On Friday August 29, 2008, we held a live chat with our New York City Insider, Melissa. You had the chance to ask her any questions you wanted answered about her part of the world. Check out the transcripts of her conversations with you below.

Secret tips on weekend savings

Inside NYC says: Hello from the USA! Got a question for me?

Magda says: Hi

Magda says: Is there a lot happening in December?

Inside NYC says: It is chilly here but holiday time is my favorite in the city

Magda says: I'm thinking of having a White Christmas in NY — good or bad idea?

Inside NYC says: Great idea!

Magda says: Are there any special things happening around that time? Festivals? Markets?

Inside NYC says: New York is all dressed up but not always white in Dec.

Inside NYC says: Nothing beats the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the holiday windows at the department stores. Then there are the post holiday sales which are AMAZING.

Inside NYC says: It is really crowded but depending on your frame of mind that is part of the magic (as long as you avoid the traffic by taking the subway)

Magda says: Can you recommend a good, but fairly cheap hotel (3*) which is fairly close to the action, but away from the trouble spots

Inside NYC says: The Gershwin may fit the bill.

Inside NYC says: But if you are coming on a weekend i would look at the chain hotels in the financial district. They cater to business travellers so the rooms are nice the but weekend rates are cheap. The area is kind of dead at night but there is good subway access to midtown.

Magda says: cool

Magda says: thanks for all the info — very helpful

Inside NYC says: have a good one!

Magda says: thanks!! see ya.

Best borough?

Heidi says: hey wheres the best place to live in new york city?

Inside NYC says: Hi — I love you're happy icon

Heidi says: copy it and add it to yours!

Heidi says: hows life in NYC?

Inside NYC says: I love living in the area. Are you thinking of moving here?

Inside NYC says: Manhattan is the best place to be if you have big bucks.

Inside NYC says: But there are some other options — especially if you like a more community atmosphere

Heidi says: I would love to one day

Heidi says: Inside NYC says: I actually live right across the Hudson River in neighboring NJ however my subway train ride into the city is only 10 minutes. It is much more affordable here and has a great artist vibe.

Inside NYC says: Jersey City is often called the 6th boro of NY

Heidi says: wow that sounds fab

Heidi says: I get the ferry across Sydney Harbour and walk down the street to work

Heidi says: It's a nice life

Inside NYC says: I want to visit your fine city one day

Heidi says: it's great —very livable!!!!

Night clubbin'

Inside NYC says: Hi tom —

Tom says: Hey

Inside NYC says: got any questions for me?

Tom says: what are some of the best nightclubs over there?

Inside NYC says: nightclubs .... well that is not my scene generally but when I do go out for a night of dancing I am kind of a traditionalist (and anti waiting in line) so I go to Webster Hall or a gay club for 80's night — so fun!

Inside NYC says: that being said the hottest new clubs are in Chelsea or the Meatpacking district

Tom says: Yeah, I'm not too big on the pretentious club scene myself... does the Roxy still exist? I've read about its glory days in the 80s

Inside NYC says: It closed but is now set to reopen but I am not sure if it will live up to its former glory

Tom says: Ok, cool... the other thing I read about is nightspots having more and more trouble with harsh noise pollution laws, clubs being forced to close etc... have you noticed any of this?

Inside NYC says: well I work in the news media so I hear all about that. Our mayor is really cracking down but there is still fun to be had

Tom says: Hopefully I get to do NYC one day, thanks for your time!

Inside NYC says: No problem. I hope I have inspired a NYC visit!

Tom says: It's sounding pretty good to me.. have a nice day!

Cheap and healthy eats

Lydia says: Hey, I'm going to NYC in October with my Mum staying near times sq. I was wondering if you could recommend any low cost restaurants around there and delis where we could get good but healthy food? We are on a budget and don't want to eat fast food.

Inside NYC says: Well the Times Square area is not the best for healthy cost effective food... how about some options elsewhere?

Lydia says: yeah any tips are good

Inside NYC says: one avenue east of times square is Bryant park. there is a sandwich stand called 'wichcraft' that has some fancy healthy sandwiches. Not super cheap but good

Inside NYC says: Most delis are ok — if they are crowded I would take that as a good sign. However I avoid the salad/hot food bars at all costs.

Inside NYC says: Do you have the food store "Whole Foods" in Australia?

Lydia says: no we don't as far as I know

Inside NYC says: there are several locations throughout Manhattan — they have great healthy prepared food.

Inside NYC says: My favorite health food restaurant is called Spring Street Natural in SoHo. it is a sit down but the prices are not too bad.

Lydia says: thanks

Inside NYC says: there are also tons of Falafel places all over that are super cheap. None better than Mamoun's Falafel Restaurant on MacDougal Street in the Village or Chick Pea in the East Village which bakes theirs

Inside NYC says: Also Hale and Hearty is great. they have several locations around the city. They mix salads for you and have at least a dozen different kind of soups every day. it could be considered fast food because it is a chain but not because it is unhealthy

How to hotel

Jo C says: Hey there

Inside NYC says: Hi!

Jo C says: so you're a NYC guru?

Jo C says: what's the best mid-range place to stay?

Jo C says: can't afford the luxury of top end but find some of the mid-range places can be pretty dodgy

Inside NYC says: Since I have always lived close to the city and friends who visit usually sleep on my floor I will admit I do not have much experience with hotels in the city… however I have heard good things about the Pod Hotel. The rooms are super tiny but well designed. The Gershwin is also popular

Jo C says: cool

Inside NYC says: I have another suggestion too.

Inside NYC says: If you are visiting over a weekend check out the Hyatt on the waterfront in Jersey City across the Hudson River. It is actually in New Jersey not New York but the rooms are nicer than many midtown hotels and the price tag is lower. The view of the skyline is amazing and it is right by the PATH train into the city which gets you into downtown NYC in 5 minutes. BE WARNED — not every hotel is Jersey City is recommended. Just those on the waterfront

Jo C says: that's great, thanks

Read part two

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