Just a New York minute!

February is a great month for visiting New York City, especially if you’re looking to avoid some of the crowds that warmer months tend to bring. If you’re planning a vacation to New York City this month, be sure to take in some of these great events:

1. Dine with the best during New York City’s Restaurant Week, which will run for 20 days to commemorate the 20^th celebration of this event. Running from January 16^th to February 10^th, NYC Restaurant Week features affordable Prix-Fixe dining at many of the city’s best restaurants.

2. Get a glimpse of the hottest clothes and accessories for the Fall 2012 season during New York Fashion Week, which runs from February 9^th to February 16^th. This year’s Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion week will be held in Lincoln Center between West 62^nd and 65^th streets and Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues. More than 70 designers will be present and you can have an opportunity to shop late and enjoy unforgettable parties during the week’s Fashion’s Night Out event.

3. Take in the culture and festivities of the Chinese Lunar New Year by attending the China Institute Lion Dance on Sunday, February 5^th. On that same day, the China Institute is also offering a selection of New Year’s programs, including dumpling making and calligraphy. Located at 125 East 65^th Street. Lion Dance is free and begins at 11:00 a.m. Program costs vary. Call 212-744-8181 for details.

4. Love dogs? Then stop in to the Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show. Running February 13^th and 14^th, this annual event is held at Madison Square Garden by the Westminster Kennel Club, America’s oldest organization dedicated to purebred dogs. During the show, you’ll see 2,000 dogs from 170 breeds and varieties. Tickets range from $20 to $145. Book your trip with our Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Vacation Package and you'll be all set!

5. Go ice skating! Ice skating in NYC is a tourist favorite and during the month of February, there are plenty of places to go to do it. Not sure which rink to choose? Here are some of the most popular ice skating hot spots in NYC: Wollman Rink in Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Lasker Rink in Central Park, and Bryant Park.

What are you hoping to see on your vacation to New York City in February?  

Located on 28^th Street between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue, the Park South Hotel is an ideal place to stay if you’re looking to explore the Gramercy Park and Murray Hill neighborhoods of NYC.  This historic building has been beautifully-restored to reflect its historical origins in 1906, as well as contemporary styling. Truly a gem amongst boutique-style hotels!

When it comes to keeping you comfortable, the Park South Hotel is like no other. Rooms range from Standard to Superior, featuring high level furnishings, comfortable pillow-top beds, fine linens, stunning décor, and a distinctive ambiance that makes you feel like royalty.  Amenities and services include:

• Daily newspaper delivery of The New York Times or USA Today
• 24 hour fitness room
• Library with book and DVD loans
• Laundry and dry cleaning services
• Room and concierge services
• 24 hour business center
• Sealy Posturpedic mattress
• Flat screen TVs and DVD players
• Cali bath products
• Complimentary high-speed internet access

In the morning, enjoy a complimentary European-style breakfast buffet and later in the afternoon or in the evening, take in a meal at the renowned Black Duck Restaurant, which serves Pan Atlantic Bistro cuisine and fine dining in a cozy atmosphere. On the weekends, you can even catch live Jazz performances.

If you want a NYC vacation experience that will make you feel relaxed and at ease, consider booking at the Park South Hotel through NYCTrip.com. We offer exclusive savings to help you stay within your travel budget.

Have you stayed at this hotel? Provide your Park South Hotel review below in the comments! We’d love to hear about your experience. 

If you’re planning on taking a New York City trip this winter, it’s important to know what to expect. Let the New York City vacation experts at NYCTrip.com guide you with this handy post on what you may encounter when you book your trip this winter.

Attractions: Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean that the hustle and bustle of New York City stops! NYC is one of those places that you can visit all year round, so don’t worry about attractions being closed during the winter months. You can still take in museums, amazing shopping and dining, Broadway shows, and so much more.

Weather: January and February are usually the coldest months for New York City, so expect to experience temperatures ranging from average highs in the mid-30’s to average lows in the low-20’s, in addition to cold winds that can make the temperature feel even colder. You’ll want to pack along warm winter clothing, as well as boots, since January and February are also peak times for the city getting snow.

