According to forum posts, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) are highly recommended by travelers for their extensive and diverse collections. The Met is celebrated for its comprehensive collection spanning thousands of years, while MoMA offers iconic modern masterpieces.

Some users suggest visiting specialized museums like the American Museum of Natural History for its expansive exhibits on natural history, including a newly reopened gems and minerals gallery. The Museum of the City of New York is also recommended for its detailed portrayal of New York City's rich historical and cultural evolution.

For those interested in unique and immersive experiences, the Tenement Museum offers insights into the immigrant experience in NYC through restored apartments and guided tours. Additionally, the New-York Historical Society provides exhibitions that delve into American history with a New York-centric focus.

Art enthusiasts have mentioned the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Guggenheim Museum as must-visits for their notable collections of American contemporary art and unique architectural designs, respectively.

Some travelers have recommended the Hotel St. James for its affordability and proximity to pubs with live music. The Ridge Hotel and Allen Hotel in the Lower East Side were also suggested for their good pricing and vibrant local scene. Additionally, the Chelsea Savoy hotel was noted for its spacious rooms and complimentary breakfast, enhancing its appeal for budget-conscious visitors.

For a more upscale experience, Ink48 was praised for its views of the Hudson River and Midtown Manhattan, despite being a bit removed from subway access. The Michelangelo and Conrad Midtown were mentioned for their large rooms, although they can be on the pricier side. The Wallace on the Upper West Side was highlighted for its recent renovations and good location, suitable for those looking for a modern and well-situated accommodation.

Travelers have emphasized the importance of considering location and accessibility to public transportation when choosing accommodations in NYC. The area around Penn Station was recommended for convenience, especially for those traveling by train.

According to forum posts, many users recommend staying in family-friendly neighborhoods like the Upper West Side, which is close to Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History. The Upper East Side is also suggested for its proximity to museums and its generally quieter atmosphere compared to more bustling areas of Manhattan.

Some travelers have recommended specific hotels that cater well to families. The Beacon Hotel on the Upper West Side offers apartment-style accommodations with kitchenettes, which can be convenient for families. Alternatively, the Residence Inn by Marriott is known for spacious rooms and includes kitchen facilities, making it easier for families to manage meals and snacks.

For many users, choosing accommodations with amenities like kitchenettes or separate living and sleeping areas is crucial when traveling with children. Additionally, being near major attractions and public transportation is a significant factor, as pointed out by several forum contributors.

Travelers have called out the importance of avoiding illegal short-term rentals, emphasizing that many Airbnb listings in NYC might not be legal. Hotels or legally operated apartment-style accommodations are recommended to ensure compliance and avoid potential issues during the stay.

According to forum posts, travelers have called out several hotel options in Midtown Manhattan that cater to various needs and budgets. The Residence Inn Central Park offers rooms with kitchen facilities and is well-located between Times Square and Central Park, making it a good choice for first-time visitors.

Some users recommended the Belvedere Hotel, which provides rooms with small kitchenettes, making it convenient for those who prefer in-room dining options. The hotel's location on a quieter side street near Times Square also makes it desirable for those seeking a less hectic environment.

For a more luxurious stay, the Lotte New York Palace was mentioned, although some travelers noted the rooms might appear dated. This hotel often offers special deals like a third night free, adding value to the stay. Additionally, the St. Regis and The Peninsula are suggested for their elegance and comprehensive amenities, albeit at a higher price point.

According to forum posts, the Pierre, the Sherry Netherland, the Plaza, Loews Regency, and the Lowell are the closest five-star options to Central Park, offering large rooms but at a high price. For more budget-friendly options, the Sonesta Gardens and the Hilton Club at the Quin are about a 10-15 minute walk from Central Park and offer suites with amenities like kitchens.

Travelers have called out the Manhattan Club on West 56th Street as another nearby option. Additionally, Radiocityapartments.com provides budget accommodations approximately a 20-minute walk from Central Park.

Some travelers suggested using online maps to view the proximity of different hotels to Central Park for more tailored options. Moreover, the Conrad New York Midtown and the JW Marriott Essex House are mentioned as high-end alternatives with renovated rooms and views, albeit these options come with a premium price tag.

According to forum posts, travelers have several options for transportation from JFK to Manhattan. These include taking a taxi, using public transportation like the AirTrain connected to subway lines or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), and car services like Uber or Lyft.

Some travelers said that taking a taxi is the easiest option, with a fixed rate from JFK to Manhattan typically costing around $100 including tips and tolls. An official taxi queue and dispatcher are available at JFK to ensure travelers use authorized cabs.

For many users, public transit is a more budget-friendly option. The AirTrain connects to both the subway and the LIRR. The subway route involves transferring at Jamaica Station, with a total travel cost of approximately $10.50. The LIRR route is slightly more expensive but faster, especially during peak travel times, with a total cost ranging around $15-$17 depending on the time of day.

Travelers have called out that the choice of transport might depend on factors like the amount of luggage, budget constraints, and personal comfort with navigating public transit. The overall convenience and speed can vary based on the time of day and specific destination in Manhattan.

According to forum posts, travelers looking for affordable dining options in New York City might consider exploring neighborhoods like Chinatown and Hell's Kitchen. These areas are noted for a variety of inexpensive but good food options. Specifically, Hell's Kitchen on 9th Avenue is mentioned frequently for its diverse food choices.

Some travelers have recommended specific places for budget-friendly meals. Xi'an Famous Foods is highlighted for low-budget Chinese cuisine with multiple locations in Manhattan. For tacos, Los Tacos No. 1 offers reasonable prices and is accessible in various parts of the city. Additionally, food carts like Halal carts offer tasty and inexpensive meals, with prices ranging from $6 to $11 for a hearty plate.

For dessert lovers, forum users suggest visiting places like Spot Dessert Bar in the East Village for unique dessert experiences. Also, food halls such as Urbanspace and Chelsea Market are recommended for a variety of dining options that cater to different tastes and budgets.

Travelers have called out food halls as a great choice for affordable dining with a diverse selection of foods. Specifically, Essex Market and the food hall at Chelsea Market are highlighted for offering good food at reasonable prices. These locations also provide seating, making them convenient spots to enjoy a quick meal.

For a memorable birthday dinner in NYC, some travelers recommended upscale Italian and Mediterranean venues. Ilili is praised for its Lebanese cuisine and upscale atmosphere, suitable for a celebratory meal. For Italian, Marea was suggested due to its focus on seafood and Italian flavors, offering a Michelin star dining experience.

According to forum posts, travelers seeking an intimate or quiet atmosphere for birthday dinners recommended places like Il Cantinori for its traditional Italian cuisine in a classic setting. For a lively atmosphere with stunning views, Manhatta and River Cafe were mentioned as having both excellent food and scenic city views.

For those looking for a more unique or vibrant setting, venues like Tao Downtown and Beauty & Essex were noted for their wow factor and popularity among younger crowds. These places combine great food with an energetic atmosphere, making them ideal for festive occasions.