A weekend in ... New York City
01-Jun-08
THE FAMILY FAN
Kids will love the famous Carnegie Deli and enjoy spotting famous faces on signed photos all over the walls. But the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade (Friday, 27 November 2008) is a magical spectacle for all ages: book a VIP brunch and viewing space early to avoid the crowds. www.dnykg.com
Clients who might miss the green grass of their country estates should book into the stylish, renovated, 44-floorJumeirah Essex House and ask for the two- bedroom Presidential Suite, with great views of verdant Central Park. The hotel has also launched audio podcast walking tours of the park, which direct families to some of the best-loved sites, such as the ice-skating rinks. Picnics and cycles are also available (from May onwards). The hotel's unique Sunday brunch outdoor venue has also reopened. www.jumeirah.com
Take the high-speed shuttle to the Top of the Rock observation deck on the 70th floor of the Rockefeller Center for a bird's eye view of the Big Apple. www.topoftherocknyc.com
Treat the family to a tasty Champagne afternoon tea in The Lowell's lavish Pembroke Room. www.lowellhotel.com
Older children will find much to enjoy at the American Museum of Natural History. A private helicopter city tour will impress even the most cynical teenager www.millionairesconcierge.com. Their parents may prefer the delights of French cuisine at Adour Alain Ducasse at the St Regis New York, which opened this January (dinner only). www.adour-stregis.com
THE FILM FAN
Head for the glamorous Bemelmans bar at the 35-storey Carlyle Hotel, where Sarah Jessica Parker ('Carrie') spent her real honeymoon and filmed a scene for the blockbuster Sex & the City, and ask for their latest cocktail, the Bradshaw. www.thecarlyle.com
Fans of tough-guy film star Robert de Niro can now check into his first boutique hotel, The Greenwich, which opened in May. In groovy TriBe- Ca, its two-bed penthouse will open this summer with a glass ceilinged dining room and a garden with hot tub. www.thegreenwichhotel.com
If your clients prefer something historic, The Plaza reopened on 1 March after a three-year, £200m refurb. It offers 102 suites. A retail collection will debut late summer, featuring exclusive boutiques and purveyors of fine food, as well as health/wellness facilities. The hotel was a setting for Barefoot in the Park, Funny Girl, Plaza Suite, The Way We Were among others. www.fairmont.com
For fitness-obsessed clients, a bespoke jogging sightseeing tour is a must. www.cityrunningtours.com
Whether it was their favourite love story about an unlikely couple named Harry and Sally, or a memory from their childhood of an ape named Kong that hated airplanes, film-loving clients will recognise the The Empire State Building.Private parties are no longer allowed, but 14 couples will be allowed to exchange their wedding vows atop the famous landmark on Valentine's Day next year. www.esbnyc.com
THE CULTURE FAN
Urge clients to start on a high with a pre-flight trip to the Virgin Clubhouse at Heathrow - an oasis of calm in a busy hub, where they can be pampered at the Cowshed spa, be served drinks and eat well. It costs £60pp, but it's free to Upper Class passengers.www.virginatlantic.com
Book into the Hotel Gansevoort in the trendy Meat Packing District, which boasts the uber-chic, signature rooftop Plunge Bar, garden and Japanese Ono restaurant. Shopaholics will also appreciate the hotel's latest shopping package, with discounts at local boutiques, in an area which includes Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen. Gansevoort's duplex Penthouse offers views of the Hudson River, an oversize fireplace and a two-storey, windowed wall. www.hotelgansevoort.com
Take a private tour of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) - the Dali exhibition from 29 June -15 September will feature 120 of his paintings, drawings and films. Or marvel at the the Metropolitan Museum ofArt's treasures with a private guide, such as art expert Sarah Garden Armstrong. www.dnykg.com
Take a stroll in the area converted from the old High Line tracks, soon to be an elevated West Side park where clients can stroll through Manhattan without encountering a single car. Or they can visit the artworks in Battery Park's revamped promenade, with a great view of the harbour.
INSIDER'S GUIDE
DISCOVER NEW YORK WITH KITT GARRETT
Kitt Garrett, Chief executive, Discover New York
How has NYC's luxury offering for visitors developed recently?
Hotel accommodation has been undergoing renovation to incorporate the latest designs, upgrade rooms and service in a bid cater to the international traveller. Since we are part of Virtuoso, we work with all of their properties, which I naturally recommend (www.virtuoso.com).
Ethnic restaurants have taken on a contemporary flair, catering to a more upscale clientele. If I had to choose one restaurant, I would opt for River Cafe (www.rivercafe.com), because the food is good, the flowers are gorgeous and the views help remind me why I adore living in NY. It's a magical evening for a special occasion.
What are the highlights for visitors in 2008 - 2009?
With more than 150 museums and 400 art galleries from which to choose, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is certainly my favourite because it allows me to appreciate the contributions of so many people and cultures from around the world in one place.
My favourite activity is, without doubt, Broadway. It's just like going into a pop-up story book, where the characters, sets and music all come to life and you feel a part of it for a few hours. With many concerts, opera and ballet, guests can take advantage of what NY has to offer on a daily basis, rather than focusing their trip on a date or specific event. There is something special going on every week in NY.
Tell us about your company
Discover New York is a DMC specialising in creating luxury experiences for high-end, corporate and leisure clientele. We can turn the usual trip to NYC into the unusual by providing access to people and places not open to the public. Our office is in Midtown Manhattan, so we "know" NYC. www.dnykg.com
WHAT'S NEW IN NEW YORK CITY
- Facing Central Park, Art Deco masterpiece Jumeirah Essex House recently completed an impressive $90m (£46m) refurbishment, upgrading 515 rooms and suites, lobby, health club and spa, as well as restaurants and bars. Its new, modern American cuisine South Gate restaurant has the largest fireplace in Manhattan. www.jumeirah.com
- Salon de Ning, a rooftop bar and terrace, opened in May at The Peninsula New York; it has two large outdoor terraces with day beds offering panoramic views. www.salondening.com
- Newly refurbished, Japanese-owned The Kitano New York is offering its latest 'Serenity in the City' spa package until December 2008.www.kitano.com
- The Westin New York at Times Square has redesigned its 23rd floor to include 13 Spa Inspired rooms, featuring massage chairs and aromatherapy bath amenities. www.westinny.com
- The owners of London's Haymarket Hotel, will open 75-room Crosby Street Hotel in SoHo in December, built to eco designs. www.firmdale.com
- The Ritz-Carlton New York has opened its $1m, 180sqm Central Park Suite, with two bathrooms and two living rooms.www.ritzcarlton.com
- The Lowell has renovated its Penthouse, Garden and Lowell Suites; all have terraces and wood burning fireplaces. www.lowellhotel.com.
