Tag Archives: New York City Hotels

The Crosby Street Hotel. New York City

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As you can imagine, I am very particular about hotels in New York. There are so many options (old and new) and I always feel like I need to narrow down my options to three hotels max for my readers. The Crosby Street Hotel, part of the fabulous Firmdale Hotels, is definitely up there, next to the Surrey and The Mark Hotel.

New York City is known for is art and historic culture, and yet rarely you find the two mixed into a hotel. With 86 rooms on 11 floors the Crosby Street Hotel is definitely a spacious place in the perpetually crowded NYC.

Placed in the center of a cobblestone street in the trendy SoHo neighborhood, this reformed parking lot hotel is in true minimalist form to match the neighborhood’s industrial history. Made of brick, stone, and glass compliments the surrounding urban landscape. Kit Kemp, the owner’s wife, definitely has the perfect eye to make this happen.

From the moment you set foot inside, you will be wowed. Once you arrive at the hotel, head over to The Crosby Bar for their staple, the Tiger’s Eye, or delight yourself in a yummy champagne cocktail.

The hotel itself is comprised of original and usual pieces for a hotel. Collaborations with local designer and artisans help decorate the hotel. Along with the lobby, the Drawing Room, Sculpture Garden, and Crosby Terrace are each unique in style. The Sculpture Garden is a quiet sanctuary for the guests; it is away from hustle&bustle and noise of the city. The Crosby Terrace is a sunny little spot open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea all day. Order the Ruinart Tea, which comes with scones, tea sandwiches, and your choice of tea. Talk about lavish!

The rooms of this contemporary hotel are each unique- with their own color palette and personality. Each room is spacious and light with floor-to-ceiling warehouse style windows. I usually opt for the one-bedroom Crosby Suite, the views are utterly spectacular and the rooms come with a living room and dining area. The design is uber chic- the purple, gray, and green interior matched with the high-ceiling chandelier is perfection.

Don’t miss what I think is the best service any hotel can offer: They have a pressing and unpacking service for those who are pressed for time, which is especially useful for the on-the-go New York Fashion Week crowd. In the meantime, just go grab a quick bite at Balthazar, which is 15 ft away.

One of the most unique things about this hotel is the Rooftop Kitchen Garden. It is situated on the 12th floor of the hotel. This garden is an urban vegetable patch managed by the hotel’s head chef Anthony Paris. It supplies the hotel’s restaurant with fresh seasonal produce such as melons, blueberries, tomatoes, and herbs. Whatever the occasion for your visit to NYC, The Crosby Street hotel is one of my personal favorites and the ultimate in combining art and luxury.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Top 5: Labor Day Destinations for 2014

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American Express Travel is reporting the forecast for Labor Day 2014: U.S. Open in New York City, sunshine in California, magical adventures in Orlando, with a strong chance of tropical beaches in Maui. American Express Travel has calculated this Labor Day’s top travel destinations and here is the top five!

 

New York City

 

Where to stay:

Located in the Upper East Side, this modern hotel is a great place to stay to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city! The Surrey is known for its luxurious atmosphere and spectacular location. Their rooftop is the perfect way to spend labor day in style. Check out the article on Posh Voyage.

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What to pack:

Labor Day weekend will be mostly sunny with a high of 88 degrees. Look out for scattered thunderstorms on Monday! Pack cute light sundresses (especially if you’ll be sitting out in the sun for the US Open) and an umbrella.

What to do:

The U.S. Open is being held from August 25th through September 8th. Check out tickets on Stub Hub.

Where to eat:

A few of my favorite summer restaurants: Charlie Bird is the new restaurant it-place, Buvette is THE place to brunch, Beautique is another new hot-spot, and grab a cocktail at the rooftop lounge at the Hugo Hotel. Last but not least our top option, Acme.

 

San Francisco

 

Where to stay:

San Fran has never been famous for incredible hotels, in fact, there is only one up to our standards,  the gorgeous St. Regis Hotel. Built in 2005, it offers the best in modern luxury: High-tech appliances, highly attentive service, killer spa and an awesome restaurant which is a destination on it’s own.

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What to pack:

As per usual of Northern California weather, Labor Day weekend will have a high of 70 degrees and a low of 58 degrees. Pack for sweater weather and comfy walking shoes!

What to do:

Have a picnic at the Presidio! This weekly event features food trucks, live music, and games.  Check out fisherman’s wharf for clam chowder that rivals New England. Shop in the Marina District and check out a Giants Game. “Off the Grid” is a food truck festival where you can sample some of San Francisco’s finest and gourmet food!

Where to eat:

Foreign Cinema in trendy Mission Street, Umami is aahhhh-mazing sushi, Kokkari if you’re in the mood for authentic Greek, and Park Tavern is an uber-trendy place to see and be seen.

 

Los Angeles

 

Where to stay:

The best place to stay would be the Shutters on the Beach located in Santa Monica. The laid-back beach house feel when you enter, will force your brain to shut off and feel a sense of total relaxation. From the adorable pastel color décor, to the barefoot luxury feel, lets just say this hotel got it right. Check out the article on Posh Voyage.

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What to pack:

I wonder if the people in Los Angeles get tired of having the most amazing weather around? Sunny and 85 degrees pack your trendy summer clothes and off you go!

What to do:

Labor Day kicks off the LA Time’s annual food + wine festival, “The Taste”.  The La County Fair also starts Labor Day weekend, which would be a fun thing to do if you’re with children!

Where to eat:

Commissary is designed like a greenhouse and is great for vegetarians, HYDE sunset kitchen + cocktails if you’re looking for a trendy place with craft cocktails, Playa Provisions is a triple threat and a must-eat beachside restaurant, and Urasawa for the best sushi you’ll ever eat (must have reservation!!).

 

Orlando

 

Where to stay:

The most luxurious hotel you could stay in is the new Four Seasons Orlando located in Disneyworld. Designed as a hotel for both adults and children, if you’re looking for a little R&R and not the crowds at Disneyworld, FS will hire someone to take your kids around the park for you while you can relax pool-side with a martini.

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What to pack:

Unfortunately scattered thunderstorms plague Orlando this weekend, but it will still be very hot, therefore super humid, so pack light rain gear and light clothing.

What to do:

A must-do adventure is of course Disneyworld or the new Harry Potter World, but if that’s not for you, relax at one of the Four Seasons five pools or their new state-of-the art spa.

Where to eat:

Capa is a Spanish-influenced steakhouse in the Four Season Hotel,  Ravenous Pig is a retro-chic gastropub located in Winter Park, If you’re in the mood for light tapas check out Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant in downtown Orlando, and Luma on Park for local Floridian Seafood (even Sir Paul McCartney has been there!).

 

Maui

 

Where to stay:

The Four Seasons Maui at Wailea. Find sun-soaked tranquility at an enchanted enclave nestled on the magnificent white-send crescent of Maui’s southwest coast. With lush tropical gardens and the dramatic peak of Haleakala as your backdrop, relax in Maui’s largest resort.

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What to pack:

Weather is perfect with sunny and 88 degrees, so all you need is a bathing suit, sun block, and a pair of sandals!

What to do:

This is the time for adventure! Try zip-lining, pick up surfing, go hiking to majestic waterfalls, or scuba-diving!

Where to eat:

Gerard’s restaurant is French cuisine and rated no. 1 in Maui, Mama’s Fish House restaurant is the freshest fish on the island, Merriman’s is a beachside farm-to-table restaurant that shouldn’t be missed, and Lahaina Grill is an upscale eatery that features the freshest of ingredients.