Christmas 2009 - A Hotel Question and Poll

For those of you who are planning on booking the Christmas/New Year's cruise in 2009, how many of you who are coming from out of driving distance would like to try to get a group rate at a hotel in Manhattan?

If you're interested please vote in the poll.

Question: Are you asking if we'd like to book a hotel independently of the usual hotels or at least rates Cunard usually offers? For example, Cunard almost always offers the Waldorf-Astoria and the Marriott Marquis as add ons through their normal reservations system. This is assuming we ARE sailing out of NYC...

Are you asking if we'd like to see if we can get a better rate than what Cunard is offering?

The other thing to consider is that while Cunard's rates at these hotels might be a bit higher, it also includes transfers to Brooklyn, and, if you're planning on taking a cab, that could prove costly and in the end, you might end up paying the same amount of money out.

Just wanted to make those points...

Boca, If the group does end up getting a group or discounted rate at the hotel better than what is available on their own or through Cunard than it would also be easy to arrange group transportation that might also cut down on the transfer costs. Arranging for a large motor coach or two is some times the best option for a group and could stop at two different hotels for pick up if the group was split. Last time I did that for a group in Hawaii it was just $20.00 a person and would have been less if we actually had filled the whole bus. This is all something the assigned TA could look into and arrange for the group if the demand for it was there.

Very interested, except we'll probably want to arrive between 5 to 7 days in advance of sailing, I'm not sure we'd be able to book into a group situation.

Q.o.S, Depending on where you decide to stay in NYC you could either switch to the group hotel for that night as part of the group or book there to begin. At any rate, you will know well ahead of time what hotel the group decides to go with and can choose something close by if you want to take part in some of the group stuff.

We'd be willing if we can get a better rate than Cunard is offering

I was doing some research on NYC hotels for another client and was reminded of this great little hotel. I think it would be a fun consideration for the group. If you look under the Fast Facts tab you will be able to get a great overview of the whole property and what it offers all on one screen. It is a small hotel but since we would be booking very far out securing the needed rooms wouldn't be a problem.

http://www.libraryhotel.com/index.shtml

I have only have heard rave reviews about this place although I haven't had the chance to stay there personally. They offer a complimentary manager's reception in the evening and continental breakfast in the morning as well as highspeed internet (a must for me!), which I think are nice touches.

What do you all think?

AmbianceTraveler wrote:

I was doing some research on NYC hotels for another client and was reminded of this great little hotel. I think it would be a fun consideration for the group. If you look under the Fast Facts tab you will be able to get a great overview of the whole property and what it offers all on one screen. It is a small hotel but since we would be booking very far out securing the needed rooms wouldn't be a problem.

http://www.libraryhotel.com/index.shtml

I have only have heard rave reviews about this place although I haven't had the chance to stay there personally. They offer a complimentary manager's reception in the evening and continental breakfast in the morning as well as highspeed internet, which I think are nice touches.

What do you all think?

Samantha Brown did an episode of Great Hotels at the Library Hotel and I thought it looked wonderful! I love the themed room idea!! Here's a link for everyone to see:

http://travel.discovery.com/tv/samantha-brown/great-hotels/library.html

Now, I remember that episode! I also thought the themed rooms would give us plenty to talk about at the wine & cheese reception

Obliviously I won't be staying at the hotel BUT, I wanted to mention that the restaurant, Madison & Vine at The Library hotel is wonderful!! I think it would be a great choice for those coming in from out of town, you'll be away from that hustle and bustle of Times Square that us locals avoid like the plague unless absolutely necessary!

Curvy Gal Cruises wrote:

Obliviously I won't be staying at the hotel BUT, I wanted to mention that the restaurant, Madison & Vine at The Library hotel is wonderful!! I think it would be a great choice for those coming in from out of town, you'll be away from that hustle and bustle of Times Square that us locals avoid like the plague unless absolutely necessary!

Nina, I have to agree with Marina, keep everyone away from Times Square. Not that it's bad or dangerous, it's just soooooooo touristy!! A hotel on the East Side would work much better for sanity purposes.

I have to also agree with that suggestion - ANYWHERE but Times Square! YUCK! I've never stayed at The Library but have walked passed it many, many times and it's a great location. Madison won't be as nearly as crazy as 5th Avenue during the holidays. There is a garage on 39th, so it's do-able for those who might be driving in. And, close to Grand Central for grabbing trains and subways.

The Library would be fine with us Nina, looks like a very cozy hotel! And, I agree, anything but that Times Square mess. It's truly a tourist trap!

Wonderful, glad for all the positive reviews! Once we have a date I will contact the hotel to see about holding the space. In the mean time, if anyone else has any other suggestions I'm sure the board would be open to it.

The Library looks wonderful! Fine by me, if they'll take a group...

The Library looks GREAT!

Nina, another hotel related question. How does it work if we're not booking through Cunard? Do we pay upfront or is it just a deposit with a final payment? I've never belonged to a group before so it's all new to me.

Thanks!

It will depend on the policy of the hotel. Often with groups there is a small initial deposit with everyone paying the remaining for their room at check out like you would normally.