// NOLITAN //
I took a taxi from JFK to Manhattan, all the while fearing for my life, and landed in the lobby of the über cool Nolitan Hotel. After checking in, I was asked if I’d like a glass of champagne – to which I replied, ‘YESSSS.’ So there I was: squeezed onto the balcony of my hotel room overlooking a busy street, sipping on champagne and taking in the deafening (but glorious) sound of New York City traffic.
Perfection.
I crawled onto the bed after exploring the wonders of the balcony and discovered that the sheets were the most indescribably soft things my skin had ever encountered. Honestly, they were amazing. I think the fibers were laced with cotton candy. That night we ventured around the corner to a little restaurant called Bread, as recommended by the hotel staff. It was delicious. Granted, my husband’s eggplant parmigiana was way better than the meatballs I had… but still, it was well worth the visit.
The next morning we were feeling ambitious and full of life so decided to head down the street to 24 Hour Fitness where we engaged in a little early morning workout. On the way back, we stopped by The Butcher’s Daughter for a little detoxifying juice. Much to my shock the little baby set me back $10 but, I’ve got to say, it was the best juice of my life.
Afterwards we headed out in search of food. I was craving eggs royale and after much wandering we finally stumbled into Cafe Select. It wasn’t until we had already been seated that we noticed the bircher muesli on the menu and the Zurich themed posters on the wall… how, on earth, had we managed to come all the way from Switzerland and wind up in a Swiss themed restaurant on our first morning in New York? Oh well. The food was good and we enjoyed hissing over the hilarious exaggerated accents of the people at the table next to us. Post-breakfast we borrowed some bikes from the hotel (yes, they lend out bikes – so good) and we headed towards the Brooklyn Bridge. Through Chinatown we went and I promise I only screeched from fear of death once. It was an incredibly long and sweaty endeavour but the ride was, without a doubt, my favourite part of the entire trip to the city. If you’re ever in town, man-up and ride a bike around. Just beware of impending traffic. There is obviously a lot of it.
We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around Little Italy. I’ve only been to New York a handful of times but I’ve got to say this was my favourite area of the city I’ve ever stayed in. There are loads of awesome shops and restaurants to explore. The best part is that it doesn’t feel too touristy at all and amazingly it isn’t that crowded. Also, if you happen to be in the area and need a sugar rush you can always pop into the Little Cupcake Bakeshop on Prince Street for some yummy treats…
// GRAMERCY PARK //
Stepping inside the Gramercy Park Hotel is akin to being transported to an entirely separate world. A world dissimilar to ones own, where all is still and grand yet rooted in a Bohemian subculture that harks back to years past. It’s as if you’re Alice and you’ve just tumbled down the rabbit hole. It is simultaneously surreal, dark, and comforting – a perfected combination of elements that leaves you wishing you could stay forever wrapped in its allure.
Established in 1925, the hotel has a varied past. Humphrey Bogart married his first wife at the hotel, the Kennedy family stayed on the second floor for several months, and during the Great Depression Babe Ruth often frequented the bar. In 1958 the hotel was bought by Herbert Weissberg, prices dropped and the location embraced a more bohemian character. In the 1970s Bob Marley and Bob Dylan frequently visited. Everyone from Madonna to David Bowie have made the hotel their home.
After Weissberg’s death in 2003 the hotel was sold to Ian Schrager. Co-founder of Studio 54 and often credited with co-creating the Boutique Hotel genre, it was under Schrager that the hotel was renovated in collaboration with artist Julian Schnabel. Today the hotel hosts a vast collection of 20th century masterpieces. Original works of art by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Damien Hirst, Richard Prince and Keith Haring line the walls and make the viewer feel as if art is being democratized in front of them. Stand in your bedroom slippers, sip a cocktail in the Rose Bar, and be inspired by the vast wealth of paintings that sit all around you.
The Gramercy Park Hotel is such an enchanting place to stay that you’ll struggle to leave. While there I didn’t have the slightest interest in venturing out into the city. I could have spent all morning on the roof top terrace sipping lattes or lying in the Japanese soaking bath. Just next to the hotel is Gramercy Park. It’s the only private park in New York but as a resident of the hotel you’ll be granted access.
My only regret? That I stayed for just one night.
// THE PARAMOUNT //
Arriving into America always feels like total magic. I love it when the woman at passport control looks up after having checked over my documents and says, ‘Welcome home, ma’am.’ Not only that, there’s something undeniably enticing about a yellow taxi. Sitting inside and watching as the magnanimous city landscape creeps ever closer. Until, unexpectedly, you find yourself completely eaten up by it. In my case, standing on the steps of the Paramount Hotel in Times Square.
