There is nowhere else in the world where you will see incredible dance performances filled with flips and twists on the subway, a man singing his heart out on the streets of Williamsburg or neon-lit Mario Karts lighting up the streets of Broadway at night. Here is our carefully curated itinerary for the perfect day in New York…
7am Wake up at The Chatwal
The Chatwal is steeped in New York’s theatre history, the building designed by infamous architect, Stanford White, in 1905 and was formerly home to the prestigious Lambs, America’s first theatrical club. The beautiful neo-Georgian building is an iconic landmark and is located in the heart of the city, moments away from Times Square.
The building was restored with the help of renowned interior designer and architect, Thierry Despont, reinterpreting the luxury 1930s Empire Art Deco look. Each room is adorned with light ochre suede walls and fitted with classic 18th-century travel trunk makers, Malletier-inspired wardrobes, while the opulent bathrooms feature maroon glittered tiles, mirrors that turn into television screens and stocked with a generous flow of Asprey toiletries.
The Chatwal truly is the jewel of Manhattan and the most complete boutique hotel in the city, boasting over 10 spacious suites, aptly named the Chatwal Crowns, several of which have terraces and the Director Suite offers guests access to the terraced rooftop overlooking the city. Take advantage of the hotel’s fitness lounge, as well as their very cool programmable saltwater lap pool, or book a treatment in their Red Door Spa. The hotel also offers a 24-hour butler service, complimentary Mercedes Benz House Car and complimentary bicycles.
Most recently, The Chatwal has teamed up with Localike to create fun and bespoke itineraries that can keep to the theme of the suite or a tailored guide to what each adventurer wishes to experience. It is the best way to explore the city like a local.
thechatwalny.com/live-like-a-local-experiences
8am Order Room Service for Breakfast
The Chatwal offers a full menu for their decadent Room Service menu, fresh off the pan and brought up directly to your room from the hotel’s in-house restaurant, The Lamb’s Club. Indulge in a three-course breakfast to start a packed day with activities off right. We recommend the Seasonal Fruit Salad, followed by their Eggs of Any Style served with hash browns and toasted country bread. To finish, their Stuffed French Toast is a must, light, fluffy homemade brioche, stuffed with peanut butter, glazed with whipped eggs, lightly fried and topped with strawberry compote and butterscotch. Pair this with a Green Juice or one of their abounding options of tea.
10am Explore the Hudson River with Tribeca Sailing
Experience New York from the water and explore the Hudson River with Tribeca Sailing. Captain David will take you on an adventure on the magnificent sailboat, Tara. There is an intimacy with being on a smaller sailboat, you are in the heart of the action. It is thrilling to watch the captain undock the boat as you begin to bob along the water and when the time is right, open and hoist the sail. Even as a passenger, there is a wonderful sense of freedom.
The Tribeca Sailing tour begins at the North Cove Marina and sails along all the glittering views of the New York Harbour. Captain David is a fantastic guide and lends his knowledge to all the remarkable history of the sights of New York Harbour. The Freedom Tower is even more impressive from the water, as well as seeing the Governors and Ellis Islands – it is a reminder of the struggles and immigrants who have passed through New York to make it the glorious city it is today. Lastly, seeing Liberty island and of course, the Statue of Liberty, is also a breathtaking moment.
1pm Picnic in Central Park
Let Perfect Picnic create just that, the perfect picnic experience featuring the best meats, cheeses, fresh fruit and crudités New York City has to offer. Pick a spot, we recommend The Pool, the beautiful lake that provides a space of solitude from the hustle and bustle of the city.
3pm Walking Tour of New York
Context Travel has curated specialised walking tours to the interests of the intellectual wanderers. There are several intimate tours to choose from, all led by experts in their field, includes Met Crash Course, New York Hamilton Tour and Savouring New York Food Tour.
If you pick the ‘Architecture Tour’, you might be lucky enough to have Louis, a historian specialising in American History. His passion comes to life as he meanders through the streets of New York and explains the skyscrapers that epitomise Art Deco, such as the Radiator building or explains the transformation of Bryant Park, starting with the city’s revival in the 90s.
6pm Dinner at The Lamb’s Club
The restaurant pays tribute to its theatrical club namesake with portraits of prominent Broadway stars and members of the original Lamb’s Club in the early 20th century bordering the walls including Marilyn Monroe, Woody Allen and Marlon Brando. Aesthetically pleasing, the restaurant was also designed by Thierry Despont and keeps to the luxury Art Deco look of the hotel, with opulent red leather booths, Art Deco light fixtures and boasts a fully restored 18th-century French limestone fireplace gifted to the Lambs by Stanford White.
The kitchen is headed up by acclaimed chef, Geoffrey Zakarian who honed his craft under the tutelage of revered chef, Alain Sailhac, and gained experience in Auberge de l’Ill, The Dorchester and Le Chantecler. A.J. Ojeda-Pons is the wine connoisseur that oversees The Lamb’s Club award-winning wine list.
The seasonal menu offers Zakarian’s modern approach to American cuisine. We recommend the Heirloom Tomato & Diver Scallop Meuniére to start, Mafaldine with fresh mozzarella, forest mushroom, black truffle confit or the Whole Roasted Dover Sole as the main course, finished with a beautiful Burrata Cheesecake.
If you are also in New York on a Saturday, do experience their Jazz Brunch, where you can enjoy delicious pancakes with an incredible jazz band that they rotate each week, and be transported back to the glitz and glamour of the building’s former glory days.
8pm Theatre Show – Head Over Heels
When in New York, one must go to see a theatre production. The latest addition to Broadway is Head Over Heels, the ‘jukebox’ musical comedy from the songs of The Go-Go’s. Based on the plot of The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia, it is performed at the Hudson Theatre, located opposite The Lamb’s Club. The feel-good show is entertaining with a stellar cast, and the first Broadway production to feature a transgender woman to take on a principal role, Peppermint, runner-up on the ninth season of Ru Paul’s Drag Races plays Pythio.
Flights to New York’s JFK airport began in April 2018 and operate daily from London Stansted. Lead in fares STN-JFK are £149.99 (one-way, WOW Basic package). There is also a daily service to New York’s EWR airport operated by the airline. CONTACT: For more information or to book please visit wowair.co.uk or call 0118 321 8384.
