Lodging & Travel Tips
Question
I'm traveling from out of state; what are my options?
Answer
1. Megabus from downtown Pittsburgh (usually about $20-35 each direction). This is what I (Kylee) use to travel between New Castle and NYC! It's a very scenic and enjoyable ride that drops you off in downtown Manhattan. 2. Flying: If you are flying, the most economical airport to fly into is LaGuardia (LGA), precisely because you can easily take a bus or train into Manhattan and avoid the sizeable fees of Uber, Lyft, or a cab. If you are okay with hiring a car, JFK and Newark are also doable (you can take public transit from these, but it will require a bit of transit know-how). 3. Driving: Driving in the city is rough, and finding parking is rougher still. So, if you'd like to drive, consider staying in an outer borough or at a hotel with parking! (See parking for more info) 4. Trains (like Amtrak) or Megabus/Greyhound from other major cities are great options as well!
Question
I'm going to drive; where do I park?
Answer
If you're driving to New York City and need to find accommodation with parking options, there are several areas to consider where you can park your car for two to three days while you're in the city: 1. Hotels with Parking: While parking at hotels in Manhattan can be expensive, some hotels offer discounted rates for guests. Consider hotels like the Hilton Garden Inn Central Park South, The Row NYC, or The Watson Hotel, which offer parking options. 2. Street Parking: While street parking in Manhattan can be challenging and limited, you may find free or metered street parking in certain areas of Manhattan, particularly in neighborhoods further away from the city center. Be sure to carefully read parking signs and regulations to avoid tickets or towing. 3. Parking Garages: There are numerous parking garages throughout Manhattan where you can park your car for a few days. Rates vary depending on the location and duration of parking. Websites and apps like ParkWhiz, SpotHero, or BestParking can help you find and reserve parking spots in advance at discounted rates. 4. Long-Term Parking Facilities: Some parking facilities in Manhattan offer long-term parking options for travelers. These facilities may offer better rates for multi-day parking compared to hourly or daily rates. Be sure to research and compare prices before choosing a long-term parking option. 5. Park-and-Ride: Consider parking your car at a park-and-ride facility outside of Manhattan and taking public transportation into the city. New Jersey, for example, offers park-and-ride facilities with convenient access to public transportation options like buses or trains into Manhattan.
Question
I'm looking for affordable lodging; where should I stay?
Answer
1. Hostels: Hostels can be a great option for budget travelers. Places like HI NYC Hostel and The Local NYC offer dormitory-style accommodations and private rooms at reasonable rates. 2. Stay in Outer Boroughs: While Manhattan is the most convenient location for the wedding, staying in the outer boroughs like Brooklyn, Queens, or even New Jersey might offer more affordable accommodation options. You can then take public transportation into Manhattan for the wedding. (See hotel parking and park-and-ride notes below) 3. Budget Hotels: Look for budget hotel chains such as Pod Hotels, The Jane Hotel, or The Bowery House. These hotels often offer smaller rooms at more affordable rates compared to luxury hotels. OUR RECOMMENDED OPTION 4.*Airbnb: Booking an Airbnb for a large group can often provide more value compared to booking multiple hotel rooms. It allows you to split the cost among the group and often offers more space and amenities such as kitchens and common areas. Additionally, be sure to communicate with the Airbnb host regarding any specific needs or questions you may have before booking. This can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay for everyone in your group. What to look for in an Airbnb. Stay as close to one of the venues as you can, or don't go further uptown (north) than 168th Street. Look for the nearest subway stop! And check the time it will take to walk there via google maps. Look for a 'Superhost' on Airbnb. I've never had a bad experience using Airbnb, but those hosts listed with the 'super host' badge are legitimately super! Responsive, helpful, kind, etc.