Nationals MSG.

[minnhawkeye]

Any of you fine wrestling fans know anything about this area?
Hilton Garden Inn Secaucus/Meadowlands
Rooms were reasonable and claim only 12 min subway to the garden.

 

[mattu12]

Any of you fine wrestling fans know anything about this area?
Hilton Garden Inn Secaucus/Meadowlands
Rooms were reasonable and claim only 12 min subway to the garden.

I have stayed there. Neighborhood is fine and hotel is what you would expect from Hilton Gardens. Plenty of places to eat/drink nearby. I liked the Latin place right across the street. I would just check the trip from the hotel to the subway station. I remember hitting traffic getting to and from the hotel.

 

[Brian LB-U]

I know the area very well, what type of experience are you looking for exactly? Are you coming all the way to NYC on a wrestling-only budget, or are you interested in taking things in while you are here?

 

[pabison]

Any of you fine wrestling fans know anything about this area?
Hilton Garden Inn Secaucus/Meadowlands
Rooms were reasonable and claim only 12 min subway to the garden.

I don't know about that particular hotel, but there is a nice Hampton Inn that's usually very reasonable just off Times Square by the port authority terminal. Another hotel I've stayed at a bunch of times that's pretty close to MSG is The Kimberly - their rooms are like small efficiencies and are pretty reasonable.

 

[El-Jefe]

What Brian said -- it really depends on what you're looking for.

"12 min subway to MSG" is a little misleading. It's probably more like 25-30 minutes, and not via NYC subway (which I'm pretty sure doesn't go into NJ). Hotel is about 10-15 min drive to the nearest NJ Transit station (Secaucus Junction), which is also the last train station in NJ before crossing into NY. So the underground train portion probably is about 10-12 min (just not part of NYC Metro).

NJ Transit should be around $5 each way from Secaucus ($2 for elderly/handicapped) plus parking at the station -- which beats the hell out of NYC bridge/tunnel tolls + parking. The downside: you won't go back to the hotel between sessions, and you need to not miss the last train out of Manhattan.

If you're driving in from the midwest, or want to save a boat-load of money and don't mind a little inconvenience, then this seems pretty good. If you're flying in, then check if the hotel has a shuttle -- otherwise you'll need a rental car or taxis to get around -- you might fund another place closer to a NJ Transit station that lowers your overall cost.

Hope this helps.

 

[lockhavenlion3]

What Brian said -- it really depends on what you're looking for.

"12 min subway to MSG" is a little misleading. It's probably more like 25-30 minutes, and not via NYC subway (which I'm pretty sure doesn't go into NJ). Hotel is about 10-15 min drive to the nearest NJ Transit station (Secaucus Junction), which is also the last train station in NJ before crossing into NY. So the underground train portion probably is about 10-12 min (just not part of NYC Metro).

NJ Transit should be around $5 each way from Secaucus ($2 for elderly/handicapped) plus parking at the station -- which beats the hell out of NYC bridge/tunnel tolls + parking. The downside: you won't go back to the hotel between sessions, and you need to not miss the last train out of Manhattan.

If you're driving in from the midwest, or want to save a boat-load of money and don't mind a little inconvenience, then this seems pretty good. If you're flying in, then check if the hotel has a shuttle -- otherwise you'll need a rental car or taxis to get around -- you might fund another place closer to a NJ Transit station that lowers your overall cost.

Hope this helps.

was going to stay at the hgi in secaucus, but the parking is somewhat limited in the closest lot. On thur. & fri., it might be tough to find parking unless you leave very early(fighting work travel). once full, i was told you'd have to go to newark to park to catch the nj transit line. decided i didn't want to chance it, so went for the hgi in nyc 2 blocks from msg.

 

[Lattner]

Avoid all that hassle.
Stay in Princeton, relax , and take the train to MSG.
Trains run all day and night.

 

[lockhavenlion3]

Avoid all that hassle.
Stay in Princeton, relax , and take the train to MSG.
Trains run all day and night.

i live right across the delaware in yardley,pa and usually take the nj transit line from trenton. princeton is stop not far from trenton. that's a long ride 2 times a day. just decided the saved $$$ wasn't worth the hassle & time. i'm now 10 minutes from msg.

 

[SetonHallPirate]

Agoodnap, or, if you prefer, one stop on the A, C, or E trains.

