St Giles Court experience.
The hotel itself was ok but reqiures revamping,theres building work across the road which starts at 6.30 in the morning and finishes about 7pm at night.The room itself was big enough but again looks tired and requires freshing up ,although the rooms were cleaned everyday and fresh towels everyday so couldn't fault that.The location itself wasn't ideal but was close to the Chrysler building,Grand central station,and a 15 min walk to the Empire state building.The staff were helpful enough.We didn't have food there as it is on the expensive side so can't comment on that.If your on a budget then there are plenty of restaurants around.I was very disappointed that there was no information regarding that what you can do around the city although we did get a map when we checked in so that helped a bit.If your going out to get something to eat we were given a tip from a tour guide to which restaurants to go to and to miss.Its to do with grades certificates on the window :Grade A is supposed to be best , Grade B has just passed and Grade pending we were advised to stay away as its supposed to be a cesspit,and Grade c avoid completely but personally this is debateable as most grade b's looked all right some grade a restaurants looked worser.One place to avoid is the Black shack burger bar just around the corner from the hotel as its expensive and would be better going to Mcdonalds as there burgers were cold and not cooked properly and there a Grade A too.We went to Blooms on our last day and their a Grade B and thought they served up really good food so i wouldn't take the grades serious mind you i would stay away from Grade C as they look rough but luckily theres not much of them around oh yeah the grades are on a sanitation basis.
If you like shopping you'll love Macy's and if your there at christmas time and have kids young enough you'll love the display they have a brillant santa claus there too.Theres plenty of shops around the city so you have plenty to choose from.Watch out though when you hit 5th Ave onwards it is extremely busy and is worse at weekends especially when you go towards the rockefeller centre to see the christmas tree and towards time square,it looks good at night with it all lit up.If you go sight seeing and get NY city pass and city sights bus plan ahead as theres loads to do and try do things close together so you can maximise your pass otherwise there a waste of money.If you go in winter and are on a sightseeing bus make sure your wrapped up warm on these as its very cold and could be on a very long time on these.If your visitng statue of liberty then you'll only get on cruise as the island is shut due to Sandy but still worth the view.If you want to crisps and sweets etc there is a good discount shop up 39th street called Jacks you can get your snacks from.You have too watch out for the locals as they can be ignorant when they bump into you and don't say sorry.If you plan to go to the American natural of history museum and Central park it would probably take a whole day to do as the museum and park are huge.theres also a couple of shopping centres up that way if you like shopping.I thought it was a great experience but i don't think i'll be back there in a hurry but i'm sure you'll love it.