Travelling to New York - March 2013
Replies: 12 - Last Post: Jan 9, 2013 5:26 PM Last Post By: aussietravel
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Travelling to New York - March 2013
hi there,Single gay guy travelling to NYC for the very first time for two weeks on my own as it happens to be my 25th!
any tipcs area suggestions will be great.
I have been recommended a few places by some friends like the east village, meatpacking district, etc. have also looked at accom options on airbnb and stayz but to be honest I would prefer to live in a social accomodation as I'm travelling on my own and would love occassional company..
also read about the derth of hostels in New York and am kinda swaying between American Dream or Chelsea star hostel.
Please feel free to post and let me know if any other traveller would be there or is stayin in one those of the hostels!
Runey
1
Be aware that short term letting of full apartments without tenant/owner present, as offered by many on airbnb, is illegal in NYC. Not for the person paying to stay but for the person letting the apartment out which could mean that your apartment isn't there when you arrive.I stayed at Vanderbilt YMCA, single room with shared bathroom and found it to be good. Other places I've stayed in (although not the social aspect you are looking for) and found okay are Hotel 79, Four Points by Sheraton Midtown, Astor Hotel, St James Hotel and Hotel Carter. The latter I found to be cheap and good but others have had bad experiences so do check out tripadvisor.
2
- There are two main gay areas in NYC where you will find lots of gay establishments: Chelsea and Hells Kitchen. I would recommend trying to find accommodations there or at least somewhere on the west side of town so that you're within an easy commute on the subway. East Village has a few gay bars as well.
- Airbnb is very popular even though it's illegal to the person renting it. In terms of facts, so far only one person ever has been hassled about it, so chances of you getting kicked out are very slim (not impossible), so you can judge for yourself. If you want a more social environment, you can get a room vs. a standalone apartment via Airbnb. That way you can meet some locals to show you around. Some may even list that they're gay or gay-friendly.
- If you want a social atmosphere, you can stay at a hostel too. But be aware that many hostels in NYC are not that great. Make sure to read reviews online before you book anything. Most of the cheaper options will be on the Upper West Side. Chelsea Star would be best for you in terms of location, especially if you want to be near gay nightlife and walking distance to many things in downtown.
4
There is also a gay nightlife area in Queens on the border of Jackson Heights and Elmhurst near the subway station at 74th St and Roosevelt Ave, a major transit hub. La Caja Musical (The Music Box) and Friends are two of the longstanding gay bars in the area and there's a large nightclub nearby. Plenty of moderately priced Asian and Latin American restaurants in that area as well.West Village also has a number of gay bars.
5
Yes, lots of people stay at Chelsea Star and post reviews on TripAdvisor. You can read them at the following link. It's an average place, with good location. Decent for NYC considering the price. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60763-d208888-Reviews-Chelsea_Star_Hotel-New_York_City_New_York.html7
Thank you everyone for the reply. I am very excited and it all sounds great. I wasn't planning on travelling far as in to Queens, Harlem, etc unless I'm accompanied by someone. Is it safe to take public transport by myself? or stick to cabs? As that's what I did in Buenos Aires.I have taken your advice and created a profile on couch.. should be able to meet some people there!
Cheers!
8
well another BIG issue.. apparently from the recent review.. the Chelsea Star Hostel is awful. Now my other option would the American Dream Hostel or finding an airbnb type accomodation..I'm restricting my area at the moment to east village and mid town chelsea'ish. Any suggestions?
10
You're going to NYC in the USA, not a third world country. Not taking public transit in NYC is silly. It's completely safe. The majority of the population here uses the subway. Traffic is horrible and taxis are very expensive (this isn't Buenos Aires).I would also recommend to take reviews with a grain of salt. It gets ok reviews on average. That's all that really matters. It's a good location and you will be in your room only to sleep. Have reasonable expectations and you should be fine.
12
hey how you going?Sorry I hear a bit of frustration in your voice @smartcookiee. Thanks for the tips guys.. keep em coming!
so accomodation all sorted. Staying at a ncie airbnb apartment on 8th avenue in the meatpacking district. super excited about the visit and can't wait to explore. Would love to meet any travellers visitng when I'll bea round or locals who'd show me the soul of NYC.. not really into the touristy bits.
And will visit Harlen etc.! :)
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