Have A Great Day in New York City

Monday, April 28, 2008

The Casablanca Hotel Review - Here’s Lookin’ at You Kid

The Casablanca Hotel Review - Here’s Lookin’ at You Kid

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Hotel Elysée Offers Ultimate New York Shopping Experience

The Hotel Elysée, located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, is offering a "NYC Luxury Shopping" package enabling guests to enjoy an ultimate New York City shopping experience. The package is available on any two consecutive weekend nights from May 1 through August 31, 2008.

Highlights of the package include deluxe accommodations at the Hotel Elysée, which is in walking distance to some of the city's finest shopping and dining experiences, as well as a day at the world-renowned Bergdorf Goodman, including complimentary tea for two in the BG Restaurant, a complimentary facial on the beauty level of the store, a personal shopping consultation, and an incentive gift card, exclusive to guests of the Hotel Elysée.

The NYC Luxury Shopping at the Hotel Elysée includes:
Deluxe Accommodations
Pink champagne upon arrival
One pound of Leonidas Cocoa dusted truffles
NYC Zagat shopping guide
Day at Bergdorf Goodman including a complimentary tea for two in the BG Restaurant, a complimentary facial on the beauty level of the store, a personal shopping consultation, and an incentive gift card
The latest issue of Vogue Magazine
Complimentary breakfast each morning
Complimentary fruit, cookies, tea and coffee throughout the day
Complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres each weekday evening
Complimentary passes to the NY Sports ClubRates start at $350 per room per night. Rates and packages are based on availability and do not incude tax. The package is valid from May 1 through August 31, 2008 and there is a two-night minimum stay.

The Hotel Elysée's experienced concierge will assist guests with restaurant recommendations and reservations. In addition, guests of the Hotel Elysée can head right off the hotel's lobby for a cocktail or a fine meal at The Monkey Bar & Grill, a legendary New York night spot and now one of the city's most popular and stylish restaurants. Its inventive Asian Fusion cuisine is also available to hotel guests through room service.

About The Hotel Elysée, :Standing mid-block on East 54th Street, between Madison and Park Avenues, the Hotel Elysée's low-key graciousness could be the explanation for its popularity among writers. In addition to its amenities, one-of-a-kind guest rooms (some with terraces, solariums, or kitchens) and beautiful appointments throughout, the Hotel Elysée offers its guests perhaps the most outstanding and desirable location in New York City. Situated on 54th Street, it is within walking distance of the world's best shopping, many mid-town corporate headquarters, cultural landmarks (i.e. the Museum of Modern Art) and some of the most outstanding restaurants in New York.

The Hotel Elysée, is currently ranked in the top ten most popular hotels in New York by the members of tripadvisor.com and has been called "One of New York City's Best Small Hotel's" by Travel + Leisure Magazine and "Most Romantic Hotel" by Citysearch.com.

Sunday, July 02, 2006

My summer island Getaway

“One need never leave the confines of New York to get all the greenery one wishes” That quote by Poet Frank O’Hara is plastered as bold as can be in front our vista of the Hudson and New York Harbor as my friend and I were enjoying a beautiful lunch on a glorious summer day at SouthWestNY's huge outdoor cafe at the Financial Center. No words were ever truer, we agreed as raised our margueritas to toast the poet's keen observation.

For visitors to the city who long for a quick island getaway during their stay, I highly recommend a few hours in "the country" at Governors Island. It is open to the public every Friday and Saturday from now until September 2nd. It is easy to get there via the FREE and delightful ferry ride that goes from the beautiful Battery Maritime Building which you'll find just east (left) of the Staten Island Ferry terminal near Battery Park. Once you are there you will find facinating lectures and tours conducted by enthusiatic National Park Rangers who clearly love sharing the history of the island and the two forts that are located there. There are also beautiful homes you can walk by (we liked the Admiral's House very much)and lawns to picnic on plus spectacular views of our beloved Manhattan Skyline and lovely Lady Liberty.

After a couple of hours on Governors Island, why not come back to manhattan and enjoy a scenic walk along the waterside at Battery Park City? If you walk until you reach the small marina at the World Financial Center you will find the sign with Frank O'Hara's Quote in front of Southwest NY. Another great outdoor cafe there is P.J.Clark's.

