Things to do / Travel Guide
Few places on the planet speak of luxury quite like New York City. Oh, sure, there's Paris and even Milan, but nothing compares with the pure posh and pampering available in The Big Apple. What's even better is that it's done with that inimitable New York flair. Even the scenery lends itself to the luxurious nature of the place. Unique landmark skyscrapers mark the skyline - from the Empire State Building to the Chrysler Building and the graceful Statue of Liberty stands ever vigilant in New York Harbor to welcome new arrivals. All put together, it presents a welcoming scene, so come and enjoy the good life!
Luxury Accommodations in New York City
Lodging will definitely set the tone of your quest for luxury in New York City. The top hotels and inns here have set the bar very high indeed. There are some legendary choices, like the Waldorf Astoria and the Essex House, that go without saying. However, there are some other worthy entrants of note. Up first is the modern yet classic New York hotel, the Four Seasons, located at Park and Madison Avenues. The 52-story structure, designed by famed architect I.M. Pei sports unusually spacious rooms.
Another fine offering is the Carlyle. Oozing old money and charm, plus quiet attention to detail, the Carlyle is a favorite of the rich and famous. Another plus is its prime location on one of the ritziest shopping streets in the world, Madison Avenue, full of top-shelf boutiques and galleries. Perhaps try Café Carlyle, the famed supper club where Woody Allen occasionally pops in to jam with a local jazz band.
Yet another outstanding option in luxury is the Hotel Plaza Athenee. While you may think the over-the-top opulence of the Athenee makes it seem unreachable, visitors are welcomed in the finest New York tradition. Staff performance is high in every sense. The lobby is a fantastic display of marble and crystal, with giant floral arrangements, murals, potted palms, and authentic Louis XVI furniture. Much like her sister hotel in Paris, this incredible palace is as good as it gets.
Another not-to-miss establishment is the venerable standard in hotel luxury, the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park (ask for views of the park). A beautiful lobby with original paintings by Samuel Halpert, exquisite French chandeliers, and Italian furniture grace the welcoming area where a harpist adds a touch of grandeur. The Star Lounge offers a soothing afternoon tea and evening cocktails. Atelier French restaurant is five-star, and the spa is run by LaPrairie. This is the place to go to when you want to be spoiled rotten in the big city.
Luxury Dining in New York City
Once you are ready to venture out of your hotel, it's time to find that special dining experience that colors your luxury vacation in New York City. There are more top-notch restaurants found in Manhattan than probably any other populated area in the world, featuring every imaginable cuisine.
In no particular order, here are a few choices that will surely please. Aureole serves up modern, elegant food in a beautifully-decorated dining room. Executive chef Dante Boccuzzi lords over the American cuisine prepared in his kitchen. Signature dishes are of a seasonal nature, and include offerings like foie gras and roast duckling for two. Try the little-known tiny back garden with a few nice tables.
Another fantastic choice is Fresh. This seafood house extraordinaire opened in 2002 to off-the-chart reviews, and now you can give it a go. The traditional lobster roll goes to show you that you can't improve a classic, which is what they serve - to perfection. The décor? Post modern aquarium. Delightful!
Provence is an excellent Soho bistro is worth noting. Fine classic French cuisine and fantastically-attentive service puts a smile on the faces of guests lucky enough to get a table. Try the bourride, a fish soup served with aioli, the pissaladière with anchovies, the bouillabaisse, and the outstanding steak au poivre. The desserts are luscious and the wines are splendid. Indeed, the ambiance at Provence is tres magnifique!
Last, but certainly not least, is the superb Russian classic, Petrossian. Caviar and champagne are the fare, and visitors partake of these delicacies in a dining room like no other. Lalique crystal, etched Erté mirrors, Limoges china, and luminescent chandeliers create a czarist palace setting for the sheer indulgence of that most exquisite of delicacies - caviar. You can order a three-course menu or just enjoy a tasting that can keep two people thrilled with not only caviar, but also other delicacies such as caviar-crusted sea scallops with seared foie gras and parsnip purée, crispy asparagus and lobster sauce. Or, you may even choose to forego dinner and spend your money on beluga and icy vodka. Either way, if you're out for luxury, this is the place. Na Zdarovye!
Luxury Activities in New York City
Well, now that you're stuffed from all the gourmet cuisine you partook of, it's time to move on to the famous nightlife of New York City. There are an incredible number of exclusive hot spots to call on. Here are some of the best ones:
Cain is a haven for socialites, celebrities, and other glitterati who want to dance the latest moves in their trendiest garb, all while the DJ plays hip-hop, house, pop, and top 40 singles. Another good spot is Marquee. A warm, but loud, ultra-lounge, Marquee fills the gap between overly posh and high-energy dance clubs. Reminiscent of the refined and classic gentleman's club, the bold design elements, stylish finishes, and functionality form the ultimate New York hot spot. Then there's Crobar. This is the “Super Club” of New York City. Taking its queue from branches in both Chicago and Miami, it has made a fast mark on the club scene here. A huge 2,750-foot space holds all the people who want to see and be seen. There are three balconies, a subway tunnel and even an art gallery. The DJ cranks out hip-hop and house music.
Perhaps a luxury box at a Broadway show will suit you. There are, at any given time, over 50 productions on the playbill. From classics like Phantom of the Opera to more recent additions like Wicked, there is surely something to please your tastes. Make sure you take a nice carriage. ride afterwards, or get a bite of classic New York Cheesecake at Sardi's.
Other options include the world-class Metropolitan Opera (and ballet), and concerts at Carnegie Hall. More subdued, but worth noting are the excellent museums found here, such as the Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. If views are your ‘thing', check out the Rainbow Room, the revolving restaurant at the Marriot Marquee or the River Café.
If shopping is your “bag” (pun intended), then warm up the old plastic, because this is the place. Madison Avenue sports some of the finest shopping anywhere in the world. You will also find designers like Gucci and Versace as well as a plethora of fine jewelers such as the legendary Tiffany's. Other options include the venerable flagship retailers like Bloomingdales and Macy's.
An ‘uplifting' (yes, another pun) but pricey experience is a luxury helicopter tour of the region. Another great idea is a luxury harbor cruise, with live jazz and cocktails.
At its “core”, The Big Apple knows how to show visitors a good time. If luxury is your thing, well, New York City is the place to indulge in all you desire – and more.
Luxury Vacation Ideas in Manhattan and New York City
Luxury-Vacations
Guggenheim Museum - New York City, NY
The Peninsula Spa at the Peninsula New York
Top of the Rock - Rockefeller Center Observation Deck
Times Square and the Theater District
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