Hotel reviews for Holiday Inn Express New York City Times Square

New York City really is the city that never sleeps! From the 33rd floor of my hotel you could hear sirens and taxis at all time of day and night (pack earplugs if you want to get some sleep at night);. The hotel was situated near Times Square in the heart of Manhatten, just a 15 minute walk from Macys department store.

New York has an underground system but we walked to most places and used taxis which are fairly cheap and easy to flag down as there are so many of them.

Central park is a place of tranquality in a very busy and noisy city. The park has lots of street entertainers in it and this is where Beatles fans can see Strawberry Fields. Strawberry Fields is opposite the building which John Lennon was shot outside and there is a 'imagine' plaque of remembrance in this area.

Battery Park is where you take the ferry over to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The musuem on Ellis Island tells the story of the immigrants who came to America hundreds of years ago. You can either go half way up the Statue of Liberty to the plinth or you can go to the top of the crown. If you go to the crown be prepared for walking the whole way up and down. Lifts can be taken to the plinth for those that do not wish to climb all the stairs. The view from the plinth gives a wonderful view out across to the skyline of Manhatten.

Once you arrive back at Battery Park you can walk to the Financial District of New York which was home to the twin towers. I was lucky enough to see these and experience the view from the top. I'm not sure what that area is like today.

The Statue of Liberty is not like I expected it too be. I always imagined it to be like in Sleepless in Seattle but its not. The entrance is fairly small and you don't even realise you are there. The view from the top however is well worth it, I don't recommend it if you have a fear of heights!

If you have time visit Central Station as its the most impressive railway station you will probably see. The interior is marble with lots of gold plating and paintings on the ceiling.

New York is one of the best cities for shopping. Macys is the largest department store and I don't think there's much you can't get in Macys. Fifth Avenue has FAO Schwarz toy shop on it and for those of you who have seen the film Home Alone this is the toy shop they used in the film. Disney Store have their flagship store on Fifth Ave and its well worth a visit if you are a fan of Disney. Remember when shopping in America that the price on the ticket does not include tax, this is added on at the till.

If you want to get away from the sky high buildings visit the Soho area. Soho has lots of cafes, resturants and small boutiques. The buildings in this area are all fairly small, not what you expect in New York.

At night Times Square is a mass of light and colour and worth seeing.

Eating out in New York is easy, there are lots of sandwich shops and cafes for during the day and many restuarants offering all different types of food if you wish to dine out in the evening.

New York is a must for anyone who enjoys seeing cities, there is lots to do and see and plenty of shopping to be done.