Destination information
New York holidays are an experience in diversity. From the uptown glitz of the Upper West Side to the downtown bohemian chic of the West Village, from Chinatown to Little Italy, from Murray Hill to Midtown, you are presented with entirely different sights, sounds and even smells in each neighbourhood. And as if this wasn't enough, interesting new areas keep on springing up with their trendy acronyms. The latest is DUMBO (we kid you not - it stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass!).
When it comes to things to do, you can expect to find out what ‘spoilt for choice’ really means. From the architecture, the history, the museums and galleries, to the clubs, theatres, restaurants and bars… holidays in New York tend to be busy! Make a vague plan of what you want to see, but beware - the fizzing energy of Manhattan is bewitching, and it could carry you completely off course. Just make sure you see the best sights, like the Empire State Building with its amazing views, and leave plenty of time for the fabulous shopping! A New York holiday without a trip to Macy’s just wouldn’t be right.
Eats & drinks
There are thousands of restaurants in this city representing every type of cooking possible, so don’t be surprised if your holiday to New York turns into a voyage of culinary discovery. 21 Club is a New York institute, as is Diner, a converted dining car with a loyal clientele. Chat 'n' Chew, just off Union Square, is a heartland eatery where people chat as they wait to chew on gooey, piping hot macaroni cheese or a mountainous Holy Cow burger!
Getting around
The fastest way to get from A to B in Manhattan is by subway, although for sheer street-level stimulation, you can't beat walking!
Getting there
There are 4 Virgin Atlantic flights per day to JFK, and 2 flights a day to Newark.
Transfers - Return airport transfers are available at the following price: £32 per person.
Postcards from... Top ideas from our travel experts
Our Top 5 hotels
This hotel is located in Midtown Manhattan with the Empire State Building close by. If shopping is more your cup of tea, Macy's is just a short walk away. Lunch might see you at Anesis Café, which offers great snacks and head-spinningly strong Manhattan-style coffees. Rooms are well equipped and the Comfort Inn's award-winning service is welcoming after a day in the Big Apple.
Oozing with Art Deco chic, this well-priced hotel is just a short walk from the Empire State Building and Macy's department store. In warmer months, the rooftop terrace is a great place to view the Empire State Building. The hotel's attractive, blonde wood restaurant is on the New York Times' list of 'Good Dining Places in the Area'.
The Westin New York at Times Square is an exhilarating achievement of art and architecture. Connected to the hotel is a 200,000sq ft multiplex, housing 13 cinema screens, shops, bars and restaurants. As you would expect from the Big Apple's latest gem, all rooms are beautifully furnished with an excellent range of amenities.
This 1920s hotel enjoys a superb location on New York's Upper West Side and has been recently renovated to bring you the highest standards of comfort. Amenities include a fabulous rooftop plunge pool with panoramic views of your stunning surrounds. There's also a rooftop lounge, the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink.
NYC rooms are often rather, shall we say, 'compact'. However, the Salisbury's rooms are substantially bigger, as they used to be apartments! For a supplement, you can upgrade to a huge suite with 2 double beds and separate living room with sleeper sofa. The location is wonderfully central - how about a jog in the park or a bit of shopping down 5th Avenue?
Additional info
Contact your resort reps before you travel!
Contact our resort reps before you even leave the UK, allowing you to ask questions, check out facts and purchase a complete range of tour and attraction tickets from the experts. For your convenience our hours of service are 6.00pm-9.00pm GMT Mon-Sat. We've planned this to coincide with the time you'll probably be getting home from work, so why not give us a call? Tel: 0844 557 3890 (UK national call rate only, we take care of the international charges). Alternatively, send an email to: nyc@fly.virgin.com
Private Limo Transfers
Feel like a film star and guarantee that your hotel is the first and only drop-off with this fantastic private limo airport-to-hotel transfer! You'll have checked in and be exploring the avenues of Manhattan before anyone else arrives!
Prices are from £130 one way
Please Note: Limos will only fit 5 medium bags in the boot, so if the New York stores get the better of you, please consult your local rep to upgrade your limo.
Sights, Secrets and Savings!
Want to make the most of your stay in the big apple? Then come along to your Virgin Holidays' welcome briefing to get all the inside information. Want to make your dollars go that bit further? What about that all-important shopping, I hear you cry? Well, don't forget to pick up your discount cards for Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Woodbury Common Premium Outlets and Planet Hollywood. Get your holiday off on the right foot and join us on the 3rd floor, Planet Hollywood, Times Square at 9.00am, Mon-Sun. Please Note: Many of our pre-bookable excursions require you to attend our briefings to exchange your voucher or for our staff to book your exact excursion time.