New Yorkers: Help Where to stay when going to Citi Field

[Edd Roush]

I usually don't post in the Non-Sports Chatter Forum, but I figured this would be the most appropriate place for this thread.

So a couple buddies and I are going to Citi Field for the last two Reds' games of the year (September 27 & 28). It's getting about time to book a hotel room and I was wondering if any New Yorkers (or any one else who have attended a game at Citi Field) had advice on where to stay.

Also, does any one know of good restaurants in that area or fun bars around the stadium? All advice is appreciated. Thanks.

[bigredmechanism]

Unfortunately, there isn't much going on near the stadium. It's not really walking-distance from anywhere that you might have fun at. Luckily for you, public transportation in NYC is great. Subway from midtown Manhattan (7 Train) will probably take about 25 minutes and cost about 3 bucks each way. If you don't mind spending a few extra bucks (maybe 5 at most) I would recommend taking the Long Island Rail Road. Saves you some time, since there are less stops, and they allow beers on the train as well. Both train lines have a stop directly at the Stadium, so convenience won't be a problem.

What place to stay really comes down to how much you want to spend. Staying at a hotel in Manhattan could get pretty pricy, but at the same time staying at a hotel in Queens (where Citi Field is) is probably not what you are looking for. I'd shop around, and see what you think is best for your needs and budget. Keep in mind that NJ might be worth your while if you don't mind taking a short train ride under the river to NY. Hoboken might be your best bet.

As far as bars and nightlife, there is really tons of stuff to do all around the city. I'm not too familiar with the area near the stadium, but it's really no big deal to take a train back into Manhattan and find a nice place to eat and drink.

[cincinnati chili]

but at the same time staying at a hotel in Queens (where Citi Field is) is probably not what you are looking for.

Wait. Queens has hotels now? Who knew.

[fearofpopvol1]

Unfortunately, there isn't much going on near the stadium. It's not really walking-distance from anywhere that you might have fun at. Luckily for you, public transportation in NYC is great. Subway from midtown Manhattan (7 Train) will probably take about 25 minutes and cost about 3 bucks each way. If you don't mind spending a few extra bucks (maybe 5 at most) I would recommend taking the Long Island Rail Road. Saves you some time, since there are less stops, and they allow beers on the train as well. Both train lines have a stop directly at the Stadium, so convenience won't be a problem.

What place to stay really comes down to how much you want to spend. Staying at a hotel in Manhattan could get pretty pricy, but at the same time staying at a hotel in Queens (where Citi Field is) is probably not what you are looking for. I'd shop around, and see what you think is best for your needs and budget. Keep in mind that NJ might be worth your while if you don't mind taking a short train ride under the river to NY. Hoboken might be your best bet.

As far as bars and nightlife, there is really tons of stuff to do all around the city. I'm not too familiar with the area near the stadium, but it's really no big deal to take a train back into Manhattan and find a nice place to eat and drink.

I mostly agree with this. I would not stay near the field as it's far out and not the best of neighborhoods after dark. There's not much else out there. The only thing I disagree with is the Hoboken suggestion. Hoboken is a trek from Citi Field. You're probably looking at 2 hours each way. I would advise against Jersey if you can.

There are also some really nice hotels in Queens off the 7 train at Queensboro Plaza that are probably a little cheaper than the hotels in Midtown, but just a few stops away. The 7 train goes right into Times Square as well.

There aren't a lot of great restaurants/bars around the stadium in my opinion. You're better off in the city. I can give you some food/bar restaurants in the city if you tell me what kind of food/bars you're looking for.

[bigredmechanism]

I mostly agree with this. I would not stay near the field as it's far out and not the best of neighborhoods after dark. There's not much else out there. The only thing I disagree with is the Hoboken suggestion. Hoboken is a trek from Citi Field. You're probably looking at 2 hours each way. I would advise against Jersey if you can.

There are also some really nice hotels in Queens off the 7 train at Queensboro Plaza that are probably a little cheaper than the hotels in Midtown, but just a few stops away. The 7 train goes right into Times Square as well.

