From JFK to a hostel with bike ina box

Are you familiar with <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.hostelz.com/hostels/USA/New-York/New-York-City">hostelz.com</a>? It provides user reviews for virtually all hostels. For a major world city with so many young visitors, NYC does not do hostels very well at all. The HI Hostel on the Upper West Side rates fairly well however. We stayed at the Chelsea International and it was just okay - very small double rooms and facilities, but clean enough, and nicely located.

I travel a lot in NYC with tools. IMHO getting into and out of the subway would be tough with a bike carrier AND other luggage. Ditto with the bus IMHO. Cab it would be my best choice.

Ed

Are there left luggage facilities at Grand Central or Penn Station?

No left luggage facilities at GCS or Penn but there's this, near Penn

Paid Luggage Storage
Enjoy NYC with your hands free! J & S Rent-A-Locker lets you store your bags daily for only $5 per bag. You may even rent a locker from only $29 a month. They have a great Midtown location, between 7th and Broadway. 147 W. 35th St., just one block from Macy's. 212-947-0026

You're coming to New York tomorrow and you don't have a reservation? I'd focus on that issue first.

I could fathom (maybe!) getting a bike on the AirTrain to Jamaica and on an LIRR train to Penn Station, if your other luggage was easily handled. Definitely NOT on a subway or bus though. But I'd recommend unboxing it, paying for a cab, and putting the bike in the trunk and wheel on the seat next to you.

Another option which is cheaper than a cab but easier than the subway is a shared van service...

http://www.supershuttle.com/</a><BR><BR>Under $20 from JFK to Manhattan.

A taxi will cost you $45 plus tolls (flat rate from JFK).

Subway no problem as long as you can carry it.

I'd try SuperShuttle as well. Very cheap and very reliable.