This spring, it was time to make a trip to N.Y.C. for a bit of business. That included visiting major fashion houses (Louis Vuitton) and cosmetic brands (from Revlon to La Mer) on behalf of the magazine. With much to do and limited time, we attempted to cram as much as possible into each day. But, I also scheduled a stay over the weekend to just soak up the city without any obligations.
Work Week
What I needed on the first few days of the trip (with meetings scheduled nearly every hour), was a location convenient to everything. What I wanted was to set up camp in a chic boutique hotel. I found this in The Kitano, a Japanese-owned refuge from the busy hustle and bustle, only steps from most clients’ offices. This isn’t a major chain with hundreds of rooms that tourists find on websites, but a very well-kept secret for travelers seeking refuge and convenience. Because I arrived late night with a coworker and we were starving, the sushi bar broke the “no food after 10 p.m.” rule and served up fresh rolls just for us. The quick service and quiet environment allowed for an enjoyable bite before retiring.
The rooms at Kitano are spacious, without being over-done. Everything business travelers desire is on hand—from electronic connections to the in-room hot tea. For more demanding clients, The Kitano provides a variety of larger suites—many complete with full dining and conference rooms. For larger gatherings, there are fabulous views from the rooftop event space. This is ideal for entertaining clients or friends while in town and especially for weddings and celebrations.
This extremely private and controlled area has been secured by famous athletes and other notables seeking complete serenity, and continues to attract reservations from high-profile personalities.
With such close proximity to Grand Central Station and the best shopping in the city, The Kitano is almost as lucrative for the weekend tourist as for the executive weekday visitor. The environment is quiet, clean and well-designed.
Weekend
Oh yeah … after hundreds of blocks walking to meetings—with a heavier bag due to a few shopping breaks—I said good-bye to my coworker and took up residence with my significant other (who flew in for the weekend). Since we were both in need of a short vacation and desiring the ultimate N.Y.C. experience, we elected to stay at the Carlyle on Madison Avenue at 76th Street. I’ve visited the city countless times, and have stayed at a number of the most famous hotels, but none even comes close to the experience found at this Upper East Side property. The reasons I love it range from a location within steps of incredible shopping to a bar and lounge filled with character to savvy concierge and staff members and attention to detail in every room.
Upon my return, I found that the familiar Bemelman’s Bar was just as welcoming. Classic cocktails are served all day—but they take a break for afternoon presentation of Madeline (from the children’s book series) tea—a draw for parents and children alike. The dimly lit lounge is the ultimate New York experience, and you never know who will pop in. Jack Nicholson was one of the patrons during my short stint. At night, the small room comes alive with musicians performing live for patrons.
Another favorite part of the hotel is Café Carlyle—where dinner comes complete with a show. The main performer varies depending on the night you choose. That is, unless you elect to dine during the regular weekly show that icon Woody Allen hosts. Because we were there on a weekend, we were treated to a show by the legendary Leslie Uggams while we dined on spectacular fare from an award-winning menu that might only be upstaged by the one found in The Carlyle Restaurant only a few steps away. The amazing thing about this hotel is there are so many fantastic spaces and entertainment options, it’s hard to select just one.
An even more difficult choice is resisting the urge to just stay in your room and never leave. I’ve always loved the Ralph Lauren suite, and still do—it may be the most fantastic hotel room in the world. It’s room 515 at the Carlyle, and the fashion icon designed it true to form. Muted tones of navy, gray and white blend together from a full living and dining room through the master bedroom, adjacent kitchen space and two private baths. It really is a reservation to remember.
But, just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, the Carlyle completed the renovation of their Tower Suites. Luxurious and sensuous, these rooms may be more desirable than Ralph’s signature suite, offering not only similarly enticing interiors, but a bonus of unsurpassed views. While every room puts you within steps of Central Park, these suites allow you to watch from an elevated stance, which is jaw-dropping day or night.
The Tower Suites are an elegant combination of the hotel’s sophisticated past and modern luxury. Aside from the spacious interiors, they offer uninterrupted views of the Manhattan skyline, Central Park and the northern bridges. To enhance the spectacular views, the design includes oversized gilt mirrors to accentuate the view from the many floor-to-ceiling windows. At night, standing near the window or in the center of the room, you’re surrounded by the most breathtaking views imaginable. And, that’s just from outside.
The interior of the suite is equally enticing, as they ensure guests experienced the full effect of being a privileged Upper East Side resident upon check in. This includes all the appropriate furnishings—from fine antiques to original artwork specifically commissioned for the suites. From floor to ceiling, the various elements come together in concert to deliver a fantastic feast for the eyes for anyone lucky enough to stay the night. That’s why so many celebrities book these rooms. On our weekend, they were sold out, with many booked by seriously big names. Maybe it’s for the privacy, but I think it’s because of the gorgeous surroundings and the extreme pampering.
