No trip to New York is complete without going to the top of the Empire State Building. (Remember Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant – no? How about Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan?) Anyway . . . it’s a great building and the view is beautiful. You’ll go (almost) to the top, i.e. the 86th floor, via a high-speed elevator. There are high-powered binoculars to use for a small fee and there is plenty of room. Note that the rates are for the standard, online ticket purchase. There are three lines at the building: security, ticket purchase, and elevator. By purchasing online or if you buy The Pass, you can avoid one of them. They also offer (online) an ESB Express Pass which puts you in front of everyone at all the lines. The price for that ticket is $41.52 for all ages. Ouch. $18.45/Adult $12.92/Child $16.61/Senior

Inside the Empire State Building, on the 2nd floor, there is the NY Skyride – a virtual tour simulator of overhead New York. Kevin Bacon is the narrator on this really great “ride”. A MUST see.

$45.45/Adult $20.92/Child $37.61/Senior

Construction began on this glorious Cathedral in 1892. The building is the world’s largest Gothic Cathedral – even in its unfinished state. There is a poet’s corner fashioned after Westminster Abbey which pays tribute to some of America’s finest figures in literature. Any travel to New York really should include at this beautiful building and spiritual retreat.

$5.00

Do you love the Jonas Brothers? Marilyn Monroe or Angelina Jolie? With more than 200 wax figures, you’re sure to find someone you like and have your picture taken with. MD’s also has a new “Cinema 4D” which is the “4th dimenion of 3D”. You will feel as if you’re actually inside the film! Amazing. They even have an American Idol stage where you can record your own performance along side Simon! Very cool place and a definite step up from the old MD’s. (Please note that the prices quoted are for online purchases which are discounted by 20% from tickets purchased at the box office.)

$28.00/Adult $25.60/Child $22.40/Senior

Rockefeller Center, is of course, where the famous Christmas Tree resides. It’s also where Radio City Music Hall lives and the Rainbow Room is still alive and kicking. What most people don’t know, however, is that there are changing tours and events which are often offered with the Observation Tour (the Top of the Rock). Currently, there is a “Art and Observation Tour” which brings together art and architecture at Rockefeller Center along with the views offered up high. This combo tour is $30.00 for adults. The prices quoted to the right are for the observation deck only.

$18.00/Adult $13.00/Child $18.00/Senior

Nearly everyone knows that the Statue of Liberty was the first welcome most of the immigrants to America received in the 19th century. What many do not know, however, is that after 1892 and until 1943, Ellis Island served as the main immigration post in the United States. More than 12 million people travelled through its halls and left their stamp of humanity there. A truly moving stop and a fascinating journey for young and old into our families and our histories.

$12.00/Adult $5.00/Child

For many of us in the Metro NY area, it seems as if the Circle Line has been around as New York itself! This is a great way to see the city and the surrounding areas as well as some beautiful landmarks and scenic views. They offer several different cruises: 3-hour cruise around New York covering the entire island, the Statue of Liberty, down the Hudson around the southern tip (Battery Park) and up the East River around the top coming full circle. The 2 Hr. Semi-Circle Cruise gives you a glimpse of the lower half of the island from the Hudson and East Rivers. They also offer a 2-hr Harbor Lights Cruise which sales at sunset and there is a 75 minute Liberty Cruise which gives you a quick glimpse. The Circle line also offers rides on its “Beast” ride which is a 30 minute excursion aboard the 45 mile per hour speedboat.

$24.00 to $34.00/Adult $16.00 to $21.00/Child $21.00 to $29.00/Senior

The Draycott is truly a gem. If you like traditional British 19th century charm – this is for you. The rooms and décor are true to the period of colonial Victorian England. Authentic antiques blend beautifully with contemporary amenities. The hotel is very close to Sloane Square and the King’s Road. London neighborhoods are blessed by their squares and Cadogan Gardens is no exception.

The rooms are gracious and comfortable and the suites even have their own full kitchens. If you get a room at the rear of the house, you will have a wonderful view overlooking the gardens. For us Americans, you’ll be happy to know that it is fully air conditioned (and many of the older hotels in London are not!). In the winter, the fireplaces are fitted with gas and are totally operational. Talk about ambience!

A 5-star hotel, the Draycott received an overall satisfaction grade of 5.0. A standard double room will cost approximately $353.00/night for two.

The Wyndham Grand is a beautiful hotel and if you want to be on the river (The Thames – prounounced temms), and still be in Chelsea, then this is for you. But be absolutely sure that’s where you want to be because Chelsea Harbour is somewhat off the beaten path. There is no tube stop nearby. You will have to rely on taxis or public bus service (the C3 bus runs between Earls Court tube and Clapham Junction via the Harbour every 10 minutes. The 11 and 22 buses run down the King’s Road to Sloane Square and the West End every 7 minutes. You can get this bus at the Lots Road bus stop). The hotel will also provide transportation and even arrange a river taxi.

On the positive side, however, Chelsea Harbour is in itself a beautiful place. You can sit and sip on a cocktail and watch the yachts coming in and out or just take a stroll along the banks of the river. Chelsea Harbour also hosts the Design Centre which is a combination of offices and showrooms for interior decorators goods and services. There are also cafes and restaurants and a health club on site. The Wyndham Grand is an all-suite, 5 star hotel. The service and accommodations are first class all the way and is a great choice for those in town on business (albeit not in “The City”) or holding conferences. They have first-rate conference centres on two levels with audio-visual conferencing. They are close to the major exhibition centers at Earls Court and Olympia.

Blakes is one of my all-time favorites. It’s situated in the heart of Chelsea between (the) Fulham and Old Brompton Roads. In fact, it is surrounded by beautiful Victorian homes – now mostly converted flats. This is a fantastic location for anyone wishing to be in the hub. South Kensington and Gloucester Road (pronounced Gloss-ter) tube stops are walking distance and taxis are abundant. There are fantastic restaurants and shops everywhere.

Blakes was designed by top international designer Anouska Hempel and, with it’s low-profile, is a favorite among travelling stars and starlets. The décor is absolutely magnificent – an unusual blend of traditional and contemporary using only the finest silks and tapestries. The rooms and suites are a must see. Each one is a true work of art as only Anouska Hempel can do it.

Whether you stay there or not, you absolutely have got to have a meal in the restaurant. The cheese soufflé is something to die for. It is wicked! For dessert, try the Chocolate soufflé! Uggh. I wish I was there. I used to go there when my boss was in town just so I could have that cheese soufflé. A standard (whatever that means!) single room is approximately £175.00/night

The Cadogan (pronounced kah-duggan) is located on Sloane Street and, although technically in Knightsbridge, it’s really just on the fringe and close enough to Sloane Square to keep it in this category. In fact, what a great location. You’re walking distance to either Sloane Square or Knightsbridge tube stops; close to Harvey Nic’s and Harrods, walking distance to Beauchamp Place(pronounced Beech-ham) and the wonderful Walton Street shops. If you head the other direction and walk down Sloane Street to Sloane Square – you’ll be in heaven when you stroll down (the)King’s Road. Loads of shops, coffee places, restaurants (walk all the way down to the local favorite La Famiglia). If you want a taxi, there are plenty in that area.

The Cadogan Hotel is a 5-star hotel –situated in a beautiful Victorian property with a townhouse feel. A Superior Double room (the standard) will average approximately $239/night for two. Which is really a great rate. The rooms are spacious and comfy with beautiful period furnishings. Travelers there have given it a 4.2 in overall satisfaction.

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