Gillian and Christopher have been regular visitors to New York since the honeymoon I organised for them in 2016. I love their story, and following their recent return from a visit during the pandemic, I asked if they would mind being interviewed for my website and share some tips for those who have the Big Apple on their own wish lists. They kindly agreed...
What made you want to go to New York/ Vegas for your honeymoon, and was that your first experience of those cities?
We made the decision jointly as neither of us had been to the USA before. I had always wanted to go to New York and Chris to Vegas. I grew up watching movies and TV shows based in New York City. The scene from Home Alone 2 with Kevin and the Christmas tree made me want to visit at Christmas. This year was our fifth visit. We have been twice in spring - for the honeymoon and our wedding anniversary, in October for my birthday and Thanksgiving/Black Friday, and this year was to see the Rockefeller Christmas tree lit up.
What were your first impressions of New York and the standout memories from your honeymoon, and what makes you keep wanting to return?
I fell in love the moment I set eyes on the famous skyline; I always knew that I would love it. You can't imagine the larger scale of everything and must see it in person. In my opinion, the city is cleaner and more exciting than London, and you don't have to spend a fortune to get an excellent meal. Dunkin' Donuts have an amazing breakfast selection and it's not greasy!
On our honeymoon, we did everything in a week apart from Coney Island, so we went back the following year. We visited the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, Times Square, the Natural History Museum, the 9/11 Memorial, Brooklyn Bridge; we did a tour of Madison Square Gardens (no basketball was on, but we went to a Knicks game the second time round), and Central Park/ Central Park Zoo is always a must for me. Coney Island has a lovely clean beach to enjoy if the weather is warm and some lovely family-run restaurants nearby.
Have you flown with the same airline each time and how was the experience?
Delta was the best on our honeymoon as they were running the flight for Virgin from Manchester to JFK and the flight to Vegas from New York. Virgin have been both excellent and average. This time, the flight over wasn’t great and the food was rank. Take your own snacks and water on the plane, even if you need to buy them at the airport. The return flight was better, although some of the toilets were out of order! We can’t recommend BA - we had rude staff, terrible food, poor service, and the plane was ancient. The new Terminal 2 at Manchester is amazing - spacious and the choice of restaurants and shops is good, with more to come. You don't need to book the lounge anymore, which we have done in previous years.
Where did you stay this trip and how did it compare to where you have previously stayed?
We stayed midtown in the EVEN Hotel, which I would recommend to anyone - great location, modern, clean, lovely staff and an amazing shower. I wouldn’t advise staying in Times Square - it's too busy and noisy, plus Row NYC, the only hotel we have hated was there. A hotel should be clean, and this was the dirtiest I've seen.
Others we have loved were The Kitano on Park Avenue, a brilliant location, and the family-run Hotel Walcott for their friendly service, free coffee and muffins every day. The Hudson near Central Park was good once our room was upgraded due to a faulty heating system that sounded like gun shots going off in the middle of the night!
Where did you re-visit and what new things did you experience this time?
Central Park, Downtown - we love the pier and being near the water next to the Brooklyn Bridge. This time we stayed in the quieter areas as much as possible. We wandered the parks and ate food as we walked. We were just so happy to see New York again, although like everywhere, it has been hit hard by Covid and is still recovering.
Do you have a favourite place/ thing to do that you always return to?
Honestly, just to wander around Central Park and take in the architecture of the surrounding buildings. It’s mesmerising...
Any experiences that you recommend others try that may not be obvious ones?
Not that aren't obvious. I wouldn’t go to the Top of the Rock at sunset and would suggest going to a rooftop bar instead. Still go to Top of the Rock/ Empire State Building though, just not at the busier times. You can get a good view of the Statue of Liberty by getting on the Staten Island ferry for free. To get anywhere, walk down Park Avenue and then cross over to the Avenue that you need to be on once you are at the right street number. Don’t try and walk down Fifth Avenue if you want to keep socially distanced. Go to Times Square early morning, around 8am, and eat breakfast outside. There are some great food vans with waffles, etc, and it's great for people watching and peaceful before the rest of the tourists arrive.
Any other must-see tips – museums, shops, trips, sporting events, shows, etc?
The Natural History Museum was great; the Madison Square Garden tour and/ or a basketball game; Bryant Park Winter Village for hot cider and street food - some are overpriced though, so shop around.
What are your favourite restaurants and foods?
Sadly, some of our favourite places have closed during the pandemic 😢 We always visit Bill's, based within the grounds of the Rockefeller (a bit like an American sports bar) and Hard Rock Cafe - both have a variety of burgers and Chris says the latter has the best steak. I do try to follow the locals and there used to be some great restaurants off Times Square. Magnolia Bakery on Bleecker is the best bakery ever! It’s the original store and is just around the corner from Carrie Bradshaw's apartment and the Friends building - although the actual show was not filmed in New York. The building was just used in the external shots at the beginning of episodes.
On this trip, could you describe the Covid experience? What changes did you notice? How did it feel? Did you feel safe? What sense did you get that was different to previous visits?
JFK was a nightmare - no social distancing and not enough staff on security. Manchester security was similar. Check-in was manic at both airports. Once through, security it was fine. Many of our favourite places have sadly closed - there are more boarded up buildings than ever. Most people did wear masks as it’s mandatory, but I would avoid Fifth Avenue and the subway as there just isn't an opportunity to keep your distance.
Did you feel it was the right decision to travel?
Yes, I'm glad we went. We both needed the break. The only thing that caused stress was the UK government changing the testing requirements at short notice.
Will you be returning?
We will, but maybe a spring trip next as there's less chance of a new variant popping up and causing uncertainty. Restaurants were well organised, and I feel they are dealing with it much better than the UK. If you have been before, I would just bear in mind that it's not going to feel the same. Although I knew it might not be, the atmosphere has changed more than I had imagined.
Anything I did well? Would you recommend me?
I would recommend you to anyone. It's nice to talk to a human when you have a query after you have booked. You are so personable and easy to talk with and helped me understand the guidelines when things were changing, and no one knew what was going on. That’s priceless. Thank you.