 

[ptomaselli]

What Brian said -- it really depends on what you're looking for.

"12 min subway to MSG" is a little misleading. It's probably more like 25-30 minutes, and not via NYC subway (which I'm pretty sure doesn't go into NJ). Hotel is about 10-15 min drive to the nearest NJ Transit station (Secaucus Junction), which is also the last train station in NJ before crossing into NY. So the underground train portion probably is about 10-12 min (just not part of NYC Metro).

NJ Transit should be around $5 each way from Secaucus ($2 for elderly/handicapped) plus parking at the station -- which beats the hell out of NYC bridge/tunnel tolls + parking. The downside: you won't go back to the hotel between sessions, and you need to not miss the last train out of Manhattan.

If you're driving in from the midwest, or want to save a boat-load of money and don't mind a little inconvenience, then this seems pretty good. If you're flying in, then check if the hotel has a shuttle -- otherwise you'll need a rental car or taxis to get around -- you might fund another place closer to a NJ Transit station that lowers your overall cost.

Hope this helps.

I used that very same NJ Transit train from Secaucus last year when I went to the Pinstripe Bowl. It can get VERY crowded. I was between cars with my arse literally hanging off the train.

 

[tikk10]

I used that very same NJ Transit train from Secaucus last year when I went to the Pinstripe Bowl. It can get VERY crowded. I was between cars with my arse literally hanging off the train.

I live in NYC and can second this point; transportation on NJ Transit is grossly inferior in a hundred ways from the competitor options (subways from outer boroughs, LIRR from Long Island, Metro-north from Westchester). Usually late, often jam packed to the point of discomfort. That said, Secuacus is less than 20 minutes to Penn Station.

And everyone realize that there is a "Newark Penn Station" and a "New York Penn Station." You want the latter. It's a mistake frequently made by visitors.

 

[SCstunners]

Being from small town Iowa and after beginning to look into planning a trip to New York. I am completely lost, so this post helps a little. In years past, we usually go to the first session, find a spot to eat and have a few beers between sessions, go to the night session, and then go out for awhile afterwards. We typically do not go back to our rooms in between session. So staying somewhere out of Manhattan would be OK for us, but how late do these trains go throughout the night? And are they safe to ride at night? I mean we are 5 former wrestlers from a town of 3K ppl, love to have a good time, and have never been to New York. I would prefer not to fall into a death trap meant for tourist.

 

[El-Jefe]

Being from small town Iowa and after beginning to look into planning a trip to New York. I am completely lost, so this post helps a little. In years past, we usually go to the first session, find a spot to eat and have a few beers between sessions, go to the night session, and then go out for awhile afterwards. We typically do not go back to our rooms in between session. So staying somewhere out of Manhattan would be OK for us, but how late do these trains go throughout the night? And are they safe to ride at night? I mean we are 5 former wrestlers from a town of 3K ppl, love to have a good time, and have never been to New York. I would prefer not to fall into a death trap meant for tourist.

For the NJ train: you can get the train schedule from the NJ Transit website.

I wouldn't worry too much about safety on the train -- it's a commuter train, and people commute to work in NYC from pretty far away. And people take it to/from Philly a lot on weekends as day trips. Last summer my wife and I did a day trip on a Friday. Our train left Manhattan around 10 pm, was pretty full for the first few stops, and didn't thin out until the Princeton students got back to campus. Even the last few stops weren't ghost cars.

I would check out whichever NJT station you pick once there -- situational awareness stuff. They should be OK, but late at night you never know 100%. Each station will have security staff and cameras. We parked our car at the Trenton station, which is in a rathole part of a rough town, and had no problems.

The NYC subway is also safe during day and earlier evening, though it might be sketchier after midnight. If you have any questions about it, ask your waiter or bartender when cashing out. You can always take a cab or Uber back to MSG, go downstairs into Penn Station, and take NJT from there.

The biggest tourist trap in NYC is Times Square (and nearby stuff like the wax museum, Guy Fieri's restaurant, etc.). Almost everything else is aimed at residents and people who work in the city.

 

[SCstunners]

For the NJ train: you can get the train schedule from the NJ Transit website.

