We have never been to NYC and wish to soon. Thought maybe using DVC points for NYC. Has anyone used RCI? What is the point cost? What hotels are available?
Should we just use cash reservations? Stay in city or take train?
What shows do you suggest?
Where to eat.
Can we take sub or train, etc to Coney Island?
Suggestions please
RCI has several properties in NYC. The Manhattan Club and Hilton are two that come to mind. You can also stay at the Le Parker Meridien(Concierge Collection). Where you stay largely depends on what part of Manhattan you want to be in. Do you want to be near Central Park, Times Square, or Chelsea Pier? Wherever you choose to stay, you can walk, take the subway, or taxi etc. anywhere you need to go. The NYC RCI properties can be difficult to book because they are so popular. You may want to check the DVC RCI website daily for the properties and dates you want. If you decide to stay in a hotel, just research the hotel to make sure it is up to your standards and is what you want to pay. Staying in NJ is always an option, but you have to weigh any cost savings with the time it takes to commute in and how often the trains run. I did that commute often when I lived in NJ and came into NYC for shows, etc(the train takes you into Penn Station(34th street) right across from Macy's and next to Madison Square Gardens). Although it was an easy commute, I did have to know the train schedules so that I knew what time parameters I needed to adhere to. Also, some of the train stations in NJ are just open air platforms(something to keep in mind).
I stayed at the Manhattan Club when I did the
ABD NYC trip and loved it. I had planned to book it through RCI so I was excited when I learned that was where the ABD was staying. It was close to Central Park and there were so many fast food and regular restaurants near the hotel that it was easy to find somewhere to eat for the meals that weren't included. There was also a grocery store a block away. The only thing I didn't like about the Manhattan Club was the $300 deposit we had to put down when we checked in. It would have been nice to know about that charge ahead of time.
The RCI exchange fee is only $95. Whether you use your points for the stay is purely a personal decision. I use my points for everything (
DCL, ABD, DVC, RCI)--that's why I bought them. Decide what is best for you and enjoy! If you haven't already done so, check out the Tripadvisor reviews for the places you are interested in and restaurants you want to eat in. I always start there when planning a trip.