I80 to New Jersey Hotels

[SANDY BEACH]

In reading another thread, a comment was made that Ohio cruisers driving to New York might be better to take I80 to the GW bridge. It looks perfect for us. I assume I80 dumps you off right at the GW bridge, right? Since I don't know anything about these towns, please help me with a good location to stay the night before the cruise. We would like to be about 30-45 minutes from the pier and close to the xway exit.

[thereuare]

Go to expedia and do a hotel search for "ft. lee, nj" or "englewood, nj"... these will give you hotels in the immediate area of the GW Bridge.

[SANDY BEACH]

thereuare, Thanks, I will start my search. I'll check back when I locate something and get your opinion.

[SANDY BEACH]

ok, I need your input. How about the Crown Plaza, Englewood, S Van Brunt St. How is the location? Easy to find? I also noticed a couple of hotels in Saddle Brook, the Radisson and Marriott. Looking for easiest location to find off xway but want a decent hotel, clean, safe. Help!

[jerseygirl3]

The Marriott in Saddle Brook is very nice. Have you checked out hotels near Giant's Stadium in Rutherford? You could look at Rutherford and Secaucus. Only about 20 minute ride into the city from there.

[Southbound]

Check out hotels in East Rutherford, NJ, which is where the Meadowlands (Giants Stadium) is located. There are several nice, reasonable ones in the area, also some conveniently located restaurants (including a Charlie Brown's), and it's a short, easy drive from there into NYC and the pier. The Marriot in Saddle Brook is also very nice and very convenient to I-80East which will take you to the George Washington Bridge.

[SANDY BEACH]

jerseygirl3, We will be traveling I80 so Rutherford looks a little out of the way to me but sometimes maps are deceiving. How long would it take to go from Saddle Brook to the cruiseport across the GW bridge. The Mariott sounds pretty good.

[NJcruisemom]

Here are some hotels located in
Secaucus
Embassy Suites
Courtyard by Marriott
Hampton Inn
Hilton Garden Inn

I80 to NJ Turnpike South to Secaucus (I think it's exit 16E)

Hotels are located just off Route 3
about 5 miles west of the Lincoln Tunnel.

NJcruisemom

[SANDY BEACH]

NJcruisemom, Thanks for the suggestions. I'm definitely a little nervous about traveling to the NY area. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated. I wish there was a hotel that would let you park your car there (small 4 day cruise) and take a limo to the cruiseport.

[NJcruisemom]

Sandy:
Here is a link for a hotel in Weehawken, NJ
Sheraton Suites on the Hudson (http://Sheraton Suites on the Hudson)
- just outside the Lincoln Tunnel to NY. I just spoke with Frank (front desk), he said you could keep your car parked there. Of course you would have had to stay a night first. He said just ask at the front desk for a parking permit. They don't offer shuttle service but could probably help with a car service. If not let me know and I could probably find someone locally.

NJcruisemom

[NJcruisemom]

http://sheraton.com

[gigizhere]

sandybeach.....we are coming from ohio....taking I80 to.....ummm I dont know ;o) but are crossing lincoln tunnel...this is the way our TA told us to go....she is also crusing and driving to port.....we are staying in secaucus at the holiday inn.....lincoln tunnel is right there....lol I had booked one hotel....and someone on these boards told me it is the most rundown in the area.....(glad I found these message boards!) so I cancelled that one and booked the Holiday Inn.....hope that one is ok!

[NJcruisemom]

Gigi:
Sorry couldn't resist, had to see which hotel. I drive past it all the time, it's in a mostly industrial area. The Holiday Inn is closer just off the highway right near a mall and plenty of restaurants.

[SANDY BEACH]

NJcruisemom, How nice of you to take the time to check this out for me. We noticed this Sheraton a few days ago. It has to be the same one. A beautiful view of the NY skyline. Definitely up there in our choices and how great to know we could leave our car there and take a limo service. I'll be sure to ask for "Frank" if I call. Thanks again, this was really quite thoughtful of you.

Gigizhere, I can hear and feel your frustration. It's a hard decision when you don't know an area. Great friends here on CC always seem to help. Enjoy your planning and hopefull we both find a great precruise location.

By the way, is the traffice really as bad as I am imagining?

[gigizhere]

Gigi:
Sorry couldn't resist, had to see which hotel. I drive past it all the time, it's in a mostly industrial area. The Holiday Inn is closer just off the highway right near a mall and plenty of restaurants.