One of my favorite touches is the suite’s medicine cabinet, fully stocked with Kiehl’s products. Not just small shampoo bottles—but lip balms, lotions and even shaving cream. Then, there are the bedside gourmet chocolates and the A-list coffees. Every possible indulgence is included—and then some. As an added touch, they embroider the initials of each guest onto take-home designer pillow cases and place them on your bed at turn-down. Talk about personal service!
The best part of being at the Carlyle is the feeling of really being in the city. Across the street is the most amazing old-fashioned drug store that carries everything from first aid kits to Chanel cosmetics. One block down, you’re in the heart of the city’s most upscale shopping district and within another block or two, at the doorsteps of the most interesting art and history museums in the country.
Is staying here a splurge? You bet it is. Rooms are not inexpensive, but worth every penny. This is a Rosewood property, so it goes without even saying that you can expect the best when making a reservation. Even the most discriminating traveler will instantly recognize the value in this experience. If you’ve ever been curious as to what it would be like to live as a privileged, stylish New Yorker in the ultimate environment, a night here will give you just a taste.
And, take it from me, will leave you hungry for more!
The Kitano
66 Park Ave. at East 38th Street
(212) 885-7000 or (800) 548-2666
www.kitano.com
The Carlyle
A Rosewood Hotel
Madison Avenue at 35 E. 76th St.
(212) 744-1600
www.thecarlyle.com
For Business or Pleasure—The best spots to nosh in N.Y.C. right now
These spots cover all the bases …. from morning until late night.
Of course, there are hundreds of choices for dining and entertainment—these were just a few of my favorites from the last trip!
Le Cirque
One of the city’s best restaurants and definitely one requiring a reservation. Plan to stay awhile—as they have multiple courses to share.
151 E. 58th St.
(212) 644-0202
Café Carlyle
Enjoy gourmet fare and chef’s specials paired with a spectacular show. Truly and old-school NY experience!
35 E. 76th St.
(212) 744-1600
Serafina
Scrumptious Italian fare and great people watching. Inexpensive and delicious.
29 E. 61st St.
(212) 702-9898
Club Macanudo
The ultimate cigar club complete with retro lockers and a comfort-food menu.
26 E. 63rd St.
(212) 752-8200
Pastis
An eclectic restaurant/night spot in the heart of the Meatpacking District.
9 9th Ave.
212-929-4844
Buddakan
A fairly new eclectic, Asian fusion restaurant that is full of excitement due to inventive food and celebrity diners. Truly worth the wait.
75 9th Ave.
(212) 989-6699
Hotel Gansevoort
While staying at this hip hotel may be for the brave and sleep deprived, enjoying the late-night scene for a bit is a must when in the city.
18 9th Ave.
(212) 206-6700
Olives
This is a great spot for a breakfast or lunch meeting—always fresh and appreciated by the health conscious.
120 Prince Street
(212) 941-0111
The non-tourist N.Y.C. “To Do” List
Spend a Sunday afternoon with the locals in Central Park. Bring your jogging shoes for a run, or consider purchasing a mini-sail boat as there are competitions each weekend.
Head to the West Village—on Saturday or Sunday mornings. You will find the most incredible display of fresh produce and fare for sale. And flowers, and herbs and basically everything you wish you could pack into your bag!
Across the street in the same neighborhood, visit the vendors at the flea market for furnishings, vintage clothing and collectibles. Also, plan to stay for lunch as the food booths are over the top with international flavor sampling.
Head to tourist trap Time Warner Center, then skip the chain stores and head upstairs. Take a seat at Clo Wine Bar, the most innovative wine concept in the country, where you can order electronically by the glass based on the preferences you enter into a computer system.
Zitomer Pharmacy across from the Carlyle on 76th is truly a place to get lost. Every brand of upscale cosmetic and candle is mixed in with everything from wigs to children’s toys to bottles of aspirin. Always busy and still known for “one at a time” gift-wrapping service.
Even if you’re a bargain shopper, a stop to Barney’s is worth it just for a visit to their well-known champagne selection at the “lunch counter.”
Take a seat at a local favorite—the Atlantic Grill on Third Avenue—for a glass of wine at the bar that seats only eight, and engage in conversation with an East Side resident on his way home from work.
Naples 45 is an eatery a few steps from Grand Central. Not fancy—but a gathering spot for commuters waiting to catch a ride home. A wonderful spot to get to know the rush that N.Y.C. workers deal with each day.
BLOW N.Y.C.—They have maybe three locations, but this blow dry boutique is a flat rate spot for great hair frequented by models and mothers alike. Visit their Chelsea locale to hear juicy gossip and leave with gorgeous hair for less than $50.