When I walked in I was handed a keycard to room 1426. Otherwise known as the Couture Suite, this newly renovated 950 square foot space is enough to make your jaw drop. It’s sleek and crisp with a serious touch of glamour. Modeled off what you’d expect to find from a luxury New York style loft, it has white leather sofas, hardwood floors, and walls lined with vintage fashion prints (the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy will gaze down at you as you eat your breakfast).
The hotel itself sits right in the center of New York’s mayhem – I could watch the madness of Times Square from my window. If you’re new to the city I couldn’t recommend the location more. Your on the doorstep of some of the biggest attractions around. At the same time though, the rooms offer a total haven away from all the chaos. You can grab the best coffee in New York* without even having to go outside. There’s a Dean & Deluca attached to the hotel and, if I’m honest, that’s reason enough to lure me back. I found myself almost struggling to leave the premises of the hotel while I was there. Despite the unfamiliarity of the city, my little space at the Paramount felt like a home away from home… I already can’t wait to go back.
HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN NYC...
A stay in New York City isn't quite complete without a few key things: street food, a deli, museums, coffee and, I think, a night spent at the Crosby Street Hotel. This super gorgeous and ultra luxe little gem is situated in Soho and provides the perfect base for exploring the city's coolest neighborhood. While there we ate the world's yummiest eggs royal (my favourite) and explored some of the best things the city has to offer. It was perfect.
Read on to discover, what I think is, the perfect way to spend a day in NYC...
Wandering around NYC provides ample time to gaze at buildings (those fire escapes are so iconic). I know that looking up while you're walking around is the easiest way show off that you're a tourist... but when you are a tourist what's wrong with looking like one? Personally I don't mind. Slow down your walking so you can take in everything around you. There is plenty of good art to be found and lots of delicious street food to devour: hot dogs, pretzels and ice-cream are my personal favourites.
Hit up the New Museum (it's small but good) and be sure to visit the observation deck on the top floor - it has got great views of the city. Also, definitely check out the MoMA. It's crazy busy (an 8 hour line to get into the Rain Room?!) but well worth pushing your way through the crowds to get a glimpse at an entire wall covered in Andy Warhol's soup cans. Make sure to make time for lunch at Katz Delicatessen. They have the most enormous pastrami sandwiches (split one with a friend) and bring you a massive plate of pickles before you meal comes out. Iced coffee is always a must and I think Dean & Deluca do it best. They also serve donut muffins, which will undoubtedly rock your world.
For dinner, head over to Hell's Kitchen and try out Ardesia wine bar. They have a great selection of drinks and do delicious little nibbles. We had pretzels and ricotta crostinis and they were both seriously tasty - well worth the cab ride to get there.
Nolita
I took a taxi from JFK to Manhattan, all the while fearing for my life, and landed in the lobby of the über cool Nolitan Hotel. After checking in, I was asked if I'd like a glass of champagne - to which I replied, 'YESSSS.'
Why, hello there. Remember me? No, no, I didn't die. But thanks for all your e-mails and tweets asking me if I did. It's been a long time since we last spoke and I suppose I owe you a bit of an explanation for where I've been. Well, I went to America for quite a long time and only just recently got home. I did pack my laptop and had every intention of interacting with the world but when my eyes locked on those of my three little nieces and nephew I swore to not do any work and instead hurled myself down a rather dodgy slip-and-slide (you know, as you do). Can you blame me though? Rejecting the online world for an entire month is an amazing feat.
Anyway, let's rewind exactly one month to when I touched down in New York City.
I took a taxi from JFK to Manhattan, all the while fearing for my life, and landed in the lobby of the über cool Nolitan Hotel. After checking in, I was asked if I'd like a glass of champagne - to which I replied, 'YESSSS.' So there I was: squeezed onto the balcony of my hotel room overlooking a busy street, sipping on champagne and taking in the deafening (but glorious) sound of New York City traffic. Perfection.
I crawled onto the bed after exploring the wonders of the balcony and discovered that the sheets were the most indescribably soft things my skin had ever encountered. Honestly, they were amazing. I think the fibers were laced with cotton candy. That night we ventured around the corner to a little restaurant called Bread, as recommended by the hotel staff. It was delicious. Granted, my husband's eggplant parmigiana was way better than the meatballs I had... but still, it was well worth the visit.
The next morning we were feeling ambitious and full of life so decided to head down the street to 24 Hour Fitness where we engaged in a little early morning workout. On the way back, we stopped by The Butcher's Daughter for a little detoxifying juice. Much to my shock the little baby set me back $10 but, I've got to say, it was the best juice of my life.
