Taking a bite out of the Big Apple
I recently enjoyed a whirlwind three days in New York. My first visit to the Big Apple, although it felt like I knew it already, having heard and seen so much about it.
My trip was courtesy of destination management representatives, Travelmediate with Bramer Tours USA looking after me for the duration of my stay. Flying time from London Heathrow to JFK is a little under seven-and-a-half hours and my flights were organised by the Flights Guru.
I stayed at the 5-star Hard Rock Hotel New York, which is ideally located between the Theatre District and Radio City Music Hall. Perfect for music lovers, the hotel is a new addition to New York, having opened in April 2022. As expected from a Hard Rock hotel, music memorabilia is everywhere, starting with the stunning Alicia Keys dress that greets guests in the main lobby.
The bedrooms too are uber cool with floor-to-ceiling windows providing spectacular views of the city’s skyscrapers. And of course, each room is equipped with its very own turntable.
I arrived late evening to drinks and canapes before being whisked up to the hip rooftop bar, RT60 on the 34th floor. Boasting two outdoor terraces with city views to the north and south, it’s a great spot to relax and socialise, cocktail in hand, and listen to sets from new and well-known DJ’s. Also available for private hire, it would make for an unforgettable event space.
Next morning, Juliana Gallo and Josh Dlabal gave me a tour of the hotel. There are 446 guest rooms and suites set across 36 floors, plus great conference and events spaces suitable for everything from product launches and conferences to receptions and music performances. The star of the show must be The Venue on Music Row, an impressive bi-level entertainment space with capacity for up to 400 guests for intimate A-list events, fashion shows, gala dinners and after parties. Ed Sheeran recently performed here to a select VIP crowd!
The Rock Star Suite – an incredible 3,300 square feet bi-level penthouse - is a space worthy of any rock star! Think double height floor-to-ceiling windows, open-plan living and dining space complete with its own bar and butler pantry and private terrace overlooking Times Square. Original artwork and music memorabilia adorn the walls and the suite comes with private VIP access to the RT60 rooftop bar and lounge.
Next morning, Juliana Gallo and Josh Dlabal gave me a tour of the hotel. There are 446 guest rooms and suites set across 36 floors, plus great conference and events spaces suitable for everything from product launches and conferences to receptions and music performances. The star of the show must be The Venue on Music Row, an impressive bi-level entertainment space with capacity for up to 400 guests for intimate A-list events, fashion shows, gala dinners and after parties. Ed Sheeran recently performed here to a select VIP crowd!
The Rock Star Suite – an incredible 3,300 square feet bi-level penthouse - is a space worthy of any rock star! Think double height floor-to-ceiling windows, open-plan living and dining space complete with its own bar and butler pantry and private terrace overlooking Times Square. Original artwork and music memorabilia adorn the walls and the suite comes with private VIP access to the RT60 rooftop bar and lounge.
“A trip to the Top of the Rock is a must-do for 360° views of the city’s skyline”
For lunch I headed to Carmine’s, an Italian restaurant in Times Square famed for its large family-style portions. The afternoon was spent exploring the iconic Rockefeller Center, with its enormous skating rink, fishbowl view of the NBC Studios and excellent variety of shops and restaurants. A trip to the Top of the Rock is a must-do for 360° views of the city’s skyline.
There are exceptional private event spaces here too, from 620 Loft & Garden, a stunning rooftop garden with close-up views of St Patrick’s Cathedral and Fifth Avenue to The Gallery, a more intimate venue with south facing windows offering views of Manhattan and the Empire State Building. If its New York style and glamour you’re after, then The Rainbow Room has it in spades. A spectacular 4,464 square feet space, it can cater for 250-300 people for an unforgettable evening of dinner and dancing.
Day two began with a tour of the city, visiting the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. The Empire and Fulton Ferry is an oasis of green located between the two bridges and a great spot for a picnic or to simply sit and look at the harbour and Lower Manhattan skyline. I also visited Washington Square Park; a 9.75-acre public park located in Greenwich Village.
There are exceptional private event spaces here too, from 620 Loft & Garden, a stunning rooftop garden with close-up views of St Patrick’s Cathedral and Fifth Avenue to The Gallery, a more intimate venue with south facing windows offering views of Manhattan and the Empire State Building. If its New York style and glamour you’re after, then The Rainbow Room has it in spades. A spectacular 4,464 square feet space, it can cater for 250-300 people for an unforgettable evening of dinner and dancing.
Day two began with a tour of the city, visiting the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. The Empire and Fulton Ferry is an oasis of green located between the two bridges and a great spot for a picnic or to simply sit and look at the harbour and Lower Manhattan skyline. I also visited Washington Square Park; a 9.75-acre public park located in Greenwich Village.
“My last day began with a trip to Hudson Yards, New York’s newest neighbourhood”
From here, I headed to Red Inside for a hands-on cooking experience, where I created my very own lunch of vegetable soup, meatballs with roasted veg and tiramisu. Summit One Vanderbilt was next on the list. One of midtown’s tallest skyscrapers, with its art installations, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and incredible views, it’s an immersive multi-sensory observation deck experience and I loved it. My last night in New York was spent at Hard Rock’s RT60 for a delicious farewell dinner.
My last day began with a trip to Hudson Yards, New York’s newest neighbourhood. Picture stunning waterfront views, great shopping and restaurants. The Shed is an amazing five-acre multidisciplinary arts centre and the perfect backdrop for music, theatre, visual art and film. Climb the 2,500 steps inside the 60-ton honeycomb-like Vessel sculpture for more views across the Hudson River.
A must-see is The Highline. This 1.45-mile-long elevated public park was created on a disused New York Central railway line above the streets of Manhattan’s west side, and is home to lush gardens, art installations and community programs. It’s also a unique way to view the city. I walked to Chelsea Market in the popular Meatpacking District. There was just enough time before heading to the airport to visit Ground Zero to pay my respects.
My last day began with a trip to Hudson Yards, New York’s newest neighbourhood. Picture stunning waterfront views, great shopping and restaurants. The Shed is an amazing five-acre multidisciplinary arts centre and the perfect backdrop for music, theatre, visual art and film. Climb the 2,500 steps inside the 60-ton honeycomb-like Vessel sculpture for more views across the Hudson River.
A must-see is The Highline. This 1.45-mile-long elevated public park was created on a disused New York Central railway line above the streets of Manhattan’s west side, and is home to lush gardens, art installations and community programs. It’s also a unique way to view the city. I walked to Chelsea Market in the popular Meatpacking District. There was just enough time before heading to the airport to visit Ground Zero to pay my respects.
A big thank you to Dominique Larkin from Travelmediate, Matthew Turvey from Hard Rock Hotels, Liam from the Flights Guru and Alessando Lavecchia from Bramer Tours USA for a fantastic programme and superb hospitality. It may have been my first trip to New York, but I’m pretty sure it won’t be my last. New York, you were fabulous!
Please do get in touch. if you’d like to hear about what New York has to offer, I’d love to tell you more.
Please do get in touch. if you’d like to hear about what New York has to offer, I’d love to tell you more.