Flying in for surgery

La Guardia Airport (LGA) – Closest to Manhattan. LGA is only ~5–8 miles from our Harlem office, roughly a 15–20 minute drive. It handles mostly domestic flights. If you’re coming from within the US, LGA is a convenient choice (and usually less hectic than JFK).

John F. Kennedy International (JFK) – NYC’s largest international airport. JFK is about 15–20 miles from Manhattan; driving to our clinic takes ~30–45 minutes (depending on traffic). It’s a great option if you’re coming from the West Coast or internationally, as it has the most flights.

Newark Liberty International (EWR) – Another major airport, located in New Jersey ~15 miles from Manhattan. Driving time to Harlem is around 35–45 minutes. Sometimes flights into EWR are cheaper; just factor in the slightly longer drive (and tolls) into the city.

Teterboro Airport (TEB) – For private flights. Teterboro is a small airport in NJ used by private jets, about 6 miles from our Harlem location (~15 min drive). If you’re flying privately, this is the closest option.

Car Service / Rideshare

In NYC, it’s very common to use car services. Yellow cabs are always available at airport terminals (flat rate from JFK to Manhattan, and metered from LGA/EWR). Apps like Uber and Lyft operate at all NYC airports as well – simply follow signs to the rideshare pickup areas. A taxi or Uber from LGA to our Harlem office is typically $30–$40. From JFK or Newark, fares are higher ($60+$ tolls). Many of our patients arrange a car service or private driver for comfort – we can help recommend reputable car services if you prefer.

Public Transit

If you’re feeling up to it and traveling light before your surgery, public transit is an option. From LGA, the M60 SBS bus goes directly into Harlem (125th St) for only a few dollars. From JFK, the Air Train + E subway or LIRR train can get you to Manhattan. And from EWR, there’s an airport train to NJ Transit into Penn Station. That said, after surgery , we do not recommend navigating public transit – you’ll want a direct, comfortable ride back to the airport. Save the subway rides for when you’re feeling 100%.

Within the City

Our Harlem office at 721 St. Nicholas Ave is easily reachable by the MTA subway (the 145th St station for lines A, B, C, D is just a block away). If you or your companion want to explore the city during your stay, you can certainly use the subway or buses to get around. But for clinic visits post-surgery, hopping in a cab/Uber from your hotel is the easiest and gentlest on your body.

Parking

If you drive or rent a car, note that NYC parking can be challenging. There is a parking garage near our Harlem clinic and limited street parking. If your hotel is in Manhattan, it may charge for parking. Many patients find they don’t need a car while in NYC due to the abundance of transportation alternatives.

Where to Stay (Hotels)

New York City has hundreds of hotels , from budget to luxury. The best choice will depend on your preferences, but here are some pointers and examples:

Stay Uptown vs. Midtown

Our Harlem clinic is in Upper Manhattan. Staying nearby can be convenient – for example, the Aloft Harlem is a modern hotel just a few blocks from the clinic (walkable in 10 minutes or a 2-minute cab ride). It’s a stylish, younger vibe hotel with free Wi-Fi and is close to many Harlem restaurants. If you prefer a more central Manhattan experience, you might stay in Midtown (around Times Square, etc.) and simply taxi uptown for your appointments (Midtown is only ~6 miles away, about 20–30 min drive). Residence Inn Central Park and Hampton Inn Times Square are examples of hotels in Midtown that offer suites or free breakfast, which can be nice for recovery, though you’ll be farther from the clinic.

Recovery-Friendly Hotels

We often recommend choosing a hotel with amenities that make recovery easier. Look for rooms with mini-fridges (to store drinks, ice packs, or light snacks), on-site dining or room service, and comfortable bedding. In NYC, some upscale options known for catering to guests’ comfort include The Carlyle (Upper East Side) and The Four Seasons (Midtown). However, there are also simpler options like Courtyard by Marriott Upper East Side , which is a short drive from our clinic and located in a quieter residential area. Our staff can provide a list of recommended hotels — we have relationships with several local hotels that are very comfortable for patients during recovery. Don’t hesitate to ask us for hotel suggestions or any special rates that might be available.

