Like much of the breathing world, last November I found myself staring at a television screen as it panned across the streets and landmarks of New York City. Despite the momentous nature of the events that would unfold over the course of that evening, the travel scribe in me could not help but be transfixed by the fact that, for the first time in memory, all eyes were on NYC on election night. Not only were both the candidates New Yorkers and both election night parties being staged in New York, even the runner up on the Democrat side could boast Brooklyn bonafides. When was the last time anything of the like had happened?

The renewed focus on New York, struck me as a corollary to the return to form of the city that I once called home. Which is not to say, that New York has ever been anything but one of the most exciting cities in America, nay the world, but rather that to say that just as a peacock is still a peacock whether it sprouts its plumage or not, it is all the more impressive a species when it does sprout said plumage. And so, it is with New York City which will always be New York, though it will at times sparkle with more brilliance than others.

With that in mind I reflected on a recent, whirlwind 72-hour trip to the proverbial city that never sleeps. What follows are not only the highlights of that visit but the new plumes at which this former Upper Westsider marveled over the course of his meanderings.

Day 1

Because I now live in more laid back Los Angeles, I always find that I need to relax into the hectic pace of the City before diving into the swim of things so my first stop after landing was at Aire Baths NYC, the popular TriBeCa – based escape inspired by the ancient Greek and Roman baths about which I had heard so much. Though I’ve been called ancient by younger friends, I can’t exactly speak to what bathing facilities looked or felt like in the period Anno Domini when they would have been in the height of their popularity. However, I can say that, if television and film are to believed, Aire Baths would be a pretty spot on approximation.

A world unto itself, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city in a 19^th century building, this spa-like facility is primarily comprised of baths of varying temperatures in which patrons dip in and out between breaks in the relaxation room which is equipped with heated marble seating and refreshments. A steam room, propeller-jet bath and a Flotarium round out the offerings along with a menu of spa treatments ranging from various massages and aromatherapy to a red wine experience, which includes a bath, massage and access to the baths. For the record, the baths alone suit me just fine.

Refreshed and relaxed, I eased into the stream of things by meeting a friend for lunch at another Tribeca hotspot, Añejo. Though this chic outpost is primarily known for its small plates and modern Mexican fare, the margaritas were the star of the show for me but then again, I am an Angeleno and as such a bit of a snob when it comes to Mexican cuisine.

A spot of shopping followed lunch as I circled around Hell’s Kitchen, which is perhaps one the plumes of Manhattan that never ceases to amaze me. When I lived in New York more than a decade and a half ago, Hell’s Kitchen was just turning the corner to popularity. Now, it is parked, spiffed up and kitted out like a vintage Aston Martin. I always get a thrill from stopping in at Fine and Dandy and, though it is probably pure superstition, I always look in at H&M because I am convinced that, as in those halcyon days before H&M arrived in Los Angeles, there are particular items available for sale in New York that are not available in my corner of the world.

Next stop, cocktails at a stalwart favorite, Cafeteria. It’s not easy to remain cock of the walk in Manhattan, but Cafeteria, the little 24-hour upscale diner that could, seems to have found a winning formula – comfort food + cocktails + ambiance. It is a formula that has evolved without losing its heart and one that never disappoints. An event at another of those aforementioned newly discovered plumes, the Rubin Museum, which houses art that traverses Asia’s diverse cultures, regions, and narratives, rounded out the evening with the quintessential NYC moment without which no visit for me is complete – wine and mingling with a cross section of the city’s idiosyncratic personalities.

Day 2

An early start served me well on my second 24-hour stretch in NYC, as I began my day in Red Hook, Brooklyn, a neighborhood about which I knew little as it was a virtual no-man’s land when I called New York home. A cluster of hipster shops, boutiques and restaurants now dot this island-like precinct and serve as the first indications that this is a hamlet that will be unrecognizable (in the best possible way) two decades on. But for now, hotspots like Hometown Bar-B-Que, where I lunched on a massive platter of the pit-smoked ribs, chicken and Texas-style sides, will provide the clarion call to this very up and coming NYC gem.