Of course, if you stay at the Library Hotel or the Hotel Giraffe which are some of the best hotels in the city NYC'S HKHotels Rank in Top 10 on Tripadvisor.com, you can find lovely roof gardens on the top floor of your hotel, and enjoy a bit of country right in the heart of the city. Summer weekends are not just the most beautiful time to be in New York. The hotel's weekend rates are at the best prices of the year; for example, at Hotel Giraffe the weekend rate for a Deluxe Queen bedded room including Breakfast in the morning and wine and cheese reception in the evening in August is up to $175 less that that same room in September! That will leave you with plenty of extra $$ to add an extra day to your trip. Plus, the whole city seems to offer the best values at this time of year as well.

Here are some more great summer savings I discovered on NYC & Company's website.
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"Susan and God" at Mint Theater
www.minttheater.org
311 W. 43rd St. (betw. Eighth & Ninth Aves.)
212-315-0231
Specially priced tickets at $37.50 each.

July 1 - September 4
Specially priced tickets at $37.50 each.
Offer Code: NYCSB

Ballet NY at The Joyce Theater
www.joyce.org
175 Eighth Ave. (at 19th St.)
212-242-0800
20% off individual ticket price.

July 1 - September 4
July 1-2: Sat. at 2pm & 7:30pm; Sun. at 2pm.
Offer Code: SUMMERBREAKS

Battleworks & Paradigm Together at The Joyce Theater
www.joyce.org
175 Eighth Ave. (at 19th St.)
212-242-0800
20% off individual ticket price.

July 1 - September 4
July 5: Wed. at 8pm.
Offer Code: SUMMERBREAKS

Battleworks at The Joyce Theater
www.joyce.org
175 Eighth Ave. (at 19th St.)
212-242-0800
20% off individual ticket price.

July 1 - September 4
July 6, 8 & 9: Thurs. & Sat. at 8pm; Sun. at 2pm.
Offer Code: SUMMERBREAKS

Chicago City Limits
www.chicagocitylimits.com
318 W. 53rd St. (betw. Eighth & Ninth Aves.)
212-888-5233
Two for the price of one admission.

July 1 - September 4
Two for the price of one admission.
Offer Code: NYCSB

Chicago The Musical
www.chicagothemusical.com or www.broadwayoffers.com
Ambassador Theatre, 219 W. 49th St.
212-239-6200
Specially priced tickets at $78.25 each.

July 1 - September 4
Limit 8 tickets, not valid Saturday evenings. Orchestra/front/mezz sections. Offer may be revoked at any time.
Offer Code: NYCSB

Chunky Move "I Want to Learn to Dance Better at Parties" at The Joyce Theater
www.joyce.org
175 Eighth Ave. (at 19th St.)
212-242-0800
20% off individual ticket price.

July 1 - September 4
July 11-15: Tues.-Fri. at 8pm; Sat. 2pm & 8pm.
Offer Code: SUMMERBREAKS

Drumstruck
www.drumstruckny.com or www.telecharge.com
New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St. (betw. Eighth & Ninth Aves.)
212-239-6200
Specially priced tickets: $36 Tues at 7pm. $41 Wed-Fri at 8pm and Sun at 7pm. $46 Sat at 2pm, 8pm and Sun at 3pm.

July 1 - September 4
Specially priced tickets: $36 Tues at 7pm. $41 Wed-Fri at 8pm and Sun at 7pm. $46 Sat at 2pm, 8pm and Sun at 3pm.
Offer Code: NYCSB

Forbidden Broadway: SVU
www.forbiddenbroadway.com
47th St. Theatre, 304 47th St. (at Eighth Ave.)
212-947-8844
specially priced tickets at $35 each.

July 1 - September 4
specially priced tickets at $35 each.
Offer Code: NYCSB

I Love You Because
www.iloveyoubecausethemusical.com
158 Bleeker St. (betw. Sullivan & Thompson)
212-307-4100
Specially priced tickets at $42.50 each.

July 1 - September 4
Specially priced tickets at $42.50 each.
Offer Code: NYCSB

National Comedy Theatre
www.manhattancomedy.com
347 W. 36th St. (betw. Eighth & Ninth Aves.)
212-629-5202
Specially priced tickets at $12 each.

July 1 - September 4
Specially priced tickets at $12 each.
Offer Code: NYCSB

Paradigm at The Joyce Theater
www.joyce.org
175 Eighth Ave. (at 19th St.)
212-242-0800
20% off individual ticket price.

July 1 - September 4
July 7,8,9: Fri. at 8pm, Sat. at 2pm; Sun. at 7:30pm.
Offer Code: SUMMERBREAKS

Pilobolus at The Joyce Theater
www.joyce.org
175 Eighth Ave. (at 19th St.)
212-242-0800
20% off individual ticket price.

