Travel

Hotel

Freehand New York

Freehand Hotel is where we've reserved a discounted block of rooms for the wedding. If you go to the link provided below (the VIEW button at the bottom of this description), you will be able to book your room at the discounted rate plus a waived nightly facility fee. If preferred, you can also book over the phone. Please be advised that this link (along the discounted rate) will expire on 02/12/27, and that there are only 10 rooms reserved—6 king bedrooms, and 4 queen bedrooms—all of which are first come, first served. If there are no rooms left when you go to book, let Milaci know, and she'll see if anything can be done. The wedding itself is Monday (the 15th). The block of rooms is reserved from that Friday (the 12th) until Wednesday (the 17th), but you aren't required to select the entire duration when booking. So there is no issue if you can only stay a couple of nights! We picked Freehand Hotel for it's affordability, it's cool style, and the fact that Milaci used to live in this building (previously known as the George Washington Residence) when it was still being used as an SVA dorm. (Milaci assures everyone that, since the hotel renovated the building, it is way nicer than it was when she lived there.)

Hotel

Chelsea International Hostel

For those interested in a budget option for accommodations, Chelsea Hostel is a great place to stay, and is what we recommend (having stayed there twice before, ourselves) for anyone looking outside the Freehand. It is about 1 mile from Freehand (a straight shot going east along 23rd st.) which is about a 15-20 minute walk, or a short cab/bus ride. They offer private bedrooms with private bathrooms, private bedrooms with shared bathrooms, and dorm-style shared bedrooms if you're really looking to save. We have stayed here multiple times when visiting NYC on a budget (both times in a private room, once with a shared bathroom) and have nothing but good things to say about this place. The location is great (Chelsea is one of Manhattan's most desirable neighborhoods), the price is unbeatable (you won't find anything cheaper in central Manhattan, Milaci guarantees it), their reputation is outstanding (check the reviews), it's very safe (directly across the street from a police precinct), and it's very clean. It isn't the Ritz, obviously—there will be no bells and whistles when it comes to accommodations—but if you'd rather have more bang for your buck, this is the place. Be advised that they don't allow anyone under 18 to stay here, though. If you're planning on staying here, try to book as early as you can! We cannot reserve any rooms, and space here fills up quickly.

Flight

LaGuardia

The closest airport in proximity to Manhattan. If you're planning on flying in and taking a taxi/uber/shuttle into Manhattan, this is likely your best option. That being said, if you'd like to take public transit from here, there are a few possible ways. Written out is what Milaci recommends as the easiest options, but linked below is the official guide provided by the MTA in case you want more info. To get to Freehand Hotel (by way of public transit): Take the MANHATTAN-BOUND M60-SBS BUS [$2.90] to the E 125 ST-LEXINGTON AVE SUBWAY STATION. Take a DOWNTOWN 6 TRAIN [FREE TRANSFER FROM THE M60] to the 23RD ST-BARUCH COLLEGE STATION. From there, the hotel is one block east on Lexington ave. To get to Chelsea Hostel (by way of public transit): Take the Q70 BUS [FREE] to the JACKSON HTS-ROOSEVELT AVE SUBWAY STATION. Get on a MANHATTAN-BOUND E TRAIN [$2.90] to 23RD ST. From there, the hostel is a few blocks south on 20th st. between 7th ave and 8th ave. To get back to the airport at the end of your stay, all you need to do is follow these directions in reverse.

Flight

JFK Airport

The easiest airport to use if you want to get into Manhattan by way of public transit. This was Milaci's preferred airport to fly into when she lived in NYC for this very reason. That being said, you can absolutely catch a cab/uber/shuttle into the city from here, as well (on your way home, taxi's often have a flat fare from Manhattan to JFK). To get to Freehand Hotel (by way of public transit): Take AIRTRAIN JFK [$8.50] to the SUTPHIN BLVD-ARCHER AVE SUBWAY STATION. Take a MANHATTAN-BOUND E TRAIN [$2.90] to the LEXINGTON AVE-53RD ST STATION, where you'll transfer to a DOWNTOWN 6 TRAIN [FREE TRANSFER]. Take it to the 23RD ST-BARUCH COLLEGE STATION. The hotel is one block east on Lexington ave. To get to Chelsea Hostel (by way of public transit): Take AIRTRAIN JFK [$8.50] to the SUTPHIN BLVD-ARCHER AVE SUBWAY STATION. Take a MANHATTAN-BOUND E TRAIN [$2.90] to 23RD ST. The hostel is a few blocks south on 20th st. between 7th ave. and 8th ave. To get back to the airport at the end of your stay, all you need to do is follow these directions in reverse.

