Your Town Monthly Heads to New York City
View our complete itinerary and NYC travel tips here.
NEW YORK, NY – Proper prior planning made our New York City vacation a dream that you too will want to plan! We wanted to make sure everyone would have fun, including our 83-year-old mom. In 7 days, we were able to see all of the sites on our hit list and more.
The first challenge was finding a hotel that would accommodate the entire family comfortably and still be in the most desirable location, preferably within walking distance to the most popular attractions. Our research led us to the Kimberly Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.
The Kimberly Hotel: Manhattan’s only truly European boutique suite hotel with premium service and amenities, made us feel like royalty. Room choices include studio, 1 and 2 private bedroom suites with balconies, kitchenettes and more. This unique hotel was converted from a high-rise condominium property into what it is today, according to our bellman, which makes it a jewel of a find in Midtown. Our 27th floor 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom suite provided a very comfortable stay for the 5 of us. We particularly enjoyed the balcony (a rare amenity among NYC hotel rooms), which allowed us to breathe in the sights and sounds of the Big Apple from the comfort of our room.
The Statue of Liberty (left) and sunset from a balcony of the Kimberly Hotel (right). Photos by Kelli and Dave Wayne.
If you’re into small plates and cocktails with a view, Upstairs Rooftop at the Kimberly is a 30th floor penthouse restaurant and bar that offers year-round, 360-degree views of Midtown. From the ample selection of delectable small plates, we chose the Grilled Lamb Chops Lollipop, which was as savory as it was tender, a beet salad and calamari. We also enjoyed refreshing Electrolyte cocktails, watermelon summer vodka coolers crafted with fresh pineapple. The food, views and cocktails at Upstairs Rooftop make it a “must do” when in NYC. Be sure to dress up for the occasion as a strict business casual dress code is enforced (sneakers and hats are not allowed).
Staying at the Kimberly Hotel comes with quite a few perks. Our favorite was the guest membership at the NY Health & Racquet Club, located 4 blocks away. In addition to use of the club’s expansive facilities, a private yacht is available for a buffet brunch or dinner cruise for a minimal cost of just $30 per person. We opted for the brunch cruise around Manhattan, with stunning daytime views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the New York skyline and more. Cruise guests must be age 18 or older.
Other Kimberly Hotel notes: Beds are extremely comfortable and the attentiveness of the entire staff is warm and welcoming. 24-hour room service is available and many restaurant options are nearby. The neighborhood is within walking distance to fashionable shopping areas and sightseeing landmarks, including Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Saks Fifth Avenue, Radio City Music Hall, the United Nations, the Museum of Modern Art, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Times Square, Grand Central Station and the legendary Broadway theater district.
Start masterminding your New York City getaway today! View our complete itinerary and NYC travel tips here.
This article originally appeared in the August 2017 print editions of Your Town Monthly.