I wouldn't worry too much about safety on the train -- it's a commuter train, and people commute to work in NYC from pretty far away. And people take it to/from Philly a lot on weekends as day trips. Last summer my wife and I did a day trip on a Friday. Our train left Manhattan around 10 pm, was pretty full for the first few stops, and didn't thin out until the Princeton students got back to campus. Even the last few stops weren't ghost cars.

I would check out whichever NJT station you pick once there -- situational awareness stuff. They should be OK, but late at night you never know 100%. Each station will have security staff and cameras. We parked our car at the Trenton station, which is in a rathole part of a rough town, and had no problems.

The NYC subway is also safe during day and earlier evening, though it might be sketchier after midnight. If you have any questions about it, ask your waiter or bartender when cashing out. You can always take a cab or Uber back to MSG, go downstairs into Penn Station, and take NJT from there.

The biggest tourist trap in NYC is Times Square (and nearby stuff like the wax museum, Guy Fieri's restaurant, etc.). Almost everything else is aimed at residents and people who work in the city.

Thanks! What is the commute from Long Island to MSG? Computer says around 20-25 mins. Is that pretty accurate?

 

[tikk10]

Thanks! What is the commute from Long Island to MSG? Computer says around 20-25 mins. Is that pretty accurate?

Where on Long Island?

 

[SCstunners]

Where on Long Island?

It says we would get on the metro at Queens Plaza. Our biggest issue is we are just wondering if it is worth staying out of Manhattan to save $100 dollars a night on hotel rooms. More than likely we would cab it back at 2 am. So would it be worth to save that or would we make up the difference in transportation back and forth. Budget is sort of an issue when you figure in a $350 flight out there plus all the hotel expenses.

 

[tikk10]

It says we would get on the metro at Queens Plaza. Our biggest issue is we are just wondering if it is worth staying out of Manhattan to save $100 dollars a night on hotel rooms. More than likely we would cab it back at 2 am. So would it be worth to save that or would we make up the difference in transportation back and forth. Budget is sort of an issue when you figure in a $350 flight out there plus all the hotel expenses.

Okay, sounds like you're in Queens then, which is geographically (along with Brooklyn) part of Long Island but "Long Island" usually refers to the areas east of Queens and Brooklyn.

If you're near Queensboro plaza, you're in pretty decent shape, it's just over the East River from Manhattan. That area is fine. The 7 train is right there and will take you to Times Square, where you can either transfer to the 2/3 to Penn Station/MSG or just walk. People opting for NJ & New Jersey Transit will have a less predictable commute than you, and the subway (not the metro) runs around the clock.

 

[SCstunners]

Okay, sounds like you're in Queens then, which is geographically (along with Brooklyn) part of Long Island but "Long Island" usually refers to the areas east of Queens and Brooklyn.

If you're near Queensboro plaza, you're in pretty decent shape, it's just over the East River from Manhattan. That area is fine. The 7 train is right there and will take you to Times Square, where you can either transfer to the 2/3 to Penn Station/MSG or just walk. People opting for NJ & New Jersey Transit will have a less predictable commute than you, and the subway (not the metro) runs around the clock.

Awesome! Thanks for everything guys! I guess Penn State fans aren't too bad after all. It is shaping to be another great March.

 

[tgar]

It says we would get on the metro at Queens Plaza. Our biggest issue is we are just wondering if it is worth staying out of Manhattan to save $100 dollars a night on hotel rooms. More than likely we would cab it back at 2 am. So would it be worth to save that or would we make up the difference in transportation back and forth. Budget is sort of an issue when you figure in a $350 flight out there plus all the hotel expenses.

Stunners. If you can get a hotel room on Manhattan for $ 100.00 / night less, it's worth considering. How many rooms are you 5 sharing? If you guys are doing the cram and crash, it's only $20.00 more each day for less hassle. Even if you have a couple of rooms it doesn't add that much.

I have stayed in Manhattan numerous times as well as across the water, my preference would be staying in town. You never get back and forth as fast as you hope.

 

[Lattner]

I've stayed at the Hotel Stanford several times.
Very clean, but small rooms - 43 W 32nd, about 3 blocks from from MSG in Koreatown.
Was $100/room a few years ago and rates appear about the same.
Great Korean food joints everywhere.

 

[tikk10]

I've stayed at the Hotel Stanford several times.
Very clean, but small rooms - 43 W 32nd, about 3 blocks from from MSG in Koreatown.
Was $100/room a few years ago and rates appear about the same.
Great Korean food joints everywhere.

