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Greetings, its been a while since I've posted. We're planning a trip on the Lake shore Limited to Albany next April. We'll be with a group of 8 people. We talked them into it. All but 3 of us are first time LD train riders. They are pretty excited about it.
We do have a few concerns and questions though. We'll be arriving on a Sunday so we'll have to go to the airport to get a car. I know Amtrak has an arrangement with Hertz and they claim they'll reimburse you up to $20 for the cab fare from Rensselaer station to the airport. However, Hertz is pricey, so I don't know if that reimbursement is any advantage. I've also heard that cab fare for this run is in the neighborhood of $40-$50. We'll need two cabs if they are mini-vans, so that could be upwards of $100, more if we end up with 3 cabs. So my questions are, does anyone have any experience with car rentals in Albany? What other rental agencies might be recommended in Albany (we usually use Alamo, but they are high too)? What cab rates can we REALLY expect to pay?
-------------------- Chuck
“Adventure is just bad planning.” - Roald Amundsen Posts: 80 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: Feb 2007
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While Hertz is likely my "auto rental vendor for life' in that it has not been forgotten how during Nov 2002 and AGAIN during May 2003, in Greenwich CT they promptly sent tow trucks (Nov '02 was @ 1AM) account MY OWN negligence from failing to turn headlights off (I'm spoiled; my own auto, then and now, takes care of that little detail), any "local' rental sources such as Enterprise, will likely also be closed Sunday afternoon. Even if you must go to the Airport for an auto, if Hertz, you could likely return it to the train station on your return without incurring a drop fee (the little guys can be brutal with drop off fees; my past experience with Hertz suggests anywhere in a metropolitan area is fair game).
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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You should not need more than ONE van; the van that sometimes picks people up at Albany station seats at least 8 people plus the driver--there are three rows of seats behind him. People in one family get one charge, e.g., $11 from train station to downtown (plus tip); even though you are nonfamily members, I suspect you could negotiate a trip for $50 to the airport (plus tip). However, it can be tricky because you are taking the Lakeshore Ltd and so don't know when it will get in. That will be a problem for any car rental too, of course. One cab company who has such a van is Yellow Taxi, 518-434-2222; there may well be others.
I've never rented any cars here, but I know that the Hertz desk is right at the train station; it's a real pity it isn't operating on Sunday and frankly I don't understand it. Friday and Sunday are the busiest days in that train station. Are you SURE it isn't open then? It seems very poor business for them not to be. But if indeed they aren't open, since you are not going till next April, why not change the trip so that you arrive any day but Sunday?
BTW, if you decide it would be more convenient to stay over in Albany, the Crowne Royal downtown has a shuttle that would pick you up at the train and take you to the airport next day for free (except for any tip). The HAmpton Inn, also downtown, has cheaper room rates and free breakfast though no free shuttle. Check for Triple A rates in either. The capitol is worth a tour, and the state museum is pretty interesting; both free. The Albany Institute of Art is a small museum, not bad, small fee. All are walkable from either hotel, though State St has a San Francisco-type hill! There is also a pleasant little park area down by the river, Corning Preserve, accessible from Broadway, near where you can also see the old D&H Station (now part of SUNY). There is a WWII ship on the river too, I'm blanking on the name, and I'm not sure if it's open in April.
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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sojourner, thanks for the tips. We won't be staying in Albany at all, but we'll be looking for something to do there for a few hours on the return trip. The reason we're getting off in Albany is because of the availability of cars at the airport. There is a stop closer to our final destination (Patterson), but all the rental agencies are closed and there are no airports nearby. Thanks for the Yellow Cab number. I figured there'd be a full size van, but you can't always count on it. I'm planning for the least convenient options.
Due to other commitments, Sunday is our only real choice to arrive. I agree, there is no reason those counters shouldn't be open, but they are not. However, I did some more digging last night and I think I've solved our problem, at least to a reasonable degree.
