Archive for category New York City
Where to stay for New York Auto Show
Posted by theluxurylife in New York City on February 19, 2013
This year marks the 113th anniversary of the New York International Auto Show. Taking place March 29th – April 7th at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan, the auto show will feature beautiful vehicles front and center. The New York International Auto Show was North America’s first car show, and is one of the best-attended industry events by both automakers and the general public.
Most of the world’s top automobile manufacturers will be among the 900,000 square feet of exhibitors at the show. Cars and trucks of yesterday, today and tomorrow will be on display, including concept cars and some New York world debuts.
Whether you’re looking for a guys’ getaway or want to spend time with the family in a fun, kid-friendly environment, the New York International Auto Show has no shortage of things to see and do when it comes to cars.
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Valentine’s Day in New York City
Posted by theluxurylife in New York City, Romantic Hotels on January 18, 2013
New York City is one of the most romantic cities in the world. It’s been the backdrop for some of Hollywood’s greatest love stories — from King Kong to The Seven Year Itch to Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Annie Hall, just to name a few. Part of what makes New York City so romantic — and the perfect destination for Valentine’s Day — is the restaurants. There’s no shortage of quaint spots to take a date for an intimate meal, regardless of your palate’s preference. Whether you’re looking for an authentic, family-run Italian spot, a modern bistro, fresh sushi, or anything in between, you’ll surely wow your special someone at a Manhattan eatery. After dinner, the theater is a perfect way to continue your romantic evening. New York City has no shortage of plays, big or small, to fit the bill — catch a drama, comedy or romance on Broadway or off — it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Culminate your New York Valentine’s Day experience with a nightcap at a quiet lounge or dance the night away at one of the city’s sizzling nightclubs before turning in with your sweetie. After a night like this, you’ll never go back to roses and boxes of chocolates again.
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Where to stay for New York Fashion Week 2013
Posted by theluxurylife in New York City on January 7, 2013
Get the first glimpse of the hottest designers’ fall 2013 collections at New York’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Models will be hitting runways across Manhattan from February 7-14, 2013 in what has become one of the east coast’s hottest celebrations of all things fashion — from fun and casual to haute couture and beyond. With dozens of designers already on board, the fashion elite will be descending on New York City like never before. Lincoln Center will be abuzz with showcases of the hottest trends to come in fall 2013. Shoes, outerwear, lingerie, eveningwear and more — if you want to see the next big thing, Fashion Week NY is the place to find out. In addition to runways and haute couture, the city’s hotels, restaurants and nightclubs will be humming with excitement all week long. Make the most of being in town for Fashion Week by updating your wardrobe in a city known for its shopping opportunities.
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Toy in the Hotel Gansevoort
Posted by theluxurylife in Celebrity Stays, City Secrets, Cool Hunters, Featured Hotel, New York City, Restaurants We Love, Uncategorized on June 25, 2012
In a city full of cool neighborhoods and bustling boroughs, New York City’s Meatpacking District continues to be one of Manhattan’s most fashionable spots. It’s a place where old meets new, savvy travelers meet locals, and shopping meets the city’s best dining and nightlife.
Hotel Gansevoort continues to be one the Meatpacking District’s best hotels and features an incredible new spot that’s sure to change the landscape of the area. TOY is the brainchild of legendary NYC party planners Daniel and Derek Koch. The twins have been throwing some of the Big Apple’s best bashes, and never do anything half-heartedly.
TOY’s cuisine is best described as modern Chinese with Japanese influences, and is already garnering rave reviews. Executive chef Doron Wong’s dishes reflect the incredible space itself―transition, adventure, and the spirit of New York City. The bi-level main dining room features a private room if needed, while there’s an indoor/outdoor raw bar right in the hotel lobby. But the best view of all is courtesy of the outdoor dining terrace that looks out over Hudson Street.
NEW YORK ARCHITECTURE AT A GLANCE
Posted by theluxurylife in Cool Hunters, New York City on May 9, 2012
To say the New York City skyline is famous almost comically understates the case. Is there a more storied, more photographed or more resonant skyline in the world? Paris’s vertical grandeur resides in one skeletal, albeit beautiful, structure (oui, the Eiffel Tower). And forget Kuala Lumpur—way over in Malaysia—with its overreaching glitter twins. Toronto’s CN Tower-spiked and crowding skyline gets a nod as a radical up-and-comer. But for sheer complexity, density, and variety of architectural styles—and that iconic, deeply impressed sweep of its skyline—New York is still unsurpassed by any city in the world, and we may wait a long time before it is. But viewing New York City from afar is one thing. Getting up close to its fabulous buildings is a defining experience.
