*Denotes local charge
*Denotes local charge
Paris meets New York in this contemporary Manhattan hotel which claimed a coveted spot on the 2018 Condé Nast Traveller's Gold List. Oozing luxury, elegance and sophistication, every corner sparkles with artisanal Baccarat crystal elements designed by the Parisian duo of Gilles & Boissier. A private art collection has been curated from Paris to decorate the walls, and specially commissioned pieces inspired by Baccarat Harcourt glasses stand on display in dramatically lit glass cases. Adorned with the dazzling frontage that was originally intended for the One World Trade Center, at the entrance, a fire burns to represent that of the Baccarat factory that has been constantly lit for the past 250 years. Every inch of this grand hotel has been carefully considered to incorporate the history of Baccarat crystal whilst maintaining a distinctly modern feel. Reminiscent of an aristocratic home, the Grand Salon is hung with glittering chandeliers and serves delicious French pastries for breakfast and hosts an early evening Champagne presentation with small plates to accompany delightful cocktails. Heading through to The Bar designed around the concept of a stable, the chandeliers continue. With an outdoor terrace that affords views out across the Museum of Modern Art, it ties in an American influence with its French design, serving lovingly-crafted cocktails in Baccarat crystal. The influence of the French capital continues into the cuisine, with the Chevalier restaurant a reinvention of the classic Parisian brasserie. With Michelin-starred Executive Chef Shea Gallante at the helm, the menu offers a unique modern tasting menu complemented by perfectly paired wines. For an extra special experience, opt to dine at La Cour, the Chef’s Table. Continuing with the theme of indulgent luxury, the Spa offers one of the only pools in Midtown Manhattan. Heading down into the steamy surrounds, the 24-hour gym is larger than the standard in New York. Using exclusive La Mer products, the separate treatment rooms offer an expansive menu. Spacious, refined and decorated in a neutral palette of champagne, ivory and chocolate brown, the rooms here offer a plush and indulgent stay, from the Classic King Room to the Prestige Suite with its separate living and dining area. Comfort and luxury defines this chic hotel, with the Spa de La Mer the perfect retreat after a long day of exploration.
Inspired by its former life as the National Maritime Union headquarters in the 1960s, this hip downtown hotel features a unique ocean liner-inspired frontage that’s dotted with porthole windows. Stepping into the lobby, you’ll be struck by the energetic buzz that travels with you from the busy streets and the contemporary atmosphere that echoes the neighbourhoods of Chelsea and Greenwich Village beyond. After a morning exploring the colourful Chelsea Market or taking in the unique views from the High Line, you can spend the afternoon floating in the glass-bottomed pool, watching guests come and go from the lobby below. Jump out to relax on Manhattan’s only man-made sand beach and enjoy a refreshing cocktail from the Pool Deck bar. Enjoy a spa treatment or massage in one of the pool-side cabanas, while the DJ adds to the beach club vibe. The emphasis at here is on providing a place to stay and a place play. At the funky Bodega Negra restaurant, an enormous disco ball covered in pennies hangs from the ceiling, while antique tequila barrels and authentic mariachi uniforms line the walls and a delicious upscale Mexican menu is on offer. Styled towards urban travellers looking to experience the New York City nightlife, the hotel is home to the popular PH-D Rooftop Lounge, to which guests have priority entry. Offering views out across the Hudson River and the Empire State Building, this rooftop nightclub and lounge bar promises the ultimate penthouse party with guest DJs and a delicious sharing menu. With Happy Hour starting at 5pm and a salon on site, it’s easy to prepare for the night ahead. After dancing into the early hours of the morning, retreat to a comfortable, modern room. Continuing the nautical theme and offering unique porthole windows that show off the West Side’s New York skyline, the rooms here range from Bronze Queen Rooms with tech-savvy amenities, blackout blinds and comfortable pillow-topped beds, to spacious Platinum Suite Rooms with a separate living area and plush amenities. For a healthy and refreshing pick-me-up to help you recover from the night before, head to the Bodega Negra Café before heading out to explore more of the sights.