Because the Hertz counter at the station is closed on Sunday, as is the Crowne Plaza office, they will reimburse you $20 for a portion of the cab from Rensselaer to the airport. We'll be leaving on Friday and can drop off the car at Rensselaer when we get there. With a discount coupon, the savings in cab fare on drop off, and the added convenience of dropping at Rensselaer, the overall cost is actually about $50 less than renting a car from someone else, and then having to pickup/drop off at the airport and still take cabs both ways.
So any ideas on good stuff to see in NYC? We have couple of days where we'll being going there by train. We'll be going to Ground Zero, Central Park, Times Square at night, not sure what else yet. We've been told about using the Red Bus, though I'm still not sure what that entails.
-------------------- Chuck
“Adventure is just bad planning.” - Roald Amundsen Posts: 80 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: Feb 2007
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Dr. Brown, the closest Amtrak stop to Patterson, itself located on Metro North's Harlem Line, is likely Poughkeepsie, but I'm sure the "Sunday local auto rental scene" there is no better than in Albany and likely a lot worse.
Using Albany as your rail destination is the wisest of moves. Again, I have found Hertz to be more liberal with drop offs than others, so I would think that a train station return could be arranged without penalty.
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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I agree with Mr. Norman about Hertz. I rent so often with them that I am now a President's Circle member which means they give me several free cars a year, this in addition to my rental-car points. On average I am entitled to about a dozen free cars a year. In large cities you can return your car at any Hertz location for no extra fee. I am also frequently upgraded to luxury cars. On several occasions I would rent a Taurus and end up with a Lincoln Town Car. Hertz is also found frequently in railway stations which makes them the most convenient of rental agencies.
Posts: 524 | From: Toronto Ont. Canada | Registered: Mar 2001
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You don't want to go to downtown Poughkeepsie on a Sunday. Although the train station is no doubt OK . . . .
Re things to do in NYC:
If the weather is decent, the 3 things I recommend are (a) Take a boat ride of some kind, so that you can see Manhattan from the water. As you are going to Ground Zero, you can take one downtown, e.g., a NY Waterways over to Jersey City or Hoboken South; a Staten Island ferry (which is free); a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (get to the lines early as they can be long, but you'll meet fun people); or a boat ride at the South St Seaport Museum. From Midtown locations, you can also catch a Circle Line etc. . . . (b) Visit Central Park. Our favorite thing to do in all of NYC is see the animal clock chime, hour, half hour, possibly even quarter hour (I forget) near the Central Park Zoo (go in at 59th & 5th where the park starts, and walk up) and also see nearby the feeding of the seals in the zoo. There is no need to pay to go into the zoo, you can stand outside near the opening just south of the animal clock, and there are plenty benches nearby. I think feedings are 2 and 4 and maybe 1 more, but you can check on the Central Park website. If you walk around in Central Park more extensively, try not to miss the lake, the Alice statue, and the reservoir; these are all further up, nearer the Metro Mus of Art; reservoir entrance is near 93rd St! You walk around the reservoir (counterclockwise, many joggers etc) and views are terrific. (c) walk a lot. My favorite part of the city is downtown; it's quickest to take a subway down, btw--to Brooklyn Bridge or Park Row or Chambers St, depending on which line--anyway, in addition to Ground Zero, see City Hall and Park Row with the nice little park in front; then go down Broadway to the former Woolworth Building and try very hard to see inside, the guard will let you in a little usually, it's magnificent; and also to St Paul's, a small very old Church on Broadway near the WTC site, where the rescue workers rested, there is a memorial there; then go over to the west side and walk down the river along Battery Park City, sit on benches, see the boats go by, then you get to Battery Park, see the piece of the WTC, the Dutch monument, the war memorials; this is where you catch the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island ferry btw (and Staten Island ferry is nearby). As you leave, you might go into the Museum of the American Indian in the old Custom House at the