NEWYORKING
BackNEWYORKING positions itself as a specialized travel agency located at 151 W 46th St STE 1002, in New York, focusing on tourists, particularly those from Japan, who are looking to arrange their own travels. The company's core product appears to be the "Big Apple Pass," a customizable attractions pass designed to offer both savings and convenience. While this service model holds significant appeal for independent travelers, a closer look at customer feedback and the company's operational practices reveals a mix of compelling benefits and considerable drawbacks that potential clients should weigh carefully.
The Core Offer: Savings and Convenience
The primary advantage promoted by NEWYORKING is the ability to save both time and money. Several customers have positively noted the value proposition of their products, especially the Big Apple Pass. This pass allows tourists to bundle several attractions into a single purchase, often at a lower price than buying individual tickets at each venue. One client from several years ago highlighted saving nearly $30 on tickets for "The Ride," a significant discount that underscores the potential for real cost savings. This is a major selling point for those undertaking a New York vacation package on a budget.
Beyond monetary savings, the promise of saving time is equally attractive. New York's top attractions are famous for their long queues, and the ability to bypass these lines is a substantial benefit. Customers have expressed satisfaction with being able to skip the ticket lines at places like the Empire State Building, turning what could be a multi-hour ordeal into a much smoother experience. This efficiency is a critical component of effective tour planning in a city where time is a precious commodity. The central location in Times Square is also presented as a major convenience, allowing tourists to easily stop by the office to handle arrangements mid-sightseeing.
In-Person Service and Language Support
For international visitors, especially those with a language barrier, on-the-ground support can be invaluable. NEWYORKING makes a point of offering Japanese-speaking staff, a feature that has been praised by multiple customers. Travelers reported that having staff who could communicate in their native language made processes like picking up tickets or changing plans smooth and helpful. Even a highly critical review noted that the office staff they interacted with were friendly and helpful. This level of international travel services is a key differentiator and a source of comfort for many clients planning their New York travel itinerary from overseas.
Logistical Challenges and Office Environment
Despite the helpful staff, the physical experience of visiting the NEWYORKING office presents several issues. A recurring complaint is the difficulty of locating the office itself. Situated on the 10th floor, it is reportedly not listed on the building's main directory, leading to confusion. One visitor wryly noted that the building's security guards seem to have become accustomed to directing lost tourists, suggesting this is a frequent problem. For a first-time visitor, this can be a frustrating start, consuming valuable vacation time.
Furthermore, the office environment itself has been described as crowded. One customer recounted a disorganized queuing situation, feeling that the service seemed more geared towards Korean tourists, despite the availability of Japanese speakers. This perception of being overlooked in a chaotic environment can detract from the positive aspect of multilingual support and create an unwelcoming atmosphere.
Critical Flaws in Communication and Information
Perhaps the most significant area of concern for potential customers lies in NEWYORKING's digital communication and the accuracy of its online information. A detailed negative review from a recent customer highlights a severe lack of responsiveness to emails. After purchasing tickets, the customer received only one part of their order and sent multiple inquiries in both Japanese and English with no reply. This lack of communication can cause immense anxiety, especially for travelers who have paid in advance and are left wondering if they've been scammed. For any business operating as an online travel agency, reliable and prompt communication is non-negotiable.
This issue is compounded by inaccuracies on the company's website. The same customer followed the website's instructions to visit the office to pick up tickets, only to be told upon arrival that it was unnecessary. This discrepancy between online instructions and actual procedure resulted in a significant waste of time and effort. It points to a failure to keep essential customer-facing information current. The Japanese version of the website was also described as unclear, which is a critical failure for a company targeting a Japanese-speaking audience. These issues suggest that while the company may offer good deals, its operational backend is not consistently reliable.
The Big Apple Pass: A Closer Look
The "Big Apple Pass" is central to NEWYORKING's business and is frequently mentioned in reviews. It is praised for its flexibility, allowing tourists to choose a set number of attractions from a broad list, effectively creating a custom travel itinerary. This is a strong alternative to more rigid sightseeing passes that pre-select all the attractions. Their website shows options to choose between one and ten attractions, including popular spots like the Top of the Rock, MoMA, and various cruises. This flexibility is a significant plus. However, the previously mentioned communication and information issues are directly tied to the purchase and fulfillment of these passes, meaning the core product experience can be undermined by poor service delivery.
Final Assessment
NEWYORKING presents a conflicted picture. On one hand, it offers a valuable service with its flexible New York City passes, which can genuinely save travelers money and time. The presence of Japanese-speaking staff and a central Times Square office are significant assets for their target demographic. The concept is solid, and for many, the experience has been positive, particularly for those who transacted in person years ago.
However, the negative aspects are serious and cannot be ignored. The reported lack of email responsiveness is a major red flag for anyone booking from abroad. Combined with an outdated or inaccurate website, it creates a high potential for frustration, wasted time, and anxiety. The difficulty in finding the office and the potentially crowded environment are further logistical hurdles. Given that most positive reviews are several years old and the most recent detailed account is highly critical, potential customers should proceed with caution. The deals on discount attraction tickets may be tempting, but clients must be prepared to be proactive, persistent in communication (perhaps trying to call instead of emailing), and verify every detail before arrival to avoid potential disruptions to their trip.
