When I began my search for accommodations for the long weekend visit to New York City where we were to attend the IgoUgo Guide Get-Together, I was looking for convenience as opposed to ambiance. I didn't want to rent a car or have to use taxis.
I chose the Hilton Gateway in Newark, New Jersey, for several reasons:
- It has a free 24-hour shuttle service between the Newark Airport and the Hotel
- It has a direct connection to Penn Station, that would bring us into the heart of NYC
- It was under $100 per night
Arriving at the airport, I called the hotel from their courtesy phone and within 30 minutes the shuttle arrived. A short six mile drive delivered us to the front entrance of the Hilton Gateway.
The Concierge was at the entrance and directed us up a long escalator to the Lobby. Check-in was easy, then up to our room on the eighth floor with a great view of the surrounding area. Our room was quite spacious, comfy king-size bed, with extra pillows and blankets in the closet, plenty of clothes hangers and drawer space. There was a hair dryer, coffee maker with supplies, two telephones and high speed Internet access (additional charge).
From the Lobby, we walked through a covered walkway directly into the New Jersey Penn Station. A $5 round trip ticket took us to Penn Station in New York City and back again. Trains run approximately every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day, and is an easy and comfortable 13-minute trip into the city.
You can also reach the train station from the front entrance of the Hotel- only 100 steps to the entrance of the train station. Trains are clean and punctual. Schedules are available at the hotel front desk.
The Hilton Gateway has a swimming pool on the roof (tenth floor), open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, a fitness room, and a fully equipped Business Center.
At 10:15pm on Saturday evening, we had just returned from a day of sightseeing and festivals, when we heard some popping noise just outside of window. Opening the curtains on the wall-to-wall window, we were treated to a magnificent fireworks display which lasted almost 15 minutes, ending in a finale that lit up the entire night sky. We asked around but no one seemed to know what the fireworks were for.
The only problem we had with the hotel was some confusion getting a shuttle for our return trip to the airport. The shuttle runs on the hour and half hour, and following instructions, I called the Bell Captain at 4:45am to let him know we wanted the 5am shuttle, but we were told there was no driver. This was quickly remedied and our shuttle left on time and within eight minutes, we were at the airport.
What a wonderful weekend in NYC.