So do you think I made the right choice by dumping the Plaza Hotel??!! I wish I would have seen the Sheraton you are talking about.....had thought about finding a hotel to leave the car at....someone else on our cruise had told me that the courtyard by marriott does that..she is leaving her car at the hotel and having a driver come and get them...she saved a little....oh well i guess we we just take ours to the port....and yes is the traffic that bad??? lol when you look at mapquest it all looks soooo simple! left right left and you are there! Will the tunnel traffic be crazy on a sat morning? and what time do you think is a good time to get to the port?

[NJcruisemom]

gigi:
If all you want is a place to sleep the plaza may have been fine. The Holiday Inn is part of an outdoor shopping plaza - lots of restaurants, shopping and 2 movie theatres all just steps away. Traffic into the city on Sat. morning shouldn't be too bad...it's at the terminal that it gets hectic depending on how many ships are in/out that day.

sandy:
Glad to help...I had joked on another post about renting spots in my driveway to finance my next cruise ;)
Same Sheraton...awesome view of NY skyline that you can only see from NJ :D
Which pier are you going to. I have no idea where the new Red Hook Terminial is but if you are leaving from the West Side Terminal you may be able to take the ferry (just across the street from the Sheraton) over to NY.

[gigizhere]

gigi:
If all you want is a place to sleep the plaza may have been fine. The Holiday Inn is part of an outdoor shopping plaza - lots of restaurants, shopping and 2 movie theatres all just steps away. Traffic into the city on Sat. morning shouldn't be too bad...it's at the terminal that it gets hectic depending on how many ships are in/out that day.

sandy:
Glad to help...I had joked on another post about renting spots in my driveway to finance my next cruise ;)
Same Sheraton...awesome view of NY skyline that you can only see from NJ :D
Which pier are you going to. I have no idea where the new Red Hook Terminial is but if you are leaving from the West Side Terminal you may be able to take the ferry (just across the street from the Sheraton) over to NY.

Well that is right up my alley shopping! I think you might have something.....renting spaces in your driveway! People would love it....knowing their car was safe...and you would be raking in the dough!!!

[johnjen]

We're staying at the Best Western but it's getting a bad rap for some reason.

The owner of that same hotel told us to come on up and check it out on her....we may do just that next month. It's been renovated and cars are safe there. For $155 a night, the cruise and park deal....and a nice breakfast in the morning before the cruise, you can't beat it, and it sure beats leaving your car on a salty air-laden pier.

[gigizhere]

now where is the best western located? hmmm.....i think i picked the wrong one again!!! they dont let you park and cruise at the holiday inn....and i dont think there was a breakfast included! i may be looking some more!

[SANDY BEACH]

NJcruisemom, Just had dinner with daughter and family and I think we are going to book the Sheraton. Our cruise is a 4 night Carnival and should leave from Pier 88, 90 or 92, 55th at 12th area. I'm sure you know what all that means. I love the idea of driveway parking and njcruisemom limo service. Do you think you could start your own bed and breakfast with limo service. Think of all the cruises you could book. Seriously, do you really think you could catch a ferry across the Hudson from this hotel with all our luggage. Where do we end up on the other side? Doesn't sound like a plan to me. I think I might stick with the limo service.

[SANDY BEACH]

Just booked Sheraton and yes, they confirmed we can leave our vehicle there. Now we will decide if this is our choice or if we will drive and park at cruiseport. Thanks NJ for your help. I hope I can return the favor or meet you on a cruise someday and treat you to a drink. Nice people here on CC.

[johnjen]

now where is the best western located? hmmm.....i think i picked the wrong one again!!! they dont let you park and cruise at the holiday inn....and i dont think there was a breakfast included! i may be looking some more!

Here is a link to the hotel we're staying at, and it provides cruise and park services and shuttle to and from the piers at Bayonne:

http://www.travelhero.com/prophome.cfm/id/125747/aid/300/index.html

The manager seems really nice on the phone and she even invited us up there for a night to make a full report on the board. We may do so next month!