There aren't a lot of great restaurants/bars around the stadium in my opinion. You're better off in the city. I can give you some food/bar restaurants in the city if you tell me what kind of food/bars you're looking for.

You live in NY so I'll defer to you, but I'm not so sure about the 2 hour trek from Hoboken to Citi. I live an hour from Hoboken, and I can make it to Citi Field in less than 2 hours if I catch my trains.

[Edd Roush]

Guys, I appreciate the help. We were actually thinking of staying in the Holiday Inn at LaGuardia Airport since it is the closest to the stadium. You guys think this is an unsafe place to stay? It's me, another guy and a girl.

As for our budget, I think we are all comfortable paying up to $200/night for a room. We don't necessarily need amenities since we don't plan on spending a good deal of time while we are in NY in the hotel. We just want a clean, safe room. We would also prefer something close to Citi Field and we are going to Syracuse after, so something that is not a headache to drive to Syracuse after.

As for bars, we are a younger crowd, so we definitely want to find some fun places to go out at night. We are not necessarily into clubs, but rather just cool places to have a few beers.

If you have any suggestions for any good, reasonably-priced restaurants, I would appreciate it. We are into any good kinds of food (American, Italian, Mexican, etc.)

Again, thanks for your input already. You guys have me second guessing our initial thought to stay in the Holiday Inn LaGuardia (it's around $150/night).

[yab1112]

Too bad you won't be there on a Sunday. There's a bar in the city called Phebe's tavern and Grill that's packed with Bengals fans on game day during the season.

Oh, and the subway is $2.25 but I think they have all-day cards you can buy for $7 if you were planning on jumping around.

[OldRightHander]

Too bad you won't be there on a Sunday. There's a bar in the city called Phebe's tavern and Grill that's packed with Bengals fans on game day during the season.

Oh, and the subway is $2.25 but I think they have all-day cards you can buy for $7 if you were planning on jumping around.

The day cards are still $7. I've always just slept in the sleeper in the Wal Mart parking lot near JFK, but if you're in a car, I would advise against that.

[fearofpopvol1]

You live in NY so I'll defer to you, but I'm not so sure about the 2 hour trek from Hoboken to Citi. I live an hour from Hoboken, and I can make it to Citi Field in less than 2 hours if I catch my trains.

Keep in mind, you've gotta take the Path to 33rd Street, then take the N/Q to Times Square, then walk to the 7 Train. Hoboken to 33rd street is already 30 minutes, probably about 15 before you're on the 7 trains. Best case scenario is probably 75 minutes if you catch all the trains with no waits and hit express. Otherwise, I think it's over an hour and a half.

[fearofpopvol1]

Guys, I appreciate the help. We were actually thinking of staying in the Holiday Inn at LaGuardia Airport since it is the closest to the stadium. You guys think this is an unsafe place to stay? It's me, another guy and a girl.

As for our budget, I think we are all comfortable paying up to $200/night for a room. We don't necessarily need amenities since we don't plan on spending a good deal of time while we are in NY in the hotel. We just want a clean, safe room. We would also prefer something close to Citi Field and we are going to Syracuse after, so something that is not a headache to drive to Syracuse after.

As for bars, we are a younger crowd, so we definitely want to find some fun places to go out at night. We are not necessarily into clubs, but rather just cool places to have a few beers.

If you have any suggestions for any good, reasonably-priced restaurants, I would appreciate it. We are into any good kinds of food (American, Italian, Mexican, etc.)

Again, thanks for your input already. You guys have me second guessing our initial thought to stay in the Holiday Inn LaGuardia (it's around $150/night).

It's not that staying at LGA is unsafe, you're just REALLY far out from the city and not close to the subway, only to busses. There is no train you can take from LGA to the stadium, which is what you want. It is closer to the stadium distance wise, but you'd have to take a bus, which I don't recommend. I would stay in Long Island City close to the 7 train if you want to be closer to the stadium, preferably near Queensboro Plaza. Probably 20 minutes on an express train to the stadium and only about 10-15 minutes away from Times Square. You should definitely be able to find something for $200ish a night there.

