Stay In The Loop

A collaboration between photographer Kay Hickman and writer and human-rights activist Kevin Powell, “Hope Wanted” takes a look at life under lockdown across the five boroughs. At the height of the quarantine, the duo spent two days interviewing and photographing average New Yorkers as they navigated the early weeks of the pandemic.

Examining the city’s not-so-distant past, this timely show will feature 50 mounted images, personal artifacts related to the lockdown, and 14 audio interviews accessible by smartphone. Find “Hope Wanted” at the museum’s open-air courtyard, located at West 76th Street between Central Park West and Columbus. Admission is free and access will be limited. Face coverings will be required for entry and social distancing will be observed through timed-entry tickets.

As we begin the month of March, we are also stepping forward into the spring, which means flowers will be blooming, new life will be forming, and the weather will be warming up — making it the perfect combination for celebration. Holi festival is a popular ancient Hindu festival that marks the beginning of spring. It's typically celebrated in India but has gained popularity and begun to spread to other Asian and Western countries. This March, Stage 48 will be hosting two very colorful Holi Festival parties right here in our own backyard. The Holi festival is also known as the Festival of Colors because colorful powders will be thrown in celebration of spring — be sure to wear white to get the full effect of this fun spring filled celebration. You can see the full details of this eccentric party here! 

Although it tends to be a little chilly during the next twenty-nine days, Manhattan does not let that stop the electric vibe of New York Fashion Week. Fashion Week in New York City is one of the most iconic events around the entire world. Streets will be shut-down, photographers will be stationed at every corner, and of course, you will spot quite a few famous fashion models in the early days of February. The festivities will begin Thursday, February 6th and last until the 13th, right before Valentine's celebrations begin. Tickets are typically still available the day-of and can be purchased online. Enjoy the whimsical time that is New York Fashion Week, and remember to dress to impress!

It doesn’t come to a surprise as to why we love this sport so much. For one thing, it doesn’t hurt that this indoor sport takes place during most of the winter months; and with multiple games a week, it's way easier to score tickets to a Knicks game than it would be to any football game in New York. Plus, it makes for the perfect date night. Package it with a delicious dinner downtown and a nice bottle of wine, and you, my friend, just became the king or queen of date night planning. Pick yourself up a jersey and maybe a pair of binoculars because it's Knicks season in New York City baby, and there is no better way to spend an evening outing than by cheering alongside New Yorkers, tourists, and celebs alike. It doesn’t matter where you came from, you’re a Knicks fan when you’re in the city.

Forget Times Square’s ball drop, forgo the overpriced nightclubs and balls. Step inside a massive warehouse-turned-interactive-exhibit for a truly remarkable New Year’s Eve bash. This year, the part will feature live electronic DJ sets from some of the hottest artists, dazzling aerialist performances and interactive exhibits that you won’t forget for years to come. The best part? While thousands of people fight to stay warm in Times Square, you’ll be nice and hot as you dance into the new year at the city’s hottest annual celebration. 

On New Year’s Day, when you’re busy nursing your first hangover of the year, be sure to make a reservation in advance at one of the many renowned brunch spots around the city. Our recommendation? Bubbly’s, a comfort-food haven that’s only a few skips, hops and jumps from our front door. Happy New Year to our wonderful guests!

Our recommendation? Indulge in a dining-out feast at one of the many hip restaurants that will be open for the holiday—some serving a special holiday menu too!

Some of our top picks include Cote, a Korean Steakhouse that offers something completely unexpected (but equally satisfying) as an alternative to the tradition feast; and Tavern on the Green, a Central Park staple that offers all the homey holiday vibes of a farmhouse, with a mouth-watering menu of crepes and other delicacies. 

Have a delicious holiday this Thanksgiving!

With so much to do, a decision can be overwhelming. To help out, here’s our list of the top Halloween haunts around the city this year:

- The Monster Ball on October 26th: Best Party

- 2019 Village Halloween Parade in New York City on October 31st: Best Parade

- The Scary Bazaar Halloween Special on October 27th: Best Daytime Market

- NYC Hottest Halloween Party, Voodoo 849 on October 31st: Best Theme Party

We hope you have a devilishly spooktacular Halloween!

The complex features the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, which showcases artifacts, audiovisual clips and more give visitors an intimate insight into what happened during and after the 9/11 attacks. Be sure to visit the memorial plaza after the museum, to remember those who fell and the buildings that fell with them. For more information on what to do while you’re there, please visit their website here. 

Some of the biggest names on the DJ list include Diplo, Above & Beyond, Marshmello and Kaskade. The festival will be spread along Randall’s Island Park, a lush green retreat right in the heart of NYC, within easy reach of our hotel. For more information on the venue and lineup, check out the event’s website here. 

