NYC, Style & a little Cannoli

Thursday, May 31, 2018

Throwback Thursday "1970's Times Square"

How cool is this shot from the 1970's of Times Square? It is not really that long ago, but it looks so much different in 2018! I never thought I would say a photo from the 1970's looks vintage, but it oh so does big time. It is for sure quite a different era than when we visit today. How cool that photography can send us back in time - one of the reasons I love it so much.

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A Visit to Gulliver's Gate

I was invited by the folks from Gulliver's Gate to check out their miniature settings near Times Square. I thought this was just a limited exhibit but it is permanent. What is Gulliver's Gate you ask? Well here is some info from their website:

The exhibit will include miniature scale models of well-known sites and places from our world, and fictional worlds, connected by train tracks and highways featuring all manners of transportation known to mankind – from horses and elephants to hot air balloons, jet planes and space shuttles.

Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels told of an 18th century adventurer entering fantastical, hidden places where he discovered his expectations challenged and his sense of wonder expanded. It is our goal to do the same for the 21st century, with an immersive display that utilizes the latest interactive technology to make the experience of an intricate and tiny world even more rich and engaging.

This really was quite a unique experience and I spent a good hour here. Wonderful for children to learn about history and places in the USA as well as around the world. I did see many grown-ups enjoying the displays as well, it is done very, very well.

Who doesn't love The Clam Box ??

You receive a key when you enter and when you put your key in various key holes, it makes things happen - like the London Bridge opens for you!

Stonehenge was too darn perfect for my taste! So neat!

Buckingham Palace

Wembley Stadium

That van looks very familiar, don't you think?

Ahh ha - the mystery machine and Scooby Doo! So much fun!

Russia was really beautiful but hard to photograph because it was at night and very blue.

Love, love, love this

I was beginning to wonder how they got all these details in one place!

We are now in Paris

I just loved these colorful balloons!

Italy is here as well

The most wonderful NYC and the Guggenheim Museum

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!!

This is a great exhibit for young and old, and I believe they are going to be adding more countries and cities in the future. I would highly suggest adding this to your "to-do" list when visiting New York City. I would check on line for discounts for admission, such as Groupon, to save a few dollars.

Gulliver's Gate

216 West 44th Street

Open Daily, All Year 10am to 8pm

Gulliver's Gate Admission Prices

Adult entry: $36.

Children (12 and under) entry: $27

Senior (65+) entry: $27

Active duty military free at box office (in uniform with proper ID)

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Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan Hotel Review

The view from my room was a welcome surprise!

the reflection of the buildings in the windows next door

just a beautiful room and very spacious indeed

I like a nice size bathroom in my hotel and in NYC, that can be hard to find

Being right next to the Hershey store had me quite happy!

something new in the hotel is the wonderful illy caffe' and pastry from Balthazar Bakery

since I have yet to try their pastries, this was a must for one morning breakfast

this was the best latte and chocolate croissant I ever had!! problem is the hours are only in the morning and I told the lady at the desk of the restaurant it would be good to keep it open for those who may want a coffee later and/or dessert/pastry. Big thumbs up to this add on by the hotel !!

The restaurant in the hotel, Brasserie 1605, has good dining options but it only open from 630am to 2pm for Breakfast and Lunch options. You do have a nice view of Times Square while you are dining.

Crowne Plaza Times Square
1605 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
212-977-4000

4 Star Hotel
Location: Times Square
770 smoke free guestrooms
Resort Fee: $30.00 per night
No Mini Bar in Room
Coffee Makers in Room
Dogs Allowed less than 25 pounds; fully refundable $100 deposit required
Indoor Pool
On Site Fitness Center
Valet parking $70.00 daily fee
Free WiFi in public areas and hotel rooms
Trip Advisor Ranking 189 of 468 (as of 08/06/17)
Trivago Rating 83 out of 100 (as of 08/06/17)
Price Range $228-$500 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)

Hotel prices are at their lowest in the months of January and February; their highest September and October. Sunday nights are the lowest prices for hotel rooms, in most cases. My go to places for checking prices for hotels are Trivago, Trip Advisor, Hotels.com and Travelzoo. Always remember to check the hotel's website itself, they are really trying to have you book direct and sometimes offer specials or a discount with AAA that is cheaper than the websites I mentioned above. I am also finding that if you book on your mobile device, you can save some money as well. I actually got a better rate via my mobile phone than using my AAA discount online direct at the hotel. You should really do some research on your price for hotel a few different ways, and ALWAYS book a room that you can cancel, you never know what may happen in the future.

Remember to take into account for your total cost the NYC Hotel tax of 14.75% plus Daily $2.00 per room occupancy fee.

My rating for this hotel on a scale of 1 to 10 would be an 8.

Disclosure: This stay was paid for by me. I will always state at the end of each review whether my stay was paid for by myself or if I was hosted by the hotel. I will honestly tell you about my experience at this hotel, not being swayed in any way by complimentary services. I know you value my opinion, and it is important to me to be as honest as possible. All opinions are my own. Thank you so much.

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Times Square in the Dark

Times Square is not really favored by the NYC locals. They try to stay away as much as possible. I can understand, as I hate when it is so crowded, you are at a standstill. But at night, it is a bit less crowded, because the day tourists are gone, and it is really neat with all the lights going on. This is the Crown Plaza Times Square Hotel, right next to the Hershey Store, where I have stayed a few times. It is a great hotel, and you can get out of Times Square fast, if you wish, and away from the crowds with the location.