July 1 - September 4
Mon. July 17, 24 & 31 at 8pm; Sat. July 22, 29 & Aug. 5 at 2pm.
Offer Code: SUMMERBREAKS

Saturday, June 17, 2006

New York City Restaurant Week

Certainly one of the best reasons to visit New York City is to enjoy the best restaurants in the world. There are actually so many fabulous restaurants to choose from, that even a serious restaurant aficionado like me doesn’t really feel it necessary to visit the most expensive restaurants to feel I am dining on the best cuisine on the planet. Still, I do long for the finer things in life and thanks to New York City Restaurant Week, a semi annual event which generally last more than a week, we can experience some of the toniest restaurants in the city, without breaking the bank.

Restaurant Week is usually offered in July and February. This next restaurant week is coming up July 10-14, and again July 17-21, Monday – Fridays only, but many restaurants will continue the promotion informally until Labor Day. On those dates you can enjoy a 3 course prefix lunch for the set price of $24.07 in honor of New York which is always “on” 24 and 7. Three course dinners are set at $35. per person not including beverages, taxes or gratuities.

To find out more about New York City Restaurant week, visit New York City & Company’s website, or do what I do and get full information on restaurants and confirm your reservations on line by visiting OpenTable.com . They also have a great list of restaurants with outdoor seating which is the best way to dine in the summer in New York.

July & August have the best deals on the best small hotels in New York as well. For example at Hotel Giraffe, their weekend rates in July and August can be as much at $175 less than the rte for a similar room in September, so for what you save, you can enjoy some very fabulous and memorable dining experiences. Here I have paired up some of my favorite restaurants I have enjoyed on Restaurant weekor on other occasions with some of our hotels conveniently located nearby:

If you are staying at Hotel Giraffe:
Tabla , Gotham Bar and Grill, Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Café.

If you are staying at the Hotel Elysee:
Aquavit, 21 Club, and Aureole are all legendary and classic New York (so wear a tie).

If you are staying at the Library Hotel or Casablanca Hotel:
Patroon, Pompano, Django, English is Italian.

If you are looking for an awesome view:
Asiate at the Time Warner Center on Columbus Circle
Waters Edge, its in Long Island city in Queens but they have a free water shuttle from 34th street after 6pm and the great view of Manhattan plus great food makes it really worth the effort.

So come and join us for some great dining and great savings in New York City this July! Wishing you and your family a happy Independance Day weekend!

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

I am a Gawker Stalker!

I admit it. I am shamelessly starstruck and one thing I adore about my beloved New York is having Liza Minnelli at the very next table from me when I took my mom out for mothers day. No, really, there she was on Saturday night night at the opening weekend of the new Metropolitan Room at Gotham. By the way, the club is as absolutely ideal choice if you are seeking a more mature and refined nightclub experience while visiting Manhattan. The Belle of Broadway, Christine Ebersole was also there at the very next table! The Metropolitan Room is exactly where the Gotham Comedy Club used to be on 22nd street before they moved to a bigger place on 23rd street, and it is owned by the same people. The Gotham is my favorite comedy club in New York by far so I expect they will have a great line up of musicians on the way.

But I digress.. When I saw Mikhail Baryshnikov himself just steps away from me at the 37 Arts theater on Friday night my first thought was that I could not wait to get home to my computer and post my fabulous siting on Gawker Stalker! If you are planing a visit to New York City and you too want to know where all the fabulous people can be found just walking around amongst us mere mortals, here is where you can get the goods as they happen http://www.gawker.com/stalker


If you want to live like a star yourself when you are in New York, the glamorous Hotel Giraffe on 26th and Park Avenue South is a great choice and near the Metropolitan Music Room, the Gotham Comedy Club and a quick cab ride away from Arts 37 which is on 37th Street.

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Guide to a Fabulous Girlfriends Getaway Weekend in New York City


The concierges at the New York's loveliest boutique hotels say they have tons of experience from accommodating Girlfriends Getaways each weekend, so here a a few of their favorite suggestions to make your next trip to New York, a totally bonding experience:

Most fun places to try and buy girly things: Ricky’s NYC

Best place to go to get your glam on: Get a group brow make over at Sephora’s Anastasia Brow Studio
Best place for a group laugh: Gotham Comedy Club

Most virtuous and enjoyable group activity:
A private Yoga session with your friends at Essential Therapy

Group activity which will make you giggle as you wiggle:
Belly Dancing Class at Serena’s

Best Uptown restaurant for sharing:
After your class enjoy a veiled dinner tent at Casa la Femme and give your new shimmy skills a whirl.
Best Downtown restaurant for sharing with a group: Stanton Social
Best Pre- Theater Restaurant for Sharing with a group: Tony’s Di Napoli
Best Pre-Lincoln Center Restaurant- Rosa Mexicana
Best Dinner with a view: The Water Club

Best restaurant for a decadent dessert fest:
Get a private cabana downstairs at Spice Market and enjoy Ginger Margueritas and a selection of some of New York’s most memorable desserts such as Ovaltine kulfi and assorted gourmet cookies.

