"I'm not a stop along the way. I'm the destination."
Oh, luxury hotels…You probably know a few by name even if you havent stayed in one before.
The Carlyle, The St Regis, Four Seasons,…famous names with big reputations! Some you can even live in. Tommy Hilfiger for example is a resident in The Plaza.
Dreaming of one day casually saying I live in the same ‘building’ as Tommy. Till then, I’ll just wine & dine at the Plaza…Cause you don’t have to stay in a hotel to enjoy their restaurants.
In New York City many hotels invest to make sure their restaurant is high level and will attract locals and tourists alike. As a tourist this is great! Cause the atmosphere rises through the rooftop when there is a mixture of locals and tourists.
Speaking of rooftops…
Not only do hotels offer great restaurants, their rooftops are just as AMAZING! I know! Before you know it, you don’t even want to leave!
Here are a few of my favorite hotels to enjoy without staying for the night.
Hotel 1: The Mandarin Oriental
"Certain hotels get it. A lot of hotels don't. Mandarin Oriental gets it every time."
Oh, The Mandarin…
If I could, I would move in here. The luxurious interior, the view, the location! But most of all. The staff. Everyone you encounter at the Mandarin will make you feel welcome.
I’ve had the pleasure of staying at the Mandarin in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Best Hotel Ever. EVER. I haven’t had the luck to sleep in her New York sister. But she sure is on my bucket list.
Instead I’ll have breakfast and enjoy the view: Columbus Circle and Central Park will entertain you while enjoying the finest pastries. Tables near the window are reserved for hotel guests only. But trust me, 2nd row is still pretty damn amazing!
I said it before, everyone working here will treat you like a princess. And they are more than happy to take your picture.
PS: if the window tables are free, grab your chance and snap some pictures. You want to have them! Trust me!
Hotel 2: The Plaza
Famous from a movie scene.
You know The Plaza. I know the Plaza. We all know The Plaza.
This Queen has played a role in countless movies & tv shows. Probably most famous for Home Alone 2. Carrie and her friends loved to hang out in the hotel and area too.
This beauty just reopened her majestic stairs on 5th. So walk your Manolo’s right into the Palm Court for high tea
– the perfect break after shopping in Bergdorf Goodman.
The stained glass dome is the real highlight of the greenery interior. So don’t forget to look up while sipping your tea!
Looking for some buzz? Take the escalator down to the Plaza Food Hall. All you have to do is choose from all the delicious options…
Whatever you do in The Plaza, take time to enjoy the beautiful flower arrangements in the foyer. Picture perfect!
Hotel 3: The Wythe Hotel
Like a Parisian in Williamsburgh. That’s exactly how you’ll feel dining in Le Crocodile. Don’t go home yet! Have a cocktail at the rooftop from the Whyte Hotel. Cosmo’s and the New York Skyline. A combo that never gets old!
I know, I know. The Whyte Hotel isn’t as old-fashioned luxurious as the others in this list. But the French je ne sais quoi touch makes it contemporary fancy nevertheless!
Hotel 4 & 5: The Lotte New York Plaza & The Empire
Hello Upper East Siders. Gossip Girl here.
Both hotels are main stars in Gossip Girl. The Empire, located in the Upper West Side, is the home of the one and only Chuck Bass. Whether or not you are Team Bass, the rooftop here is worth your visit. The views over Lincoln Center and Central Park are sublime!
The real bonus??? They serve breakfast and brunch! I know! Eggs Benedict while wondering what Blair would do.
Like most rooftops Friday and Saturdays are for dancing. But if you are really going wild, book a private cabana on the pool deck. Spoiling has no limits at The Empire. It’s called The Empire after all…
Back to The Upper East Side for yet another brunch favorite. The Lotte New York Plaza. The hotel where Dan more than once waited for Serena to get ready.
Like Gossip Girl said: “Breakfast is brunch and it comes with champagne, a dress code, and a hundred of our closest friends.”
Not into brunch? The Gold Room and Trouble’s Trust have an amazing menu too. All of them overlooking St Patricks Cathedral.
No reservations? Don’t you worry. The courtyard is picture perfect whether or not it’s Christmas time.
Tell me in the comments. Which luxurious hotel is on your bucket list? Are you planning some fancy brunch too?
Read my post on dining here to make sure you get the perfect table.
Always in an Empire State of Mind,
xoxo,
B
PS: The Megan Hess personalities are my vision on how I would love to look hanging out in one of the above hotels. A girl can dream, don’t you agree?
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