Weekend in NYC-OT

Well kind of off topic, but just wanted to post a comparison of a land
based trip vs. the value for dollar of a cruise vacation. For anyone out
here that is contemplating cruising GO! I went to New York City this
past weekend and for what we paid in hotel rates, parking, taxes, meals,
cocktails & a Broadway show we could have taken a short 3 or 4 day
cruise!

We reserved an Executive Floor room at the Hilton New York at 6th Ave. &
53rd St. I have stayed at this property before and there have been
noticeable renovations to the public areas and lobby, however we were
highly disappointed in the executive club room we had on the 44th floor.
Upholstered chair and ottoman near the window was very soiled and
stained and had a huge tear on the one arm rest from obvious 'wear and
tear' over time. Amenities were lacking no bathrobes available in room
as stated as part of the 'upgraded' amenities of the executive floor.
Took two calls to guest relations before we got them delivered. I did
send an email to Hilton HHonors customer service and waiting to hear
back. Room cost with taxes $300+ dollars. Show tickets to see 42nd
Street on Broadway, upper balcony seating matinee $99+ dollars for two.
After show cocktails at the Marriott Marquis in the Broadway Lounge $36
dollars. Dinner at the Rainbow Room for two $150+ and this was just for
cocktails and entree only...everything on the menu was a la carte!
Parking $40 per night. Throw in a light lunch in Little Italy for around
$45 bucks and taxi fares. Volia! There you go a short cruise for two
including your accommodations, food and entertainment...naturally
cocktails and grats. are extra. Just making a point that a cruise value
for dollar is EXCEPTIONAL for what you have to 'shell out' in cash for a
land based weekend getaway. Granted, you can stick to a budget and go
cheaper, but I don't think you can do any better than a cruise! Overall
NYC was a nice weekend get-away, but I can't wait to sail the seas
again! Hope February comes quick!

Len...

"Len C." <LEN_C@> wrote in message
news:23480-412522FC-194@storefull-3353.bay....
> Well kind of off topic, but just wanted to post a comparison of a land
> based trip vs. the value for dollar of a cruise vacation. For anyone out
> here that is contemplating cruising GO! I went to New York City this
> past weekend and for what we paid in hotel rates, parking, taxes, meals,
> cocktails & a Broadway show we could have taken a short 3 or 4 day
> cruise!
>
> We reserved an Executive Floor room at the Hilton New York at 6th Ave. &
> 53rd St. I have stayed at this property before and there have been
> noticeable renovations to the public areas and lobby, however we were
> highly disappointed in the executive club room we had on the 44th floor.
> Upholstered chair and ottoman near the window was very soiled and
> stained and had a huge tear on the one arm rest from obvious 'wear and
> tear' over time.

Not good.... we're raising the bar.

> Amenities were lacking no bathrobes available in room
> as stated as part of the 'upgraded' amenities of the executive floor.
> Took two calls to guest relations before we got them delivered. I did
> send an email to Hilton HHonors customer service and waiting to hear
> back. Room cost with taxes $300+ dollars. Show tickets to see 42nd
> Street on Broadway, upper balcony seating matinee $99+ dollars for two.
> After show cocktails at the Marriott Marquis in the Broadway Lounge $36
> dollars. Dinner at the Rainbow Room for two $150+ and this was just for
> cocktails and entree only...everything on the menu was a la carte!

VERRRY nice.

Next time.... Tavern on the Green.

--Tom

> Parking $40 per night. Throw in a light lunch in Little Italy for around
> $45 bucks and taxi fares. Volia! There you go a short cruise for two
> including your accommodations, food and entertainment...naturally
> cocktails and grats. are extra. Just making a point that a cruise value
> for dollar is EXCEPTIONAL for what you have to 'shell out' in cash for a
> land based weekend getaway. Granted, you can stick to a budget and go
> cheaper, but I don't think you can do any better than a cruise! Overall
> NYC was a nice weekend get-away, but I can't wait to sail the seas
> again! Hope February comes quick!
>
> Len...
>

Yes, New York City is expensive. So is Paris, London and many other large
cities. In Reyjkavic, Iceland, a beer in a cafe is $8.50 US equivalent and
an average meal is more expensive than any of the above cities.

