Empire State of Mind: Six Dreamy NYC Hotels

by  Karen Loftus | Nov 4, 2011
Andaz Wall Street
Andaz Wall Street / Photo courtesy of the property
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If you’re the type of couple that wants it all, then you need to take a bite out of the Big Apple, which has it all in spades. Whether you are a culinary, cultural, theater or business-savvy duo, a downright decadent couple with a love of couture and a never-ending need for spa treatments, or a somewhat boozy brood with a hunger for urban adventures, rest assured that there are plenty of places to rest while exploring this urban oasis.

Midtown: New York Palace

It’s worth a spin to this landmark luxury property just to soak in its Gilded Age grandeur. The architecture and design of the New York Palace alone will wow you upon arrival. If it’s space that you’re craving, opt for a newly renovated Mansion Room or perhaps a triplex suite with an outdoor terrace and panoramic view of the cityscape. Otherwise, one of the 899 well-appointed rooms will provide a bird’s eye view of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Join the smartly dressed and upwardly mobile at their Two-Michelin-starred Gilt Restaurant and Bar.The design in the landmark Villard Mansion is quite intoxicating. Otherwise, the extensive wine cellar is sure to please the palate and raise the spirits. For seasonal bites in spring and summer, take your dining outside to the Palace Gate or simply indulge in a spa treatment indoors. The spa services may be all the retreat you need, as the restorative massage will have you back in balance by the time you hit the busy city streets.

To Do: In Midtown it’s all about the tourist attractions. You are within walking distance to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center (30 Rock), the chi-chi 5th Avenue for label slaves, and of course The Empire State Building.

Ready To Book? Book the Bed & Breakfast Package, which includes superior or deluxe accommodations and an American breakfast for two in Istana Restaurant or via room service. Rates start at $379. Visit the New York Palace website or call 212-888-7000 to book.

Central Park: The Pierre

This iconic Taj property with unrivaled views of Central Park has long played host to New York’s elite and international royalty.

No wonder: the Taj property has been meticulously maintained, most recently with its $100 million renovation in 2009. The richly textured, brocade fabrics in neutral tones in the guest rooms enhance the level of relaxation while the gracious space and high ceilings in the 49 suites evoke an immediate air of affluence and abundance.

The effortlessly chic Le Caprice restaurant mirrors the original London restaurant with its Thai-baked sea bass and crispy duck. Slip in first thing for a thoroughly modern power breakfast of decadent eggs benedict.

Design and dining aside, it’s the seamless service and the attentive international staff that shine through. Being whisked away like a star in the hotel’s private car service is all that keeps you from weeping as you’re leaving.

To Do: You are a stone’s throw away from Central Park. Take in this urban oasis on foot, by bike, or with a carriage ride at night. You can act like a local and pack a picnic and a blanket and make a day of it. It’s a great place to get lost, as there are endless corners to carve out and claim as your own for the day.

Ready To Book? Opt for Surprises-Suite Celebrations. Stay one night and receive 50 percent off the best available rate for the second night. Visit the The Pierre website or call 212-838-8000 to book.

New York Hotels - New Yorker / The New Yorker Hotel

Midtown West: The New Yorker Hotel

With a long history of housing both celebs and presidents – JFK and Jennifer Hudson have each called the space home – the  912 newly redesigned Art Deco-inspired rooms have made the New Yorker an even chicer retreat than before.

Today it’s a perfect place for the corporate, convention, or sports-savvy traveler with easy access to the Javits Center and direct service in from Boston on Philadelphia on Bolt Bus, which drops guests at New Yorker’s door. Macy’s flagship, Herald Square store and Penn Station (with connections on Amtrak and New Jersey Transit) are within equal proximity.  Whatever the reason, the New Yorker provides high quality at a very competitive price, and the Deco replication is impeccable.

Opt for a New Yorker suite for the chicest of sleeps or a Tower accommodation for panoramic views of the city and a complimentary breakfast in the 39th floor Sky lounge. It provides more of a jolt than any cup of coffee.

To Do: Set on the edge of the Theater District, this is a great jumping off point to Times Square, Broadway, and New York’s famous Theater District. Be sure to book reservations for dinner and a show. Then carve out time to wander and simply take in street theatrics.

Ready to Book: The Stay Longer Get More package slices 15 percent off a three-night stay and 25 percent off a 5-night stay. Visit the New Yorker Hotel's website or call 212-971-0101 to book.

091006_ 408 / The Crosby Street Hotel

SoHo: The Crosby Street Hotel

The Crosby Street Hotel feels British in every which way. For one, it’s not boasting upon arrival; you could almost miss it in passing. The typical response when asking for directions in the tony SoHo neighborhood: “I think it’s down there somewhere.”

But once inside, it’s evident you’ve arrived. The lobby is so filled with original artwork that you could mistake it for a gallery, and each of the 86, individually designed bedrooms claim floor-to-ceiling warehouse windows. Whimsy abounds.

