Average room in Manhattan? $320/night

by Iva Skoch on

Manhattan has never exactly been a bargain destination. Over the last decade though, it has become virtually impossible to find a modest and affordable hotel room. Even the “average” chain hotel room–that would go for about $60 anywhere else in the country–goes for $200+ here. Take the Holiday Inn downtown for example. If you were to stay there tonight, it would cost you $179-264, according to their website. Needless to say, there is no champagne awaiting your arrival.

The reason for the steep price hike? Shortage of rooms, according to this New York Times article. Cheap dollar has brought in thousands of tourists with money to spend. But local entrepreneurs in New York are not simply waiting around for the dollar to rebound. New hotel developments will add approximately 3000 rooms to the Manhattan market in 2008. Apparently, it would need at least 10,000 rooms to satisfy the demand.

Whatever happened to charging for hotels by the hour? I mean, how much sleep do you honestly need in New York?

Cathedral of St. John the Divine, one of the world’s biggest churches

by Jamie Rhein on

It’s a lovely thing when a Gadling reader posts a comment that leads us to another post. Such is the case with Moody 75’s comment “Dude, Manhattan has what is claimed to be the largest cathedral and Anglican church and third largest Christian church in the world” on my post “Temples and churches to visit in New York City.”

Sure enough, Cathedral Church of St. John, The Divine is definitely one that I would like to see myself. From the picture, it looks familiar and perhaps I’ve passed by it on my way to somewhere else, but next time I’m in New York, I’m heading here.

First of all, its history is one that reflects the times and economic struggles. This is not a church that found easy funding at all junctures or has had enough people to build it over the years ever since the cornerstone was put in place in 1892. The Great Depression and World Wars 1 and 2 are only part of what has thwarted progress, although since it is the largest Anglican church in the world–and one of the world’s largest churches, one can make the point that there is tenacity and dedication at work here. Plus, the history reads like a Who’s Who. I’m impressed.

This is a church that seems to reflect aspects of American culture and because of its stature has attracted important people to speak here and perform such as Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond Tutu, and Leonard Bernstein. Madeline L’Engle who died this past year, even set a novel in this cathedral.

Along with giving tours, the church offers concerts and performances to the community. The next one, January 13, is called “Let My People Go: A Service of Liberation.” There will be various performances and singing along with a talk in commemoration of the end of the transatlantic slave trade.

Ellis Island has a birthday on January 1

by Jamie Rhein on

While I was getting the links for my post on things to do in New York City on New Year’s Day, I saw that Ellis Island is also open, plus that it’s having a birthday tomorrow. It first opened on January 1, 1892.

Friends of ours went to New York City earlier in December and did take the ferry to Liberty Island where the Statue of Liberty lifts her torch and then on to Ellis Island, but they didn’t get off the boat in either place. They missed out on what I think is one of the more interesting museums I’ve been to–and I’ve been to A LOT of museums. Sure, it’s neat to see the Statue of Liberty from up close, but if you only have time for one place, get off at Ellis Island for at least an hour or so. Plus, the museum is free. You’ve already paid for the boat ride, so why not get your money’s worth?

Ellis Island does not have the flashiest of museums, but it is steeped in American and world history and, I think, is important to the multicultural fabric of the United States–one that is good to pay tribute to. If you have kids, it’s an excellent way to teach them about who has immigrated to the U.S., when the various ethnic groups came and the various things that were happening in the world that prompted them to relocate.

My two favorite displays are the 3-D graphs that show who came and when and the section that highlights various families and the belongings they bought with them. If you do go here, take time out for the movies and the talk by the National Park ranger.

The last time we were there, my son caused a double-take. When the ranger asked, “Who here was born in another country?” and my son, then age 4 raised his hand and shouted out, “I was. I was born in India,” the ranger looked at my son’s blond hair and fair skin in confusion. “For real?” he asked.

For real. My son’s immigration story is not quite as exciting as an ocean journey from Europe, but it will provide some party talk when he gets older.

How many New Yorkers does it take change a light bulb?

by Brett Atkinson on

Probably more than one if we’re talking about the the new energy efficient bulbs being installed on the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s estimated that the new bulbs will save a whopping 24 tons of greenhouse gases per year.

Not to be outdone, the Rockerfeller Center Christmas tree this year will be illuminated with30,000 sparkling LEDs (that’s Light Emitting Diodes if you were away from school that day…).

This is all worhy stuff, but I hope it doesn’t lead to a general decline of glamourous lights in Gotham. Forget the great works of art and literarure. I seriously reckon that a zenith of our species’ time so far on this terrestrial rock is the Manhattan skyline after dark.

Photo of the Day (12/05/07)

by Jamie Rhein on

This past Sunday at the Wexner Center of the Arts I indulged in an hour of pleasure, and landed a heap of inspiration viewing the photographs and other artwork by William Wegman in an exhibit called, Funney/Strange. It’s quite fabulous and has given me another idea for a post. This photo by Mark Hout reminds me a bit of Wegman’s work. One of Wegman’s techniques involves taking double image photographs. Another is juxtaposing images in interesting, quirky ways.

My 5 year-old son also loved Wegman’s work. Those of you with kids, or who have kids who you like to do things with, I suggest a trip to see Wegman’s work if you notice an exhibit of his work somewhere. It’s the type of art that crosses generations. But, back to Mark’s intriguing photograph. I’ve been to the corner of Broadway and Houston in Manhattan several times and now have a different perspective to look for. The implication of this photo seems like some sort of societal commentary, one of the things Wegman also does. Neat.

If you have some artistically inspired photographs, or any you are particularly proud of, send them our way by posting them at Gadling’s Flickr photo pool. We love photos and will gush.