Winter-Specific Activities: Wintertime is also a great time to visit the Big Apple because of some of the winter-centric activities going on. In January and February, you can take advantage of events and activities like:

• Broadway 2-for-1 Deals from January 24 to February 13
• Chinese New Year Parade on February 6
• Valentine’s Day promotions and events at various restaurants, shops, and attractions.
• Ice skating in Central Park, Bryant Park, or in Rockefeller Center
• New York City Restaurant Week (20 days for the 20^th Anniversary)from January 16 to February 10

Hotel Deals: Winter is also a time to take advantage of great hotel pricing. Many hotels offer special deals, discounts, or vacation packages to get travelers in the door during the winter months. Plus, when you book through NYCTrip.com, you can take advantage of additional savings. Check out some of our best NYC vacation hotel deals.

Have questions about taking a New York City vacation in winter? Feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to answer your questions.

In our last post, we took you through five of NYC’s greatest attractions. Now, we’ll complete our top 10 list with the second five must-sees!

1. Rockefeller Center: Home to Radio City Music Hall, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, the NBC Studio tour, and much, much more, Rockefeller Center is an amazing destination to explore during your visit to New York City. Want to see everything Rockefeller Center has to offer? Try our Rockefeller Center vacation package.

2. Grand Central Terminal: A part of the city since 1913, the Grand Central Terminal is so much more than just a hub for transportation. Today, it is home to shops, dining, tours, and more for visitors from all over the world. Plus, when you visit on Wednesday or Friday, there are free tours available for individuals!

3. Ellis Island Immigration Museum: This museum gives you a timeless look into the immigrant experience as well as our nation’s history. There are interactive exhibits, walking tours, and movies to make your visit even more memorable. Plus, you can also take in the nearby Statue of Liberty when you choose to go on a Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island combined tour.

4. American Museum of Natural History: Since this museum opened to the public in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History has grown into one of the city’s most popular attractions. Plus, it is home to the family adventure movie, Night at the Museum. Visit and you’ll find 46 permanent exhibition halls with finds ranging from sparkling gems to dioramas of ocean life. You can also learn more about by checking out our American Museum of Natural History tour page.

5. The Empire State Building: Last, but certainly not least, you’ll want to see the Empire State Building on your NYC trip. Home to a world-renowned observation deck, the Empire State Building is perhaps New York City’s most iconic landmark. Visit it on our Empire State Building tour to skip the lines to get to the 86^th floor observatory.

Now, we know we’ve gone over the major landmarks, but there are still countless sites to see on your first trip to the city. Speaking of first trips, we’ve put together several ideal itineraries to help you take in these landmarks and more. First time visitors will love our First Time Visitor Big Apple Experience, as well as our Complete NYC Experience and Best of New York vacation package.

Ready to book your first trip to NYC? Give us a call today at 877-NYC-TRIP and we’ll get you started.  

Looking to make your first trek to the Big Apple in 2012? Make sure you have a tour guide! At NYCTrip.com, we’ve been busy putting together trip itineraries for first time travelers and if you’re wondering what’s on the must-see list for your visit to New York City, we’re here to help you. Just give us a call or contact us through our website and we’ll put together an itinerary that matches your specific interests.

 In the meantime, here are some of New York City’s best attractions to see in 2012 if you’re making your first trip to the city.

1.)    Times Square: This is a popular destination for any NYC tourist. Located in Midtown Manhattan, Times Square is a bustling, exciting destination that’s home to many popular media organizations, restaurants, hotels, Broadway theaters, stores, and of course, the location where the ball drops every New Year’s Eve.

2.)    Central Park: Central Park is a lovely breath of fresh air – literally! – for the bustling pace of NYC. Take a carriage ride through the park, rent a boat, go ice skating, enjoy a game of Frisbee, see a free show in the outdoor theater, or just sit on a bench and watch the people go by. Either way, you’ll be getting a true taste of what Central Park has to offer. Nearby, you can also check out the Time Warner Center, which is home to great shopping and world-renowned restaurants.

3.)    The Statue of Liberty: Lady Liberty is always a popular destination on NYC vacations, but it’s important to note that this year, the Statue of Liberty will be undergoing renovations. Don’t worry though – you can still enter the museum and see the statue from Liberty Island while they’re working on the upgrades. Want to learn more about what’s going on with the Statue of Liberty? Check out our Statue of Liberty renovations post giving you the details.

4.)    The Metropolitan Museum of Art: As one of the world’s finest museums, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must-see on your visit to New York City. The Met features more than two million works of art from ancient to modern times, including pieces from masters like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Degas, Van Gogh, and Monet. See it all on our Metropolitan Museum of Art vacation.

5.)   The Museum of Modern Art: Also known as MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art is home to contemporary and modern art exhibits that encompass a variety of forms, including architecture and design, drawings, painting, sculpture, photography, illustrations, film, and electronic media. A must-see for any creative spirit!

