TRAVEL GUIDE NEW YORK: Eat, Play & Stay

CONTENT: Andrew Kho

Travelling to New York City? The city that never sleep bounces back in full swing with the easing of covid travel restrictions and ready to welcome vaccinated travelers around the world. It’s time to book your flight and explore the various attractions and culinary offerings that the city has to offer.

Here, we have put together a list of the best hotels, dining and experiences that the Big Apple has to offer.

EAT
Dining in New York is amazing! You won’t run out of options to choose from. The dining scene is diverse from local favourites, international brands to award-winning dining experiences, you can enjoy it all here.

Image: The Hugh

Feast for the Eyes at The Hugh
Located in the buzzling Midtown East, The Hugh is New York City’s most newest food hall with over specialty 15 restaurants showcasing unique cuisines and offerings.

Think of Israeli chef Eyal Shani’s widely popular Mediterranean cuisine concept, Miznon which is rapidly expanding in the US, LA’s popular Original Handroll Bar Concept – Kazunori, each hand rolls uses only the best quality ingredients, the freshest fish, finest Japanese grain and specially sourced Nori.

There’s also Bk Jani, serving a casual take on Lahori cuisine, their burgers is a must try! Jumieka serves your favourite Carribean dishes such as burrito, salads and Jamaican patty. We recommend you to try the Braised Oxtail Stew!

Grab a beer or two at Joseph Brother’s, the food hall’s popular craft beer destination. Did i mention that they also serve delicious fresh sliced roast beef as well as USDA prime top round beef sandwiches?

The Hugh, 157 East 53rd Street New York, NY 10022
Operating Hours: Monday–Friday 7:00am–9:00pm (Hours vary by restaurant)
Website 

Image: Baccarat Hotel New York

Afternoon Tea at Baccarat Hotel New York
Popular luxury Parisian hotel brand Baccarat Hotel New York, offers one of city’s unique thematic afternoon tea experience.

Amidst the grandeur of The Grand Salon’s cascading chandeliers and crystal-like curtain coupled with posh lounge-style rich velvets and Jouffre silk seats, visitors may choose from a curated selection of unique afternoon tea menu offerings – Prince of Wales – An English Tea at Windsor (USD140), Queen Isabella II of Spain – Vegan Tea (USD120), A Gluten Free Tea Menu and Petit Prince Children’s Tea (USD80).

Enjoy a curated selection of unique savouries such as the Caviar Blini Quail Egg with chives and crème fraiche, delight in the tender Wagyu Skirt Steak, Warm Lobster Roll and surprisingly good twist to traditional French favoruites – Foie Gras Macaron.

Savour quentessential sweet treats such as the classic French favourite- Baba Au Rhum, rich decadent Opera Cake; the French style apple tart – Apple Tatin and Red Moon Choux.

Presented in a elegant three-tier Baccarat crystal stand, the delightful afternoon tea is accompanied with warm house made scones, complemented with Devonshire cream and seasonal confiture. Visitors may choose from the range of fine teas or an option to top up to pair this afternoon experience with your choice of Champagne.

Baccarat Hotel New York, 28 West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019
Afternoon tea is offered daily from noon till 4 pm at the Grand Salon
Website 

Image: Burger & Lobster New York

Exquisite Dinner at Burger and Lobster
Tried Burger & Lobster in Singapore? Then you need to try Burger & Lobster New York! We almost skipped visiting this popular London-based chain until we found out that their menu offerings in Singapore and New York is quite diverse.

Bring your appetite with you once you step into the restaurant and kick off your meal with the Oyster Bar – choose from the chef’s daily selection of East or West Coast oysters served in half or one dozen.

After which, you may choose from a wide selection of starters such as the Creamy lobster bisque served with lobster morsels and chives, while Singapore has the Kale & Quinoa salad, NYC has the Summer Salad with heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, watercress, frisse, grain and mustard dressing. Must try is the crispy Lobster Croquettes with Chive aiol.

The dinner just gets appetizing when you think of Lobsters! Yes, you don’t go to Burger & Lobsters without ordering what they’re known for, Lobsters!

While Singapore’s Original Lobster Roll is dressed in lemon mayo, NYC’s version is dressed in Japanese mayo and lemon and served with fries and salad. We also recommend the PO’ Boy Lobster Roll – cornmeal crusted fried clusters of lobster with homemade pickles, lettuce, tomato, onions and spicy remoulade. Did i mention that the Dry-Aged Burger from La Frieda is very juicy? the burger is sandwiched with Murray’s Dansk blue cheese, caramelized onions, roasted garlic mayo and served with fries.

