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MyspaceIn case you’re still undecided on your plans for a spring vacation, consider taking a bite from the Big Apple. Round-trip airfares from Santa Barbara to New York City’s La Guardia are a bargain right now: $310 for travel through early April.
You’ll get a taste of the real New York - where people actually live, work, and carry on the ordinary tasks of everyday life - by staying on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Primarily residential, its streets are lined with brownstones and magnificent apartment buildings, perfect for exploring on foot. It’s centrally located, near the American Museum of Natural History and Central Park, so the rest of Manhattan - the excitement of the Theater District, the cobblestone streets of Greenwich and SoHo, the Upper East Side and its never-ending parade of fashionistas - is easily accessible via subway or taxi.
The view from Zabar’s.
The Upper West Side offers an oasis from both the commotion and the generic chain hotels of Midtown. Many affordable, smaller scale hotel choices are available. The Milburn Hotel (242 W. 76th; (800) 833-9622; rates from $229) and the Hotel Beacon (2130 Broadway, (212) 787-1100; rates from $205) are two examples. Both have kitchenettes (a bonus if you’re traveling with kids), are comfortable, surprisingly quiet, and - keeping in mind this is Manhattan-easy on the wallet.
Nearby dining options abound, ranging from classic diner fare at Viand Cafe (2130 Broadway, between 74th and 75th streets) to the upscale French bistro-style Nice Matin (201 W. 79th, between Amsterdam and Broadway). There’s also Gray’s Papaya (Broadway at 72nd), where the recession special (two hot dogs and a drink for $4.45) is doing a brisk business these days. A favorite way to begin your day is elbow-to-elbow with the locals at Zabar’s deli (W. 80th at Broadway). Order the #4 special: a bagel spread thick with cream cheese and a layer of lox, served with orange juice and coffee - a perfect marriage of creamy richness and bright, tart acidity to fortify you for a full day of exploration ahead.
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While i agree with the writer's description of the upper Westside as a vacation goal, i found her choice of hotels a bit steep. Unmentioned are the budget hotels/hostels, which are not only on the Westside, and the Craigslist temporary rentals (room or condo, depending on budget and size of party). I got a room for two on the upper Westside with a bathroom immediately around the corner for $75 a night, including 14% taxes and fees. So the bargins are still there if you're willing to be flexible on the conveniences, the size and the age of the rooms. Plus you meet interesting people, mostly the serious budget travelers (old and young), from around the world.
viccox (anonymous profile)
May 3, 2009 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)