From lunch, I rushed into the city for a show because New York and theatre go hand in hand. I saw Humans, an extraordinary little show about family that unfortunately closed last month. But like the city, Broadway never sleeps. On tap for 2017 is a dizzying line-up of must-see productions that include Glenn Close in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard reboot, Laura Linney and Cynthia Nixon in Little Foxes, and the divine Bette Midler in one of the most anticipated productions of the year, Hello Dolly!, which begins previews in March of this year.

Post the show, I stopped in at the trendy, crystal-laden Real Housewives friendly Bar at the Baccarat Hotel for a rejuvenating drama-free libation before whiling away the remainder of the afternoon at the Met Breuer on the Upper Eastside, the one extension of The Met that I had not yet visited. A bastion of contemporary and modern art as well as photography, the Met Breuer proved be one of the highlights of my visit and will now join its sister museums as a regular stop on extended visits to the City.

On the menu for dinner was the Lucky Bee on the Lower East Side (the one neighborhood where one seems to spend a great portion of one’s time in NYC these days). Everyone has been raving about this farm-to-table Thai street food restaurant which is big on spice, kitsch and tantalizing libations. Within minutes of sitting down I understood why. First there was the fact that the scene that owners Rupert Noffs and Chef Matty Bennett have created in the eatery is a delightful jumble of cultural references that feels less like a traditional restaurant and more like a party given by a quirky, cool friend. Second, and perhaps best of all, the party continues on the plate with notable menu items like steamed pork and sesame dumplings, crispy, spicy salt and pepper wings and local oysters served with a memorable Nahm Jim Chili Sauce. A hipster haven, an urban hangout, an eatery so cool that it publishes a music playlist, the Lucky Bee is a celebration of the vibrant culture and life of the lower East Side. Speaking of which, Nitecap is a casual nearby speakeasy, that more than lives up to its name as an ideal spot for an after-dinner libation in this neck of the woods.

Day 3

Sundays in New York are, to my mind, made for leisure. An early stroll led me to the Gotham West Market, one of the many food halls that have become prevalent across the city. I couldn’t resist pulling up a seat at Cannibal and ordering a couple of hot dogs because you gotta have a hot dog in New York. My personal favorites at Cannibal are the signature Cannibal Dogs topped with spicy tripe chili and Chinese Mustard and the Voice of Mikey, a dog topped with deviled egg aioli, scallions and fried onion. These aren’t street dogs but they are delicious as are many of the other offerings at this mid-city epicurean treasure trove.

For my final night in town, I checked into the WestHouse Hotel, an elegant boutique hotel located just steps from The Shops at Columbus Circle, which would occupy the rest of my afternoon, and only short walk from an assorted array of Hell’s Kitchen bars that would herald the twilight of my visit. It’s no secret that when staying in New York, I have always been fond of boutique hotels and that, in the past, I have always been partial to the Gansevoort Hotel in the Meatpacking District as well as the Hotel Belleclaire and the NYLO on the Upper Westside, among others. Now I will add to that list the WestHouse Hotel, a property inclined to inspire the feeling of a residence rather than a hotel.

Spacious by any standards, the rooms at the Westhouse are comfortably appointed in a casually sophisticated style with excellent views of midtown favorites like Radio City Music Hall and MOMA. That said, the most winning quality of the Westhouse is that it is the kind of hotel in which one can feel at home. For a nightly resident’s fee of $42, guests can access a bespoke range of amenities including breakfast, afternoon tea, an all-day Barista bar serving complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, and even a light dinner with curated cocktails. In an era where nickle and diming has become de rigueur the Westhouse feels like an oasis. All of which creates an environment where one can truly live like a local which means feeling no guilt for spending the day hanging around the hotel and the neighborhood. And, in New York, that is a luxury beyond measure.

And so, my 72 hours in NYC came to an end. I left the next morning for my next destination with the realization that not only was the city in fine form but that there will always be more to see in New York and that quality alone is what makes the city great.