Best shopping experience: Takashimaya and Henri Bendel

Do not miss a visit to these neighborhoods:

Our Beloved Backyard: Central Park
Have a drink at the Boathouse, dance under the stars in the summer at Tavern on the Green, pack up a picnic Basket from Zabar’s and enjoy it on the Great Lawn,
Watch the seals being fed at the zoo, visit the penguins and feed a few goats.
Rent bikes, tour the park.

“The Gold Coast” of Madison Avenue from 54th Street and up
Buy your bling or at least enjoy window shopping at Graff

SoHo/Tribeca:
Ladies love chocolate so find the best at Vosges Haut-Chocolat

Meat Packing District;
If the sun is shining: Do like Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha did and visit Pastis
If it is nighttime, here is the ultimate plan: Predinner cocktails at Buddha Bar, Dinner at Buddhakan, and Dessert at Spice Market.

Times Square and the Theater District :
Broadway. Need we say more?

Lincoln Center/ Columbus Circle:
World Class Ballet, Opera, Jazz and Symphony sure, but also and that gorgeous fountain and Chagall paintings that make you feel it is going to be a magical night.

For wonderful accommodations, of course we recommend the glamourous Hotel Giraffe,the Traditional and elegant Hotel Elysee, the Book lovers paradise, the Library Hotel, and the coziest Hotel off Times Square, the Morrocan motif Casablanca Hotel.

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Have A Great Day in New York City: Great Advice for Travelers on Hotels, Restaurants and Events!


Have A Great Day in New York City: Great Advice for Travelers on Hotels, Restaurants and Events!

Hotel Giraffe - Ballroom Fever Weekend

CATCH "BALLROOM FEVER" AT NEW YORK CITY'S HOTEL GIRAFFE

Tying Into America's Newfound Fascination With Ballroom Dancing,Hotel Offers Special Package

New York, NY - April 11, 2006 — For those who watched “Dancing with the Stars” and “Mad Hot Ballroom” and wondered if they have what it takes to do ballroom dancing, The Hotel Giraffe in New York City has come up with the perfect vacation experience to combine a fabulous weekend getaway in the Big Apple with a mini-initiation into the world of dance — the "Ballroom Fever Weekend" package.
Ballroom fever is sweeping America with “Dancing with the Stars” and the opening of the films, “Take the Lead” with Antonio Banderas and “Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing and Charm School” staring Robert Carlyle and Marissa Tomei. People of all walks of life have begun embracing the joy, sensuality, and romance of dance and the Hotel Giraffe has a fun way to “catch the fever.”
The Ballroom Fever Weekend Package Includes: • Accommodations in a deluxe room or suite• Complimentary European style breakfast daily• Complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres each evening• Two 55-minute private dance lessons at either the Pierre Dulaine Dancenter or Stepping Out Studios. One lesson can be scheduled on Friday and a second on Saturday. A third lesson may be arranged for Sunday for guests who choose to add a Sunday night to their package. All lessons are based upon availability.• Free DVD rentals from the hotel's Ballroom Dance Collection which includes such hits as Mad Hot Ballroom, Shall We Dance, and Strictly Ballroom• A complimentary pitcher of sangria and tapas at Barna Restaurant (adjacent to the hotel) to help guests channel their inner Valentino• Passes to Essential Therapy, a beautiful, soothing day spa dedicated to the healing power of massage, Pilates, and Yoga for a steam, sauna, and Jacuzzi session to help couples relax their muscles before or after class• An instructional dance DVD so couples can continue to work on their skills when they return home.It is recommended that participants choose to focus on one dance such as Salsa, Argentine Tango, or Swing.
In advance of their arrival guests will receive an e-mail with an a la carte menu of our areas best dance related activities. Guests can get professional assistance from one of Hotel Giraffe, “Dance Concierges” to help them select the best itinerary to suit their personal goals and style. They suggest a dance performance on Friday evening to get them inspired and on Saturday a night of dinner and dancing to give their new skills a whirl.
The Ballroom Fever weekend Package is priced from $365 to $465 per room, per night or $475 to $575 per suite per night based on availability. The package is valid from April to August 2006, and is only offered for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night stays. The package is based on double occupancy and a two-night minimum stay is required.For those who know a Ballroom Dancing fanatic, gift certificates are available for Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, or any occasion.
Background About The Dance Schools Mr. Dulaine is the inspiration for the new movie, “Take the Lead,” where Antonio Banderas portrays Pierre Dulaine. His achievements with middle school NYC students were also featured in the runaway hit documentary, “Mad Hot Ballroom.”
Stepping Out Studios (SO), located in a sunny, newly renovated, 10,000-square-foot loft space, offers diverse programs in all styles and levels of partner dance. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, dancers from Stepping Out have been showcased on “Dancing with the Stars” and “America’s Ballroom Challenge,” to name a few.
About Hotel Giraffe:
Situated on the corner of Park Avenue South at 26th Street, the luxurious Hotel Giraffe provides a sophisticated world of style and grace with elegant architecture, unique design, and flawless service. Guests of the hotel enjoy complimentary Continental breakfast each morning and complimentary wine and hors'doeuvres each evening (Monday through Friday).
Aspiring dancers can book the package by calling the Hotel Giraffe at 212-685-7700, or toll-free in the US at 877-296-0009 or by e- mail at information@hotelgiraffe.com or online at www.hotelgiraffe.com.
information@hotelgiraffe.com