Highly recommended and to be shared among 3-4 diners is the Seafood Boil, this dish was first launched as a Mother’s Day special now makes its comeback as the restaurant’s Summer Special dish! Each bowl is filled with generous portions of lobster, snow crab, shrimp, clams, mussels, andouille sausage, corn, cauliflower, Yukon Gold potatoes and tossed in a secret spice mix and lemon garlic butter.

Lastly, should you have enough space for desserts, do try the Vanilla Crème Brulee or the unique strawberry cheesecake mousse topped with strawberry compote.

Burger & Lobster Bryant Park, 132 W 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:30am pm – 10 pm; Friday – Saturday: 11:30am pm – 11 pm
Website 

PLAY
Thinking where to go while in NYC? There are endless options for you to choose from, whether you decide to go to the popular Museums, the amazing views from NYC’s outdoor sky deck or spending a day in Central Park, the city has it all.

Image: QC NY

QC NY
QC Terme Spas and Resorts, a leading luxury group in the Italian wellness and thermal tourism scenery has opened its first wellness spa QC NY in the United States,
Located on Governor’s Island, a former military outpost in New York Harbor, this new relaxing haven is a welcome news for the New Yorkers and visitors who wants to have a quiet relaxation away from the bustling city.

Step inside the 74,000 square-foot property and you will immediately feel at home, from the friendly accommodating staffs at the reception area which is fitted with custom-made furniture from Italy to its variety of relaxation spaces, not to mention the amazing view of the lower Manhattan skyline.

The layout of the property is like a huge mansion where you can slowly explore and enjoy the facilities and amenities for one full day. Upon signing in, you will be handed a tote bag which contains a towel, bathrobe, flip flops and key to your locker. You can either choose a Day Spa package from USD122 for spa session with no time limits or a daily entrance and 75 minutes massage from USD353.

Once settled in, you are free to roam around the entire spa which has around 20 wellness experiences such as the Infrared room, the cozy Fireplace room with rocking chairs, DIY Footbaths which help stimulate microcirculation, oxygenate tissues, and relieve tension to rebalance inner harmony, the cocoon room with several suspended egg-shaped chairs, the Park Sauna which features a Central Park theme with singing birds that looks directly onto the harbor and more.

The main highlight of the spa is the outdoor heated pools that overlook the beautiful harbor and Downtown Manhattan which has surrounded by cabanas and benches. A perfect instagrammable spot. Do also look forward to the Vichy showers, hydro jets, steam baths and other amazing wellness experiences. Should you go hungry, an onsite cafe is available which serves ala-carte healthy bowls and sandwiches along with your favourite mocktails/cocktails. (Unlimited light snacks and tea are included your day pass).

All visitors will receive a complimentary skincare kit filled with sample sizes of the products used throughout the spa.

Day Passes include access to the entire spa and all amenities for the day, excluding food, drink, and massage services, which can be booked by appointment.

QC NY is open from 10am-10pm Sunday- Thursday and 10am-11pm Friday & Saturday.

QC NY, 112 Andes Road, Governors Island, New York, NY 10004
Website 

Image: Robin Roemer

Sleep No More
When you put together an immersive film noir experience unfolding before you and a legendary hotel, it can only be Sleep No More.

Located at The McKittrick Hotel in New York, expect an out-of-this-world experience as you enter into this enchanting hotel with its very own history. You would need to lose your smartphone and belongings at the coat check, before putting on a mask and then dedicating your sole attention to this spellbinding theatrical show over a span of three hours.

If you are familiar with the Shakespearean classic Macbeth, you are certainly in for a treat in this multi-faceted yet intense performance delivered by the entire cast. Whether it was a budding romance or a ploy to attain dominion in a power struggle, we were enraptured by the passion of the actors.

The twist in this retelling of Macbeth was such that you could follow the story development of the character that you are drawn to. Be sure to witness a few gasp-inducing moments especially during the climatic build-up of a couple of emotionally charged scenes that further engulf you into this multi-sensory play.

Related Article: A night of theatrical decadence with the ever-immersive Sleep No More at The McKittrick Hotel

Sleep No More, 530 West 27th Street, New York, NY 10001
Website 

STAY
When choosing a place to stay in New York, choose where you want to be in, such as Brooklyn, Manhattan or the popular Times Square. Do remember to book in advance to enjoy some early bird promotions.