Stay tuned for the next five top things to see in NYC in 2012! In the meantime, you can start thinking about booking your own New York City trip with one of our New York City vacation packages.

Consistently ranked among the top hotels in the world, the St. Regis New York is a classic example of NYC’s elegance and style. If you’ve been looking for a way to splurge on your stay during a NYC vacation, we know that this hotel is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the best of the Big Apple.

Built in 1904, this Beaux-Arts landmark building features more than 225 luxurious guestrooms and suites, each with amenities that make you feel like royalty. All Superior rooms offer 5-star features like:

• 12-foot ceiling
• Chandelier
• Sitting area
• 24-Hour Butler Service
• Egyptian cotton sheets
• Pratesi bed linens
• Flat screen TVs
• Italian marble bathroom
• Remede bath amenities
• European bath tub
• Super soft  terry cloth bathrobe

These are just a few of the things that can come with a stay in a Superior room at the St. Regis New York. Outside your room, you can also take advantage of hotel facilities and services such as the Remede spa, concierge desk, fitness center, pressing service, Bardin and Palomo florist shop, Fodera beauty shop, executive secretarial service, event ticketing service, and shopping boutiques. It’s a simply marvelous place to enjoy NYC from.

With your stay, you can also enjoy afternoon tea in the Astor Court or savor a famous cocktail at the King Cole Bar and Lounge. Looking for fine dining? Check out the newest addition to the St. Regis New York: The Adour Alain Ducasse Restaurant.

Book your NYC hotel stay at the St. Regis New York through NYCTrip.com and take advantage of exclusive savings. Visit our St. Regis New York booking page for details.

Have you stayed at the St. Regis New York? What was your experience? 

Are you the type of traveler who enjoys going off the beaten path? Then check out our list of 10 unexpected and unique sites to visit when you’re on your New York City vacation:

1.) Snug Harbor at Staten Island is a former complex for elderly sailors, complete with amazing views, modern art, and hedge maze. An artist’s must-see.The

2.) East Village’s Japanese cuisine is some of the best city. Check out that neighborhood if you’re ready for a journey for the taste buds.

3.) A speakeasy in 2011? Absolutely! Visit Please Don’t Tell (PDT) to take a step back in time. To get to it, you’ll need to visit Crif Dogs in the East Village. Go through the phone booth and you’ll be in for a surprise.

4.) Did you know that there’s another Little Italy? It’s true. On Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, there’s another Little Italy complete with authentic Italian meats, cheeses, pasta, and of course, pastries.

5.) Take a trip to Latin America without leaving NYC by visiting Roosevelt Avenue in Queens, where you’ll find authentic culture and food ranging from Argentine bakeries to Ecuadorean street carts.

6.) Corona Park in Queens is the historic site of the World’s Fair, as well as two deserted stadiums, a 140-foot-tall globe, and the temporary home of the United Nations.

7.) If you appreciate graffiti culture, be sure to visit 5 Pointz in Queens to see some amazing street art on a massive scale.

8.) Enjoy spooky sights? Well, be sure to check out Staten Island’s ghostly boat graveyards near the coast. You’ll find everything from abandoned boats to burial grounds dating back to the American Revolution.

9.) The Parker Meridien Hotel on 57^th Street features elegant accommodations, but behind a velvet curtain (literally), you’ll see a blue-collar burger spot complete with wood laminate walls and movie posters. The food at the Burger Joint is awesome. Definitely a hidden gem.

10.) Want to be queen for a day? Well, you can at least stand at the very spot where Queen Elizabeth II did when you visit Trinity Church on Wall Street. Just look for the plaque inside the church to see where she took her royal steps.

What are your favorite unique NYC attractions? We’d love to hear about them!

New York City is no stranger to the film industry. Each year, countless short and feature films are dreamed up, filmed, edited, and presented within the city limits, but New York City isn’t just the backdrop for some of the world’s greatest movies. In fact, there are quite a few films in which New York City plays the lead role.