New York is a Summer Festival!


I love New York in Springtime, of course! And who can deny the magic of New York City during the Holiday Season or when the Autumn leaves have turned color and the air is crisp and fresh.

But for me, a New Yorker to the bone, I love New York most of all in the Summer, especially on the weekends. The crowds have gone off to the Hamptons and the Jersey shore, the finest restaurants in all the world have a table waiting just for you, and the city seems to swing from one fabulous festival to another, showering those lucky individuals who were smart enough to stay in the city with parties and dances and culture and entertainment galore.

So for those world travelers who dont know the joys of Summer in the city, here are some of my favorite highlights I highly recommend for your next vacation. These events attract all sorts of New Yorkers and visitors, from every age, creed, color, socio-economic background, sexual orientation and they all play, laugh and dance happily together. It makes me so proud to be a part of it and to be a New Yorker in these days when so many in the world feel divided. Come play with us!

* Central Park Summer Stage with 32 events including Shakespeare in the Park.
This summer there are free tickets to Macbeth with Liev Schrieber June 13- July 9th and Mother Courage with Merryl Streep is on August 8th-September 5th. Plus there are Classical music and popular music concerts every year. I can't wait to hear who will come this year!

*Every night when the weather is fine, you can dance in the garden of Tavern on the Green. There is no dress code, so come as you are, there is a mere $10 cover and there is no minimum.
With all those gorgeous lanterns the garden looks like a scene from a movie, and it indeed has been in many films. It is a magical evening.

*Midsummer Night’s Swing at Lincoln Center is on from June 20 – July 22nd. This is spectacular! Did you love "Dancing with the Stars" or what? Not every night, but several nights a week during the festival, there is a Dance class in anything from Salsa to Swing.

*Hotel Roof Gardens such as the ones you'll find at the Hotel Giraffe and the Library Hotel, open up to the public for "uber-glam" evening cocktails scenes. Like most hotels in the New York City, the Library Hotel and Hotel Giraffe offer the best deals of the year in the Summer especially on the weekend. Other great boutique hotels offering great summer values are the Casablanca Hotel off of Times Square and the elegant Hotel Elysee on East 54th Street. Is
there a finer street in New York? I think not. The Hotel Elysee is betwwen Park and Madison Avenues

*The JVC Jazz Festival is on June 12th – 24th.

* There are free outdoor movies every Monday at Bryant Park.

*Last year the River2River Festival was awesome! So many parties and concerts and dances.
My absolute favorite was the Argentine Tango Party every Sunday night on Pier 17 at South Street Seaport. Everyone was dancing with everyone and the good dancers people were very patient in teaching the newcomers how it's done. I have not seen the 2006 schedule yet, but I am sure it will be even better.

Here is a great list of summer concert website links from about.com

*Central Park Zoo! We have a new baby monkey that you have just got to see! Another thing not to miss is the the Penguins when they are taking a shower. It is the funniest thing you can imagine since they seem so giddy with pleasure. It must be like a trip to the spa for them. ALso I always like to visit Gus. He's our polar bear. He is waiting for a visit from you too, so what are you waiting for?