foot of Broadway; it's a branch of Smithsonian, and free; and worth bopping into just to see the lobby. Herman Melville once worked here I think . . . . Be sure to see the original Dutch bowling green, and note that the statue of King George down here was melted down for cannon, or something; oh, and you'll see the bull, for a bull market I guess. Go over to Broad and Pearl to see Fraunces Tavern of colonial fame (food here overpriced but there is a cute little museum upstairs and you should also ask to see the bullet hole from the 1970s attack). Then go up past the Stock Exchange, main entrance btw is on Broad St, not Wall (if you want to see inside you have to go in early morning, if it's still open, I'm not sure). Opposite corner has bank where someone shot at J P Morgan, bullet holes there too. And catty corner from Stock Exchange, on Wall St, is old Federal Building, with statue of Washington, where he said farewell to his troops. NYC was capital before DC, you know! Catch the ironic view of Trinity Church down Wall St, between office buildings, a modern Utrillo view. And then walk down to this church (down Wall St back to Broadway) and visit the peaceful little garden burial ground adjoining, Hamilton and Robert Fulton are among those buried here. Also look inside, it's quite impressive, and sometimes there is music for workers at lunchtime. Then up Broadway to Fulton I think, or Gold, and take a right and go down a few blocks to South St Seaport Museum. Much to see & do here, inc a don't miss view of Brooklyn Bridge. Then up from here to Chinatown, if you're not too tired yet, have dim sum in Dim Sum a Go Go on Chatham Square or Golden Unicorn maybe. . . The West Village is also very nice to walk in. If it rains, or even if it doesn't, (a) visit the Main Branch of the NY Public Library (and get there walking down E 41 St from Madison, read the quotations in the sidewalk), 5th Av & 41st St, and take the free tour, and/or be sure to see the main reading room and periodical room. Also check out Bryant Park behind it, and the public toilets out there, nicest in the city. (b) Also not too far from here, don't miss Grand Central Station. You can walk around on your own, or take a tour but that's only 1x a week, maybe noon Wed? Fri? Ask at the info booth. But even if no tour, see the whispering spot outside Oyster Bar (ask the maitre d inside where), one person stands on one side, one catty corner, and talk into the wall. And see those Campbell Rooms if it's open, ask at info desk how to find it. (b) go to a museum. My favorite art useum in the city is the Frick, around 70th and 5th Av, along Central Park. Fantastic Vermeers, Constable, Turner, Rembrandt, other Old Masters. It's small & manageable, and you see the paintings more in situ in an elegant old mansion, rather than with a zillion shoved onto every wall. Entrance fee here was at least $15 though. The Metro Museum of Art recommends $20, but it's a suggested price, and if 8 of you each give $10 I'm sure that would be OK! It is also fantastic, esp things like the new Egyptian space, the old rooms, the armory, the rooftop sculptures. Special exhibits are usually also excellent, including major painters and any they may have in the museum of costume. And of course the permanent art collection is fine too, esp the Europeans; well, I guess I am a little tired of it, but I've been so many times. Another museum I like is the Morgan Library, with his home adjoining. This is more books and mss than art but the building is quite fine, though newly redone and costs more than before. Mus of Natural History is overpriced but has some good stuff, though I've been disappointed in special exhibits. If you do go here, see the gems & minerals and also the seashells. If you've been to others of this sort, though, like the one in DC, I would go someplace else. The Immigrant Museum on the Lower E Side gives an interesting tour (and shows film) if you are interested in that sort of thing. There are in fact a zillion museums, large and small, depends on what interets you.
After you finish in Grand Central (surely it will have stopped raining by then) walk down E 41 toward the E River, see the secret Tudor City park near 1st Av, then go down steps to lower level to get to 42nd St! Then cross over 1st Av and visit or walk along UN (adjoining park still closed I think) to E 49th, and take a RIGHT to go up to Beekman Place, elegant secret st, walk down and take a left back to 1st Av, go up to E 49th and take a left, this is Turtle Bay where Katherine Hepburn lived, then can go each on E53 to Sutton Place also on river, another secret street, Marilyn Monroe lived in old house here. Also explore gardens at foot of one of these streets, along river.
