New York City Guide

Time is short for all of us, so we know you don’t have time to sift through the hundreds of hotels in NY or stay at the Hilton (again). Here’s our definitive short list so you can have an extra hour in bed/attend to your inbox/or book those tickets for the NY Giants...

Top 5 Hotels in New York

The Gansevoort – For the Seriously Cool 

This technology loaded, sleek, glass 14 story hotel overlooks the Hudson River just north of the West Village in the meat-packing district.  The Gansevoort has free WiFi everywhere (allowing the younger executive to conduct his business from the rooftop pool), a 24 hour business centre complete with round-the-clock audiovisual tech support, Webcast and video conferencing. Favoured by rich, trendy professionals and celebrities it’s a great place to people watch from its renowned Japanese restaurant Ono or  the G Bar.  This is a happening area, with clubs and restaurants like SoHo House, Pastis and the Spice market nearby – perhaps not a venue for the noise sensitive traveller despite soundproofing throughout the guest rooms.

Rooms from US$495 (£300)

Hotel Gansevoort, 18 Ninth Ave, New York, NY (00 1 212 206 6700) www.hotelgansevoort.com

The Peninsula – Understated Luxury 

Located in the heart of Manhattan, The Peninsula is a beacon for the business traveller who wants the best with the minimum of fuss. Occupying the landmark Beaux Arts building, The Peninsula combines classic elegance with contemporary style and the latest amenities.  There is complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel together with the business centre additionally offering secretarial services and language translation. Rooms are huge and luxurious as are the bathrooms which are – for the work addict –  also equipped with hands free phones!  Working off the excesses of a night at the rooftop Pen-Top Bar  is easily done as The Peninsula is also home to one of New York’s best and largest hotel health clubs and spas. 

Rooms from $695 (£423) The Peninsula, 700 Fifth Ave, New York, NY (001 212 956 2888) www.peninsula.com

The Hudson – Budget Chic 

If you’re looking for a super-chic hotel just two blocks from Central Park but on a tight budget, then The Hudson is the way to go.  Ian Schrager’s mega trendy style is always in vogue with the soaring ivy clad lobby and entrance designed by Philippe Starck.  The rooms may not be the biggest or most luxurious but when your work is done and you switch the white collar for a leather jacket then The Hudson Bar is where to go to watch New York’s beautiful people either outside on a tree stump or inside where the decor is Louis XV meets 2001: A Space Odyssey . If that all gets too hectic then you can retreat to the clubby Library Bar to play billiards. In addition to the seasonal rooftop terrace there is a gym, in-room WiFi and spa services (charges apply). The 24 hour advanced tech business centre includes mobile phones for loan.

Rooms from US$310 (£189) The Hudson Hotel, 356 West 58th Street, 10019 New York, NY (001 212 554 6000) www.hudsonhotel.com

The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park – A Runners Choice 

However jaded you are about business hotels you can relax in the understated, comfortable elegance of the Ritz-Carlton and know that what you need will be delivered.  The Ritz is WiFi ready in its public spaces and rooms which also have multi-line cordless telephones with voice mail and data port capability. Having trouble? There is a 24 hour technology butler on hand to help.  On top of the standard features of the 27” flat screen, DVD with a library of Academy Award winning films, we loved the safe which was large enough for a laptop and  a telescope for Park facing rooms. There are four modern meeting rooms with all the bells and whistles and foreign guests will appreciate the multi-lingual concierges. With 58 miles of pathways, the Ritz’s proximity to Central Park is a runners heaven. It’s easier to run with the flow,  anti-clockwise or counter-clockwise as they say in the US.  Take a map the first time out (visit Centralpark.com to download one).  Head for one of the most popular stretches around the Jackie Onassis reservoir near the centre, this may remind you of the opening scene of Marathon Man with Dustin Hoffman, a film more famous for its dentistry than long-distance running...  If you need to ice the cake, well there’s always a chauffeur-driven Bentley ride to your meeting in Midtown.