You can, of course, start just about anywhere, say The Empire State Building, which looks spiffy after an expensive renovation. But assuming you have visited it and typical tourist attractions like the Chrysler Building or the United Nations Headquarters, take a gander at a few of New York City’s lesser known architectural masterpieces, one-offs and oddities.
For starters, the somewhat familiar Flatiron Building (once known as the Fuller Building) always delights the eye. Upon its completion in 1902 it was one of the tallest buildings in New York. It sits on a triangular island block at 23rd Street, between Fifth Avenue and Broadway, hence its lean, sky-wedging shape.
In sharp contrast, Apple’s Glass Cube Store on Fifth Avenue, between 58th and 59th Streets, or its market hall on the Upper West Side, have become 21st Century trendsetters, boasting a transparent and technologically advanced retail space that may look like the future (i.e. it’s already here). Famously fussy and attentive to every detail to anything bearing the Apple logo, Steve Jobs had a hand in this sleek gem.
The New York Times Building on Eighth Avenue (between 40th and 41st Streets) will take your breath away from all angles, and the glass facets of the Hearst Magazine Building on Eighth Avenue and 57th Street will force on your sunglasses. Eli Jacques Kahn’s Bricken Textile Building on Broadway and 41st Street has been compared to a Vionnet gown. And the IAC Building on 555 West 18th Street resembles a billowing white sail, Frank Gehry-style.
Two other must-sees include the Rose Center for Earth and Space on 81st Street (just west of Central Park West). It sits serenely screened by trees and features the most technologically advanced space theater in the world. And the Folk Art Museum may be one of the quietly coolest buildings in NYC. Located at 45W 53rd Street, this very small museum isn’t well known even among New Yorkers. What it lacks in size it makes up for in design. A melted copper façade aptly represents the rough-hewn folk art inside.
Love stunning skyscrapers? Stay at these luxurious towers,
The Empire State building has some competition! Setai New York has debuted on Fifth Avenue, near Penn Station. The Setai Fifth Avenue is sculptural lines and a modern aesthetic, combined with an Asian-inspired simplicity that brings out the “Zen” in guests. At the 5 star Setai NYC, guests are moments from world-class shopping on Fifth Avenue, which hosts retailers ranging from Macy’s to Tiffany’s, and everything in between. Enjoy a complimentary upgrade when booking a Premier Room or Studio Suite if staying between Jun. 29th and Sept. 2, 2012
To experience the bygone era of 30s and 40s grace and gentility, visit The Pierre New York. The gilt and understated chandeliers remain, but the entire hotel has received a facelift, effortlessly gliding into the 21st century. Towering over Central Park, the Pierre New York’s coveted location places guests amidst the shops on 5th Avenue. Central Park is across the street, and Museum Mile is only a few blocks north.
Trendy SoHo; known for its quirky galleries, upscale boutiques, and– skyscrapers? Since the Trump SoHo arrived, absolutely! The 5 star Trump SoHo Hotel is 46 stories of pure pampering, towering above the SoHo neighborhood. Guests will love the incredible vista views that are standard in guestrooms, as well as the incredible spa located on site.
5th ANNUAL NEW TASTE OF THE UPPER WEST SIDE
Posted by theluxurylife in Destination Events, New York City, Food and Wine on May 8, 2012
May 16-19, 2012 | Presented by Whole Foods Market
The fifth annual New Taste of the Upper West Side has inked in exciting additions to its roster of returning crowd pleasers. For the past five years the event has celebrated the Upper West Side’s lively community and exceptional culinary culture. For three nights in May, the New Taste of the Upper West Side will showcase top chefs and restaurants for a spectacular line-up of festivities.
Vegetables at Dovetail kicks off things on Wednesday, May 16th with a five-course vegetarian tasting dinner. Chefs John Fraser, Missy Robbins, Bill Telepan, Ed Brown, and Christina Tosi create a five-course all-vegetarian dinner. Net proceeds will help support the Greenhouse Classroom project at the I.S. 44 School. The Greenhouse Classroom will educate students about science, while growing organic hydroponic vegetables. Vegetables at Dovetail: Wednesday, May 16th 2012 6:30 Cocktails; 7 p.m. Dinner $195 per person. Dovetail Restaurant 103 W 77th Street.
