New York is always a good idea and always offers something fresh and exciting! Just before the holidays is a particularly festive time as the window shops and lights come alive and the weather is still reasonably comfortable for long strolls!

This trip was twofold for me! We celebrated my fabulous mother-in-law’s 70th birthday and I also took a couple of days to visit many of the boutique hotels that my clients so love.  In New York, every neighborhood tells a different story, has its own vibe, and it’s boutique hotels all have a personality of their own.

While we work closely all of the larger and very glamorous properties including the Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Ritz-Carlton, Peninsula, St. Regis and so on, it is the tiny boutique gems that really take the most time to get to know.

This visit I stayed at The Chatwal near Times Square and the Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca, but I also did site inspections at The Surrey and The Lowell Hotel on the Upper East Side and the Crosby Street Hotel in Soho.

One of our most memorable meals was the incredible Indian tasting menu at Indian Accent – highly recommend

 

Our stay and birthday celebration continued on at Robert De Niro’s spectacular and under stated Greenwich Hotel in TriBeCa!

 

 

An exceptional birthday dinner with service to match at the famous Gramercy Tavern:

My travel is always a mix of business and pleasure so hotel site inspections are a must! I was so glad to go and see a few of the boutique hotels we often suggest to our clients.

The Crosby Hotel in SoHo is a terrific, light-filled option within walking distance to many of the best boutique shops and restaurants in the city.

Here are standard rooms with great views and floor to ceiling windows.

If you want do some entertaining and like space to unwind, the one bedroom Crosby suite connects to a junior suite  – perfect for a family gathering!

The Lowell Hotel on the Upper East Side is truly one of my favorites and uniquely establishes itself with the gorgeous scent when you walk in, and for the special and residential rooms and suites throughout – no two are the same. The Lowell also offers wonderful and hospitable service in the lounge and soon to be famous restaurant which will open after meticulous detail in creating it! Originally private apartments, most of the rooms and suites have wood burning fire places and kitchenettes. Guests here feel wonderfully at home! The hotel is perfect for romantic weekends, families trips, and longer stays.

Also on the Upper East Side is The Surrey, a Relais & Chateaux property, and also a favorite boutique hotel! The art collection alone make it a must see! Again each room is one of a kind, with several suites showcasing commanding views and terraces. My favorite is the Penthouse (even more so than the larger Presidential). The Penthouse has great light and a mammoth terrace but still manages to feel so inviting and cozy. This is a superb option for families as the rooms with two beds are Queen/Queen (rather than double/double bedding) and have many connecting configurations that work well. Shopping and restaurants in this residential quiet neighborhood with easy access to Central Park make it oh so perfect!

New York has so much to offer and there are dozens and dozens of hotels that we love! Please let me know your style and your interests and it will be more than a pleasure to help you find your perfect Manhattan haunt!  We have great private guides, a coveted restaurant list and score terrific seats to the theatre! New York is waiting for you. Yes, you can book a hotel in New York online but when Resort to Laura Madrid takes care of your arrangements, complimentary amenities, upgrades and extra perks are insured. Don’t you want to be welcomed home like a dear old friend?