[NJcruisemom]

Sandy:
Sorry for the delay. I got a call from Jetblue Saturday...they canceled my 6:25 am flight (get this...on 2/21/06) to FLL and booked my on the 9:00 am. Thanks for the notice Jetblue. Happy to report we're now on Continental's 6:30 am flight. Set us back $120. Just might need to start that B&B afterall :D

Anyway....about the ferry. I remember seeing a ferry service right across the street from the hotel, but I'm not sure it still operates. The one that still does is further north of the the hotel and leaves you off at Pier 79 in NY. Here is the link for that one http://www.nywaterway.com

Since the Sheraton is just outside the Lincoln Tunnel driving to and parking at the Pier http://www.nypst.com would be my choice because:

1. It's very easy to get there. Of course, this would all depend on the day of the week....What day do you sail?

2. Only $24 a day x 4 = $96.00 + $6.00 tunnel toll (cheaper than round trip car service)

3. 24 hour security at Pier Parking.

4. After cruise just go to your car and off you go.

5. You get to drive through an historical landmark :D where at one point you will be in NJ and NY at the same time :p


NJcmom

[johnjen]

It's all personal preference when it comes down to it, really, NJCruisemom, but my point is, why leave your car at a pier for so much when you can relax and spend the night at the Best Western for around $75 more?

The BW is on the other side of the Lincoln tunnel (the side where you'd want to be).

Because of the congested tunnel traffic, this is why we chose to stay on the other side of the river.

Regarding the parking for $24 a day where you'd park your car, the parking on the RCL pier is half that; but then again, spending the night in a comfy hotel AND getting to leave your car there makes good sense, does it not? Not saying your idea is bad, maybe that suits others.

[NJcruisemom]

It's all personal preference when it comes down to it, really, NJCruisemom, but my point is, why leave your car at a pier for so much when you can relax and spend the night at the Best Western for around $75 more?

The BW is on the other side of the Lincoln tunnel (the side where you'd want to be).

Because of the congested tunnel traffic, this is why we chose to stay on the other side of the river.

Regarding the parking for $24 a day where you'd park your car, the parking on the RCL pier is half that; but then again, spending the night in a comfy hotel AND getting to leave your car there makes good sense, does it not? Not saying your idea is bad, maybe that suits others.


My info regarding the transportation to Pier was for Sandy and was in response to her question not yours or gigi. If you read ALL the posts you would see that she is leaving from NY, not Bayonne. As for the parking issue that is the price at NY Pier (check the link I provided). Sure she could leave her car at the Sheraton in NJ (where she is staying)...but the cost of alternate transportation to NY and back to the hotel would probably be more than parking since it is only a 4 night cruise.

As for the BW you should check it out and see just where it is your leaving your car (the grass in the photo is deceiving). Also, the ride from Newark to Bayonne can be as short as 15 minutes or as long as it takes to get through the Holland Tunnel traffic that can back up for miles on the turnpike. Believe me, I drive these roads everyday and have experienced road closures, etc. without notice.

New Jersey
cruisemom

[johnjen]

Interesting feedback, NJCruisemom, thanks for letting me know about this....we're seriously considering taking the manager of that hotel up on her offer for a freebie to go there and see for ourselves.....but always good to get the real advice from a native that lives up there.

We're interested in seeing the Statue of Liberty - and I plan on dropping in a little surprise as I drive up to Pizzaland which is only 8 miles north of the hotel.

As you might know, Pizzaland is seen as Tony Soprano drives home in the opening segment of The Sopranos - we're all diehard fans!

[NJcruisemom]

is about 1½ miles from my house. Although I drive past it everyday when I pick the kids at school we have never had their pizza. It's on the Belleville Pike (Route 7) just off Kearny Ave. in North Arlington. If you've watched Sopranos from the beginning there was an episode where Tony went to a bakery for pastries, that was filmed in what used to be Joe's Bakery in the next town over. The little Cemetery they film at is in Jersey City, not too far from the Statue of Liberty. They have also filmed at a few places in my town.
Some scenes from Dave Chappelle were in our town too, and a Budweiser commercial was filmed in one of the restaurants here.

Not sure if you know this but NJ has a bad rep for our roads. Very easy to get lost around here if you're not sure where you're going. Happens to me sometimes too.

If you need any info let me know....


NJcmom

[SANDY BEACH]

NJ, We are leaving on a Thursday and back on Monday. What do you think now about the traffic we will encounter. Exactly how far is the pier from the hotel Sheraton (in miles and minutes)?

[NJcruisemom]

Sandy:
You should be able to see your ship across the river from Sheraton. To bad they couldn't just stop and pick you up :D. Normal Weekday (non holiday) traffic to NY will be heavy between 7-10 am and after 4 pm. Otherwise it should only take about 15 minutes to get through the tunnel. It's in NY that you'll hit some traffic, just a little patience and you'll be fine.