Afterwards we headed out in search of food. I was craving eggs royale and after much wandering we finally stumbled into Cafe Select. It wasn't until we had already been seated that we noticed the bircher muesli on the menu and the Zurich themed posters on the wall... how, on earth, had we managed to come all the way from Switzerland and wind up in a Swiss themed restaurant on our first morning in New York? Oh well. The food was good and we enjoyed hissing over the hilarious exaggerated accents of the people at the table next to us. Post-breakfast we borrowed some bikes from the hotel (yes, they lend out bikes - so good) and we headed towards the Brooklyn Bridge. Through Chinatown we went and I promise I only screeched from fear of death once. It was an incredibly long and sweaty endeavour but the ride was, without a doubt, my favourite part of the entire trip to the city. If you're ever in town, man-up and ride a bike around. Just beware of impending traffic. There is obviously a lot of it.
We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around Little Italy. I've only been to New York a handful of times but I've got to say this was my favourite area of the city I've ever stayed in. There are loads of awesome shops and restaurants to explore. The best part is that it doesn't feel too touristy at all and amazingly it isn't that crowded. Also, if you happen to be in the area and need a sugar rush you can always pop into the Little Cupcake Bakeshop on Prince Street for some yummy treats...
A massive thank you to the Nolitan Hotel for having us for a few days while we were in town. xx
Gramercy Park
Stepping inside the Gramercy Park Hotel is akin to being transported to an entirely separate world. A world dissimilar to ones own, where all is still and grand yet rooted in a Bohemian subculture that harks back to years past. It's as if you're Alice and you've just tumbled down the rabbit hole.
Stepping inside the Gramercy Park Hotel is akin to being transported to an entirely separate world. A world dissimilar to ones own, where all is still and grand yet rooted in a Bohemian subculture that harks back to years past. It's as if you're Alice and you've just tumbled down the rabbit hole. It is simultaneously surreal, dark, and comforting - a perfected combination of elements that leaves you wishing you could stay forever wrapped in its allure.
Established in 1925, the hotel has a varied past. Humphrey Bogart married his first wife at the hotel, the Kennedy family stayed on the second floor for several months, and during the Great Depression Babe Ruth often frequented the bar. In 1958 the hotel was bought by Herbert Weissberg, prices dropped and the location embraced a more bohemian character. In the 1970s Bob Marley and Bob Dylan frequently visited. Everyone from Madonna to David Bowie have made the hotel their home.
After Weissberg's death in 2003 the hotel was sold to Ian Schrager. Co-founder of Studio 54 and often credited with co-creating the Boutique Hotel genre, it was under Schrager that the hotel was renovated in collaboration with artist Julian Schnabel. Today the hotel hosts a vast collection of 20th century masterpieces. Original works of art by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Damien Hirst, Richard Prince and Keith Haring line the walls and make the viewer feel as if art is being democratized in front of them. Stand in your bedroom slippers, sip a cocktail in the Rose Bar, and be inspired by the vast wealth of paintings that sit all around you.
The Gramercy Park Hotel is such an enchanting place to stay that you'll struggle to leave. While there I didn't have the slightest interest in venturing out into the city. I could have spent all morning on the roof top terrace sipping lattes or lying in the Japanese soaking bath. Just next to the hotel is Gramercy Park. It's the only private park in New York but as a resident of the hotel you'll be granted access. My only regret is that I stayed for just one night.
Gramercy Park Hotel is located at 2 Lexington Avenue, New York. Rooms start at $345
Bliss
Waking up to a massive cupcake in New York with nothing to do all day... that's my idea of absolute bliss. I'm currently hanging out with my family and waiting on my sister to have a baby! Fingers crossed it will be here by the end of the weekend.
Waking up to a massive cupcake in New York with nothing to do all day... that's my idea of absolute bliss. I'm currently hanging out with my family and waiting on my sister to have a baby! Fingers crossed it will be here by the end of the weekend. Hope everyone has an incredible Friday!
Featuring: Elizabeth Lau SS11 Astoria dress and CRUMBS cupcake. Photos taken at the Paramount Hotel.
Hi from NY!
I just arrived into New York yesterday afternoon and I'm still buzzing with the excitement of a little kid. Everything is so big and I'm completely over-stimulated. I love that New York looks and feels exactly how you expect. Times Square is totally surreal and doesn't even look real.
I just arrived into New York yesterday afternoon and I'm still buzzing with the excitement of a little kid. Everything is so big and I'm completely over-stimulated. I love that New York looks and feels exactly how you expect. Times Square is totally surreal and doesn't even look real. The building are monstrous, the lights intoxicating.
The Couture Suite at the Paramount Hotel is my home for the next few nights. It's incredibly gorgeous and I feel totally spoiled. Surrounded by such beauty, I don't even mind that I'm spending my morning inside catching up on some work. It's so hot outside. Spending the afternoon at the McQueen Savage Beauty exhibition at the Met and then going to explore the Meatpacking District...
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