Thursday, 7th August 2025
After landing at LaGuardia around 11 a.m., we booked a cab via Lyft for transfer to our hotel near Times Square. Earlier, we had compared fares on Uber, Lyft, and Revel, and noticed that Revel offered the cheapest rate, but we were unsure if their cars would accommodate all our luggage. To be safe, we decided to go with Lyft. A few men offered us taxi rides, but we declined and followed the signs to the official Lyft pickup area at pillars 8–9 near the exit.
There are, of course, more budget-friendly ways to get to Manhattan – such as taking a free shuttle bus from the airport and then switching to the subway, or opting for Uber Shuttle. These two alternatives are better suited for solo travelers or those with light luggage. Private pick-up services are also available, but after inquiring with several providers, we found them to be the costliest option.
The drive to our hotel, Residence Inn Manhattan/Times Square, on 6th Ave & 39th St. took about 45–50 minutes. When we arrived at our hotel, the room wasn’t ready yet, so we stored our luggage, freshened up on the third floor, and decided to explore the neighborhood. The hotel was just a block away from Bryant Park, which was buzzing with tourists and office-goers during the lunch hour. We soaked in the lively atmosphere for about half an hour before heading to Angelina for hot chocolate.
During our Paris trip in 2024, we missed visiting the famous Angelina café near the Louvre Museum, so this time we made sure to try it. To our delight, the hot chocolate was absolutely divine, and we paired it with a pain au chocolat and a croissant.
Afterward, we went to the 42 St-Bryant Pk subway station via the entrance right opposite our hotel to purchase a 7-day MetroCard ($35 per person), which made transportation throughout our stay both easy and economical. Plus, we wanted to keep them as souvenirs. From our research, we also learned that OMNY (tap-to-pay) or mobile payment apps are more convenient alternatives, and MetroCards will be discontinued by the end of this year (2025).
Back at the hotel, we were told our room (No. 2710) was ready, and to our surprise, we had been upgraded to a room with the Empire State view — truly magical! However, the air conditioner wasn’t working initially, so the hotel’s maintenance team had to replace the entire HVAC unit twice before it was finally fixed.
The room was compact — smaller than what we’ve experienced at other Residence Inns — but that’s quite typical for New York City. Despite the size, it was thoughtfully designed, with all the essential amenities and a handy little kitchenette. Stay tuned as we share more about our stay at Residence Inn.
That evening, we took a short 5-minute walk to Times Square, where I was excited to reunite with a college friend and her family after 12 years. We met near the iconic red stairs, spent time watching street performers, and explored the Disney Store and M&M’s World. The kids had a blast, and we enjoyed sampling different M&M flavors.
Honestly, though, Times Square felt a bit underwhelming to me. Despite its neon lights, massive billboards, and constant buzz, it seemed like just another overly crowded square.
Later, we walked to Utsav, an Indian restaurant nearby. The food was delicious, and the staff was helpful, though a bit overwhelmed with a corporate event upstairs, which delayed service. Luckily, since we arrived early, we enjoyed a relaxed meal before the restaurant began filling up quickly after 8:30 p.m.
We ended the day with a slow stroll back to our hotel, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Times Square. Just as we were about to sleep, we were surprised to see the Empire State Building sparkle from our room window. We hadn’t known that, like the Eiffel Tower, it sparkles during the late evening hours – for four minutes every hour between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. Watching those magical lights was the perfect ending to our first night in New York.
With excitement for the days ahead, we discussed our next day’s plan and drifted into a peaceful sleep.
Stay tuned for Day 2 – Our NYC adventure begins!
Check out how we planned our 6-day trip to New York City 🗽. Here’s a detailed itinerary with the perfect mix of classics and hidden gems — from iconic landmarks to authentic local vibes. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this guide has you covered.
Read more ➤ New York City Itinerary: 6 Days of Exploration
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