For something buzzy, the revitalized Waldorf Astoria is an absolute visual treat, from its signature lobby lounge to the iconic clock. This is no ordinary hotel; it’s a piece of Manhattan history, and you’ll want to soak that in, whether you’re sipping a martini at its two-story brasserie or checking into a Pierre-Yves Rochon-designed suite overlooking Park Avenue. For another side of the city’s history, head straight to the Hotel Chelsea. The version of Patti Smith and Leonard Cohen’s era may be long gone, but its story is still fiercely celebrated, whether through longtime residents who remain in its apartments or the vintage fireplaces and stained glass of its interiors. Still, contemporary perks are woven into this living museum, including a fabulous spa.
From the minute you enter Nine Orchard, you feel like a more stylish version of yourself. Credit the venerable address (it’s housed in the historic 1912 Jarmulowsky Bank Building), the chic design (the lobby combines midcentury furniture with maximalist Gucci wallpaper), and the expansive city views. Plus, it boasts one of my favorite bars in town, the lush Swan Room. Moody and sleek, the Ritz-Carlton, Nomad is also designed to make an impression—and not just because of its 50-story sway. Inside, dramatic interiors set the tone, matched by excellent service. Must-try food and drink experiences include Spanish-Japanese fusion at The Bazaar by José Andrés and rooftop cocktails at Nubeluz, a jewel-toned bar with views for miles. Equally impressive, the exuberantly designed Fifth Avenue Hotel is a wondrous escape from the busyness of NoMad that lives just beyond its doorstep. Stockholm-born designer Martin Brudnizki has filled it with a romantic enthusiasm that is both transportive and cocooning. Leave room for a nightcap at the snug, wood-paneled Portrait Bar—or order up a martini cart to your suite.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is a good option if you’re looking for views over Brooklyn Bridge Park and coveted panoramas of Downtown Manhattan—it draws a loyal following of younger, sustainability-minded travelers who appreciate its green ethos. At any given moment, the plant-filled lobby is dotted with stylish locals and tourists alike, and the rooftop buzzes all summer long.
Breads Bakery might have outposts across the city, but its quality remains undiluted. My standard orders are the chocolate babka (the best in the city); the Jerusalem bagel stick that’s filled with za’atar and feta; and a bag full of rugelach to-go.
The Henry Clay Frick House, er, mansion, spans an entire city block along Fifth Avenue—and nearly every inch is filled with the art enthusiast’s collection of old master paintings and fine furniture. As if it wasn’t already impressive enough, the Frick Collection recently announced a forthcoming upgrade and expansion of the institution’s facilities by renowned architect Annabelle Selldorf. The Frick is like a New York City museum highlight reel: It’s exactly the right scale, everything in the collection is worth seeing, and can be viewed in an hour or less.
Neighborhood: Upper East Side, Manhattan Good for: pure class
The Upper East Side is having a resurgence, and leading the charge is charming Chez Fifi—a two-story dimly-lit French bistro inside a refurbished townhouse. The team behind two-Michelin-starred Sushi Noz, brothers David and Joshua Foulquier, named the restaurant after their mother Fifi, who has a presence throughout the space with portraits hanging on the walls and honorable mentions throughout the menu. Fresh bread with radishes and salty French butter kicked off our meal (we can all eat that type of butter plain with a spoon, agreed?), followed by starters like the buttery bluefin tuna au citron with Ossetra caviar—a nod to their Sushi Noz counterpart—and more French-leaning dishes like omelette à plat, with mushrooms and Périgord truffles. The main courses and desserts were the true stars, though, and encompassed the most memorable bites of the meal: a generous portion of wild dover sole à la plancha, crispy frites maison with caviar-topped aioli, and a simple refreshing green salad. The fluffy chocolate mousse was silky and divine, and the crème brûlée was the best I’ve had in the city, hands down.. —E.A.
Add comment