Festivities resume on Friday May 18th, with the much anticipated return of crowd favorite, Comfort Classics, held under the Grand Tent on Columbus Avenue between W 76th and W 77th Street. Hosted by Travel Channel’s duo Adam Richman and Andrew Zimmern, this high-octane fête will feature 35 chefs crafting postmodern bites inspired by old school dishes. Wine and spirits provided by Southern Wine & Spirits. Comfort Classics: Friday, May 18th, 2012 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. $95 per person.
Saturday night, May 19th wraps up the weekend with Best of the West and a star-studded VIP Reception honoring legendary New York food critic, Gael Greene. With more than 40 of New York’s top chefs, wine and spirits, and live music, this is a must-taste event.VIPtickets grant you access to the culinary stars. Modern Mixologist, Tony Abou-Ganim highlights proceedings with his signature cocktails. Proceeds will benefit the Columbus Avenue BID’s Streetscape Beautification Project and City meals-on-Wheels. Best of the West: Saturday, May 19th, 2012VIP, $200 per person beginning at 6:00 p.m. General Admission $125 per person from 7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Tickets for the Fifth Annual 2012 Whole Foods Market’s New Taste of the Upper West Side are on sale now. For more information, call (212) 721-5048.
We recommend staying at,
Trump International New York is the pinnacle of modern luxury, combining beautiful accommodations with intuitive service. Located near Lincoln Center and Fifth Avenue shopping, the 5 star Trump enjoys the best of east and west. Steps from their front door are the natural splendor of Central Park and the man-made treasure that is the Time Warner Center. This 5 star hotel is only a few short blocks away from the festivities.
The chic, candle-lit lobby with soaring ceilings and geometric black and white patterns tiled on the floor gives the first impression of a fun, modern boutique hotel that is The Empire Hotel. Animal print throw pillows nestle onto oversized curved couches, inviting guests to linger and share a drink or a bit of gossip. Located on 63rd at Broadway on the Upper West Side, The Empire Hotel is moments from Lincoln Center and Columbus Circle, as well as occupying an enviable location near Central Park.
SPEND MOTHER’S DAY IN MANHATTAN
Posted by theluxurylife in Destination Events, New York City on May 8, 2012
Be the wonderful child you know you are and treat your mom to a memorable Mother’s Day in Manhattan. There may be no better place in the world to mark a special occasion, or to make any occasion special. As usual Manhattan offers a full store of goodies for Mother’s Day celebrants.
A Mother’s Day Brunch is a must and so is Norma’s at Le Parker Meridien (119 West 56th Street), named “Best Breakfast”
in New York. Choose from zany waffles, breakfast pizzas and the Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata.
World Yacht sets sail on Mother’s Day with cruises for the whole family. Choose from a brunch cruise with buffet or a dinner cruise with a four-course meal and dancing. Cruises depart from Pier 81 (West 41st Street and Hudson River) and include a close-up look at the Statue of Liberty. Availability limited.
Visit your favorite Manhattan department stores and help Mom find the perfect pair of shoes. Buy her a bauble at Tiffany’s (37 Wall Street), or browse a few flea markets for bargains. Explore New York. Spend an afternoon strolling through one of its iconic neighborhoods. Do Soho, and stop for a hand massage at Sabon (93 Spring Street). Hit Tribeca and discover historic townhouses, cobblestone streets, and lunch nooks Mom will love. A horse and carriage ride through Central Park never disappoints. Or check out a few art galleries in Chelsea.
If Mom’s a real culture buff, plan a museum-hopping spree. Stop at The Museum of Modern Art to view contemporary art, or visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art for photography, tapestries, and carefully preserved artifacts from all over the world. Mom will recognize notable 20th Century artworks at the Whitney Museum, and the dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural History.
With Manhattan’s many splendid restaurant choices you’d be remiss not to treat Mom to a fine dinner. Many New York restaurants offer special prix fixe menus and deals for Mother’s Day. But if you want to pull out all stops reserve a table at Jean Georges, the brilliant restaurant at Trump International Hotel & Tower (1 Central Park West). Expect the highest quality ingredients and bold dishes for an unforgettable dining experience.
