So good they named it twice....New York, New York!

I'd promised my eldest daughter since she was 12 or 13 that I would take her to New York when she was 18. I have no idea where those years have gone but in February 2015 I made the promise into a reality.

We arrived in the coldest spell of winter storms they had experienced for years but we were well prepared so it didn't stop us doing anything we had planned, infact the snow made it more magical, Central Park more stunning and Ground Zero more eerie.

We stayed at the mid-priced Ameritania hotel, perfectly positioned for Midtown Manhattan, Times Square, Central Park and The Theatre District. The rooms aren't massive, but warm and comfy and to be honest we were out all day so that's all we needed.

Each day we shopped, walked and walked, ate (a lot), visited the iconic sights like Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Macy's and Bloomingdales, Grand Central Terminal and Madison Square Gardens.

My highlights:

The Pizza Tour of Brooklyn - get off Manhattan for the best views of it! Fab pizzas, stories of Mafia mobs and iconic movie scenes and a trip to Coney Island.

9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero - fascinating, touching and emotional and very well done. Allow a fair few hours to see it all properly. Take tissues!

Jersey Boys - amazing show in a beautiful theatre just off Times Square.

New York baked cheesecake at Juniors.

Sunday brunch at Sarabeth's - make sure you reserve a table in advance!

Chinatown on Chinese New Year - amazing dragon dancers, drummers, street parades and fabulous gala meals.

We felt safe at all times, the subway was clean and easy to use and much cheaper than a yellow cab.

We will return!