Welcome to The Big Apple
You’ve planned a weekend in “The Big Apple”! Fantastic food, shopping, Broadway shows, comedy clubs, opera, art museums as well as the picturesque Hudson River and iconic buildings beckon! To make the most out of any weekend in NYC, you want to be sure to stay in a hotel which equally delights your senses. We were fortunate to stay in the Westgate New York Grand Central Hotel.
Stepping back in time at Westgate Grand Central
If you love historic hotels as much as we do, Westgate’s New York property is a perfect choice. Originally built in 1931 and recognized by Historic Hotels of America, it is located in Midtown Manhattan in an area known as Tudor City. This wonderful hotel is a mixture of Gothic Revival style architecture, pre-war elegance and modern luxury. And the location is ideal for visiting many popular Manhattan landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Times Square, Bryant Park, the Museum of Modern Art, Rockefeller Center and the New York Public Library.
It is also less than a block to the United Nations building and a short distance to the many shops of Fifth Avenue. We were also close enough to walk to a Broadway production of Moulin Rouge and steps away from iconic Grand Central Station. We loved the large Tiffany clock in the station.
Checking In
From the moment we stepped into the gorgeous lobby of the Westgate New York Grand Hotel we knew this hotel was a special place. As we waited for the final touches to prepare our suite we enjoyed the luxurious velvet furniture, lovely lighting, and large copies of art by Gustav Klimt located in the lobby.
On a practical note, there were plenty of electrical outlets available to charge our devices. Further down the lobby was a small bar and ‘grab and go’ kiosk with a variety of fresh foods, snacks and beverages. There was a large area with tables to use as work stations or simply savor your food and drink.
Our suite was large, crisp with snowy white linens on a king bed, a white padded headboard, a white sofa bed and rich golden herringbone hardwood flooring. And there too was a large Gustav Klimt print on the wall. The decor is historic elegance with modern touches. A bonus was the two large closets complete with an iron and ironing board and a large bureau! A few of the rooms even have balconies (a rarity in New York), although sadly, we were not so lucky.
Off to Broadway!
We opened the curtains flanking the sofa bed, unpacked our clothes and admired the architecture of the buildings we could see from the windows. We then eagerly awaited the evening to enjoy wonderful, hearty, Italo-American food at a nearby restaurant before attending a Broadway production of Moulin Rouge. The show was absolutely stunning, with great music, incredible costumes and awe inspiring sets.
Returning to this glamorous room after a night out on the town, we imagined we were living in past times when life was simpler and much of New York was still yet to be constructed.
It was delightful to awake in this oasis of tranquility, admire the art of Gustav Klimt, and dress for the day in the crisp white bathroom complete with the modern amenities we all love, including a bidet. The backlit LED mirror was fabulous for applying makeup and for the man in your life to shave or trim his beard or mustache.
Day Two: Hudson River Cruising
On Day two we visited several of the nearby landmarks, did some all important shopping and prepared for a cruise on the Hudson River with Barca Cantina. There, we savored the tacos and other Mexican treats, and contemplated the beauty of the New York skyline. This is definitely a great way to admire one of the world’s most iconic set of buildings!
It was a wonderful respite to return to the oasis of our suite, freshen up and then venture down to the bar and lounge area to mingle with other guests.
Day Three: Time to Say Goodbye
Day three was time to say goodbye to New York and all its delights. We thanked the staff, ate a light breakfast at the ‘Grab and Go’ Kiosk, and waited for our taxi, knowing that we would return again to this elegant, well appointed Westgate New York Grand Central Hotel.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by Marcella Rhein, a trusted member of the @lighttravelsfaster team, on behalf of the Westgate New York Grand Central Hotel.
~Eileen Rhein from @lighttravelsfaster