However, just to be picky and in no particular order. The Rainbow Room is
known as an expensive tourist oriented restaurant. Zagat could have found
you better, more interesting food in a nice restaurant within walking
distance for much less money. Round trip subway for 2 to little Italy would
have been $4.00 instead of the $20.00. taxi fare you paid. You didn't need
to stay on the Hilton Executive Floor and in any event, using the web, you
could have found a comparable hotel for less money. There are many special
weekend rate deals. And hotels like the Marriott for drinks are expensive
in any city.

Parking is a problem if you want to be near the hotel. You could have
parked further away and taken transportation to the hotel since you didn't
use your car in the city.

"TICKETS" near your hotel sells 1/2 priced seats for shows. You would have
still paid $100 for two (Broadway seats are now close to $100 each) but
would have had better seats).

What I'm saying is that I don't think you did your HOMEWORK before coming.
And incidentally, there are many, many extras on cruise ships (excursions,
casino, bar, wine, art auction, photog, special dining, etc. etc.) that will
drive up your cruise bill if you don't watch your $.)

Just my opinion.

IMD




"Len C." <LEN_C@> wrote in message
news:23480-412522FC-194@storefull-3353.bay....
> Well kind of off topic, but just wanted to post a comparison of a land
> based trip vs. the value for dollar of a cruise vacation. For anyone out
> here that is contemplating cruising GO! I went to New York City this
> past weekend and for what we paid in hotel rates, parking, taxes, meals,
> cocktails & a Broadway show we could have taken a short 3 or 4 day
> cruise!
>
> We reserved an Executive Floor room at the Hilton New York at 6th Ave. &
> 53rd St. I have stayed at this property before and there have been
> noticeable renovations to the public areas and lobby, however we were
> highly disappointed in the executive club room we had on the 44th floor.
> Upholstered chair and ottoman near the window was very soiled and
> stained and had a huge tear on the one arm rest from obvious 'wear and
> tear' over time. Amenities were lacking no bathrobes available in room
> as stated as part of the 'upgraded' amenities of the executive floor.
> Took two calls to guest relations before we got them delivered. I did
> send an email to Hilton HHonors customer service and waiting to hear
> back. Room cost with taxes $300+ dollars. Show tickets to see 42nd
> Street on Broadway, upper balcony seating matinee $99+ dollars for two.
> After show cocktails at the Marriott Marquis in the Broadway Lounge $36
> dollars. Dinner at the Rainbow Room for two $150+ and this was just for
> cocktails and entree only...everything on the menu was a la carte!
> Parking $40 per night. Throw in a light lunch in Little Italy for around
> $45 bucks and taxi fares. Volia! There you go a short cruise for two
> including your accommodations, food and entertainment...naturally
> cocktails and grats. are extra. Just making a point that a cruise value
> for dollar is EXCEPTIONAL for what you have to 'shell out' in cash for a
> land based weekend getaway. Granted, you can stick to a budget and go
> cheaper, but I don't think you can do any better than a cruise! Overall
> NYC was a nice weekend get-away, but I can't wait to sail the seas
> again! Hope February comes quick!
>
> Len...
>

>Yes, New York City is expensive. So is Paris, London

I know yes I have been to London & Paris also. I was just stating the
fact that after all of my travels I find that cruising IMO is a much
greater value for dollar than going to a destination and paying for each
and everything separately. Being nickeled and dimed to death! I KNOW
that I could have done NYC cheaper, but that is not my point...I wanted
to have a nice time without budgeting where we stayed, ate, etc. My
point and ONLY point is that I feel cruising is the way to travel. Best
value IMO!

Len...

They saw you coming. You can often get rooms in the Hilton for way less
then that, for this weekend they are well under $200, with tax.

You could have two or dinners at restaurants way better then the Rainbow
room for $150.

There are tons of places in Little Italy with lunch specials under $10, and
the subway would have gotten you there for $2.

You can pay $65 a day to park, you can pay $40, or you can pay under $20,
just drive around a block or two. I pay $21 per 24 hours when I leave the
car in the city, and that's not the least expensive lot by far.

The point is you choose an executive room that cost twice what it needed to
be. You choose the Rainbow room, when there are far less expensive places
to eat. You could have paid less to park, and you could have saved on
everything you mentioned.