Stay

Hotel Belleclaire
250 West 77th Street
New York, NY 10024
P: 877.468.3522
www.hotelbelleclaire.com

The stately Hotel Belleclaire is the Upper Westside’s grand dame. Once characterized as one of the flashiest buildings in NYC, the Beaux Arts Style Hotel Belleclaire has welcomed a parade of celebrated guests ranging from Mark Twain to Babe Ruth since opening the doors to its regal lobby more than a century ago in 1903.

NYLO New York City
2178 Broadway
New York, NY 10024
P: 212.362.1100
www.nylohotels.com

Completely unpretentious and captivatingly cool, the NYC edition of the NYLO is all about modern luxury. In sleekly designed rooms dominated by palettes of neutrals, hanging lamps dangle rather than clutter metal door-clad nightstands while original artwork from local artists adorns the walls. Meanwhile all rooms also offer complimentary Wolfgang Puck coffee and the brand’s signature NYLO NYTE beds, which are award-winning in their own right.

Westhouse Hotel
201 W 55th St
New York, NY 10019
P: 212.707.4888
www.westhousehotelnewyork.com

Five-star luxury boutique hotel in Midtown where the rooms are comfortably appointed in a casually sophisticated style, gifted with excellent views of midtown favorites like Radio City Music Hall and MOMA, and the general vibe is upscale residence living.

Play

Aire Baths NYC
88 Franklin St
New York, NY 10013
P: 646.878.6174
www.ancientbathsny.com

A world unto itself, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city in a 19th century building, this Greek and Roman inspired, spa-like facility is primarily comprised of baths of varying temperatures in which patrons dip in and out between breaks in the relaxation room which is equipped with heated marble seating and refreshments. A steam room, propeller-jet bath and a Flotarium.

The Bar at Baccarat
Baccarat Hotel
28 W 53rd St
New York, NY 10019
P: 212.790.8800
www.baccarathotels.com/bar

This stunning bar is distinguished by a grand over-the-top assortment of red Baccarat chandeliers, sumptuous leather seats on checkerboard floors, a well-managed and decidedly orderly bar possessed of a deep selection of spirits more Baccarat, and an expert staff of mixologists

Met Breuer
945 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10021
P: 212.731.1675
www.metmuseum.org/met-breuer

A bastion of contemporary and modern art as well as photography.

Eat

Añejo
668 10th Ave.
New York, NY 10036
P: 212.920.4770
anejonyc.com

Though this chic outpost is primarily known for its small plates and modern Mexican fare, the margaritas are actually the star of the show.

Cafeteria
119 7th Ave
New York, NY 10010
P: 212.414.1717
cafeteriagroup.com

An NYC classic 24-hour upscale diner that has a found a winning formula – comfort food + cocktails + ambiance – that has made it a legend.

Gotham West Market
600 11th Ave
New York, NY 10036
P: 212.582.7940
gothamwestmarket.com

An upscale food hall in Hell’s Kitchen showcasing the creations of a range of the city’s hottest chefs in a decidedly accessible environment. Personal favorite is Cannibal, known for its charcuterie and gourmet dogs.

Hometown Bar-B-Que
54 Van Brunt St
Brooklyn, NY 11231
P: 347.294.4644
hometownbarbque.com

Ranked as one of the best, if not the best, BBQ joint in all of New York, this Red Hook favorite serves of massive platters of pit smoked ribs, chicken and sausage alongside Texas style sides. Lines are long and it can be tricky to get here but it is well worth the effort.

The Lucky Bee
252 Broome St
New York, NY 10002
P: 844.364.4286
luckybeenyc.com

This farm-to-table Thai street food restaurant is big on spice, kitsch and tantalizing libations. Owners Rupert Noffs and Chef Matty Bennett have created an eatery that, from the eclectic décor to the menu, feels less like a traditional restaurant and more like a party given by a quirky, cool friend.

To read this article on the Huffington Post click here.

