NYC is one of the most difficult cities to write about. It is one of my favorites, and no matter how much I say about it, it will never feel like I’m giving it the respect it deserves. Anything can happen in New York on any given day.

I’m a firm believer in location, location, location— Want to go to the Hamptons for the weekend? Head to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, or the Cape? Take the train to Rhode Island-shoot over to Block Island. Well of course you do, because who doesn’t in the summer. Just like all the other New Yorkers, they will be near the ocean for the summer weekends.

Since NYC is a very large animal to tackle in one single blog, I will continue to update with new restaurant findings & new hotels, as I tend to visit often.

To simplify this, I will break down some of my favorite things to do in a few of the neighborhoods in Manhattan.

En Route to Airport in Meatpacking District

Meatpacking District: located on the far west side of Manhattan, offering chic hotels, restaurants, and fabulous shopping. This may be my favorite spot: at least in the summer, where I can get my rooftop-pool scene in!

A few favorite Meatpacking Hotels:

Gansevoort Meatpacking: This is my favorite hotel, especially in the summer. located across the street from SoHo House, in the prime location of the Meatpacking District. Enjoy the rooftop pool in the summer. Steps away from some of the greatest restaurants. Make sure to play some pool in the lobby!

Dream Downtown: Roof-top Lounge with club overlooking the skyline with an outdoor pool (private cabanas available) *Side note, Scott proposed to me on the rooftop-with of course Champagne and Strawberries! Whether you are into the party scene or not, do grab a cocktail at PH-D, the rooftop club. <You will have a gorgeous view of the Hudson River and the Empire State Building.>

The Standard, High Line New York: Ever heard of the Boom Boom Room, Well here you go- The Top of the Standard is at the Standard. (obviously) If dressed appropriately, you should grab a cocktail here even if you are not staying.

*While in the Meatpacking District, don't forget to get your shopping on. This might be my favorite spot to shop, think: DVF, Alice & Olivia, Intermix...etc

Favorite Meatpacking Restaurants:

The Standard Grill
Spice Market
STK Downtown & Rooftop
Catch
Valbella
My Favorite little Diner...just so happens to be called The Diner, classic eats & sidewalk seats!

SoHo: Located in Lower Manhattan: home to artist's lofts and many galleries. This is definitely one of the more artsy neighborhoods. There will also be boutique-type shopping.

A few favorite SoHo Hotels:

Soho Grand Hotel: This hotel is not only Dog Friendly- but they allow you to bring your pups to the lobby restaurant to dine with you!
The James New York: Chic upscale hotel a rooftop pool.
Crosby Street Hotel: Small, luxurious hotel in the heart of SoHo.

Nearby SoHo boutique hotels

The Greenwich Hotel: Country House-Style Hotel in Tribeca
Tribeca Grand Hotel: *Also, Pet Friendly!

Favorite SOHO restaurants:

Blue Ribbon Sushi: One of my favorite Sushi Restaurants in general, frequented the one in Vegas multiple times on my last stint there!
Costata, Italian Steakhouse
The Dutch: Lively Spot. American Fare.
Balthazar: Serves traditional bistro fare
Blue Ribbon Brasserie (not to be confused with sushi, open *4pm-4am)

SOHO shopping: Some more of the best shopping & galleries in the city.

Favorite Midtown & Central Park Area Hotels: There are a million hotels to choose, these are some I enjoy. Keep in mind Midtown is heavily touristy: think- Time Square, Grant Park, Broadway. If you are looking to see a show, this might be the neighborhood you should stay in, but otherwise it might be too congested.

Dream Midtown: Steps away from Central Park.
Intercontinental: 44th and 8th, I generally always stay here, because Scott is Spire Elite Status with them so we generally get free upgrades... and free mini bar! Located just blocks from Time Square & Broadway for all your theater needs.
The Surrey: Located in the Upper East Side, less than a block from Central Park.
Andaz 5th Avenue: Overlooking the New York Public Library and Bryant Park.
WestHouse Hotel New York: Luxury Hotel, 10 blocks from Central Park.
The Plaza: The most famous resident: Eloise! Yes, this is the hotel. Come here for afternoon tea as well as other notable dining experiences. This is right on the corner of Central Park with a castle-like feel. French Rooms and old elegance.
Baccarat Hotel: Upscale Midtown hotel opposite from the Museum of Modern Art.

Midtown restaurants:

Le Bernardin, Elite French Restaurant
STK, Steak, chic-atmosphere
Sushi of Gari, Get the Chef's Choice if you are feeling daring
Koi, Fun atmopshere with a bar on the basement floor
Strip House, Steak
Russian Tea Room, Touristy but fun to stop in near Central Park
Jean Georges, French Eatery, located in Trump International Hotel
Daniel, Daniel Boulud's elegant French restaurant, flagship restaurant.
Chevalier, High End French brasserie in Baccarat Hotel
Sky Terrace at Hotel Hudson
Bobby Van's Steakhouse
Gramercy Tavern: Spent my engagement night here! It's a must! Make a reservation well in advance though.
Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center.
Campbell Apartments, This is a must, this is the hidden bar in Grand Central.
Jekyll & Hyde Club, Themed Haunted House dinner and pub.

Campbell Apartments in Grand Central Terminal

Other Dog Friendly Hotel I've Stayed:

Ink48, Kimpton Hotel in Hell's Kitchen. This place caters to the pups and also has a nice rooftop to grab a drink.

The King making himself at home at Ink48

Sky's the Limit here in NYC. What should you do? Well, there is nothing you can't do or see. NYC has it all. Here are a few things to do if this is your first time.

What to do: *There are a million things to do and time of year makes a difference but here are some of the obvious attractions.

Times Square
Central Park
Broadway Show
Shopping on 5th Avenue
Madison Square Garden
Rockefeller Center *Especially in December
Bryant Park
Battery Park: September 11 Memorial & Museum, Statue of Liberty
Grand Central Terminal
Radio City Music Hall, Home to the Rockettes

*Central Park is one of my favorite spots. Anything can and does occur in NYC, but the ultimate people watching is in the park.

When in Central Park grab an appetizer and a drink at the Loeb Boathouse. *If you watched Sex and the City, this is where she and Mr. Big fell into the water.

Like I mentioned, NYC is a large animal to tackle, so this is only Volume 1. Stay tuned as I unlock some more hidden treasures and as always follow me on instagram & twitter for up-to-date travels and photos! travali_lux

Until Next Time, Safe Travels!

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