It's not a fair comparison. You can't compare a Broadway show (and you
could have gotten half price tickets to 42nd street last weekend at TKTS,
42nd street is always available at half price and the seats would probably
have been orchestra) to any show on a ship.

It's apples to oranges. You can pay $599 for a week in the Caribbean, or on
the same ship you can pay $2,700 for a cabin. You choose the $2,700 cabin,
and picked a lousy Hotel (there are way better Hiltons in New York, the
Millennium has much better rooms, and you could have walked to little Italy,
the Double Tree and Times Square Hilton are usually less money and
considerably better, etc), etc.

It's not a fair comparison at all.


"Len C." <LEN_C@> wrote in message
news:23480-412522FC-194@storefull-3353.bay....
> Well kind of off topic, but just wanted to post a comparison of a land
> based trip vs. the value for dollar of a cruise vacation. For anyone out
> here that is contemplating cruising GO! I went to New York City this
> past weekend and for what we paid in hotel rates, parking, taxes, meals,
> cocktails & a Broadway show we could have taken a short 3 or 4 day
> cruise!
>
> We reserved an Executive Floor room at the Hilton New York at 6th Ave. &
> 53rd St. I have stayed at this property before and there have been
> noticeable renovations to the public areas and lobby, however we were
> highly disappointed in the executive club room we had on the 44th floor.
> Upholstered chair and ottoman near the window was very soiled and
> stained and had a huge tear on the one arm rest from obvious 'wear and
> tear' over time. Amenities were lacking no bathrobes available in room
> as stated as part of the 'upgraded' amenities of the executive floor.
> Took two calls to guest relations before we got them delivered. I did
> send an email to Hilton HHonors customer service and waiting to hear
> back. Room cost with taxes $300+ dollars. Show tickets to see 42nd
> Street on Broadway, upper balcony seating matinee $99+ dollars for two.
> After show cocktails at the Marriott Marquis in the Broadway Lounge $36
> dollars. Dinner at the Rainbow Room for two $150+ and this was just for
> cocktails and entree only...everything on the menu was a la carte!
> Parking $40 per night. Throw in a light lunch in Little Italy for around
> $45 bucks and taxi fares. Volia! There you go a short cruise for two
> including your accommodations, food and entertainment...naturally
> cocktails and grats. are extra. Just making a point that a cruise value
> for dollar is EXCEPTIONAL for what you have to 'shell out' in cash for a
> land based weekend getaway. Granted, you can stick to a budget and go
> cheaper, but I don't think you can do any better than a cruise! Overall
> NYC was a nice weekend get-away, but I can't wait to sail the seas
> again! Hope February comes quick!
>
> Len...
>

Hi Len,
Now aren't you happy that you shared your trip to NYC with us? ;-)

I know what you were trying to get across~~cruising is still the best
vacation value!
The fact is that most of us who do not visit NYC frequently, we don't know
where where the cheaper parking lots are, where the very nicest but
reasonable places to get a drink after the show are, etc,etc.

We lucked out when we were in NYC, we stayed at a hotel near Greenwich
Village, Tribecca, Soho and walking distance to Little Italy and
Chinatown... We took the subway to see a Broadway play, Mama Mia....But we
planned ahead some...your trip sounds one at the spur of the moment~ but you
had a good time and from what I can gather, all that you really were trying
to tell us was that a couple of days in NYC could cost as much as a 3-4 day
cruise--probably more! <vbg>

--Jean

I go to NYC about 4 times per year for 2-4 night visits. ALWAYS hit Broadway
and off Broadway- but alway get discounted tickets at TKTS or Broadwaybox.com,
playbill.com etc. I NEVER drive in- the train from Poughkeepsi is about $24
round trip with parking $3.75/day. I haven't paid over $110/night since 9-11.
Rates are creeping up, but I am happy at Hojo's , Day's Inn or Super8. There
is no comparism to NYC and a cheap Caribbean cruise- my opinion only.

OK, Len. But can we make some adjustments in your cruise price.