[bigredmechanism]

Keep in mind, you've gotta take the Path to 33rd Street, then take the N/Q to Times Square, then walk to the 7 Train. Hoboken to 33rd street is already 30 minutes, probably about 15 before you're on the 7 trains. Best case scenario is probably 75 minutes if you catch all the trains with no waits and hit express. Otherwise, I think it's over an hour and a half.

Hmmm. I usually go PATH to 33rd, walk 1 block to 34th/Penn Station, then take the LIRR to Citi Field. with no delays it goes about 40-50 minutes.

Your way is definitely cheaper though, as LIRR is something like 8 bucks one way. I just can't stand all the stops on the 7, and coupled with having a beer on the train, the extra 5 bucks is worth it.

[fearofpopvol1]

Hmmm. I usually go PATH to 33rd, walk 1 block to 34th/Penn Station, then take the LIRR to Citi Field. with no delays it goes about 40-50 minutes.

Your way is definitely cheaper though, as LIRR is something like 8 bucks one way. I just can't stand all the stops on the 7, and coupled with having a beer on the train, the extra 5 bucks is worth it.

Ah! I forgot about the LIRR, good call. I just loathe the PATH. And when you're coming back from the stadium and it runs so infrequently, it's a pain. I know too well from when I used to live in Jersey City.

[Edd Roush]

Too bad you won't be there on a Sunday. There's a bar in the city called Phebe's tavern and Grill that's packed with Bengals fans on game day during the season.

Oh, and the subway is $2.25 but I think they have all-day cards you can buy for $7 if you were planning on jumping around.

I actually will be in New York the Sunday before, but we have tickets to the Yankees Red Sox game that is currently scheduled for 1:05 pm. I do believe there is a strong chance this will become a Sunday night game on ESPN. If it does, I will try to get the people I am going with to head to Phebe's. Is it a pretty fun place?

[Edd Roush]

It's not that staying at LGA is unsafe, you're just REALLY far out from the city and not close to the subway, only to busses. There is no train you can take from LGA to the stadium, which is what you want. It is closer to the stadium distance wise, but you'd have to take a bus, which I don't recommend. I would stay in Long Island City close to the 7 train if you want to be closer to the stadium, preferably near Queensboro Plaza. Probably 20 minutes on an express train to the stadium and only about 10-15 minutes away from Times Square. You should definitely be able to find something for $200ish a night there.

Thanks for the additional help. On the Holiday Inn LaGuardia's site, it says they are close to the seven train. Looking at the Subway map, it looks close to the 111 St stop. It does look like it is on the other side of the Grand Central Parkway from Citi Field though. Can we not walk across this? I will look into hotels close to Queensboro Plaza now. Thanks.

[RBA]

Comfort Inn looks close.

[fearofpopvol1]

Thanks for the additional help. On the Holiday Inn LaGuardia's site, it says they are close to the seven train. Looking at the Subway map, it looks close to the 111 St stop. It does look like it is on the other side of the Grand Central Parkway from Citi Field though. Can we not walk across this? I will look into hotels close to Queensboro Plaza now. Thanks.

I didn't realize you could walk it from there, which I think you could. But again, just bear in mind, you're not going to be close to any cool restaurants/bars after the game is over. If you stay near Queensboro Plaza, you'll still be relatively close to the city. It will also be easier for you on Sunday to get to Yankee Stadium. Just take the 7 train right into Grand Central and hop on the 4 train.

[edabbs44]

I usually don't post in the Non-Sports Chatter Forum, but I figured this would be the most appropriate place for this thread.

So a couple buddies and I are going to Citi Field for the last two Reds' games of the year (September 27 & 28). It's getting about time to book a hotel room and I was wondering if any New Yorkers (or any one else who have attended a game at Citi Field) had advice on where to stay.

Also, does any one know of good restaurants in that area or fun bars around the stadium? All advice is appreciated. Thanks.