Here are four of our favorite films where New York City is the star:

1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s: This 1961 classic starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard takes us on a journey through Holly Golightly’s eccentric life as a café society girl. Some of the best sites? Tiffany & Co. on Fifth Avenue, the New York Public Library, and Park Avenue and East 52^nd Street.  Fun Fact: Want to see the building where Holly lived in the film? You can visit the exterior at 169 East 71^st Street.
2. Manhattan: This 1979 Woody Allen film is filmed in black and white, opening with a montage of the city’s best set to Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Manhattan weaves through courtships, art galleries, famous restaurants, and incredible landmarks like the Russian Tea Room, Museum of Modern Art, Guggenheim Museum, Central Park, and the Queensboro Bridge.
3. Ghostbusters: This is a fun one – and it’s a classic if you’re into comedy. The 1984 film Ghostbusters made some Saturday Night Live cast members into household names as they fought ghouls in the New York City Streets. The film visits the New York Public Library, 55 Central Park West, and the 8 Hook and Ladder firehouse in Tribeca.
4. When Harry Met Sally: This is as New York City as you can get! This 1989 romantic comedy of friends who fall in love features scenes in Katz’s Delicatessen at 205 East Houston Street, Washington Square Park, Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, Coney Island, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Café Luxembourg at 200 West 70^th Street and Amsterdam Avenue.

Which New York City film is your favorite?

Want to see New York City you saw on TV or in the movies? Consider taking a movie and TV inspired tour with us! Our On Location Tour features over 40 sites from over 60 TV shows and movies, including Hitch, The Apprentice, Spiderman, Will & Grace, Ghostbusters, and yes, Manhattan!  Just check out our Entertaining New York City Vacation package for details. 

You’ve watched the famous ball drop on TV – but now it’s time to see it in person!

NYCTrip.com has a New Year’s Eve in NYC vacation package that will show you the best of the Big Apple as you ring in 2012. This package includes everything you need to celebrate New Year’s Eve this year including:

• Accommodations for 3, 4, or 5 nights at your choice of Midtown Manhattan hotel
• Free Admission to the Empire State Building Observatory,  Museum of the City of New York, or Statue of Liberty NY Water Taxi Flex Pass
• Free admission to the American Museum of Natural History, Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Top of the Rock Observation Deck
• Shopping discounts at Macy’s Bloomingdale’s, and the South St. Seaport
• Personal vacation planning assistance

Plus, we also include some great optional activities for you to take part in if you want to really ring in the New Year right. For example, we have an optional VIP Celebration at Applebee’s at 42^nd Street if you want to see a view of the LIVE ball drop! Or, you can also take in an optional matinee performance of Broadway’s Chicago, complete with courtesies like a complimentary bar drink, merchandise discount at the in-theater kiosk, and additional compliments at local restaurants and businesses.

Great food, amazing theater, and an even better look at one of the city’s most time honored traditions. For more than 100 years, Times Square in New York City has been the center of the universe on New Year’s Eve. We hope you’ll join us this year for a New Year’s Eve in NYC that’s sure to be unforgettable!

New York City is a marvelous place to spend the holidays. At NYCTrip.com, we’ve come up with several New York City vacation packages that are perfect for getting you away for the holidays. Spend the time with the one you love on a romantic getaway that will warm your heart – even during one of the coldest months of the year. We offer an awesome Christmas in New York City package to help you enjoy an amazing staycation. You’ll take in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a Christmas Holiday walking tour, dinner at the world-famous Sardi’s Restaurant, and so much more. Don’t worry – we’ll make sure you get to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree too!

Looking for excitement? We also have New York City vacation packages that can help you see the best of what the city has to offer during this time of year, like our Christmas 2011 in New York City Vacation, our NYC Ballet Trip to see George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, and New Year’s Eve in NYC’s Times Square. The New Year’s Eve tour is especially exciting if you’re eager to experience the energy of the city when it’s at its peak! On the New Year’s Eve in NYC Vacation, you get accommodations in a Midtown Manhattan hotel, free admission to some great attractions, and optional add-ons that can help you ring in 2012 the right way!

Want to catch up on your holiday shopping? We also offer Pre-Holiday Shopping Weekends in NYC to help you complete your list while taking in some of the best stores in the world. Visit Fifth Avenue to shop at designer boutiques or score some major savings at Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. It’s up to you! Just check out our Pre-Holiday Shopping Tours for details. Between stores, we’ll help you see some of the Big Apple’s best.

Looking to spend your holiday season in the Big Apple? Then check out our NYC Winter Hotel Deals page for exclusive savings on hotspots like the Wellington Hotel, the Intercontinental Barclay, Novotel, Park South Hotel, St. Regis Hotel, Hilton New York, W Times Square, the Waldorf Astoria, and more.

The holiday season should be celebrated to the fullest and if you’re looking to spend it somewhere new, consider taking a trip to one of the most exciting places on Earth. New York City is sure to make this holiday season unforgettable.