Visiting questions - hotel/airport ?'s (Newark, Hilton: how much, hotels, buy)

[sweetliketaffee]

I'm visiting the city in the next month to go to a registering workshop at CUNY and came across a couple obstacles.

1. I'm set on a hotel in/near Times Square. I was set on the Novotel, but discovered you have to be 21 to check in. I am 18. I am meeting my sister there, and she is over 21, but it wouldn't be for a few days into the trip. There's got to be a hotel that considers 18 an adult, right?

While I'm on the subject of hotels - I was also looking at the Hilton Times Square and the Grand Hyatt. I'm booking the flight and hotel together and they all seem marginally reasonable considering the time I'm staying. Does anything come to mind when I say those hotels? Is there a good one I am missing?

2. Lastly, I'm planning on a shuttle to/from the airport. Mapped, it approximates the drive to about a half hour. But I'm not familiar with the roads/traffic and was wondering if someone knew how much time to give myself in between - so I get to the city in time to check in, and so I get back to the airport without missing my flight! I'm just wondering if it's necessary to leave tons of time, or what.

Thanks for any answers. I appreciate it

[sweetliketaffee]

Anyone?

I guess locals probably wouldn't know about hotel thing...? But what about the to/from airport part?

Thanks in advance

[UpstaterInBklyn]

Hi,

Which airport? JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark?

[samyn on the green]

If you are driving from JFK to Manhattan during rush hour plan two hours. 90 mins during the afternoon. These are highly congested roads and you will need to cross a body of water.

[sweetliketaffee]

My bad - I meant to specify I'd be coming from JFK.

Originally Posted by samyn on the green

If you are driving from JFK to Manhattan during rush hour plan two hours. 90 mins during the afternoon. These are highly congested roads and you will need to cross a body of water.

Thanks

[UpstaterInBklyn]

I'd also add that a cab ride from JFK to Manhattan is about $43 flat rate (give or take a buck or two). This does not include the tip or tolls. For some reason, it is metered on the way back and usually works out to about the same or higher cost, depending on traffic.

The fastest and (almost) least expensive way to get from JFK to Manhattan is to take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then the Long Island Railroad to Penn Station.

This usually takes less than one hour. The Airtrain ticket costs $5 and the LIRR ticket is either $5 or $7, depending on if it is "peak" time (rush hours)

You can catch the Airtrain right outside your terminal - make sure you take a "Jamaica Train", not a "Howard Beach Train". When you arrive at Jamaica, you pay for the Airtain, then buy a LIRR ticket from one of the MetroCard machines. There are MTA employees there to assist you. Just ask for help if you need it.

The LIRR will take you right into Penn Station in about 25 minutes. If you exit Penn Station on the 7th Avenue side, you'll be on 7th Ave. and 33rd Street, about 10 (short) blocks from the heart of Times Square. A walkable distance.

Note: You can also take the E train (Subway) from Jamaica for $2, but it will take longer and is more difficult if you have luggage. The LIRR has nice comfy seats and overhead bins for luggage. Also, I realize that the Subway can be intimidating for visitors - even though in reality it is very safe.

Another note: the lines for cabs at Penn Station can be long. You're better off walking. Make sure your luggage has wheels.