Don't stay in Queens. Stay in Manhattan or, yes, Hoboken.

LIRR is much better than the 7. And convenient if you do not stay in Queens.

Can provide restaurant recommendations dependent upon where you decide to stay.

[yab1112]

I actually will be in New York the Sunday before, but we have tickets to the Yankees Red Sox game that is currently scheduled for 1:05 pm. I do believe there is a strong chance this will become a Sunday night game on ESPN. If it does, I will try to get the people I am going with to head to Phebe's. Is it a pretty fun place?

Yea, the whole place is wearing orange and black, very into the game, and that includes the staff. I never ordered any of the food there, so I can't speak to that, but I always had a good time.

[Mutaman]

I'm trying to figure out why anyone would want to see the Reds and the Mets in late September. Sounds pretty brutal. Plus, if the Madoff litigation has been decided by then, Wilpon may be forced into bankrupty and will have to forfit those games. :D

Find a bedbug free place in Manhatten to stay. Ride the 7 out to Shea, I mean Citi Field. Come back to Manhatten to socialize.

[fearofpopvol1]

Don't stay in Queens. Stay in Manhattan or, yes, Hoboken.

LIRR is much better than the 7. And convenient if you do not stay in Queens.

Can provide restaurant recommendations dependent upon where you decide to stay.

LIRR is much more expensive too in each direction. The 7 Train is totally fine if you catch it express, which you can from Queensboro Plaza.

Hoboken is far away and is still expensive. I don't recommend he stay near LGA/Flushing. But Long Island City in Queens is pretty awesome and not too expensive with more space while still being close to everything.

If he's not interested in Queens then he should in Midtown.

[edabbs44]

LIRR is much more expensive too in each direction. The 7 Train is totally fine if you catch it express, which you can from Queensboro Plaza.

Hoboken is far away and is still expensive. I don't recommend he stay near LGA/Flushing. But Long Island City in Queens is pretty awesome and not too expensive with more space while still being close to everything.

If he's not interested in Queens then he should in Midtown.

It's like $10 RT more. Much nicer ride, more civilized.

Hoboken is obviously a little further away but I guess it depends on what else they want to do. Hobo has a cleaner and easier to naivgate bar/restaurant scene. Cheaper as well. But I do agree, midtown is a more logical choice, especially if the goal is to do some NYC stuff while in town.

[Tom Servo]

You could stay at a Holliday Inn in my hometown of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. It's about 10 miles from midtown Manhattan.

[fearofpopvol1]

You could stay at a Holliday Inn in my hometown of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. It's about 10 miles from midtown Manhattan.

Ha...I've actually stayed at that Holiday Inn before...about 10 years ago. It's not close at all to Citifield and getting back there after a night game? Forget about it.

[Edd Roush]

We are actually going to a day game on Wednesday, September 28. Due in large part to suggestions on this board, I believe we are looking at staying in the Verve hotel in Long Island City? Any body have any reason why we shouldn't stay there? It's ranked as the best hotel in Long Island City on Trip Advisor. We were looking into the Ravel Hotel, but the poor reviews turned us away. Has anyone stayed at either of these hotels? Again, I appreciate any input.

[Nugget]

We are actually going to a day game on Wednesday, September 28. Due in large part to suggestions on this board, I believe we are looking at staying in the Verve hotel in Long Island City? Any body have any reason why we shouldn't stay there? It's ranked as the best hotel in Long Island City on Trip Advisor. We were looking into the Ravel Hotel, but the poor reviews turned us away. Has anyone stayed at either of these hotels? Again, I appreciate any input.

That part of LIC is not the safest but it is close to transport. You said earlier you are driving up to Syracuse so you will presumably have a car unless you a renting one later. One thing I would look up is how much parking is going to be at the locations you are considering.

Have you thought of pricelining it, have had a number of friends able to get a Times Square Hotel, 3 star, for less than $200 and you're much closer to the action after the bore than can be a Mets game at the end of the season. On the plus side Citi Field is much nicer than Yankee Stadium.

