Merry Christmas my friend! I hope y'all have a great rest of the year.

You as well. I hope y'all have the best time in California

Road the train in for the day yesterday.
Fraunce's Tavern is an all time fave and a perfect festive place for brunch.
Some pics from downtown.

Always love the Ghostbusters station. My office is a few blocks from there.

Just got back from NYC and feel like a lot was missed out on, maybe due to my lack of planning…

For a city so big it takes a lot of effort to do anything which seems paradoxical. Almost half my trip felt occupied in a ****ty subway or a crowded sidewalk ridden with the aroma of weed. I couldn't help but to think of Yogi Berra's " too busy no one goes there anymore" reference to entertainment and food. I get it's the holiday season but I found little uniqueness to NYC.

I will say I found locals not to be the jerks they are portrayed and that it being unsafe is another misconception. But damn, I need a vacation after visiting New York.

yup

BiggiesLX said:

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Just got back from NYC and feel like a lot was missed out on, maybe due to my lack of planning…

For a city so big it takes a lot of effort to do anything which seems paradoxical. Almost half my trip felt occupied in a ****ty subway or a crowded sidewalk ridden with the aroma of weed. I couldn't help but to think of Yogi Berra's " too busy no one goes there anymore" reference to entertainment and food. I get it's the holiday season but I found little uniqueness to NYC.

I will say I found locals not to be the jerks they are portrayed and that it being unsafe is another misconception. But damn, I need a vacation after visiting New York.

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Funny you say that - when we went in December a few years ago with sis and BIL we realized the majority of our time was ultimately spent getting from one meal location to the next. it was awesome for sure, but a constant state of motion.

Beautiful pictures! I love NYC at Christmas!
Glad it was a great trip!

Sounds like you spent too much time in midtown.

Yup. Our hotel was near Time Square.

Thank you, my girls are hooked NYC their first time was the best

I think NYC is a city that gets better the more you go. Eventually you have seen all the touristy things, stay away from Times Square, and try to live like a local (a rich local haha) and go to cool spots that aren't on every top 10 list packed with tourists. But i completely understand when people go once and don't have the best opinion. It can be beating constantly in motion.

Where are some recommendations to stay or see?

Which cool spots would you recommend

We've done most of the touristy spots

TIA

harringtontravelco said:

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Had to share my favorites if you are thinking of a Christmas trip for 2024 or going this season.
Rolf's that most beautifully decorated Christmas restaurant I've ever seen. And the German food was yummy.
Tavern on the Green did not disappoint and lunch was great.
For me Magnolia Bakery stands the test of time, I visited them 14 years ago on my first trip to NYC and still so good.
Seeing the Rockerfeller tree is a must and the new Sacks clock and light show was my favorite
My opinion ice skate in Central Park-Wollman Rink is a better experience than others.



I hope you all have a Merry Christmas

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Where did you stay ?

We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn on 35th. Now I haven't stayed here in several years. The location is great as you are above 15 steps away for the subway. The hotel is dated for sure but also that is coming from me a travel advisor that sees a lot of properties. The staff is fantastic, and very responsive. I agree with some posts above, I would avoid Times Square as it's too much for me. I would also maybe next time stay closer to Central Park. I think I've stayed at this property 5 times through the years.

Also steps away is one of my favorite Sushi spots Izakaya MEW

Has anyone stayed at the Archer Hotel in NYC and what ur experience was like.

Also any local restaurants nearby u really enjoyed.

Thx so much!!

TTT

TTT

Just got back from NYC. The bad -dope smell pretty much anywhere in midtown, felt "unsafe" only one time in subway that had stopped working due to two trains colliding and it being out of service. We didn't know that this subway station was not in service and nobody there except us and two sketchy dudes. Turned around quickly. Seems like quite a bit of ground floor vacancies. Harry Potter wayyyyyyyy toooooooo longgggg and story line of his son a bummer.

The good- great food (Royal 35 steakhouse, Los Tacos No 1), Central Park in the snow, Hyatt centric hotel 38th floor at great rate, w/ rooftop lounge on 54thlooking south, people pretty nice in general, not crowded except on some subways, first time to 911 memorial was quite moving (all our military members and as many of our teenagers as possible should be required to attend-with help if necessary). Helped at a community church manor that gives food to needy was also a highlight. Overall a nice trip.