Extended Stay & Budget

If you’re staying a bit longer or prefer kitchenette facilities, consider an extended-stay style hotel. The Marmara Manhattan (Upper East Side) offers apartment-style suites with full kitchens, which is great if you want to prepare your own meals or stay a week or more. For more budget-conscious travelers, HI NYC Hostel or Jazz on the Park Hostel are options in Upper West Side/Harlem for short stays (though note you’d be sharing space – not ideal immediately post-op, but mentionable for those on a tight budget who might stay before surgery and then move to a private room after). Generally, we suggest investing in a private, comfortable room for the post-surgery nights.

Nearby Comforts & Attractions

There’s arguably no place more stimulating than New York , but as an out-of-town patient, you’ll also find that NYC can cater to your needs for rest and convenience:

Pharmacies/Medical Needs

Within a few blocks of our Harlem location, you’ll find multiple pharmacies (including a 24-hour CVS). If you need any supplies – bandages, prescriptions, etc. – you can get them quickly. Many pharmacies here offer delivery to your hotel as well. Additionally, New York has world-class hospitals and urgent care centers; while we don’t expect any issues, it’s reassuring to know top-notch medical facilities are nearby during your stay.

Food & Delivery

You will have endless food options . Whether you crave a taste of home or something new, you can get it in NYC. Harlem is famous for its soul food and Caribbean eateries – you might try comforting options like stew or soup from a local restaurant (have your companion pick it up, or get it delivered). Apps can bring almost any cuisine to your hotel door. Many hotels also have restaurants or offer in-room dining which might be easier the first day or two post-op.

Entertainment & Relaxation

If you’re feeling up to a gentle outing, or if you stay a few extra days for a mini vacation, New York has plenty to offer without straying far. Central Park is about a 10-minute ride from our Harlem office – it’s an ideal spot to take a slow, relaxing walk in nature when you’re cleared for light activity. The park’s north end (near Harlem) is quieter and great for a bit of fresh air. If you have family with you, they can enjoy attractions like the Apollo Theater on 125th Street, Metropolitan Museum of Art (a short cab ride away), or even a Broadway show if extending your trip. But remember: take it easy. It’s normal to be tired after surgery, so even though the city is exciting, it’s perfectly fine to spend most of your time resting in your hotel room with a good book or TV. New York will be waiting for you when you’re fully recovered!

Community

Our primary patient base in NYC includes many African American and Hispanic patients, and the local neighborhood around our Harlem office is a culturally rich, diverse community. You might feel right at home: grab a cup of herbal tea from a nearby café or listen to a little jazz or Latin music (there are often outdoor musicians in Harlem) – these small things can uplift your mood during recovery. NYC can be fast-paced, but you’ll also find plenty of warm, community vibe in our area.

Surgery Trip Tips – New York

Out-of-state patients in NYC should plan ahead for a smooth experience. Schedule a virtual consultation with our surgeons prior to your trip – this allows you to discuss your goals and get a personalized surgical plan without multiple NYC trips. Once your surgery is booked, arrive at least a day early in NYC. This gives you time to rest from your flight and meet with your surgeon in person for any final questions. We advise that you do not fly home for at least 5–7 days post-surgery , depending on what procedure you had. Air travel can increase risks of swelling or blood clots, so it’s important to recover sufficiently – most patients are cleared to fly about a week after, but follow your surgeon’s specific guidance. During those days in NYC, take advantage of services that make life easier: meal delivery, extra pillows from housekeeping, etc. If you need post-op care assistance , we can arrange for a private nurse or medical assistant to help you at your hotel (for example, to help with drains, dressings, or even just to check your vitals and make sure you’re comfortable). We want you to feel supported and safe. When it’s time to depart, give yourself extra time to get to the airport – New York traffic and airport security lines can be unpredictable. It’s better to arrive early and relax (airports here have plenty of seating and lounges) than to rush while in a delicate post-op state. Finally, know that our team is just a phone call away at any time during your stay. If you have concerns in the hotel at 2 AM or need an adjustment to your recovery plan, we’re here for you. We aim to make your New York fly-in experience positive, empowering , and successful – the first step toward the new you!