Here's a fun Lincoln Tunnel link:

http://www.nycroads.com/crossings/lincoln/

Hope this helps!

[johnjen]

is about 1½ miles from my house. Although I drive past it everyday when I pick the kids at school we have never had their pizza. It's on the Belleville Pike (Route 7) just off Kearny Ave. in North Arlington. If you've watched Sopranos from the beginning there was an episode where Tony went to a bakery for pastries, that was filmed in what used to be Joe's Bakery in the next town over. The little Cemetery they film at is in Jersey City, not too far from the Statue of Liberty. They have also filmed at a few places in my town.
Some scenes from Dave Chappelle were in our town too, and a Budweiser commercial was filmed in one of the restaurants here.

Not sure if you know this but NJ has a bad rep for our roads. Very easy to get lost around here if you're not sure where you're going. Happens to me sometimes too.

If you need any info let me know....


NJcmom

Thanks for this one....we're looking forward to spending that day in your neighborhood! From my own personal experience, I know about the infamous "Jersey walls" and how you have to make a right turn to make a left in some places. I spent some time driving through to Ft. Monmouth in NJ and it's not that bad at all.

Another note - I don't find Newark to be that bad an area, but people really slam Jersey bad on these boards, citing it's not safe....if you have street sense, Jersey is alright IMO.

As for pizzaland, it wouldn't be such a bad idea for me to take the family there and get a slice, and for Joe's Bakery, isn't that where Chris Montesanto shot that guy in the foot?

[BlueHerons]

Another note - I don't find Newark to be that bad an area, but people really slam Jersey bad on these boards, citing it's not safe....if you have street sense, Jersey is alright IMO.

?

No one slams New Jersey on these boards because in fact, New Jersey is a beautiful state.

I however question your insistence that the Best Western Newark Airport is a perfectly safe place to stay and leave your car.

Please take the manager up on her freebie to stay there and leave your car. I also ask you to please call the Newark New Jersey police department and ask for their crime statistics.

In particular, ask about violent crime and felonies in the immediate area of Newark airport.

I would hate for a poster to stay there on your assistance that it is a safe place to stay when you have not stayed there and it is not a safe place to stay.

[SANDY BEACH]

NJ, We will probably have 2 vehs since daughter and family will be cruising with us. Limo service still is appealing to us. Can you suggest someone reliable to call? Would a taxi be ok? Would you feel comfortable leaving your car at the Sheraton? You know this area better than I.

[thereuare]

Leaving your car at the Sheraton should be fine.

If you're luggage is managable you could just take the NJ Transit bus that stops right by this hotel (#128 i believe) then grab a cab at the Port Authority... but is about $2.20/pp and then a cab about $7-$8.... MUCH cheaper than a taxi service from NJ to NYC.

The ferry at the door of the Sheraton no longer runs on weekends. You could have the Sheraton shuttle you a mile up the road to the main ferry terminal, but it's getting prohibitively expensive (like $6/pp... so $12/RT) and then a taxi when you get to the other Manhattan side (although i did walk it once). So for a family of four you're looking at nearly $50 in ferry costs plus taxis :(

The restaurant at the Sheraton is pretty good (at least it was 3 years ago), if not a bit on the expensive side. You would do much better heading into nearby Hoboken and eat at some local places.

[johnjen]

No one slams New Jersey on these boards because in fact, New Jersey is a beautiful state.

I however question your insistence that the Best Western Newark Airport is a perfectly safe place to stay and leave your car.

Please take the manager up on her freebie to stay there and leave your car. I also ask you to please call the Newark New Jersey police department and ask for their crime statistics.

In particular, ask about violent crime and felonies in the immediate area of Newark airport.

I would hate for a poster to stay there on your assistance that it is a safe place to stay when you have not stayed there and it is not a safe place to stay.

Sorry, I forgot to check in with you on New Jersey! Thanks for letting us all know this, and let's allow the adults to make their own decisions? I've stayed in Newark a couple of times and nothing happened to me nor my property.

[georgeb]

and it sure beats leaving your car on a salty air-laden pier.

