Mandarin Oriental (5 stars)
80 Columbus Circle at 60th Street
New York, NY 10023
Occupying the upper floors in the north high-rise of the exclusive time Warner center, the mandarin oriental rises above Columbus circle on the upper west side, where midtown, central park and upper Manhattan, NY., converge. The Time Warner center also contains luxury condominiums, restaurants, offices and shopping with 50 upscale retailers. Central park is one-half block from the hotel.
Express elevators whisk guests to the 35th floor of the mandarin oriental, where the “sky lobby” features crystal cranes, a graceful glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly. Antique mandarin silk robes are displayed on the walls, and wondrous views of the skyline, central park and the Hudson River are seemingly everywhere.
The Mandarin Oriental is home to asiate, the culinary soul of the hotel. The restaurant entrance showcases a wall of wine, while the interior is dominated by a glittering tree-branch sculpture that hangs from the ceiling. The menu, presented by chef de cuisine Noriyuki Sugie, is a modern approach to French and Japanese cuisine. The mandarin’s Mobar is a stylish cocktail venue highlighting two immense paintings by Valerio Adami.
The spa at Mandarin Oriental offers a variety of treatments in a meditative environment with bamboo floors, natural stone and bubbling waters. Facilities include seven multifunctional rooms, vitality pools, amethyst crystal steam rooms, his and hers relaxation lounges, and a shared oriental-style tea lounge.
The Mandarin Oriental features 203 guestrooms and 48 suites on floors 38 to 54. All guestrooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of New York city. The d�cor includes stylish 1940s-inspired furniture mixed with palettes of Chinese red and silver or jet black and pale gold. Amenities include flat-panel LCD televisions, three multi-line telephones, custom-designed bed linens, in-room safes with laptop rechargeable access, and evening turndown service with quotes of the day and orchids. High-speed wired and wireless internet access is available for a fee.
Up To $150 Food And Beverage Credit Book a minimum 2-night stay in a qualifying rate from November 16 – December 28, 2009 for travel November 16-24 and/or December 13-28, 2009 and receive one of the following:
Daily $50 food and beverage credit on Hudson river and central park rooms daily $150 food and beverage credit on central park view and mandarin executive suites a minimum 2-night stay is required in a qualifying room rate. Promotion not valid for arrivals on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Credit cannot be applied toward the room rate.
The Plaza (5 stars)
Fifth Avenue at Central Park South
New York, NY 10019
Location.
Striking a palatial presence by central park and Fifth Avenue, the plaza is a New York legend, its very name synonymous with class. Guests can use the plaza as a base for shopping, sightseeing and Broadway shows, all located within walking distance or easy rides.
Hotel Features.
Built with all the pomp, glory and opulence of a French chateau, the plaza is exquisitely decorated, with remarkable elegance in each meticulous detail. The 18-story white brick and marble building was designed in the French renaissance style in 1907, and is listed on the national historic landmarks program.
The oak room and oak bar provide the quintessential New York experience. The champagne bar, an elegant addition to the new fifth avenue lobby, serves full breakfast, including freshly baked pastries and specialty coffees in the morning as well as the world’s finest champagnes in the evening. The plaza features the shops at the plaza, a fitness center by Radu, a Warren-Tricomi salon and a Caudalie Vinoth�rapie® Spa.
Guestrooms.
The Pplaza’s sumptuously appointed guestrooms are among the largest in New York City. Beds are dressed with luxurious Mascioni linens. All rooms include wall-mounted plasma televisions and writing desks. Mosaic-tiled bathrooms offer designer bath products and plush robes; most have bathtubs and separate showers. Guest services flat-panel screens connect each room with a wide array of services. Wireless and wired high-speed internet access are available.
Expert Tip.
The plaza stands along the west side of grand army plaza, from which it derives its name, extending central park south in Manhattan. The grand army plaza commemorates the union army in the civil war.
The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at either check-in or check-out, or at time of service.
Internet access: $14.95 per 24-hour period rollaway bed fee: $75 per night valet parking: $65 for 24 hours; no in/out privileges this list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
The St. Regis New York (5 stars)
2 East 55th St
New York, NY 10022
Location.
The St. Regis New York is located on Fifth Avenue in New York, N.Y. This midtown Manhattan hotel is three blocks from Rockefeller center and the museum of modern art. Central park is four blocks away.
Hotel Features.
Dining options at the St. Regis New York include Adour restaurant, created by world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse and serving French cuisine. King Cole bar features Maxfield Parrish’s King Cole mural, dating from 1906. Astor court bistro serves international and American dishes.
Remède spa offers champagne and truffles before customized treatments that include body wraps, facials, hot stone massages and body bronzing. A fitness center, concierge desk, and business center are also on site. Guests receive complimentary access to an indoor pool at a nearby sister hotel.
Guestrooms.
The 229 guestrooms and suites at the st. Regis new york feature beds dressed with egyptian cotton linens and down duvets. Rooms include minibars, and butler service is available 24 hours. Flat-screen televisions with dvd players are provided, and wireless internet access is available for a fee. Italian marble bathrooms feature separate showers and tubs, double sinks, bathrobes and remde toiletries.