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) This is the primary airport to use for our Houston patients. IAH is about 22–24 miles from our Woodlands clinic, roughly a 30-minute drive in normal traffic. It’s a major hub (United Airlines’ home base) with extensive flight options from all over the country. Choosing IAH will typically give you the shortest commute to the clinic.

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) Hobby is Houston’s secondary airport, located on the south side of the city. It’s about 45–50 miles from The Woodlands (around a 60-minute drive or more, since you have to drive through Houston). HOU mainly serves Southwest Airlines and a few others for domestic flights. You can use Hobby if you find a significantly better flight, but be prepared for a longer drive; you’ll essentially traverse the entire city. (If you do fly into Hobby, consider timing your drive north to avoid peak traffic on I-45.)

Conroe–North Houston Regional Airport (CXO) Regional/Private. This is a smaller airport just north of The Woodlands. It’s only about 15 minutes away from our office. While it has limited commercial service, it’s mainly used for private aviation and corporate flights. If you happen to be chartering a plane or coming in via a smaller regional jet, CXO is extremely convenient. (It’s also an option for patients in nearby Texas/Louisiana areas who might choose to fly a small plane in rather than drive.)

Car Rentals

In Texas, driving is often the easiest way to get around. Both IAH and HOU have on-site Rental Car Centers with all major companies. Renting a car might be a good idea especially if you have family with you or plan to stay a while – The Woodlands and Houston in general have limited public transit. The route from IAH to The Woodlands is basically a straight shot up I-45 North (then a short westward drive on TX-242 to our clinic). It’s a relatively easy drive and usually not too congested except during rush hour outbound from Houston. If you’re not accustomed to driving, you can stick to the right lane and take it slow – Texans are generally polite drivers.

Rideshare & Taxis

Uber and Lyft operate in the Houston area. From IAH to our office, an Uber ride might cost around $40–$60. They will pick up at designated areas at the airport (follow the signs or app instructions). Taxis are also available at the airport; a taxi to The Woodlands will be pricey (possibly $80+), but it’s an option if you prefer a traditional cab. One thing to note: once you’re in The Woodlands, rideshares are available but can sometimes have slightly longer wait times than in a dense city (maybe 10–15 minutes), since it’s a suburban area. It’s a good idea to arrange rides in advance for your surgery day (we can help schedule a reliable car service to pick you up after surgery if needed, so you’re not waiting).

No Public Transit

There’s essentially no convenient public transportation connecting the airports to The Woodlands. There are shuttle services and vans that run from IAH to The Woodlands on a schedule (like Groome Transportation shuttle) which some travelers use, but those drop at centralized locations (not at our clinic or your hotel specifically) and you’d still need a taxi from the drop-off to your final destination. Given you’ll have luggage and possibly be tired after travel, we recommend sticking to a direct car ride.

Local Transportation

The Woodlands is fairly easy to navigate by car. If you have a rental or your companion drives, you’ll find ample free parking at hotels, shopping centers, and our clinic. The community was master-planned, so it’s green, pretty, and not too hard to find places. If you don’t have a car and need to go somewhere nearby (like a pharmacy or restaurant), your hotel might offer a local shuttle service – some Woodlands hotels do have shuttles within a 5-mile radius, so be sure to ask.

Where to Stay (Hotels)

The Woodlands has a number of excellent hotels, including some that are very close to our clinic. Because it’s a suburban area, you’ll find many hotels are spacious and surrounded by nature – a nice setting for recovery. Here are a few recommendations:

Candlewood Suites – The Woodlands – This is an extended-stay style hotel located about 5 minutes from our clinic (on St. Luke’s Way, very near the medical center area). It offers suite rooms with full kitchens, which is wonderful if you plan to prepare your own meals or stay for a week. The environment is quiet and it’s a short drive (or even a doable walk) to pharmacies and eateries. Candlewood is known for being comfortable for longer stays – you’ll have a large room, recliner chair, and access to laundry facilities (helpful if you need to wash comfy clothes or linens during your stay).