Flight

Newark Airport

This airport is often the cheaper of NYC's three airports to fly through, but since it's across the river in New Jersey, it's usually the most inconvenient/expensive to get to Manhattan from. NJ's public transit system is different from NYC's, so admittedly, Milaci doesn't have any specific advice on how to use public transit from here until you get into Manhattan. Linked below is the official page detailing public transit options, though. There is a shuttle (NEWARK EXPRESS BUS) [$23.50 one way/$39.50 for a round trip] that will take you into Manhattan. It has stops in Terminal A [on LEVEL 1 outside of ZONE 16], Terminal B [on LEVEL 1, outside at BUS STOP 2], and Terminal C [LEVEL 1, outside at BUS STOP 4]. It can be boarded at any of these locations, and it will stop at Grand Central Station, Bryant Park, and Port Authority Bus Terminal. Upon being dropped off, if desired, you can catch a cab/uber to where you're staying, or take public transit. To get to Freehand Hotel (by way of public transit from the shuttle): Take the shuttle to GRAND CENTRAL STATION. From there, enter the GRAND CENTRAL-42ND ST SUBWAY STATION and take a DOWNTOWN 6 TRAIN [$2.90] to 23RD ST-BARUCH COLLEGE. The hotel is one block east on Lexington ave. To get to Chelsea Hostel (by way of public transit from the shuttle): Take the shuttle to PORT AUTHORITY BUS STATION. From there, enter the 42ND ST-PORT AUTHORITY BUS TERMINAL SUBWAY STATION, and take a DOWNTOWN C/E TRAIN [$2.90] to 23RD ST. The hostel is a few blocks south, on 20th st. between 7th ave. and 8th ave. To get back to the airport at the end of your stay, all you need to do is follow these directions in reverse.

Train

Penn Station

A number of us (Milaci & Jarett included) will be taking an Amtrak train that will take us directly into Manhattan (Penn Station/Moynihan Train Hall). It's a potentially cheaper and more convenient option if you're alright with the journey taking longer (and if you book in groups of three or more, you will be eligible to get a discounted ShareFare). Penn Station is only a mile from the Freehand Hotel (and a little less from Chelsea Hostel). Unfortunately, Milaci and Jarett will have to get into the city early to obtain the marriage license before the weekend, so we will likely be departing on a Thursday train. A taxi/uber would be easy to hop into from here, but if you'd rather use public transit, Penn Station has a direct line into the NYC subway. To get to Freehand Hotel (by way of public transit): From 34TH ST-PENN STATION, take a DOWNTOWN 1 TRAIN or a DOWNTOWN C/E [$2.90] to 23RD ST, and transfer to the M23 EAST-BOUND CROSSTOWN BUS [FREE TRANSFER] to E 23RD ST-PARK AVE SOUTH. The hotel is one block east on Lexington ave. To get to Chelsea Hostel (by way of public transit): From 34TH ST-PENN STATION, take a DOWNTOWN 1 TRAIN or a DOWNTOWN C/E TRAIN [$2.90] to 23RD ST. The hostel is a few blocks south, on 20th st. between 7th and 8th ave. To get back to Penn Station at the end of the trip, all you need to do is go back through these directions in reverse.

Travel Note

Driving/Renting A Car

If you choose to drive to NYC, you must be prepared for a copious amount of toll roads, some truly insane traffic patterns, and the exorbitant cost of parking. The closest parking garage to Freehand Hotel (which is at 215 E 24th St) is linked here through the VIEW button below. MAKE A RESERVATION if you intend to make use of it. Spaces can sometimes fill up quickly. This garage is located about a block and a half east from Freehand Hotel. At the time we're writing this, parking costs seem to be $45 per day for regular cars, $55 for SUVs/minivans, and $65 for anything bigger. If you plant to drive, we recommend you research the cost of tolls on your way into Manhattan. Depending on your route and time of day, they can be anywhere from $1-$30 each way, and are collected by mail. We do NOT recommend that you rent a car. Parking is expensive, and driving in Manhattan is a nightmare. We promise you that it will be easier/cheaper to take a cab anywhere in Manhattan you'd like to go if you don't want to walk or use public transit. Also important to note: the drivers of NYC have no fear or mercy. This extends to their attitudes towards bikers (bikers, in turn, have no fear or mercy towards both drivers and pedestrians, so be careful when you cross in front of one).

Travel Note

Traveling Between Freehand & Chelsea Hostel

For those who choose to stay at Chelsea Hostel, Freehand Hotel is about a mile east along 23rd st. The best way to travel between the two by way of public transit is to catch the EAST-BOUND M23 BUS to the PARK AVE stop. From there they hotel is about a block east on Lexington. Walking from Chelsea to Freehand is also an easy option (and one Milaci made use of very often throughout college). It will take you about 15-20min walking (eastward) straight down 23rd st to make it to Freehand.

Travel Note

Some Notes About the NYC Subway/Bus System

The subways and buses are now tap-to-pay (called OMNY), meaning all you have to do is tap your phone or contactless credit/debit card against the reader on the turnstile or in the bus to be admitted. Each fare is $2.90. You'll automatically get free transfers if you use the same devise/card for both legs of the trip, and if you pay for 12 rides with the same devise/card within a 7-day period, and all additional rides within the week are free. Freehand Hotel's closest subway station is the 23RD ST-BARUCH COLLEGE (6 train) station at the corner of 23rd st. and Park ave. Chelsea Hostel's closest subway stations are the 23RD ST(1 train) station, at the corner of 23rd st. and 7th ave., and the 23RD ST (C/E train) station, at the corner of 23rd st. and 8th ave. If you're unsure where you're going, Google/Apple maps is your best friend!! It will give you very detailed public transit instructions if you select that option while searching directions. We use it whenever we've gotten turned around or want to know which train will get us where we're going faster.

Travel Note

A Note About Taxi's

To hail a taxi, all you need to do is get their attention by raising your arm from the edge of the sidewalk. If the taxi is available, they are legally required to stop for you. When the numbers on top are lit up, that means that the taxi is available. If the light is off, it's already in use by someone else. Linked is a guide for determining the cost of cab fare!