The Waldorf Astoria, New York (4 stars)
301 Park Ave
New York, NY 10022
Location.
The Waldorf Astoria is a New York art deco landmark and icon hosting dignitaries, presidents and Hollywood celebrities since opening in 1931. The hotel is within 20 miles of la Guardia, JFK and Newark international airports. Located in east midtown Manhattan, this hotel is a four-block walk from the Broadway theater district and Bloomingdale’s is only nine blocks away. Occupying an entire block on prestigious park avenue, the Waldorf Astoria is one of the original grand hotels.
Hotel Features.
The large, opulent lobby area has been restored to its original splendor. This extraordinary hotel offers elegant amenities to make guests feel comfortable and at home. Three on-site restaurants and one lounge serve an array of international cuisines and cocktails. Dining options include the peacock alley restaurant best known for its delectable Sunday brunch and fish and seafood menu. Guests can relax in the cocktail terrace for afternoon tea and drinks. The Waldorf Astoria features a 2,500 square-foot fitness facility (surcharge). The hotel’s concierge staff speaks multiple languages and help guests obtain theater tickets and arrange transportation and babysitting. The Waldorf also houses the biggest ballroom in Manhattan and offers 40 meeting rooms, eight boutiques, a bridal salon and room service.
Guestrooms.
Guestrooms and suites symbolize old world elegance with high ceilings, rich brocades, marble bathrooms and designer bath products, formal window treatments, crystal-and-brass lamps and triple-sheeted bedding. Amenities offered in guestrooms include desks, minibars, high-speed internet access (fee applies) and cable television. Select suites feature entry foyers and living areas.
Expert Tip.
Two blocks away from the Waldorf Astoria is famed fifth avenue, a shopper’s paradise that includes Saks Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller center.
The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at either check-in or check-out.
Valet parking: $50 per 24-hour period
This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
Winter Escapes
Book a stay in a “winter escapes” rate category November 15, 2009 – march 31, 2010 for travel November 15, 2009 – march 31, 2010 and receive the following:
breakfast for two us$50 resort credit for two or three night stays us$100 resort credit for four or five night stays us$150 resort credit for six or seven night stays us$200 resort credit for stays of eight nights or more complimentary one-night certificate for a future stay (must book by January 31, 2010) breakfast valid for two adults per room based upon double occupancy, plus any additional paid guests in the same room. Valid in designated resort restaurants only and does not include in-room dining. Taxes and gratuities not included.
Activity credits are per room, per stay. Credit will be applied at time of checkout. Final credit value will be based upon total nights consumed. Credit can be applied towards all hotel charges except room rate, corresponding taxes and resort fees. Offer is not combinable with other promotions, packages, negotiated/qualified rate plans or bonus offers. Credit is not transferable and cannot be used towards future stay. Unused portions of the credit will be forfeited and not reimbursed for cash.
Free night certificate is valid for a stay with a minimum of three paid nights at participating hotels from may 1, 2010 – December 20, 2010. Advance reservations required. Free room night cannot be combined with other offers and not applicable to previous reservations or group bookings. Free room night applies to one night’s room rate and tax only, in the same room type, and does not include incidental charges or gratuities. All offers subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply.
New York Marriott Marquis (3.5 stars)
1535 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
Location.
Located on Broadway amid the bustle of Times Square, theN York Marriott marquis Times Square imparts a commanding presence in New York city, New York. This sleek property stands less than three blocks from 30 theaters while fifth avenue shops are positioned two blocks to the east.
Hotel Features.
The view restaurant & lounge is New York City’s only revolving rooftop restaurant and offers the largest selection of New York state wines in Manhattan. The theater-themed encore restaurant displays a colorful Broadway-motif mural and offers dining services throughout the day. A 24-hour business center features high-speed internet access and a digital picture station.
This hotel offers wired high-speed and wireless internet access, plus more than 100,000 square feet of event space. A 4,000-square-foot, 24-hour fitness center features panoramic views of Times Square and midtown Manhattan. An American express travel desk, a theater ticket desk and a concierge are located in the 8th-floor lobby. An added benefit, the hotel’s uniquely designed miconic-10 elevator system shaves waiting time by an average of 30 percent.
Guestrooms.
This non-smoking 49-story hotel features 1,949 soundproofed guestrooms and suites, most with views of Times Square and Manhattan. All accommodations feature Marriott’s revive collection bedding that consists of 300-thread-count cotton linens with subtle white-and-beige design, down comforters, six down pillows and a separate mattress topper. Elegant furnishings are designed for comfort and visual appeal. Upon check-in, guests may request Marriott’s wired for business service that offers bundled, flat-rate communication services.
Hotel Expert’s Tip.
The world of the theater lies at your feet at the New York Marriott marquis times square. Not only does the hotel house a magnificent theater, it is also surrounded by the theater district. Better yet, the tkts booth is located right in front of the hotel and offers last-minute discounted tickets to the best of Broadway.
WEATHER
New York sports cold winters and hot sticky summers. Be prepared depending on the time of year you’re traveling. Winters can bring heavy snow storms, at times paralyzing the city. Springs are mild, making it alongside the fall, the perfect season to see the town. Summers are hot, humid, and bring about plenty of thunderstorms and rain.