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What is summer without a little culture?

To assist in planning your spring/summer NYC travel itineraries, I reached out to award-winning art historian and art consultant Natasha Schlesinger for her advice about the hot spots that showcase New York at its artsy best.

Here are Schlesinger’s tips for exploring the cultural side of the Big Apple:

1. The Surrey Hotel. http://www.thesurrey.com/

The Surrey hotel is always a fun place to hang out at either at the Bar Pleiades or the roof garden (accessible only to members and hotel guests). This year, however, the hotel branches out to become an alternative to art gallery spaces as they present their ArtSpeak exhibit with nine emerging and established contemporary artists dispersed through the lobby and the roof garden as a prelude to the annual Frieze New York arts fair which takes place from May 5 – 8 at Randall’s Island Park. For more info about Frieze New York visit http://frieze.com/fairs/frieze-new-york. And for information about the Artspeak tours at the Surrey Hotel, click here.

2. The Highline. http://www.thehighline.org/

Spanning from Gansevoort Street to 34th street along 10th avenue, The Highline offers much more than just a walk above the city. Expect temporary art installations by well-known artists such as Barbara Kruger, Nari Ward and Spencer Finch and art events, concerts and performances put on by the Friends of the Highline. It’s also a really great place to hang out either by day or by night.

3. Park Avenue Armory. http://www.armoryonpark.org/

Though not necessarily what you might first think of as a youthful hang out, Park Avenue Armory has now become one of the hot spots to visit to explore and experience art and the historic space it occupies. Coming this summer is an experiential show by the well-known contemporary artist Martin Creed.

4. Rooftop Cafe and Martini Lounge at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. http://www.metmuseum.org/

You don’t have to always just peruse the galleries at this iconic NY institution.  Why not just enjoy a drink on a Friday or Saturday evening on the rooftop of the Met from May through the end of October. And, while you’re there, take a moment to enjoy the annual installations. This year there is a spooky, surreal partial house by the artist Cornelia Parker called Transitional Object: Psychedelic Barn.

5. Matchabar. http://matchabarnyc.com/

Brooklyn: 93 Wyeth Avenue

Chelsea: 256 West 15th street

These are among the city’s trendiest spots in which to hang out. Their moto “Matcha Fam” is all about the family that matcha bar creates and promotes. There is a daily cafe, cool events at night, great work space, artist and designer shows, pop ups and more. This summer, Matchabar will also partner with ArtMuse to create a pop-up show of emerging artists who create their art in the matcha tradition of combining positive energy that produces life’s magic.

Find out more about Natasha Schlesinger and ArtMuse tours at www.artmuseny.com.

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In the big city it is the little pleasures that can, at times, be the most alluring. After all, even those of us who thrill at the thought of urban life with its spectacle of sights, sounds, smells and swarms of people, simultaneously long for a respite from it, if only for a few rejuvenating hours each day.

After the last call, the last dance or the last hour of a long day of doing business, there is something to be said for escaping the bright lights and hustle and bustle of the city by taking solace in a peaceful, homey place, rather than a massive impersonal maze of cookie cutter accommodations. By and large, a good swath of boutique hotels amply satisfy this criteria at a reasonable price point and the city that famously never sleeps has more than its fair share of impressive options for doing precisely that.

With that in mind, here are five boutique hotels around NYC that rise to the top of the list:

Iroquois New York

Hotels that stand the test of time and remain among the city’s best offerings have generally earned bragging rights and the historic Iroquois Hotel in the heart of Midtown Manhattan is no exception. Completed at the turn of the twentieth century, the Iroquois is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, in addition to counting itself among the properties in the boutique Triumph Hotels collection, which is comprised of seven hotels in various corners of Manhattan.

