative are the Metro Apartments on West 41st.  Studios, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, balconies, wi-fi, and laundry facilities.  Renovated in 2011, a studio with a queen bed lists for $142 with the "Money Back" guarantee.  The 1 bedrooms with 2 queen beds do not include the Money Back offer but average $221 per night.  Still a great rate.

Subway Maps

The Metropolitan Transit Authority's website has good subway maps and schedules.  http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm
The home page has a trip planner widget that can help you figure out your best options for travel in the city. http://www.mta.info/  The widget is also located on the right side of EZ-NYC home page.

Health Dept Restaurant Ratings

Check out the health department restaurant ratings before you eat with this great link to the New York Times:  http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/dining/new-york-health-department-restaurant-ratings-map.html?smid=FB-nytimes&WT.mc_id=DI-E-FB-SM-LIN-NYH-022912-NYT-NA&WT.mc_ev=click
It includes what the violations were also.

Broadway Week

Broadway week is January 17 to February 4, 2012.  2 for 1 tickets via http://www.nycgo.com/broadwayweek/?a=1&b=1&cid=getmore_shubert_eblast#p3grid


Shows include:  Anything goes, Chicago, Chinglish, Gershwin's Porgy & Bess, Godspell, Jersey Boys, The Lion King, Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins, Memphis, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, Phantom of the Opera, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Relatively Speaking, The Road to Mecca, Rock of Ages, Seminar, Sister Act, Spider Man - Turn off the Dark, Stick Fly, Wicked, and Wit.

Restaurant Week

January 16 to February 10 is NYC Restaurant "Week".  This is the 20th Year for this event.  Restaurants offer Three Course Prix-Fixe Lunches ($24.07) and Dinners ($35).  You must make reservations ahead of time at  http://www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek/ .  The offer is good Monday through Friday.  Beverages, taxes and tip are not included in the price.  The website is great - you can search by cuisine, neighborhood, restaurant name or meal.    

The New York Times has an excellent travel section.  Today's article was about ways to save money using websites: http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/travel/19-web-sites-for-travel-savings-in-2012.html?WT.mc_id=TR-D-I-NYT-MOD-MOD-M235-ROS-0112-L2&WT.mc_ev=click&WT.mc_c=177341

New York City Guide

Uptown - north end of town (Central Park area)

Downtown - south end (Wall Street, Battery Park) below 14^th Street

6^th Avenue - Avenue of Americas

5^th Avenue divides the city between east and west. 

S - subway line