Rooms from US$615 (£376) The Ritz Carlton, 50 Central Park South, NY 10019 (001 212 308 9100) www.ritzcarlton.com

The Tribeca Grand Hotel – For Film and Finance 

Situated in this bustling, trendy, downtown neighbourhood filled with a multitude of restaurants, shops and businesses, the Tribeca Grand is within 3 to 12 blocks of Wall Street, Greenwich Village, Chinatown, Little Italy and Hudson Square nightclubs.  A favourite of the film industry (Miramax HQ is just 3 blocks away), the hotel’s candlelit bar, the Church Lounge is often filled with a glamorous artsy crowd.  A 100 seat Grand Screen Room  hosts premieres on its own film and projection equipment.  Inside this sleek, slightly decadent hotel there lies a plethora of hightech goodies – 24 hour business lounge equipped with PC’s or Macs, multi-phone lines, pre-programmed iPods for loan for the 24 hour fitness studio or just around the city.  The iStudio rooms are decked out with apple products including a Power Mac G5, photo and video editing software and an iPodHost.   Attractive, contemporary guest rooms feature fax and copy machines, cordless phones, BOSE Wave music system,  high speed internet access and bathroom vanities with built-in televisions. On the softer side, they also have complimentary bicycles for your use and a goldfish for your room upon request.

Rooms from US$277 (£170)

The Tribeca Grand Hotel, 2 Sixth Ave, New York, NY 10013 (001 212 519 6677) www.tribecagrand.com

New York’s Top 10 Restaurants

1. 21 Club

Contemporary American Smart/Casual $$$$
Known by regulars simply as “The Numbers” and  still with a feel of the prohibition-era speakeasy it once was (the tablecloths are still red and white), 21 Club has long been the watering hole of the rich and famous.  The ceilings of the Bar Room are hung with its famous collection of „toy_ sports memorabilia and corporate logo items gifted to the restaurant. You won't be disappointed by the menu which manages to marry its „21_ traditions with modern cuisine.  Whilst iced oysters and clams are always available as is the renowned „21_ burger, you might try the pan-seared foie gras with black truffles or the crispy black sea bass with champagne sauce and finish with profiteroles with a rich chocolate sauce.
Dress code – Gentlemen, jackets at lunch and jacket and tie at dinner. No sneakers.

• 21_ Club, 21 West 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019
• Reservations: 001 212 582 7200
• www.21club.com

2. Co.

Pizzeria   Casual  $$ 
Pronounced, company,  this perpetually popular pizzeria is arguably one of the best in the city.  This 54 seat Chelsea pizzeria complete with wood burning stove from Modena serves an eclectic selection of toppings on the crispy thin-crusted pizza. Step outside your normal choice and try the Boscaiola, loaded with mushrooms, tomatoes, sausage and spicy peppers or the Flambe, a crispy crust topped with béchamel , buffalo mozzarella, parmesan and caramelized onions.  A perfect place to unwind with a group –New York style.

• Co.  230 Ninth Street, New York, NY 10001
• Reservations: 001 212 243 1105

3. Le Bernardin 

French   Smart   $$$$$ 
This glamorous French restaurant is all about fish (though they will serve duck or kobe beef by request).  Filled with corporate suits (and the occasional bewildered tourist) at lunch, try dinner for a more mellow experience.  Service is old school and  the food sublime, though servings are not large.  Try the whole red snapper baked in a rosemary and thyme crust or their surf and turf served with eggplant fries and pesto and anchovy sauce.
Jacket required both at lunch and dinner.

• Le Bernardin,  155 West 51st Street, New York, NY 10019
• Reservations: 001 212 554 1515
• www.le-bernardin.com

4. Nobu

Japanese   Smart   $$$$$
Located in The Tribeca Grand and yet to be knocked off its perch as one of Manhattans top restaurants, Nobu_s strength lies in its fabulous food and great ambience.  Specialties like Black Cod with Miso and Lobster with Wasabi Pepper Sauce are worth the steep prices.  Book well in advance if you want to clinch a deal over dinner. An alternative great dining experience is Next Door Nobu which has a similar menu, a great raw bar and a no reservations policy.