[Nugget]

Don't stay in Queens. Stay in Manhattan or, yes, Hoboken.

LIRR is much better than the 7. And convenient if you do not stay in Queens.

Can provide restaurant recommendations dependent upon where you decide to stay.

Only if you're in Midtown West and you have to catch it from Penn Station. Anywhere on the east side and the 7 is much more convenient.

[fearofpopvol1]

We are actually going to a day game on Wednesday, September 28. Due in large part to suggestions on this board, I believe we are looking at staying in the Verve hotel in Long Island City? Any body have any reason why we shouldn't stay there? It's ranked as the best hotel in Long Island City on Trip Advisor. We were looking into the Ravel Hotel, but the poor reviews turned us away. Has anyone stayed at either of these hotels? Again, I appreciate any input.

The Verve Hotel is an excellent choice. Have never stayed there before, but have been and it is awesome. I've never been to the Ravel. Despite what another poster said, it is a safe area (been there numerous times) and it is close to transportation. The only way the area becomes "unsafe" is if you go down past 21st street at night, which there would be no reason for you to do.

Long Island City will be convenient for Citi, Yankee Stadium and Times Square. It's close to everything. You can take the 7 right into Grand Central or the N/Q right into Times Square.

[Edd Roush]

The Verve Hotel is an excellent choice. Have never stayed there before, but have been and it is awesome. I've never been to the Ravel. Despite what another poster said, it is a safe area (been there numerous times) and it is close to transportation. The only way the area becomes "unsafe" is if you go down past 21st street at night, which there would be no reason for you to do.

Long Island City will be convenient for Citi, Yankee Stadium and Times Square. It's close to everything. You can take the 7 right into Grand Central or the N/Q right into Times Square.

Awesome, we have booked the Verve hotel for around $160 a night per room. Not a bad deal. Thanks everyone for their help in this thread. Feel free to contact me about Cincinnati-area advice if you are thinking about coming here.

[fearofpopvol1]

Awesome, we have booked the Verve hotel for around $160 a night per room. Not a bad deal. Thanks everyone for their help in this thread. Feel free to contact me about Cincinnati-area advice if you are thinking about coming here.

You'll be happy with it and you got a good deal. Let me know if you need any food or bar recommendations. Happy to help.

[Edd Roush]

So we are flying out Sunday for the Yankees-Red Sox game. We are very excited to go to our first game at the new Yankee stadium. We are going to be driving in from LaGuardia and then leaving to go back to Allentown for the night. Does anyone know where the smartest place to park would be? We figured we could maybe park a few train stops away and save on parking, but we have no idea what the smartest place would be if we have to go to back to Allentown that night.

Also, what would be the most fun bar to go before/after the game near Yankee stadium?

All help is appreciated. Thanks.

[NJReds]

So we are flying out Sunday for the Yankees-Red Sox game. We are very excited to go to our first game at the new Yankee stadium. We are going to be driving in from LaGuardia and then leaving to go back to Allentown for the night. Does anyone know where the smartest place to park would be? We figured we could maybe park a few train stops away and save on parking, but we have no idea what the smartest place would be if we have to go to back to Allentown that night.

Also, what would be the most fun bar to go before/after the game near Yankee stadium?

All help is appreciated. Thanks.

I can't help with the bar question.

But when we go to Yankees Stadium, I always park in one of the private lots on River Ave. and walk to the stadium. I avoid the stadium garages, because they take a lifetime to get out of.

Then, after the game, when you leave the lots on River Ave., you can drive up River and follow the signs to the GW Bridge (I-95). Then take I-95 to I-78 WB that will take you to Pennsylvania.

[Edd Roush]

I can't help with the bar question.

But when we go to Yankees Stadium, I always park in one of the private lots on River Ave. and walk to the stadium. I avoid the stadium garages, because they take a lifetime to get out of.

Then, after the game, when you leave the lots on River Ave., you can drive up River and follow the signs to the GW Bridge (I-95). Then take I-95 to I-78 WB that will take you to Pennsylvania.

Thanks, NJReds. It is appreciated.