Hi Liz, my hubby and I are going for the first time in May and so I've just been doing lots of research.

When asking about accommodation, letting us know your budget would be good so people know what to recommend as generally hotel rooms in NYC city can be expensive and small. If you are on a budget, then I have had Radio City Apartments recommended to me and we are going to stay there. They are close to the Rockerfeller Centre and Times Square plus you have the bonus of a kitchen. The website is here - http://www.radiocityapts.com/. I decided on these as because it's our first time to are hardly going to be in the room so didn't really want to waste money on an expensive hotel. I'd rather spend it on shoes!!

Itinery - this is a great site http://www.nycvisit.com/content/index.cfm?pagePkey=449 and will give you some ideas.

I'd recommend this handy map to fit in your pocket and it'll help you sort what you want to see into neighbourhoods - http://www.amazon.co.uk/New-York-Popout-Map/dp/1845875028/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/203-4731880-6417506?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174823493&sr=8-1

Can't help with Niagra as we thought it would be too much to do in our first visit and are saving it for another time.

For airport cars/limos, look here - http://www.carmellimo.com/ it's the one most often recommended on trip advisor.

Have a look on trip advisor for trip reports and hotel recommendations - http://www.tripadvisor.com

Not sure if this would interest you but we have booked a walking food tour of Greenwich Village. Details here - http://www.foodsofny.com/

And finally there is a NY thread in the city break forum on HT so it's worth reading that for hints and tips. Here's the link - http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=16727

Hope that helps.

What a helpful post!!

Many thanks Pudleduck
Kath HT Admin

Arrhh thankyou so much puddleduck that was so thoughtful of you to pass on all them links to me, you must have been really doing your homework for your trip!
Thanks again will have a good look through all them links today
Regards Liz.

Niagara Falls would not be do-able in one day,it's about 400 miles from New York.
If/when you do go the falls go over onto the Canadian side,it is a much nicer area and the views are better.

Liz Mc

The Italian restaurant Carmine's has a lively family atmosphere. Hubbie and I went to their Upper West Side restaurant for NYE and the food was great (be warned - MASSIVE portions!). Because it's outside the touristy area, it was mainly local families/groups of friends who were dining there. We loved it.

They also have a restaurant near Times Square.

Here's their website: http://www.carminesnyc.com/

Here's a review on tripadvisor.com: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60763-d457813-r6738271-Carmine_s_Uptown-New_York_City_New_York.html

Regarding taking a day trip to Niagara Falls - as a previous post has said, make sure you go to the Canadian side.

I've not done this as a day trip from NY, but have a look at this post for views on doing this:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60763-i5-k460321-Niagara_Falls_day_tour_from_NYC-New_York_City_New_York.html

Have fun planning your trip!

U2fan

We have lots of hotels for New York featured in our review section HERE

Also check out the resort reports HERE

Kath HT Admin

Thanks again you guys
Im getting really exited now it looks fantastic, the restraunt Carmines is just what we are looking for.

Think Niagra may be stretching the budget a bit to far but will see. Thanks again and if you think of anything else I would be really grateful
Liz.