Famous for having been the home of James Dean and its prime location amidst the city’s most exclusive private clubs, the Iroquois also counts proximity to Times Square and Grand Central Station among its assets. Glittering history and location aside, the Iroquois’ 117  rooms are thoroughly contemporary and luxuriously modern right down to the complimentary hotel wide wi-fi, Frette bathrobes and Molton Brown bath products that line the bathroom walls. Count as added bonuses a fully outfitted, 24-hour fitness center complete with a Finnish sauna, private training, yoga or Pilates sessions upon request and complimentary overnight shoeshines for guests.

Rounding out the perks of stay at the Iroquois is the fact that it is home to both the inspired Lantern’s Keep and the critically well-regarded Triomphe eatery. While the former is an intimate, moody space helmed by cocktail experts and mixologists bearing a flair for turning out old school cocktails with an air of authenticity, the latter is the hotel’s upscale French restaurant with a seasonal menu that has earned a reputation as one the New York Theatre District’s most popular haunts. (And yes the hotel is within walking distance of the Theatre District, which is yet another of the hotel’s attributes about which to sing.)

The Iroquois New York |49 West 44th Street | New York, New York 10036

P: 800.332.7220 | www.iroquoisny.com

NYLO

NYLO hotels are quickly making their mark across America by offering arty, urban loft-style living combined with contemporary furnishings and a decidedly social vibe into which its hipster guests can easily relax.  Located on NYC’s fashionable Upper West Side near local attractions including Lincoln Center, the American Museum of Natural History and Beacon Theater, the NYLO New York City lives up to the brand’s promise from the open façade of the neighbhorhood-y LOCL Bar on the ground floor that welcomes guests to the industrial but inviting space.

Completely unpretentious and captivatingly cool, the NYC edition of the NYLO is all about modern luxury. In sleekly designed rooms dominated by palettes of neutrals, hanging lamps dangle rather than clutter metal door-clad nightstands while original artwork from local artists adorns the walls. Meanwhile all rooms also offer complimentary Wolfgang Puck coffee and the brand’s signature NYLO NYTE beds, which are award-winning in their own right.

However, given that little says New York better than a great view, the real treat at the NYLO, is without question the spacious lofts and suites on floors 14 – 16. Ranging in size from 300 -500 square feet, these spacious accommodations dazzle with private outdoor balconies overlooking Central Park, the Hudson River, and the Upper West Side.

Adding additional shine to the NYLO’s patina of coolness is the hotel’s recently launched Live @ LOCL Music Series featuring jazz and blues sessions set on the hotel’s 16th floor terrace against breathtaking views of the Natural History Museum. Not only does the series offer a great opportunity to enjoy the Roaring 20s’ themed LOCL Bar along with a healthy serving of live entertainment, it’s a fantastic chance to mingle with Upper West Side locals who have apparently grown quite keen on the place. Is there any better endorsement?

NYLO New York City |2178 Broadway |New York, NY 10024

P: 212.362.1100 | www.nylohotels.com

Hotel Belleclaire

If the NYLO is the fashionable new kid on the block that is the Upper West Side, then the stately Belleclaire perched proudly across the street is the neighborhood’s grand dame. Once characterized as one of the flashiest buildings in NYC, the Beaux Arts style Hotel Belleclaire has welcomed a parade of celebrated guests ranging from Mark Twain to Babe Ruth since opening the doors to its regal lobby more than a century ago in 1903.

Like the Iroquois Hotel, the Hotel Belleclaire has similarly stood the test of time and is also part of the Triumph Hotel Collection. Perhaps the most remarkable quality of the Hotel Belleclaire is that, even after multiple renovations and sophisticated upgrades to add to the modernity of the property, the hotel still maintains the feeling of great old apartment hotel. From the Mad Men –era worthy lobby, albeit one currently blessed with its own Mille Feuille Bakery, to the charming staircases and mazelike hallways on every floor, there are constant echoes of the hotel’s chic past residents at every turn.