Unless I'm mistaken the piers are on the Hudson River. Fress water. :D

We're staying downtown. The kids will love being in the city. Plus it's like adding a day to the vacation and it's not that much more expensive then staying in NJ depending one where you stay. You have to pay an extra day for parking but I found serveral location that are only about 25 a day. Some less. If you plan it right you could park downtown and leave your car at a city lot. Some are less the pier parking, again depending on which one and it is easier just to park at the pier. Here's the site I found city parking info.

http://www.weparknewyork.com/index.asp

[georgeb]

NJ, we'll be going downtown the day before (Mon), 45th st. What's going to be an easier ride in the am (8-10), Lincoln Tunnel, or GW?

Thanks

[johnjen]

That is a good question for NJCruisemom! Hmmm....commuter tunnels btwn 8-10am. I hope your cruise doesn't start on a weekday!

[NJcruisemom]

Sorry for the delay....my cruise is in 20 days :eek: things are getting crazy here.

Sandy:
I see thereruare answered the parking question. As for the limo, I will definitely find out (we need one too and soon :D )

NJ

[NJcruisemom]

For 45th, I prefer the Lincoln Tunnel, but I guess it would depend on where you're coming from...I80, Rt 3, I95 (turnpike) etc. If you take the GW you still have miles of NY traffic to deal with after you cross.

8 am - worst time
10 am - way better than 8 or 9

NJ

[SANDY BEACH]

Thanks NJ for checking. Must be exciting at your home since your cruise is so soon. Enjoy your last minute planning. Hope it's not too hectic.

[georgeb]

For 45th, I prefer the Lincoln Tunnel, but I guess it would depend on where you're coming from...I80, Rt 3, I95 (turnpike) etc. If you take the GW you still have miles of NY traffic to deal with after you cross.

8 am - worst time
10 am - way better than 8 or 9

NJ

We will be coming via I80. The distance looks the same, just didn't know what would be worst, the tunnel or GW and down 12th. The last time we came to NY we took GW but we were going north first before going downtown. Google and yahoo directions say to take the tunnel.

I guess the plus of the LT is that once we get into NY we're almost to 45th.

Thanks.

[NJcruisemom]

georgeb:
The good thing about coming down I80 is that you can listen to traffic reports and if there is a problem at GW you could just continue down to LT via turnpike (I95) and if thats not good keep going and head for the Holland Tunnel.

I had to go to Hoboken yesterday at 8:15 am. Took Route 3 to 495 which goes to the LT and didn't hit any traffic. Of course, this is Easter week, lots of people are on vacation. I think traffic tends to be lighter in the summer months also.

NJcmom

[georgeb]

georgeb:
The good thing about coming down I80 is that you can listen to traffic reports and if there is a problem at GW you could just continue down to LT via turnpike (I95) and if thats not good keep going and head for the Holland Tunnel.

I had to go to Hoboken yesterday at 8:15 am. Took Route 3 to 495 which goes to the LT and didn't hit any traffic. Of course, this is Easter week, lots of people are on vacation. I think traffic tends to be lighter in the summer months also.

NJcmom

Thanks,

I didn't think about listening to the traffic reports. I don't normally have to deal with traffic. I'll map out my route for all 3. Thanks again.

[F858MM]

We stay at the sheridan all the time they have a water taxi to take you into new york, it is very close to the pier. It takes you right near the Javits center.
Fran

[BlueHerons]

We stay at the sheridan all the time they have a water taxi to take you into new york, it is very close to the pier. It takes you right near the Javits center.
Fran

Do you mean the Sheraton?

[JudiinMt]

We will be sailing on the Carnival Legend on Friday 5/12. We are staying at the Fairfield Suites Newark Airport the night before. (sometimes the airfare chooses the airport) We are adults and will have 1 bag each - what would you suggest for getting into the city? I heard there was a train we could take but haven't found the info.

Now for the answer part....and we may end up doing this ourselves.....try www.joeslimo.com or 1-800-321-5637. He is based in New Jersey and I have used him for 20 years - reasonable and reliable.

[NJcruisemom]

Thanks NJ for checking. Must be exciting at your home since your cruise is so soon. Enjoy your last minute planning. Hope it's not too hectic.


Hi Sandy:
Sorry again for taking sooooooo lonnnnnng. :o
Here are two local services I'm familiar with.

Town Limousine Service
Phone: (201) 939-7477

and....

Tom's Luxury Car Service
Phone: (201) 933-7049
we used him last time


NJcmom

[SANDY BEACH]

NJcmom, Thanks for the numbers. Will discuss with daughter and decide what we are going to do. I'm going to trust your info that Frank gave you about being able to leave veh at hotel. Another post has indicated they called hotel and hotel said "no". Thanks again for your help, very thoughtful.