Originally Posted by Englishmum

Forgot to mention:

A great way to get from JFK (or Newark) to Manhatten is to use a car service....it actually works out cheaper in most cases than using a taxi and the cars are those nice black limos.

For example, I do voluntary work at Newark and the taxi rate from EWR to Manhatten by taxi is $60-$70 (depending on which part of Manhatten) + toll (approx $9 or $10) + tip.

The car service has a fixed price to anywhere in Manhatten ($40) + toll + tip for the car - it's not charged per person:

http://carmelcarservice.com/ (I've used Carmel myself and recommend them)

also Dial 7 (owned by the same parent company):

http://www.dial7.com/

You can book with both online so there will be a car waiting for you when you arrive at JFK. * I have some coupons for $6 off the fixed price which I can mail to you if you wish - just send me a PM*.

On the other hand you could take the minibus shuttle service at $17 each + tip, or the trains....but it will be longer (the vans call in at various hotels to drop off) and you will obviously be tight on time....how nice to arrive in style, eh?

For 'ground transportation' options to/from JFK:

http://www.panynj.gov/aviation/jgtsfram.htm

Hope this helps!

Originally Posted by gruffbrown

If that's the Midtown Helmsley, it's a nice hotel.

Originally Posted by Partystar

Thanx for all the info, I would like to book a car from Carmel service, but am a bit hesitant, as we're arriving on 2 different flights & worry that one of them will be delayed, then the driver will have to wait around. So maybe we'll just get a train, what do you think?

Originally Posted by Elvira

You're flying into JFK, right?

There is also a bus that goes to various convenient midtown locations, including Grand Central. They are pretty frequent (every 15-20 minutes or so), costs $15 and it usually takes about 45 minutes.

Just follow the signs or ask at the information in the baggage hall.

Originally Posted by Partystar

Yep, JFK. We could walk to our hotel from Grand Central, me thinks, thanx!

Originally Posted by Elvira

Also goes to POrt Authority and Penn Station:

http://www.nyairportservice.com/jfk_manhattan.html

Have fun!! (Whatever you do, go to MOMA!!! )

Originally Posted by Partystar

I think that's what we'll do, thanx.

Originally Posted by TruBrit

can't remember when it is exactly you head off to New York but have a good one and watch out.... don't overdo it now you've turned a quarter of a century

Originally Posted by Partystar

It's alright, I've bought myself one of those wheelchair cart things that the fat people ride here, just for the trip!

Originally Posted by Partystar

Sorry it took so long to reply, but it's been hectic with Mum here. Thanx for all the info, I've cancelled our booking with this hotel & booked another one, we will now be staying near Central Park (The NY Helmsley), it's a bit more expensive, but I'd rather not risk getting bed bugs.

Are you still able to meet up with us? I'm really looking forward to it!

Originally Posted by TruBrit

well be sure to hang onto it coz you might need it to put your shopping in

Originally Posted by Englishmum

I think you did the right thing.....it was probably a nice hotel in its heyday but when I walk past there and look inside it looks rather seedy/grubby to be honest. Now that the announcement has gone out that the place will be demolished I can imagine that the service will deteriorate further.

Yes, happy to meet up! Will send a PM in a few days.

Ha ha - it's not just the Pennsylvania Hotel that has bed bugs!

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article...0-2549525.html

Originally Posted by Partystar

Excellent.

There was no penalty for cancelling the reservation, but I'm not too keen on the fact that it doesn't send you anything confirming the cancellation, there's nothing to print out online either.