And don’t forget a little sweet. No one deserves it more than Mom. Café Lalo (201 West 83rd Street), not your typical sweet shop, boasts a dazzling array of cakes and pies, brownies, cookies, tarts, fondue, mousse, shakes and smoothies, Italian ice cream, biscotti, traditional pastries and specialty dessert dishes. The exposed brick walls and atmospheric jazz make it nice.
We recommend staying at,
Mandarin Oriental New York is ideally located on Columbus Circle in the Time Warner Center. Central Park is across the street, and Broadway theaters are blocks away. Shopping on Madison and Fifth is only as far as a casual stroll along the park. Mom will enjoy their 5 star Spa at Mandarin, or have an unforgettable dish at Asiate.
From its dazzling lobby replete with enormous chandeliers to its grand staircase and soaring 55-storey tower, The New York Palace is the epitome of Manhattan opulence. The historic Villard Mansion houses the public spaces of the hotel, while the modern glass tower behind it contains the more contemporary guestrooms. Mom will enjoy a royal treatment at their spa, including custom facials and body treatments, or will enjoy modern American cuisine at the 2 Michelin-starred GILT Restaurant & Bar.
The Surrey New York has been redefining Upper East Side elegance. Whimsical touches like marble “rugs” tiled into the floor and snippets of poetry scrawled across cushions enhance the feeling that The Surrey New York is somewhere special. With an enviable address on 76th at Madison, The Surrey New York is a few minutes from Gracie Mansion and famed Museum Mile. Home to celebrated treasure troves like the Guggenheim, the Frick Collection, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, guests will have a plethora of choices when staying at The Surrey New York.
GET THE MOST AMAZING VIEWS OF MANHATTAN, IN A HELICOPTER!
Posted by theluxurylife in New York City on May 7, 2012
Is it the best way to see New York City? Flying around in a chopper? Perhaps that overstates the case. Zipping around with a jet-pack like James Bond in Thunderball would be way cooler. Imagine jetting down Madison Avenue with one of those babies strapped to your back. You might draw unwanted attention. And it might be illegal. So, besides that, a helicopter ride around the Big Apple is a safe bet for unparalleled views of the city. Never mind the Empire State Building. That’s good, but nothing like getting a true bird’s eye view in motion.
The helicopter sightseeing and charter service, Liberty Helicopters, offers customers the opportunity to see New York City and the surrounding area from the skies. They’ve been doing it since 1990 with an impeccable safety record and a commitment to customer service. They promise you will see more than you ever imagined when you step into one of their choppers. Judging from the many positive customer reviews, they deliver on their promise. And maybe that’s the only way to get a full grasp of New York City, of its density and grandeur: from above. One can’t help but feel a little ant-like when crawling along its busy, endless streets. A view from the sky balances perception.
Liberty pilots are knowledgeable guides but also cool and competent professionals who will make you feel at ease with the helicopter movements. Lockers and tokens are provided to store handbags and gear which are not permitted in the helicopter due to space restrictions. You can also leave your camera behind and simply enjoy the view since a dvd of your flight is also available.
Lifting off at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport 6 East River Piers, the helicopters are conveniently located near mass transit stops and easy to find for New York City regulars and first-time visitors alike.
Downtown Manhattan Heliport, 12th Avenue at West 30th Street, 212-967-6464
We suggest you stay at,
The Setai Fifth Avenue is sculptural lines and a modern aesthetic, combined with an Asian-inspired simplicity that brings out the “Zen” in guests. At the 5 star Setai NYC, guests are moments from world-class shopping on Fifth Avenue, which hosts retailers ranging from Macy’s to Tiffany’s, and everything in between. However, Setai New York is more than its proximity to shopping. Notable attractions are only a few blocks from The Setai Fifth Avenue. Visit Bryant Park, the New York Public Library or Grand Central Station, and the Heliport. Enjoy complimentary upgrades when booking a Premier Room or Studio Suite and staying between June 29th and September 2nd, 2012.
With theaters and the flashy, fast-paced Times Square only moments from their door, The Chatwal New York is in the action without being immediately on top of it. Proximity to the shops on Madison and Fifth Avenues invites guests to indulge in a shopping spree before heading out to see the latest show. Every detail has been carefully crafted to ensure a memorable stay. Enjoy either a complimentary continental breakfast for two on us!