Per couple per day. One shore excursion or on shore expenses - $100. One
drink before dinner - $10.00. One "suggested" bottle of wine at dinner -
$35.00. One drink at the show after dinner -$10.00. One walk past the slot
machines (or bingo or special restaurant) - $25.00. "Suggested" tips -
$20.00.

That comes to $200 per day or $1,400 per week trip.

Now, lets add: 1 photo - $20.00. One useless gift shop item - $20.00.
Roundtrip airport - ship - airport - $50.00. Ditto home - airport - home
(or LT parking) $50.00 another $140.00.

Even assuming that your airfare ($300-$500 EACH) and trip insurance
($300-$500 EACH) are included in your ship ticket price and you eat
virtually all meals on board, you still need to add $1,500 PLUS of "nickel
and dime" expenses for your cruise.

Helps to balance the scale.

imd





"Len C." <LEN_C@> wrote in message
news:5734-4125523F-44@storefull-3358.bay....
> >Yes, New York City is expensive. So is Paris, London
>
> I know yes I have been to London & Paris also. I was just stating the
> fact that after all of my travels I find that cruising IMO is a much
> greater value for dollar than going to a destination and paying for each
> and everything separately. Being nickeled and dimed to death! I KNOW
> that I could have done NYC cheaper, but that is not my point...I wanted
> to have a nice time without budgeting where we stayed, ate, etc. My
> point and ONLY point is that I feel cruising is the way to travel. Best
> value IMO!
>
> Len...
>

"RICK DAVIS" <RICKER64@> wrote in message
news:17332-41261A92-228@storefull-3313.bay....
> Hey Len, I always stay at that very Hilton 3-4 times a year also. I Have
> gotten to know the staff over the years. Michelle in Bridges Bar is my
> favorite. She is so friendly and funny. Anyhow I always stay Executive
> Level but rarely pay over $150 per night. In fact this july 4th weekend
> I paid $145 per night Executive Level and watched the fireworks from the
> Executive Lounge. They even opened the bar up that night. Your right
> that the Executive lounge is well worn. But it is also one of NYC
> largest and busiest hotels. Of course I know when the slow periods
> are. Most holiday weekends (3 days) the city is empty and rooms are a
> dime a dozen. Except New Years Eve. If your gonna hit the main
> tourist areas (ie. Rainbow Room, Tavern on the Green, ect.) you can
> expect to pay high prices. Same for a cruise (ie. QM2 vs. Carnival).
> Your gonna have a good time on both...just how much "service" are you
> willing to pay for? Ciro's Trattoria on 8th is only about 3 or 4 blocks
> from the Hilton.

Have you tried Union Pacific yet? If so, how was it?

--Tom

In article <QkdVc.9268$t42.4399@newssvr22.news.> , Jean
O'Boyle <j.oboyle@> wrote:

> Hi Len,
> Now aren't you happy that you shared your trip to NYC with us? ;-)
>
> I know what you were trying to get across~~cruising is still the best
> vacation value!
> The fact is that most of us who do not visit NYC frequently, we don't know
> where where the cheaper parking lots are, where the very nicest but
> reasonable places to get a drink after the show are, etc,etc.


Yeah, but...just like prepping for a cruise (or a vacation to
anywhere), a little research goes a long way and there is certainly no
shortage of places to find this information. Len came to NYC as a
tourist, did tourist-y things and paid for it. Even if he went no
further than here to ask questions, he would have received an immense
list of restaurants, hotels and parking info.

As for this cruise vs land vacation value thing, I'm still not sure.
I'm looking at a cruise in Oct 05 that is costing more than I paid for
a comparable amount of time last year at DisneyWorld. This includes the
cost of food, admission, travel, shows, tips and room. Even adjusting
for current prices at WDW, the Disney trip is still cheaper. But wife
and daughter want to cruise... just hope they enjoy it as much.
>
> We lucked out when we were in NYC, we stayed at a hotel near Greenwich
> Village, Tribecca, Soho and walking distance to Little Italy and
> Chinatown... We took the subway to see a Broadway play, Mama Mia....But we
> planned ahead some...your trip sounds one at the spur of the moment~ but you
> had a good time and from what I can gather, all that you really were trying
> to tell us was that a couple of days in NYC could cost as much as a 3-4 day
> cruise--probably more! <vbg>
>
> --Jean
>
>