More notable however is the most au courant attribute of the Belleclaire which is its ability to envelop guests in the vibe of neighborhood living right in the heart of the city. In other words, a stay at the Belleclaire is more akin to the life of a NYC resident than it is that of a tourist. Rooms like the Babe Ruth Suite are well appointed yet comfortable and relaxed affairs with homey flourishes like a fireplace and bay window seating overlooking Broadway. Likewise other suites offer comforting amenities like DVD and Blu Ray players with complimentary movies, while City View rooms deliver impressive views of Broadway or the Hudson River and all rooms offer flat screen HDTVs, complimentary wireless Internet access, C.O. Bigelow amenities, and Frette linens.

When it comes to old school cool wrapped in new school luxe, the Hotel Belleclaire is trumps on the West Side.

Hotel Belleclaire|250 West 77th Street |New York, NY 10024

P: 877.468.3522 | www.hotelbelleclaire.com

The Duane Street Hotel

The Duane Street Hotel simultaneously proves that size does matter and that smaller can indeed be better.

Utterly downtown and undeniably, eclectically chic, the Duane Street Hotel is one of Tribeca’s understated gems.  As part of the Independent Collection, which is known for delivering the high level of service cloaked in the kind of fashionable boutique environment that travel connoisseurs crave, the Duane Street Hotel promise to be a place where ‘Old New York meets European sensibility’. And it delivers.

Guests of the 43-rooom property, located steps away from SoHo, the West Village, Chinatown, and Little Italy, are likely to feel as though they are living just as one of their well-heeled neighbors might when they step into the hotel’s loft-like rooms where 11-foot ceilings, a selection of classic books, hardwood floors and oversized windows are standard issue. Dressed as they are in stark black and white with hints of gold and silver, each room from the more modest Accessible King to the sumptuous Corner Suite exudes the quintessentially cosmopolitan style of New York. This is even so despite the fact that amenities such as the luxury bed linens by Bellino, the bath products by L’Occitane, and the plush terry bathrobes by Scandia are distinctly European.

On the subject of amenities, when it comes to perks the Duane Street Hotel rivals those of its more grandiose competitors. Wi-Fi access is of course free, as is use of a cache of iPads which are available for loan to hotel guests. But the perk that many guests love most is the hotel’s offer of complimentary passes to the swish Equinox Gym in Tribeca, a popular destination for the neighborhood’s celebrated A-list residents. Ditto for the in spa or massage services the hotel is happy to arrange to pamper guests upon request.

Duane Street Hotel | 130 Duane Street | New York, New York 10013

P: 212.964.4600 | www.duanestreethotel.com

The Evelyn Hotel

NoMad, that trendy little neighborhood in New York City bordered by Gramercy Park and the Flatiron District and located within walking distance of Madison Square Park and the Empire State Building, has several rising stars and The Evelyn Hotel is certainly among them.

Formerly known as The Gershwin, the recently renovated hotel has both a new look and a new name. And yet some things remain the same at the more than one hundred year-old property which still pays tribute to the long list of Broadway and Vaudeville performers, musicians, songwriters, and publishers including George Gershwin (obviously) who called the streets of NoMad home by incorporating music into the design of the hotel. While, live music frequently floods the hotel’s cavernous lobby reminding guests that they are staying in what was once known as “Tin Pan Alley”, some rooms are equipped with the most ingenious of phonographs that actually act as pseudo docking stations capable of playing music from mobile devices (no adapters required).

As yet another member of the Triumph Hotels collection, rooms at the Art Nouveau style Evelyn Hotel offer a selection of prime amenities to ensure that guests feel right at home. They include Frette linens and bathrobes, Lefroy Brooks bathroom fixtures, walk-in rain showers, table top multimedia hubs on desks and USB ports access on headboards. Complimentary access to an off-site 24 Hr. Fitness is also on offer.

Bolstered by a fresh new look defined by stylish furnishings and clean lines, along with a supremely friendly and competent staff, The Eveyln Hotel is primed to once again be an epicenter of a different variety for a new generation.

Special bonus: The Museum of Sex, always good for a quick diversion, is located right night door.

The Evelyn Hotel New York | 7 East 27th Street | New York, NY 10016 |

P: 212.545.8000 | www.gershwinhotel.com

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