Holiday Thread

[canadian_turtle]

Does anyone have any suggestions for decent budget hotels in NYC? I am looking online but have absolutely no idea what location is good to stay in (obviously I'd love Manhattan but that doesn't really go hand in hand with "budget"). Thanks!

[greece]

Awww NY enjoy ur holidays, I haven't been to the US in ages, hopefully I will go bck there before my 10 years visa runs out wich is 2015, fingers cross

[canadian_turtle]

Thanks! It's been a while for me too (California in 2010 and NYC in 2006) so really looking forward to it :)

[Diane65]

New York sounds amazing sorry I've never been but good look with finding a place.

Has anyone been to Pisa? I'm looking to stay one night on the way to Florence there are no direct flights to Florence from Manchester but wondering if its worth a visit. Plus can anyone recommend a nice area to stay in Florence. The best flights arrive on a Tuesday morning at about 11 and leave at about 5pm on a Friday so working out which is the best way to do it Pisa first or Florence both time wise and money wise. I need to get saving but as I've got 3 empty days I can start planning ( I can't help myself I just can't be)

[Timbo]

Does anyone have any suggestions for decent budget hotels in NYC? I am looking online but have absolutely no idea what location is good to stay in (obviously I'd love Manhattan but that doesn't really go hand in hand with "budget"). Thanks!

Depends what you mean by budget. We recently stayed at The Skyline Hotel, which is less than a 10 minute walk from Times Square. It's location was great, easy walking distance of main attractions but far enough away so that it wasn't too loud at night.
We booked through ebookers but I think it is also bookable through hotel.com

[Yinster]

Does anyone have any suggestions for decent budget hotels in NYC? I am looking online but have absolutely no idea what location is good to stay in (obviously I'd love Manhattan but that doesn't really go hand in hand with "budget"). Thanks!

We stayed in Grand Union Hotel which OH got from Expedia. She says go on Expedia and other sites like this to find any good deals. Good location as it was a couple of blocks away from The Empire State Building and walking distance to Times Square. TBH we walked everywhere in NYC including to the bottom and CEntral Park but it didn't long.

Rooms are small but OH says hotel rooms in NYC are small generally. Though we had luck on our side as I looked on the fire plan and our room on our floor was the biggest on that floor. But you don't go to NYC to stay in your room. It is clean and comfortable.

[prettyxcool]

Does anyone have any suggestions for decent budget hotels in NYC? I am looking online but have absolutely no idea what location is good to stay in (obviously I'd love Manhattan but that doesn't really go hand in hand with "budget"). Thanks!

Have you tried http://www.hostelbookers.com/hotels/usa/new-york-city/ or http://www.hostelworld.com/hostels/New-York or https://www.hihostels.com/ or google backpackers accommodation in New York. That is the first thing I do google or research these for cheap accommodations. I have discovered the delights of backpacker accommodation in South Africa and have always looked for these now when I go anywhere, as they provide really nice ensuite rooms, clean, cheap and homely, some are even nicer than the 3 star hotels I have been staying at previously. My criteria is that it is clean and nice, a bed for the night, as I am out sightseeing all day.

I was trying to find the hotel I stayed at on Korea Way, which is round the corner from Macy's and a block from the Empire State Building. I walked everywhere or took the Subway, which is just two lines, up and down, so really easy to get around. I was there after the twin tower attacks, so hotel prices were cheap to encourage tourists back. It was the Best Western and was really good value, with a really large ensuite room, with a queen size bed for little me and breakfast! My then boss recommended it to me as she is from New York. But I can't find it anymore! However, I did find this blog which may be of interest to you.
http://www.walkingoffthebigapple.com/20 ... n-new.html

Hope you find something to suit your budget and criteria!

[schizoFan]

Holidaypirates is another good website for great travel deals

[Diane65]

This is more re a day out than a holiday. Has anyone been to Brighton Pavilion as it looks amazing or Brighton itself? I know that I'm probably being ridiculous but as the Pavilion is free with the Art Pass (which will be valid for 3 months when it arrives) and I have loads of redspottedhanky codes I'm contemplating booking a day out to Brighton from Manchester so making the most of an opportunity but wondering if it is worth it as I can get there for free using my codes and if I leave home at 7am I will be in Brighton for 11am then will have about 6 - 7 hours in Brighton. I do have these mad ideas but do have lots of stamina too so any tips will be fab.

[canadian_turtle]

This is more re a day out than a holiday. Has anyone been to Brighton Pavilion as it looks amazing or Brighton itself? I know that I'm probably being ridiculous but as the Pavilion is free with the Art Pass (which will be valid for 3 months when it arrives) and I have loads of redspottedhanky codes I'm contemplating booking a day out to Brighton from Manchester so making the most of an opportunity but wondering if it is worth it as I can get there for free using my codes and if I leave home at 7am I will be in Brighton for 11am then will have about 6 - 7 hours in Brighton. I do have these mad ideas but do have lots of stamina too so any tips will be fab.

I have been to Brighton twice, most recently last Summer, and it was amazing, the Pavillion in particular (though I didn't go inside as I didn't have an art pass). Would be happy to answer any questions you may have :)

Here is my blog entry on my first trip, which may be helpful to you (the pictures are unfortunately no longer working as I think the Facebook links have changed):

http://canadian-turtle.livejournal.com/286384.html