Image: The Library Hotel

Library Hotel
Revel in this luxurious Library themed hotel located in Midtown Manhattan.

The Library Hotel have three room categories starting from the Petite Room, Deluxe Room and Junior Suite with each of the 60 rooms filled with about 50-150 books and artworks exploring a distinctive topic within the category it belongs to. Each of the ten guestroom floors of Library Hotel is dedicated to one of the ten major categories of the Dewey Decimal Classification including: Literature, Philosophy, The Arts, Religion and others.

While the 12 storey hotel doesn’t provide much amenities except for Madison & Vine, an all-day American Bistro & Wine Bar at the ground floor and Bookmarks Lounge – a rooftop cocktail & wine bar located on the 14th floor, it does make up to it by offering complimentary 24 hours refreshments and snacks at the Reading Room. Enjoy unlimited Softdrinks, Bottled Water, Fresh Fruits, Kettle Chips, Granola Bars, Coffee, Tea and more as long as you are staying at the property.

Image: The Library Hotel

The Reading Lounge can also be a place for you to enjoy a drink or two while enjoying the quaint and pretty quiet room after a long day of shopping. There’s even a grand piano for you to play your favourite tunes.

There’s no on-site fitness facility but the in-house guests of The Library Hotel are given access to nearby Blink Fitness. Subway is within distance and high-speed internet usage is complimentary.

Library Hotel, 299 Madison Avenue, entrance on East 41st Street, New York, NY 10017
Website 

Image: M Social New York Times Square

M Social Hotel Times Square New York
M Social is conveniently located in Times Square, step outside and the popular Angelina Bakery will be right in-front of you with people queueing up for their pastries, cakes and other popular Italian treats. On the left is popular steakhouse Gallagher’s, advance reservations is needed as this place is always packed especially at night.

Located just steps from the hotel, you will be greeted by the dazzling lights of Broadway and the buzzling energy at Times Square.

The design and mood at M Social Times Square is a far cry from Singapore’s with the latter being more posh and luxurious while the other is more modern, hip and fun vibe, it might be because of their location.

Image: M Social New York Times Square

The Rooms are categorized into Social City View, Social Superior Hudson River View, Social Deluxe Times Square, Social Premier Times Square, Full Ball Drop View/ Partial Ball Drop View ( applies during NYE countdown), Family Room as well as an Accessible room.

The Social Premier Times Square room overlooking the Times Square is our top pick, with the best view and perfect sunlight that go through the large unobstructed soundproof windows, white firm beds with light-up headboard.

The property’s signature restaurant Beast & Butterflies located at the reception level offers daily buffet breakfast and beer, wines and cocktails in the evening. (Tip: the outdoor area gives you a perfect view of Times Square while you enjoy your breakfast or sip your wine and cocktails). The Spanish lady at the check-in counter is amazing and complimentary internet is provided during your stay.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts has launched a new prestige tier for their global loyalty programme with My Millennium Prestige which brings you a host of rewards from room upgrades, to late check-out and exclusive perks during your stay. Sign-Up to enjoy your member benefits. 

M Social Hotel Times Square New York, 226 West 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
Website 

Image: Hotel Giraffe

Hotel Giraffe
Walk down the streets of Madison Square North in NoMad, New York’s popular destination for luxury residential living and you’ll surely find the elegantly designed building of Hotel Giraffe. Step inside and you will be lead to the reception as well as the Grand Lobby which is an Art Moderne.

The 75-rooms and suites hotel is dominated by leather headboards, comfortable king/queen sized bed with 100 percent Egyptian cotton linens. The rooms are elegantly designed with the main highlight of the French glass doors leading out to a Juliet balcony with views of Park Avenue which is amazing. It seems like you’ve opened your window and you are now in Paris.

There’s only one restaurant in the hotel, Bread & Tulips serving rustic Italian cuisine and a rooftop garden should you wish to step out and get a breath of fresh air. The only amenity missing in this property is gym.

Image: Hotel Giraffe

In-house guests staying at Hotel Giraffe enjoys 24 hours complimentary refreshments of coffee, tea, soft drinks, and flavored water as well as Fresh fruit, health bars, and snacks in the Grand Lobby, light continental breakfast is also served here. High-speed internet is provided complimentary.

Hotel Giraffe is an underrated wonderful, contemporary hotel which is just a short walk or subway ride to many NYC attractions! wish we could have stayed here just a little bit longer.

Hotel Giraffe, 365 Park Avenue South at 26th Street New York City 10036
Website 

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