I live here so can't really give hotel advice, but will second the mention of the Korean restaurants on 32nd St btwn 5th & 6th. My favorite is Mandoo. And at any of them order the "bibimbap," which is rice, vegetables, meat, sometimes an egg, and usually hot sauce mixed together in front of you while piping hot. Excellent.

 

[CentexLion]

I live here so can't really give hotel advice, but will second the mention of the Korean restaurants on 32nd St btwn 5th & 6th. My favorite is Mandoo. And at any of them order the "bibimbap," which is rice, vegetables, meat, sometimes an egg, and usually hot sauce mixed together in front of you while piping hot. Excellent.

Second the bibimbap. It should come out in a stone bowl so when you crack the egg over it and stir it in, the rice along the bowl edge gets nice and hard. Good stuff.

 

[SCstunners]

Awesome! Thanks guys. We found a couple spots in Manhattan that we will end up staying at. So Korea Town is a good area then? We found a couple around there and were kind of wondering what it was like.

 

[manatree]

While bibimbap is tasty, I'd rather go with the fried chicken at the Korean joints. While most places will do wings, some will do all four cuts of the bird which is even better. It's twice fried and shellaced with either a sweet soy or a spicy hot pepper glaze.

 

[tikk10]

Awesome! Thanks guys. We found a couple spots in Manhattan that we will end up staying at. So Korea Town is a good area then? We found a couple around there and were kind of wondering what it was like.

Korea Town is basically just a block that happens to be very close to MSG, it's not really comparable to Chinatown. But if you found a hotel near there you could get away with not taking the subway or any transportation the entire trip.

 

[zwick99]

When PHilly renovated the Convention Center they should have added stadium seating on three sides of one end with temporary seating on the forth wall. The CC could then host NCAA wrestling, college hoops tournaments, 76ers, Phantoms, and so on.

 

[El-Jefe]

Awesome! Thanks guys. We found a couple spots in Manhattan that we will end up staying at. So Korea Town is a good area then? We found a couple around there and were kind of wondering what it was like.

You'll be good. So close to MSG that you won't bother to take the subway there. Most of Manhattan is very safe -- just pay attention to your surroundings (especially around Times Square and nightclubs). The less safe areas are places you won't visit anyway, or at least not at the times you would go. If in doubt, ask someone -- ever hear of a New Yorker not brag about how great his city is?

Among the many things great about NYC: you can find just about anything to do, see, eat, or drink there -- and you can get to it quickly, safely, conveniently, and inexpensively via the subway. Take advantage of what the city has to offer.

 

[SCstunners]

You'll be good. So close to MSG that you won't bother to take the subway there. Most of Manhattan is very safe -- just pay attention to your surroundings (especially around Times Square and nightclubs). The less safe areas are places you won't visit anyway, or at least not at the times you would go. If in doubt, ask someone -- ever hear of a New Yorker not brag about how great his city is?

Among the many things great about NYC: you can find just about anything to do, see, eat, or drink there -- and you can get to it quickly, safely, conveniently, and inexpensively via the subway. Take advantage of what the city has to offer.

Awesome! You guys have been a great help. Yeah, well, if you knew the type of "people" we are, we wouldn't necessarily fit in when it comes to a night club. haha We hopefully can find some bars or pubs and talk wrestling. We do a fantasy wrestling league every year. You pick 1 guy at each weight, their rankings determine how much they cost, build a team, the individuals points they score during the tournament are what determine each teams points. I built a website and database where it has updated team scores at the end of each session. Last year, we had close to 60 people in the league. Gets pretty fun. So after every session we like to find a bar, go over the fantasy teams, talk about big upsets in the last round and good future match ups. Things like that. You guys have been a lot of help and we really appreciate it. Hopefully, I can help you guys in return if they ever come back to Iowa, which unfortunately, I don't think will happen, but we are booking a room at Hotel Stanford.... this food better be all you guys make it cracked up to be.

Thanks again!

 

[El-Jefe]

FYI, by "around nightclubs" I didn't just mean inside. Sometimes the fun spills outside, and you might be nearby anyway (walking to/from another establishment, etc.). It's less likely in a cold weather month with no NBA visiting teams in town, but still.