From the shimmering gold chandeliers of the lobby, to the signs above the lifts that flash ‘this car up’, the authentic gold mail chute and the soft leather furnishings of the bar, the Warwick New York hotel exudes a sense of old Hollywood glamour in Midtown Manhattan. Having played host to celebrities including Elvis Presley, Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn and The Beatles, this iconic hotel is also among Manhattan’s most historic. Its fantastic location puts you just a few blocks from Times Square, the Rockefeller Center, the Museum of Modern Art, Radio City Music Hall, Central Park and the famous shops of Fifth Avenue. Greeted by the friendly doormen, as you step into the lobby through the revolving doors, the nostalgic atmosphere of classic New York follows you in from the street. Commissioned by William Randolph Hearst in 1926 for his mistress, the famous actress Marion Davies, a touch of classic luxury is evident throughout the hotel, with an homage to the star found on each level opposite the lifts. Combining a sense of the vintage with a contemporary twist, the hotel’s breakfast restaurant, Murals on 54th, serves delicious modern American cuisine. Named for the patron, Randolph’s Bar & Lounge is the place to be as night falls. With leather furnishings and rich wooden panelling, the inspired American fare served here is complemented by the timeless and sophisticated atmosphere, making it a great place to relax after a day of exploration. Be sure not to miss out on the restaurant’s great range of appetisers, with the delicious lobster rolls and calamari a couple of favourites. Once you’ve indulged on the hotel’s offerings, you won’t have to go far to savour some spectacular local cuisine, with nearby highlights including the Asian/American fare served at Rue 57 and superb Italian at bistro milano. If a quiet retreat is what you’re seeking, the sound of the city streets can’t be heard from the hotel’s comfortable rooms and suites, while the neutral palette of champagne and pistachio adds to the sense of tranquillity. For a little more indulgence, the suites offer a comfortable living area that epitomises classic American luxury. If you’re after a room with a view, opt for one of the 6 Avenue Premier Plus Rooms that boast superb views of the Thanksgiving Day parade.
Looming over the Bowery and neighbouring brick buildings surrounding Cooper Square, The Standard, East Village is a cosy hotel with just a touch of the eccentric about it. Entering through the original tenement-style building, you ascend the 21-storey tower to enjoy superb views out over Manhattan, with NYU, Soho and Union Square all nearby. At street level sits the quiet garden and hotel eateries. Pairing Californian cuisine with new styles of cooking and the finest local produce, Narcissa offers simplicity and sophistication. With two separate dining rooms, one featuring the large open kitchen and the other overlooking the private garden, there is plenty to entertain aside from the delicious food. Also found street-side is Café Standard, a great place to grab a pre-exploration coffee in the morning and a relaxing spot to enjoy a delicious cocktail at the end of a long day. Breakfast is a laid-back affair, and, fitting with the slightly eccentric theme, you can choose to have this on your lap in the lounge area. Rooms feature comfortable beds and gadgets such as a Bluetooth speaker and range from Standard King to Skyline Studios with their dual-exposure windows, panoramic views, sitting area and heated floors. A look inside your minibar will also reveal unusual treats, with everything from custom-made jewellery to make-up kits and health packs on offer.
Like a little enclave of Europe in midtown Manhattan, the Kimberly Apartments benefit from hotel facilities and are styled with traditional elegance, with eateries on site and a health club nearby. Each one bedroom apartment is generous in size and has a kitchenette, marble bathrooms and most also have a balcony.
Biting into a freshly-made pastry by Colson Patisserie and sipping an authentic Roast coffee is a great way to start the day in New York City, putting you in a great mood for the day ahead. Arriving each morning from Brooklyn’s delicious patisserie, the breakfast on offer epitomises Park South Hotel’s focus on thoughtful, personalised service. Located in the increasingly popular and historic Flatiron District, this is a great base from which to explore the many wonders of New York City. Modern, sleek and welcoming, contemporary prints of the city by photographer Nicole Capobianco adorn the walls, allowing you to bring the city home with you. At the end of a warm summer day, the Roof at Park South is a fantastic way to relax with a delicious cocktail in hand, taking in views of the Murray Hill and the skyline including the iconic Chrysler Building. If you’ve worked up an appetite, head to o ya to enjoy superb contemporary Japanese cuisine. Inspired by Art Deco, the rooms here are stylish and elegant with dark cherry custom furnishings and slate-tiled floors. Superior Guest Rooms offer a comfortable retreat, while Executive Guest Rooms feature a few little extra indulgences, such as an oversized armchair and towel warmer.