Re Broadway at night: I suppose, but it's really no big deal. OTOH, there are a lot of good ethnic restaurants on 9th Av in the W 40s, or you can eat in Little Brazil, W 45 or W 46 between 5th & 6th Av (Av of the Americas) perhaps have a steka in Ipanema, used to be a good deal but last time I went wasn't as good. Generally, Asian and Latin food will cost you a lot less than other things.
The best NY movies to watch or rewatch before you go: Ghostbusters (NY Public Library, Central Park West); Marathon Man (the reservoir); Men in Black (that crazy Battery Tunnel Bldg & NY World's Fair site in Queens); Eyewitness (Woolworth Bldg), The Taking of Pelham 123 (subway), Splash! (mermaid statue, Brooklyn Bridge, Museum of NAtural History), and Annie Hall (even though it's tiresome).
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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My experience with car rentals has been that Hertz does not end up being much more expensive than anyone else. Some cheaper companies seem to accumulate unexpected charges and substitute unwanted cars due to lower inventories.
Hertz often has discounts for Amtrak customers, but I see none in effect right now. The "Special Offers" section of the Hertz webpage often has deals that might apply to anyone's travel plans. I don't think I have ever paid full price.
Some HLE ("Hertz Local Edition") rental locations could be open Sundays (but short hours; a risk if the train is late).
I have also found Budget to be satisfactory when Hertz has no deals. I felt their service was equal to Hertz, but their cars are not always as clean and new.
Posts: 1572 | From: St. Paul, MN | Registered: Dec 2002
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About all I can add to Ms. Sojourner's detailed posting are two "people watching' outdoor cafe's with which I am familiar. One is at Bryant Park as noted by Ms. sojourner. The other is at St Bartholomew’s (Episcopal) Church ("St Barts") on Park Ave at 51st St.
Both of course feature overpriced mediocre food, but then the view both offer of a vibrant city's upscale areas makes them worth considering a visit.
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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At Bryant Park you can also buy coffee & pastry or such from a kind of upscale stand near the 6th Av (Av of Americas) end of the park--or not buy anything--and sit in one of the free chairs that abound in the park--i.e., you do not need to go to the overpriced but pleasant (as Mr Norman notes) Bryant Park Cafe if you don't want to. But whatever you do, don't miss those toilets!
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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I can see it now. When I return, I can tell my friends and co-workers about the toilets. "Oh, what did you see on your trip to NYC?". "Toilets". It'll be fun to see their reaction.
Twinstar: The reason I use Alamo so often is that in 15 years I have never been charged anything over the quoted price when making the reservation. In fact, the final price is often a little lower than the original quote. I'm glad to hear positive experiences with Hertz.
-------------------- Chuck
“Adventure is just bad planning.” - Roald Amundsen Posts: 80 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: Feb 2007
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Hahaha . . . I only hope they live up to expectations! I haven't been since last spring, so maybe they have been downgraded. . . .
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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I did run into one problem with Hertz during our California trip last year. We had a Sunday arrival at LAUPT, and the Sunset Limited was running six hours late (again). I called Hertz to see if I could pick up our cars (a minivan and a full-size—we had 11 passengers!) at the airport, and I was told in no uncertain terms that if we picked up at the airport we could not return it to LAUPT when we departed. I ended up calling Budget, who also has a desk at LAUPT, and found they were not so rigid. So I cancelled with Hertz and switched to Budget at the last minute. They took good care of us.
-------------------- --------Eric H. Bowen
Stop by my website: Streamliner Schedules - Historic timetables of the great trains of the past! Posts: 413 | From: Houston, Texas | Registered: Mar 2006
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