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Fill your next NYC itinerary with the most Notable, Yes-worthy and Classy hotels, activities and dining experiences.
Getting There
Maybe you found cheap flights from a city a few hours from home? Check with Red Coach to see if they have a route for you. (For instance, they have routes from Austin to Dallas (DFW) or Houston in case you find a cheaper flight out of one of those hubs.) Their bus fleet allows you to ride in comfort to your destination with extra leg room, seats that extend back, electric outlets, free WiFi and bathrooms on board.
Notable!
The Graduate
The Graduate Hotel on Roosevelt Island is the first and only hotel on Roosevelt Island which sits on the water’s edge, with beautiful views of both Queens and Manhattan. The Graduate’s website describes their location beautifully: “You get to leave New York without actually leaving New York.” Roosevelt Island is a quick subway ride on the F train or a scenic tram ride from Manhattan, and where you’ll find a slower pace.
When you walk into the hotel, you are greeted by a 13-foot statue of artist Hebru Brantley’s Flyboy, which brings a unique and fun addition to the already quirky lobby. With 5,000 square feet and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves plus a seating nook around the corner from the check-in desk, it is the perfect place to sit down with a good book and cup of coffee. All the guest rooms are infused with Americana, Roosevelt Island history and touches of that Cornell Tech spirit and have unobstructed views of the skyline. Roosevelt Island is especially suited for summer visitors with a path around the island and several parks.
The Graduate’s restaurant Anything at All prides itself with being focused on seasonality, locality, sustainability, and providing amazing food for their guests.
Broadway
When in New York, Broadway is a must and The Broadway Collection, a group of world-class shows and venues, is the means to get there. There are lots of incredible shows to choose from, including Come From Away, based on a true story about events that occurred in the small Canadian town of Gander on 9/11. This heartwarming story is unique and spellbinding.
Go City Passes
New York City is filled with history and culture so it can be hard to choose where to spend your time. With Go City passes, you can get into several Big Apple attractions like The Top of The Rock, The 9-11 Museum, The Met, and much more for only $69 for adults and $48 for kids (3-12).
Pig Beach BBQ, with locations in Brooklyn and Queens, is a new BBQ joint unlike anything you will find in the city. Holding the largest BBQ smokers in NYC, a 28 ft jumbotron, outdoor seating, and very accommodating for large groups, this is a great find, especially for the warmer months.
Yes-worthy!
The Panorama Room and The Upstairs at The Kimberly are two rooftop bars that you must say YES to, regardless of the season or temperature!
The Panorama Room, the rooftop bar in the Graduate Hotel, is known for beautiful and unique cocktails. This is the perfect place if you want to enjoy a drink and feel good about what you are consuming because sustainability is of key here. One of their eco-friendly measures is recycling kitchen and bar waste. Sunset is the perfect time for any rooftop experience; enjoy your drink while watching the sun drift down on the edge of the water with a skyline backdrop.
Known for Midtown’s “most aesthetic views,” The Upstairs at the Kimberly is the perfect place to grab breakfast in the morning and cocktails at night. When it’s chilly outside, you will be met with a greenhouse aesthetic which fills the room with natural lighting as you look out at the city. When it warms up, The Upstairs opens up to a full outside rooftop bar.
Classy!
A recipient of the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award, Top 100 Hotels Around the World, The Kimberly Hotel is located on East 50th Street, in the heart of the hustle and bustle of the city. The Kimberly is luxurious and an easy choice, with 500-600 sq. ft rooms at the same rate as much smaller options throughout the city. The hotel is situated close to attractions on the Go City passes, such as Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. Another unique tidbit is this hotel not only has kind and friendly staff, but some have stuck around since the opening in 1985!
Walk towards the aquarium in the Kimberley’s lobby and you will find Bistango, an Italian restaurant. All-day options include a pre-fixe lunch, brunch, lunch, happy hour and dinner. Treat yourself to brunch in order to try the Bistango Benny, their take on eggs Benedict where they substitute an english muffin for creamy polenta.
The Empire Steak House is nestled on the first floor of The Kimberly, a former 1920s opera house that now has a new life as a classy restaurant, lounge and private event space. The excellent service and ambience is sure to take you back to the days of flair and elegance. They create an experience for you, as you enjoy their extensive wine and cocktail menus, juicy steak or lobster ravioli (among other high-end selections).
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Cover photo courtesy Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash
A lover of all things travel, pretty running trails and good coffee, Analise Flatt is a junior at Stephen F. Austin State University studying Mass Communications with a minor in Travel and Tourism, currently studying abroad in Poland. Check out her Instagram to stay updated on her latest travel adventures.
