The best time to visit any of New York's neighborhoods is in the shoulder seasons from April to June and again from September to early November. For the most part, the weather remains warm and pleasant without the excessive tourist crowds that can make sightseeing difficult. Early fall is also a good time to score tickets to Broadway.
Naturally, summer is peak tourist season in New York, so accommodations in and around Valley Stream tend to fill up quickly. If you're planning a summertime vacation in the Village, try to make your reservations several weeks in advance to lock in any discounts. On the plus side, with locals escaping the city on the weekends, dinner reservations are surprisingly easy to come by in July and August, which is good news for foodies.
Winter is a magical time in New York. Between 5th Avenue's holiday window displays, the tree in Rockefeller Center, and the most renowned New Year's celebration in the world happening in Times Square, finding an accommodation in the city can be difficult. Staying closer to Valley Stream and commuting to Manhattan is a reasonable option worth considering. Utilizing the subway, you can be in Times Square in just under an hour.
AAA members, seniors, military families, and government employees can take advantage of money-saving rates at hotels close to Valley Stream.
For instance, state and federal workers can save an average of 15 percent at hotels like Holiday Inn New York JFK Airport Area. This popular hotel features a restaurant with a bar, a 24-hour fitness center, concierge services, room service, cooked-to-order breakfasts (for an additional fee), free newspapers, a business center, event facilities, and an airport shuttle service. The guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, offering flat-screen TVs with cable, safes, work desks, shower/tub combinations, hair dryers, and complimentary toiletries.
Five Towns Inn - JFK Airport also offers special rates to government and military personnel. Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast each morning, a 24-hour business center, free newspapers, laundry services, a roundtrip airport shuttle, ticket assistance, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Standard room amenities include flat-screen TVs, phones, desks, and hair dryers.
You'll also find special rates at Holiday Inn Express Lynbrook, which offers a lobby fireplace, a business center, free newspapers, a laundry service, conference space, and free Wi-Fi. A complimentary breakfast buffet is served daily, and guests can use a nearby fitness facility for free. Each guest room features a flat-screen TV, a sofa bed, premium bedding, satellite programming, a hair dryer, a mini fridge, and toiletries.
The area around Valley Stream has many midrange accommodations that will fit any budget.
Best Western Mill River Manor is connected to a shopping center and places you within minutes of St. Agnes Cathedral. Featured amenities include an outdoor pool, a fitness center, concierge services, wedding services, free Wi-Fi, a bistro, room service, a poolside bar, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Business travelers will also appreciate the 24-hour business center, express check-in and check-out, conference center, meeting room, and free parking. Guest rooms at this hotel include 32-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite programming, mini fridges, microwaves, shower/tub combinations with rainfall showerheads, toiletries, desks, and safes.
Rockville Centre Inn is just 3 miles east of Valley Stream. Although a bit dated, the hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi, ticket assistance, an airport and area shuttle service, a continental breakfast, a 24-hour business center, and free newspapers in the lobby. You can also use a nearby fitness facility for free. Guest rooms feature 27-inch flat-screen TVs with cable programming, mini fridges, microwaves, shower/tub combinations, hair dryers, desks, toiletries, and phones with free local calls.
When visiting Valley Stream, you'll want to include some of the local sites on your itinerary.
Valley Stream State Park is a beautiful location with picnic areas, barbecue grills, nature trails, fireplaces, and sports fields. There's a special fitness-oriented walking trail as well as a family-friendly trail that educates children on park wildlife.
If you're looking for some dairy- and egg-free treats, head to Ralph's Italian Ices. The Staten Island-born chain has a popular location in Valley Stream, and with more than 100 flavors of Italian ices and ice cream to choose from, it's always a memorable experience.
Located north of Valley Stream, the historic Belmont Park thoroughbred horse-racing track has been in operation since 1905. Getting there is easy thanks to the on-site railroad station, so bring a cooler with some drinks and snacks and enjoy an afternoon at the races.
Exploring New York's diverse neighborhoods is always an adventure, and Valley Stream is no different. No matter your travel plans, you'll find an exciting village with easy access to public transportation and area attractions. All you need is the right hotel.