With all the hype surrounding Electric Zoo each year, we can’t wait to welcome all festival-goers to our hotel for an unforgettable weekend in New York!

With over 50 performances, 4 stages, 50 cultures represented in their cuisines and 100,000 attendees, this is an event that’s certainly earned its reputation as one of the coolest events in New York. It’s safe to say it “oozes” cool. The event starts on July 20th and guests may choose to attend both days or just one. Details and tickets are available online at the event website here. Enjoy your stay with us this summer!

And a night in Manhattan wouldn’t be complete without a cocktail after the show. Follow up the Sweetener performance with a sweet drink at Spyglass Rooftop Bar. This chic establishment offers craft cocktails, a classic Manhattan ambiance and stunning views of the Empire State Building. Not your flavor? Within steps of Madison Square Garden is Jupiter Bar, a bar and restaurant offering the no-nonsense atmosphere of a pub with an upscale level of service. A great spot to grab a good burger and beer after the performance!

Enjoy a mimosa and a delicious meal with Mom at one of a dozen hip brunch happenings; or, spoil her with a spa treatment at one of the city’s renowned spas, most of which offer great packages on Mother’s Day! Whatever your Mom wants to do to celebrate the holiday, make sure she gets at least one day out of the year for her happiness to be a top priority—because you are the center of her life the other 364 days!

Complete your April visit with an Easter tradition, the Barnyard Egg Hunt at Queens County Farm Museum. Known as the state’s oldest continually farmed site, the farm will host an Easter celebration on April 20th with all sorts of festivities for families and kids, including an egg toss, pictures with the Easter bunny and a hayride tour along with many more activities.

The best parade to catch on March 17th (on a Sunday this year!) is the Grand St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which runs from 44th street all the way to 5th avenue. Bars and restaurants along the way will be offering drink specials, free beer, and shots. We caution you, this is not a journey for the weak of heart so if you’re looking for a calmer celebration, there are plenty of quieter establishments off the parade route to celebrate Saint Patrick at. May the luck of the Irish be with you this March!

For our single guests out there, we recommend attending sex educator Lola Jean’s Love Thyself Workshop. It’s both naughty and enlightening, but most importantly, it reminds us that Valentine’s Day isn’t just about loving someone else—it’s loving one’s self. Classes are available throughout the month. Click here to sign up.

For the couples staying with us, think about spicing up your Valentine’s Day with a top-notch burlesque show at the Highline Ballroom in Chelsea. The Filthy Gorgeous Burlesque Valentine’s Spectacular is sure to get your hearts pumping as you watch talented performers show off their best moves. The fun starts at 7:30 p.m. on February 14th.

Calling all scotch fans! On January 19th, eight of NYC’s best scotch bars are partaking in The Scotch Walk. Ticket holders will check-in at the designated spot starting at noon (that’s an acceptable time to start drinking, right?) and be able to sample a premium scotch from each of the eight locations. Festivities will continue until 9 p.m. so there’s plenty of time to sip your way from bar to bar (in any order you should please), exploring new places, enjoying live entertainment and meeting new scotch-loving friends. Picky with your scotch? Not a problem! The event’s site lists each scotch that will be sampled (and at which bars) to help you decide if this is an event worth your while. Check out their site here to learn more and claim your tickets.

Like a bit of a non-traditional New Year’s Eve to end your year on a high note? Skip Times Square’s freezing temperatures and head to this wildly elaborate bash, featuring live EDM sets, aerialist performances, and dazzling interactive exhibits. The best part? The massive warehouse ensures you stay nice and toasty while still feeling like you’re outside thanks to their solar system art installation. This is certain to be a party to remember for not just 2018, but 2019 and many years to come!

On New Year’s Day, when you’re desperately in need of some TLC from your unforgettable night, be sure to make reservations in advance at one of NYC’s renowned brunch spots. Our recommendation? Bubbly’s, a comfort-food haven that’s only a few blocks from our hotel. You can thank us later!

1. New York City was actually the first capital of the United States of America in 1789, but that only lasted for one year.

2. There is a secret train station below the Waldorf Astoria, which was used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to discreetly enter and exit the hotel.

3. New York is the most linguistically diverse city in the world, with over 800 languages spoken. See how many you can identify while walking around town.

4. There is a 550-foot-tall skyscraper with no windows located at 33 Thomas Street. Originally the AT&T Long Lines Building, it is often described as one of the most secure buildings in America.

5. A writer by the name of John J. Fitz Gerald was the first person to call New York City “The Big Apple.” It was later used in a 1970’s ad campaign to increase tourism.

6. Head to the Financial District and look down. Oysters were so popular in the 19th century that their shells were used to pave Pearl Street.