It’s the city that never sleeps, and neither will you with everything there is to do and see. There truely is no place like New York. If you want to do the Big Apple in style, to know where to eat, to drink, what to do and where to sleep in this magnificent city (yes, I suppose sleep is okay but only if you must…) then look no further.
Where to Sleep in New York
I suppose even in the city that never sleeps, you need somewhere to recoup so here are our top two luxury hotel suggestions!
The Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton never disappoints and the Royal Suite… well… it’s certainly fit for royalty. However, royalty or not, a stay here will have you feeling like the king or queen you were born to be. A sublime view of Central Park and a telescope (if you wish to see further afield), makes this 22nd floor suite the perfect place to take in the city’s beauty. The suite includes access to the hotel’s exclusive Club Lounge. From: $30,000/night.
The Towers Champagne Suite
Why settle for the standard bottle of champagne hotel welcome, when you could be welcomed by a fully stocked wine cellar? The Champagne Suite, residing in the Towers of the beloved Lotte New York Palace, is outrageously extravagant, offering some of the finest accommodation in Manhattan. The Towers Champagne Suite offers impeccable service to its guests including a maitre d’etage butler who will deliver your utmost desire to your door no matter the time. So, what are you waiting for? Book this suite and ride your private elevator straight into ultimate luxury. From: $25,000/night.
Where to Eat in New York
Boy is it hard to narrow down food choices in New York and I’m afraid I wont be making this choice a whole lot easier with my list of top places to give your tastebuds a work out.
Daniel
Restaurant Daniel opened it 1993. Twenty-five years on it is still a New York favourite. Know for its European cuisine and world-class wine cellar, Daniel has won numerous awards in food excellence since its opening. It’s modern seasonal menu is inspired by fine meats and game, fresh seafood, as well as fruits and vegetables bringing together outstanding flavours. Cost: $140/pp (approx.)
Sasabune
Sasabune is a no frills dining experience (also, no California Rolls – which they let you know from the get go…). The menu at Sasabune is an omakase menu, a Japanese phrase meaning “I’ll leave it up to you”. A sign inside the restaurant says: “Today’s Special: Trust Me” so, you simply must learn to trust. Be prepared to have Mr. Takahashi let you know when to and when not to add things like soy sauce to your fish. After all, he does know best. Cost: $100/pp (approx.)
Le Bernardin
As a michelin three star restaurant, Le Bernardin is one of the best restaurants in the world. Le Bernardin began in 1972 in Paris by brother sister duo Gilbert le Coze and Maguy le Coze before they moved it all the way to New York in 1986. Its dedication to fresh, simple seafood coupled with mouthwatering flavours is what makes this restaurant so special. Cost: $140/pp (approx.)
Chef’s Table
Located inside a grocery store in Brooklyn is one of the worlds best restaurants, Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare. Chef’s Table is an 18 seat U-shaped bar around the kitchen of Chef César Ramirez. The unbelievably delicious Japanese food severed has bookings made weeks in advance to secure a much desired spot at the bar for the 20-course tasting menu. Be prepared and remember to book, this is not an experience you want to miss. Cost: $240/pp (approx.)
Lavo’s
This next dining experience is a little different from the rest… it’s more of a party with fabulous food than a classy sit down dinner. So, for something a little more adventurous and risque, Lavo’s Riviera Sundays combines dinner with the Italian Riviera of the 1950’s. You begin dinner with some of Lavo’s signature dishes while taking in the performances of magicians, ballerinas, stilt walkers and jugglers. Then, as you move on top dessert the fun really begins… Every Sunday has a different theme and every Sunday is packed with fabulous food and fun. Don’t believe me? Watch the video below. Cost: $100/pp (approx.)
Where to Drink in New York
What better way to celebrate being in New York than with a cheeky cocktail or two?
The King Cole Bar
If you like a Bloody Mary or are curious as to its origin in the U.S. the King Cole Bar at the St. Regis may just be for you. In 1934 a St. Regis bartender combined those two key ingredients of the Bloody Mary, vodka and tomato juice, and from then it became a favourite. Although, rumour has it that the name ‘Bloody Mary’ was a little too much for the prestige of the King Cole Bar and at the time the cocktail was renamed the ‘Red Snapper’. Why not head to the bar that was popular with Salvador Dali, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio and John Lennon?
Tavern on 51
A shout out to the glamour of old New York, Tavern on 51, located at Lotte New York Palace, is classy and luxurious. Everything from specialty cocktails to absolute classics are on offer. After cool, easy atmosphere on a night out then Tavern 51 is for you.
Bemelmans Bar
When celebrities, socialites and politicians are regular customers you know the bar must be good. Bemelmans Bar is an art-deco bar in the Carlyle Restaurant at the Rosewood Hotel. The bar takes its name from children’s author Ludwig Bemelmans whose artworks adorn the walls. The nickel-trimmed glass tables, 24-karat gold leaf ceilings and extensive drinks menu are enough to entice anyone.
What to Do in New York
There really is almost too many choices when it comes to ‘what to do in New York’, so here are a few highlights.
Champagne toast in a helicopter
What better way to see New York than with a champagne toast in a helicopter? The deluxe tour with Viator you will give a birds-eye view of this gorgeous city while you sore over Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and anywhere else you request. You can even choose from three different levels of luxury aircraft to suit your needs. The tour goes for 30 minutes and costs around $2000.
Watch The Jets and The Giants
MetLife stadium is the home of two New York rivals: The Jets and The Giants. Whether you’re a New York local, a regular visitor or a first timer, missing a game at MetLife would be a BIG mistake. When it comes to booking tickets, why sit in the grandstand when you can lap up the luxury in the MetLife luxury suites. The David Rockwell designed suites are situated across four levels, each suite hosting between 12-30 guests. MetLife stadium luxury suites offer a premium experience from specialised parking spaces on arrival, your own private entrance, unrivalled sight-lines and first class treatment. You won’t go back to grandstand life after this experience! No matter what time of year you visit the city, you are guaranteed year-round excitement from NFL football to world class performances to international soccer. Contact| suites@metlifestadium.com
Hamilton
Hamilton is one of the most talked about musicals in the world. The phenomenal performances, costumes, staging and set design are literally the talk of the town. You wouldn’t want to miss out on that, would you? The musical combines sung and rapped lyrics and will take you back to the time of the Founding Fathers with a story that shook the nation. Ticket cost approximately $850.
