Hello New York

Hi everyone, I hope everyone is doing great! I am coming to your city in Octobert to have WLS at Beth Israel with Dr Goodman. I was wondering if anyone can give me any insight to the following: 1.How far away is the bus/train/airport away from the hospital 2.Is there cheap acommodations close to the hospital And if you have any other advice/thoughts, they are appreciated Thanks for your help and have a great day Mike

La Guardia is the closest airport to the hospital (which is at 1st and 16th avenue, lower east side). If you're looking to book a flight, you might try www.hopeair.org as they offer free flights for Canadians going out of country for 'life saving' surgery. I got coverage for my upcoming surgery in New York, so it doesn't hurt to ask. It's a 50.00 administrative fee, and that's it. Here's a link to the site where I located a place to stay: http://www.vacationrentals.com Otherwise, there really isn't anywhere in Manhattan that's 'cheap' to stay. I tried doing a 'bid' with www.priceline.com but they wouldn't go as low as I was looking for. Hope this all helps. Christine

Hello Mike, The hospital is around 17 st and 2nd ave whichs puts that kind of on the lower eastside of Manhattan. From LaGuardia airport in Queens, NY, it's about a 30 min cab ride. The bus station is the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal on 41st and 8th ave, (westside By train? I'm not sure but I think you would arrive at Grand Central Station on 42st and Park ave (eastside). I don't think you'll be able to find any hotel for less than $120-130 per night (the cheapest). Sorry, I don't know of any hotels really close, but there has been a rash of new hotels popping all over the Midtown area where there was never any before (I just noticed a new one on Park ave in the 20ies). Try Travelocity.com or hotels.com, and what I do is find a hotel with the rates I like and than call the hotel directly and book, I sometimes get a little cheaper rate. You don't have to stay in a hotel in the city, you might find cheaper rates if your willing to stay in a hotel in Queens, maybe in Woodside or Long Island City (they are both just on the other side of the East river) and take maybe the train to the hospital and a taxi back or a taxi both ways. Feel free to write if you need more info.....hope this helps a little. ...............................................Paul