Offering everything from awe-inspiring views to a chic, upbeat atmosphere, Ink48 embodies the more urban-residential side of Manhattan. This recently-opened 4 star stunner has been turning heads from day one, and who can blame them? Housed in a former print house, and with unobstructed views that stretch from their location on 11th all the way to 8th, it’s easy to get an eyeful at Ink48 NYC.
THE BEACH BOYS RETURN TO NEW YORK CITY
Posted by theluxurylife in New York City on May 7, 2012
May 8 & 9, 2012
Beacon Theatre
The Beach Boys, one of the world’s most legendary and influential bands, have reunited for a global 50th Anniversary Tour. Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks will tour together for the first time in more than two decades, making stops throughout the US and Canada. They will be performing at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on May 8 and 9, 2012. Head down for some ever-good vibrations from the boys who invented surf rock.
On February 12, 2012, the Beach Boys performed at the 2012 Grammy Awards. It marked the group’s first live performance to include Brian Wilson since 1996, and an omen of good things to come. The Tour coincides with the release of a new studio album and commemorative 50th Anniversary catalog with Capitol/EMI. Wilson and Mike Love discussed the upcoming album and tour in a recent interview, stating that Wilson is doing the writing and that all of the songs will flow into each other. The album ends with a Pet Sounds and Smile inspired suite. One track titled, “That’s Why God Made The Radio” brims with classic Beach Boys harmonies, summoning halcyon days gone by.
It’s only fitting that the Beach Boys chose the Beacon Theatre as their NY venue. Designed by Chicago architect Walter Ahlschlager in the Art Deco style, the Beacon opened in 1929 as a forum for vaudeville acts, musical productions, drama, opera, and movies. Known for its flawless acoustics, the Beacon has been a favored New York City stop for top acts since the Roaring Twenties. The original sound-system still provides near-perfect acoustics today.
The Beacon Theatre and Box Office: 2124 Broadway (between West 74th and 75th streets) New York, NY
WHERE THE CELEBS STAY (AND SO CAN YOU!)
Posted by theluxurylife in Beverly Hills, Featured Hotel, Las Vegas, New York City on May 4, 2012
Sure, celebrities suffer like the rest of us. They’re made of flesh and blood, like the rest of us. But when they’re not suffering, they’re enjoying life to the max. And just because you’re not a celebrity doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life like one.
When Kim Kardashian married Kris Humphries, they moved into a penthouse suite at the Gansevoort Park Hotel—fit with K&K monogrammed towels, sheets, pillowcases, and Champagne—for good reason. While moving in might be unrealistic, Gansevoort has become the Park Avenue party hotel of choice. Uptown classic meets downtown cool at this striking 20-story edifice located on the corner of 29th and Park Avenue South. Bask in a heated rooftop pool with a tri-level infusion bar; take in the exhale spa or the Cutler salon, or indulge at the hip ristorante and lounge before hitting the town. Gansevoort Park Hotel 420 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016
What do President Barack Obama, the Dalai Lama, Elton John and Al Pacino have in common? They’ve all stayed at the Beverly Wilshire. Warren Beatty and John Lennon even lived there. An historic hotel located on the east side of South Rodeo Drive, the Beverly Wilshire has glamour in its DNA. Remember the movie Pretty Woman? Julia Roberts strutted her stuff through the Beverly Wilshire. Recently it served as a filming location for HBO’s Entourage series. These folks know. Beverly Wilshire rooms and suites feature chic interior design, marble bathrooms, private bars, and every amenity and comfort a celebrity or world leader could desire. A Four Seasons Hotel Beverly Wilshire 9500 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
A jet-setting tour would feel tame without a Vegas stop. The Bellagio’s oasis of gardens, tranquil pools, art and couture draws droves of stars and celebrities. Paradisal touches include a garden vista café, spas and poolside massages. Bellagio boasts two world class restaurants (Picasso & Le Cirque), the world’s finest pastry chef, Jean-Philippe Maury, and the largest chocolate fountain in the galaxy. Stroll along Via Bellagio and let the baubles awe you. Stop at the discreet Petrossian Bar for afternoon champagne and caviar. Later, suit up and strike a pose on the Cristal-fueled dance floor of The Bank. For a few rolls of the dice, hit the art deco cool of Casino Club Privé and cross your fingers.