Embassy Suites by Hilton – The Woodlands at Hughes Landing – An upscale all-suites hotel about 10–15 minutes from the clinic. It’s located on Lake Woodlands in a beautiful area (Hughes Landing) with restaurants and walking paths. Every suite has a separate living room, which gives you space to spread out. Plus, Embassy Suites provides free made-to-order breakfast and evening receptions – perks that you or your companion might enjoy. The serene lake view and modern facilities make it a popular choice for patients who want a bit of pampering.

The Woodlands Resort – If you’re looking for a recover in luxury experience, The Woodlands Resort is a 4-star resort about 15 minutes from our office. It’s set in a forested area with golf courses and pools. They have a spa on-site (perhaps for a relaxing massage for your companion while you rest, or for you in a future trip!). The resort is very peaceful and has on-site dining, which means you wouldn’t need to leave for meals. Just keep in mind there is a sprawling layout (ask for a room near the lobby to minimize walking, or use the resort shuttle carts). Some patients choose this resort to turn their recovery into a mini-retreat.

Mid-Range Hotels

There are also plenty of mid-range options like Fairfield Inn & Suites or Spring Hill Suites Houston The Woodlands (both are about 2–3 miles from the clinic). These offer free breakfast and parking, and are reliably clean and comfortable. Many are located near College Park Drive/I-45 , which is the same road as our office, so you can get to the clinic in under 10 minutes. The area around these hotels has convenience restaurants (Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, etc.) and even some urgent care clinics (just in case, it’s good to know).

Nearby Comforts & Attractions

The Woodlands is known for being an attractive, relaxing area – it even has “woodlands” in the name! This can actually be a benefit for recovery, as the environment is calm and not as hectic as a big city. Here’s what you can expect:

Conveniences

You’ll be close to everything you need. There are two major hospitals (Houston Methodist The Woodlands and St. Luke’s Hospital) within a mile of our clinic – while we likely won’t need them, it’s reassuring for patients to know full medical facilities are right there. For everyday needs, there’s an H-E-B grocery store and Walgreens pharmacy within 5 minutes drive. Grab some healthy snacks, bottled water, and any over-the-counter meds you might want. Also, many restaurants and even some grocery stores in The Woodlands offer delivery – so you can have groceries or meals delivered to your hotel easily.

Dining

The Woodlands has a diverse food scene. Along Research Forest Drive and Market Street, you’ll find everything from Tex-Mex and BBQ (when in Texas…!) to Italian and Mediterranean. If you’re feeling well enough to venture out for a meal, consider a gentle outing to Market Street – it’s an outdoor shopping center with benches, a nice place to sit and people-watch, and restaurants where you can dine on a patio (the fresh air can feel great). If you’re not up for going out, no worries – places like Pappasito’s Cantina (Tex-Mex) or Cheesecake Factory deliver to local hotels. And of course, you might treat yourself to some classic Texas comfort food – a bowl of chili or some chicken soup from a local cafe can be both comforting and hearty as you heal.

Things to Do (for you or companions)

If you have a family member or friend with you, they might enjoy the local attractions while you rest. The Woodlands Mall is a large mall nearby for shopping. There’s also the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion , an outdoor amphitheater – if your stay coincides with a concert and you feel up to it, you could even listen from a distance or attend with caution (but only if approved by your doctor). More low-key, the Woodlands Waterway is a landscaped canal area where you can take a stroll or even a water taxi ride; it’s very peaceful and might be a nice, gentle activity for you on day 3 or 4 post-op, just to get some fresh air. The community is filled with parks – many patients take short walks in Northshore Park or around Lake Woodlands as part of their recovery (light walking is actually good to help circulation, per your post-op instructions, as long as you don’t overexert).

Privacy

One thing we hear from patients is that they appreciate the relative privacy of recovering in The Woodlands. The hotels are used to medical guests (due to the nearby hospitals), so staff will not bat an eye if you’re moving a bit slowly or need extra pillows. If you are wearing compression garments or have bandages, people around are generally polite and won’t bother you. You can feel comfortable focusing on your well-being.

Surgery Trip Tips – Houston

When traveling to our Houston location, a little preparation goes a long way. Communicate your plans: Let our coordinators know your flight times and where you’re staying – we’ll make sure your appointments align and even provide directions or any help you need.