• Nobu, 105 Hudson Street, New York, NY10013
• Reservations: 001 212 219 0500
• www.noburestaurants.com

5. Permanent Brunch

American   Casual  $$
 Yes, you got it – Brunch is served ALL day, in fact until 2am on Thursdays and Fridays.  Whatever time you go, buttermilk biscuits and homemade preserves, a brunch staple, are a great option and perhaps dip into the, bacon bar, serving a fine selection of regional cured pork – at $3 a serving (for 2-3 rashers) you could splash out on all five, or our favourites were the peppery New Braunfel Smokehouse or the smokey Hungarian Kolozsavari.  If eating isn't enough and you_ve got your iPhone handy, using the iPhone_s free Remote application, diners can pick a soundtrack from the restaurant database and even „vote_ a song up the playlist queue.

• Permanent Brunch, 95 First Ave, East Village, New York, 
• Reservations:  001 212 533 3315
• www.permanentbrunch.com

6. Harbour

Eclectic Seafood  Smart/Casual  $$$
Opened in 2009, Soho_s hot new restaurant is modelled on the interior of a mega yacht complete with portholes and wave inspired banquettes.  The food, courtesy of  out-of-town chef, Joe Isidori is startlingly good.  At very un-yacht- like prices (a la carte top out at $39 and a four course taster menu is amazing value at $45) this versatile restaurant could cater as a venue for both special events or an everyday spot. Hot items were the Clam Chowder, Korean style mussels with bacon and cabbage, butter-poached lobster with ramps and the fabulous butterscotch pudding topped with brown butter cookies and duck-fat-popped popcorn.

• Harbour, 290 Hudson Street, Soho, New York, NY 10013
• Reservations:  001 212 989 6410
• www.harbournyc.com

7  Babbo

Modern Italian Smart/Casual $$$
Plan ahead to get a table at this perpetually busy Italian restaurant in West Village. Converted from the Old Coach House, a New York landmark, and Set over two floors the simple, soothing interior are as charming as the staff. Innovative dishes will delight the palette - try the goat cheese tortellini with dried orange and wild fennel pollen or perhaps the Mint love letters with spicy lamb sausage - sensational!  Can’t choose? Try one of their Tasting menus with perfectly matched wines.  Complete the experience with warm blackberry crostata with sweet corn gelato.

• Babbo  110 Waverly Pl., New York, NY, 10011
• nr. Sixth Ave.
• Reservations  001 212-777-0303

8. Degustation Wine and Tasting Bar

Tapas Bar  Trendy/casual  $$ 
With just 16 seats gathered around the wooden bar, it’s easy to feel the privilege  of watching the flamboyant chef, Welsey Genovart playing to the gallery.  This intimate tapas bar has stepped outside the box in creating an innovative and exciting array of small plates.  We loved the crispy sweetbreads with cucumber, dill yoghurt and thai chillies or the Suckling pig with sweet garlic puree and porcini mushrooms. Plates are small so consider trying the five or ten taster plates which offer a great selection at remarkable value.  Reservations a must.

• Degustation 239 East 5th Street, New York, NY 10003
• Reservations: 001 212 979 1012

9. Daniel

French  Dressy$$$$$$
Proud recipient of the coveted 2010 Michelin Guide 3 stars, Chef Daniel Bouluds has created an icon of contemporary French cuisine. Recently transformed, Daniel’s elegant and sleek revamp of a rather dated frumpy interior complements the glamorous style of restaurant.  Three amuse-bouches prelude your dinner which might be the duo of aged black angus beef: short rib in red wine with parsnip-potato gratin and seared rib eye with black trumpets, and gorgonzola cream or perhaps the black sea bass with syrah sauce, leek royale and pommes lyonnaise – either way you’ll think you’ve gone to heaven. The discreet and knowledgeable staff complete the feeling of a really special experience.

• Daniel 60 E 65th St, New York, NY 10021
• Reservations 001 212 288-0033
• danielnyc.com

10. The River Café

Modern Cuisine Smart $$$$$
Tucked under the Brooklyn Bridge with views across the river to the downtown skyline, The River Café chooses not to rest on its waterfront location but is arguably the best restaurant in Brooklyn.
There is choice of two prix-fixe menus: three courses or six courses or try the local oysters with pepper hollandaise, caramelized onions and wild sturgeon caviar followed by Colorado rack of lamb with house cured lamb sausage, fondant potatoes and mint and mustard seed glaze.

• The River Café    One Water Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201
• Reservations  001 718 522 5200
• www.rivercafe.com