Hi

Haven't been to New York as yet but will be taking my first trip in March. I have been checking out info on the http://www.tripadvisor.com site where there is a very active New York section from which I have got loads of tips and recommendations.

Hi Michelle, we didn't say in your hotel so I can't comment on that but can on a few others things!

On the whole we found prices very reasonable and if you stick to 'pub' type places so is alcohol.

If you're after designer stuff then a day at Woodbury Common is supposed to be a 'must' - http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=7 - and is easy to get to from the city. We didn't go in May as it was our first visit and didn't want to take a full day out of our trip but I have a friend at work who simply loves it and goes everytime he visits.
Another popular place is Century 21 - http://www.c21stores.com/#/store-locations/?store=manhattan - it's very much one of those places were you can get real bargains or be very unlucky and find nothing as it tends to be last season/end of season stuff. You have to be prepared to hunt amongst the rails. Have to say it wasn't my cup of tea - it's absolutely heaving. I went for bags and shoes and after being barged for the third time, spat my dummy out and left!
Sephora is great for cosmetics - http://www.sephora.com
You'll find lots of shopping info here - http://www.nyctourist.com/shopping_menu.htm

And don't forget; carry a photocopy of your passport as places like Macys and Bloomies offer tourists a 10% discount. You'll need to sign up at their customer service desk (just ask an assistant once you get there and they'll tell you where the desk is)

If you fancy a show; use this site to order your tickets before you go - http://www.broadwaybox.com - we saved loads on our tickets and you simply collect them at the box office of the theatre.

Hope that helps a bit.

Well i have booked the short break with Virgin holidays for 6 nights in february, in the hotel 30/30. The total costing was £1200 for two of us, which includes all transers from the hotel and airport.

Thank you to everyone who responded to my questions.

Michelle x

Ps.... a tip did you know that if booking with virgin holidays you can save 10% by booking on your virgin credit card? and also save 10% being a frequent virgin if you have flown with them over 3 times.