On entering the high-ceilinged lobby of the modern Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, it’s worth turning back to look at the spectacle behind you. There aren’t many hotels that offer a view of one of the world’s most iconic urban sights and the hustle and bustle of Times Square is unlike anywhere else on earth. Providing a peaceful respite from the camera-laden crowds, this is a great spot for a bit of people-watching. With so much on the doorstep, a lot of thought has gone into creating a comfortable escape. Starting with Traditional King Rooms and ranging to spacious Junior Suites, each room offers the finest modern amenities. Sleekly decorated, many of them also feature breathtaking city views, allowing you to watch life unfold in the city that never sleeps from the comfort and seclusion of your own room. Perched high above the bright lights of Broadway, Brasserie 1605 offers a delicious menu featuring cuisine inspired by classic American comfort food. Tuck into a delightful lunch or breakfast as you enjoy superb panoramic views of Times Square. At the end of a long day, nothing refreshes like a New York cocktail. Head to Broadway 49 Bar & Lounge to sip on the bartender’s sophisticated creations before heading back out to embrace the famous New York City nightlife. If you still have some energy to burn after taking in the sights, the hotel’s fitness centre offers the largest gym in Times Square, complete with a lap pool and yoga and Pilates classes.
The William Vale is in the up-and-coming Williamsburg neighbourhood, set just back from the waterfront and a 5-minute walk from the East River State Park. Brooklyn has more of a laid-back residential vibe than New York’s tourist spots and people tend to commute to the city from here, leaving Williamsburg’s street art corners and brown-stone architecture free to explore without the crowds. The hotel is near the Brooklyn Brewery and seasonal outdoor concerts and food markets, but it’s still really easy to see the classic sights – Bedford Avenue Station on the L line is a leisurely stroll away, and cuts right across the water onto 14th Street in Manhattan. From top to bottom, the hotel is super stylish. The lobby contains a striking piece of art by Brooklyn-based artist Marela Zacarias; there’s a good-sized outdoor pool framed by elegant sun loungers and cosy sofas. Each of the light rooms and suites has floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air balconies to make the most of the views over New York’s neighbourhoods, as well as rainfall showers and bespoke fittings like local artwork and sleek wooden floors. The southern Italian restaurant, Leuca serves up tantalising dishes devised by award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini, from home-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas to weekend brunch. Head to the outdoor promenade and grab some fries at Mister Dips, a retro 1974 Airstream RV which has been repurposed into the hotel’s very own food van. The highlight though is Westlight, the 22nd-floor glass-fronted rooftop bar where you can enjoy a cocktail with incredible panoramic views over the NYC skyline in the distance.
Stepping off the busy New York City streets into your own private apartment offers a truly different holiday experience. Get a glimpse into the life of a New Yorker as you enjoy the freedom and flexibility that self-catering affords. Just a ten-minute walk away from Times Square and the theatre district, these beautiful one and two bedroom apartments offer you an elegant and contemporary home away from home. Light, stylish and modern, they are fully-equipped with everything that you could possibly need. On-site laundry facilities are a welcome relief for those visiting New York as part of a bigger trip around North America, and there is even access to a small on-site fitness centre. The personal kitchen features all the standard conveniences, enabling you to enjoy your trip your way, without the stress and pressure of having to find somewhere to eat out for every meal, while the complimentary Wi-Fi means that you can plan your activities for the next day with ease. One bedroom apartments sleep up to four people, with a Queen bed in the bedroom and either a sofabed or rollaway beds in the living area. Two bedroom apartments sleep up to six with a Queen bed in both the master bedroom and the second bedroom, a sofabed, or rollaway beds, and two bathrooms. For your convenience, linens, towels and a hairdryer are provided.
Baccarat Hotel & Residences, Midtown
Dream Downtown, Chelsea
Warwick New York, Midtown
The Standard, East Village
Kimberly Midtown Apartments
Park South Hotel, Midtown
Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan
The William Vale, Williamsburg
8th Avenue & Broadway Apartments
