RAF Club Reciprocal Clubs - NYC

[TMJ]

At the start of next month I'm spending some well deserved leave across the Atlantic and thought I might take advantage of the RAF Club's reciprocal arrangements with a New York club. Is there anyone here present who's stayed in any of them and would care to share thiir impressions?

[Lou Scannon]

I still visit the city every year to keep up to speed with life. I looked at the Harvard Club etc but they seemed rather expensive, particularly if you are solo.

February is a cheaper time to visit on account of the usual arctic conditions that apply. (You navigate around the city via shops or hallways that are warm!)

Try a webpage search for New York Budget hotels, only look at those in Mid-Manhattan and see what you come up with. You should find somewhere basic such as the Portland Square on 46th and 6th for around $130 a night.

I can make some other suggestions for very basic accommodations if you wish.

...but wrap up warm!

[ian16th]

Soldiers, Sailors, Marines & Airmens Club
283 Lexington Avenue
(at 37th Street)
New York
NY 10016-3540
Tel: 212 683 4353
Fax: 212 683 4374
Website: www.ssmaclub.org (http://www.ssmaclub.org/)
This club has a recipical deal for members of the Victory Services Club.

I've never used it, so I dunno what its like.

There are military clubs in the USA that accept serving and veteran UK military personel, without any club membership.

I know there was one in Boston Ma. But I've forgotton its name and Google has failed me :\

Anyone help?

[14greens]

ssma club on lexington is in an aexcellent location, its secure, only thing is the rooms are very basic, used to be iron bedstead, metal miltary lockers lino floors but very cheap
if you dont mind roughing it then its warm central and cheap

Other option to try is the Navy lodge, i do believe there is one on statten island, they are usually pretty good, so worth a look

[teeteringhead]

Navy Lodges very good! :ok:

Got put in one in Pensacola on a duty visit once, and we were about the only duty personnel there. Lots of US service families having a Florida holiday, subsidised by Uncle Sam .... good for them! :D

[orgASMic]

The RAF Club has reciprocal arrangements with 4 clubs in NY

www.rafclub.org.uk (http://www.rafclub.org.uk)

Click on 'Reciprocal Clubs' on the tool bar at the top.

[orgASMic]

Oops. Should have RTFQ'd. You probably know the list already.

No, I have not stayed in any of them.

Hat, coat, etc.

[tlightb]

Used the Yale Club a couple of years ago for dinner one evening when in NYC, did try to book in but the Club was full. Years before I used the Club as a visitor, mainly to use the squash court. Found the Club an excellent place and the reports I have read on the accommodation have all been good. However I expect you will find that all the RAF Club NYC reciprocals will be up to the same standard.

As others have mentioned you will get lower cost accommodation in NYC, but if you want the best, go for it!

Another point, the Yale Club is on Vanderbilt Ave right next to Grand Central Station and you can get the shuttle bus from JFK (and Newark I believe) that terminates at Grand Central. Good service and a lot less than a cab and quick transit (apart from the traffic!).

[Wig Wag]

Good thread. I was thinking of taking my family to Kenya. Has anyone used the Muthaiga Country Club in Nairobi?

It is famous for it's 'Out of Africa' connection?

[brit bus driver]

Absolutely no use whatsoever, but the BOQs on Governor's Island (former USCG Station) were $5 a night in the early nineties! Marriott usually offers a fairly good mil discount.

[NRU74]

Whilst on holiday in NY I've stayed a couple of times [not recently ] at the US Army Base [in the Adams Guest House] at Fort Hamilton which is located at, and almost under, the eastern end of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. It's a bit out of town [Brooklyn] but very safe etc and, of course, not expensive.Reasonable access to public transport as well if you are considering not driving in New York City.
It's worth a phone call and a bit of Brit charm to see if they'll accommodate you.

[ukcds]

I looked into staying at the a the Service club in NYC and I must admit that it couldn't match the prices offered by some of the larger hotels in Manhattan best to shop around and get yourself a great deal in a good location. Unless of course money is not a factor have fun

[bosskite]

To celebrate a significant birthday of Mrs BK, stayed recently at the Cornell Club (44th & 5th), again - like the Yale - close to Grand Central Station in mid-town. Cosy, club atmosphere with personal service, but you will pay for it - $280/night - and the tab racks up even more if you linger and consume in the club bar.

Depends on what you want; as other posters have said, tinternet will give you far better prices in respectable mid-town hotels or, if you want bottom dollar and are prepared to go out of the way a little, accomodation in mil establishments is accessible if probably somewhat more basic.

BK

[OCCWMF]

All recips seemed quite expensive - stayed at the Royalton Hotel, opposite the Harvard club (W43rd St?) for less. Most NY rooms are small for the price you pay but having a central location is great. If it's your first trip, do the Rockefeller, don't bother with the Empire State - you can see it from the Rock - Mil discount of 50% too!

[teeteringhead]

And DO NOT MISS the Oyster Bar Restaurant actually in Grand Central Station - the Station itself is worth a visit anyway......and not just fer trainspotters!

[brit bus driver]

And if you don't want to go up the Statue of Liberty - awfully cramped in the crown - but would like a nice view, take the Staten Island ferry from Battery Park.

[jindabyne]

TMJ

Just seen response to your question on our club website. If you have time, would much appreciate a sitrep on your return.

Thanks - J