Now grab a flute of champagne in the Lobby Bar beside the sculpture garden before heading to The Crosby Bar and Terrace for dinner. The only thing more playful and sexier than the setting is the staff. They’ll carefully pair your foie gras and lamb loin with black olive tapenade with just the right wine.

Leave room in your schedule for a proper afternoon tea, and or make time to watch a movie in the screening room. Just admit you have a crush on this place. It was exactly the British fix you needed.

Ready to Book: The So Downtown package includes breakfast for two, bottle of champagne on arrival, endless complimentary movies, and a late check-out at 2pm. Superior rooms start at $580, luxury at $640, and deluxe at $740.

Sumptuous SoHo includes a stay in one the Crosby Street’s sumptuous suites, a champagne high breakfast for two, bottle of Krug and canapé upon arrival, endless complimentary movies, and a late check-out at 2pm. Luxury junior suites are $1,065, deluxe juniors are $1,125, one-bedroom suites are $2,200, and Meadow Suites are $2,500. Visit the Crosby's website or call 212-246-6400 to book.

To Do: SoHo is well-known for its gallery hopping, boutique shopping, and celebrity spotting. Top that off with some of the city best bars and restaurants. This is quintessential contemporary New York as seen in the movies. Take in this cinematic and sophisticated sliver of city life and imagine for a New York minute what’s it’s like to live in this swank neighborhood.

New York Hotels Gansevoort / Hotel Gansevoort

Meatpacking District: Hotel Gansevoort
Don’t let Manhattan’s winter weather wear you down. This chic urban retreat in the heart of Manhattan’s uber-trendy Meatpacking District is as sexy as it gets. It has a heated rooftop pool with underwater beats you can toe tap to 365 days of the year. Admittedly, Plunge Rooftop Bar and Lounge is just slightly sexier in the summer months, but’s perfect for light fare, cocktails, or provocative conversation and offers some of the best views in the city.

You can book one of the 187 rooms or live the suite life in one of the 23 sleek and minimalist suites that offer picturesque panoramic views of the city and stunning vistas of The Hudson River. Open both window and balcony doors, and let the wind whip through. The cross winds will lead you to believe you’re sailing on the Hudson River yourself.

For late night libations, hit the ground floor’s Carte Blanche Lobby Bar and watch the world go by.

To Do: Set in the heart of the Meatpacking District, you have a wealth of idyllic rooftop bars and lounges at your fingertips. If you venture out of the neighborhood, walk to Chelsea Market, one of the city’s best. Set right on the Hudson, it’s New York’s answer to Pike Place. Get your foodie on or simply walk along the water.

Ready to Book: The Naughty But Nice package is a must. You’ll be granted early check-in at 2pm, pool access and a complimentary poolside beverage, a bottle of chilled Veuve Clicquot Champagne, and fresh strawberries, The Sensual Traveler's Mile High-Kit, chocolate body frosting, a complimentary movie, a copy of The Kama Sutra - Book of Erotic Games, chocolate truffles at turndown, and a continental breakfast in Tanuki Tavern Restaurant, not to mention the much-needed late check-out at 2pm. Visit the Gansevoort site or call 212-206-6700 to book.

New York Hotels - Andaz / Andaz Wall Street

Financial District: Andaz Wall Street

Wall Street suddenly got a whole lot sexier. This downtown spot is for a business-savvy couple with a contemporary edge. Surrounded by a sea of suits, Andaz Wall Street takes a more modern approach to amenities, service, and surroundings.

Upon arrival in what appears to be a cross between a lounge and a living room, the sleek crew, who could easily pass as guests, greet you with a handheld PC to casually walk you through the check-in service.

Once in your room, it’s easy to leave business behind. The 345-square-foot room will immediately feel like that loft you always wanted but never quite got around to buying. The design is a simple, sleek-yet-chic approach realized with all natural stone and bamboo materials. The end result is an open and airy space with big bay windows, a full-length mirror, and rotating wardrobe valets, which together create an effortless yet edgy elegance.

While you settle in to your urban home away from home, take advantage of the complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in the mini bar while you peruse the Sleep Menu.

For dinner, there is no need to hit the city streets. Wall and Water’s farm-to-table cuisine has many uptowners hightailing it downtown to experience the bounty of the Hudson Valley. If you can’t make it out of the room for dinner, make it a point to visit in the morning, as the breakfast salmon may be one of the best ever.

To Do: Set at the furthest point downtown, you have easy access to New York’s Ellis Island, one of the city’s must-see attractions. It’s a riveting place, rich in US history. It will give you chills as you imagine all that passed through the island in its heaving heyday. Once on the island, you will be privy to a beautiful and incredibly iconic view back on the city.

Ready to Book? The Sit Back and Relax package offers a $100 credit towards The Spa. The Love Goes Around offer includes a treatment from the Bath Menu and a Bond No. 9 perfume as an in-room gift. Visit the Andaz Wall Street website to book.

See our New York City Travel Guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights, hotels, packages, and more travel deals.

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