New York
New York – 2025
It had been a while since I last stayed in New York, and this year I decided to come for my annual birthday trip. In my 40s I started a little tradition of going somewhere new each year for my birthday. Technically New York is not new to me, but this trip was different. I was invited to SquareSpace headquarters for their annual Circle Day, which just so happened to fall on my birthday. It was a new kind of experience, where I got to meet so many people in my industry and feel inspired in a whole new way.
My mom surprised me by booking a last-minute ticket and joining me the day after my conference. We managed to pack so much into our time together!
Stay
Hotel Hugo
I really loved the Hugo, I will definitely be coming back. It is a bit pricey, but it is worth it. The prices are much lower on weekends, so if you have some flexibility with your travels keep an eye on cheaper times to stay.
The lobby is clean and welcoming, but the real highlight is the room. For that area of the city, the rooms are a good size and mine had a great view of the Hudson River. The location was also a big plus. It is close to everything in Soho, yet since it sits all the way by the water it feels quiet and tucked away. From there it is an easy walk into Tribeca, up toward the Village and further north or any subway stops.
There is also a rooftop bar with amazing views, perfect for a sunset drink. And in the lobby is Felix coffee shop, which is the same one we have in Aspen.
525 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013
(212) 608-4848
https://www.hotelhugony.com/
**** I stayed at the Arlo Soho for the first few nights of my trip, and I was disappointed. At more than $700 a night, I was expecting a much nicer room. Instead, it was tiny (about 150 square feet) and it just did not feel good to be in. I have stayed at other hotels with small rooms, like The Marlton, and loved them because they felt elegant and beautifully designed. The Arlo, on the other hand, felt more like a budget hotel.
The breakfast spot Lindens was lovely, and the common areas were nice, but the rooms themselves were such a letdown. I would not stay here again and I would not recommend it.
What to Do
AIANY Climate Change, Architecture, and the Future of NYC Tour
My mom has been telling me about this boat tour for years, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The boat takes you all the way around Manhattan, which is such a unique way to see the city. It is wild to notice how dense and packed most of the island is, and then get up to the very northern tip where it feels almost desolate.
The boat itself is beautiful and elegant, it is modeled after a 1920’s-style yacht. We reserved a banquette, which gave us a cozy couch area with a table in between. The banquet is a little more about $130 per person, but its perfect for relaxing during the three–hour ride. A complimentary drink is included, and you can either order a really nice cheese plate on board or bring your own lunch.
The expert guides do such a great job covering the city’s architecture and engineering through different eras, along with current urban planning and environmental issues that are shaping the waterfront today. It is fascinating, and since conversation is discouraged, you can really settle in and soak up the experience. You can also step outside whenever you want to take in the views. I highly recommend this tour! I look forward to doing it again. You pick it up from Chelsea Piers. Buy your ticket in advance.
https://sail-nyc.com/
EAT
Parcelle Greenwich Village - Greenwich Village
Doug, Laurie, and Henry picked this spot and they always know the best places. It has a hip/ cool vibe. They are known as a wine bar with an extensive wine list. The food was delicious. I highly recommend.
72 MacDougal Street New York, NY 10012
(917) 540-0884
www.parcellewine.com
Dante - dinner (across from Parcelle)
Dante was one of Lucasta’s recommendations, and we loved it. The place has such a fun, trendy vibe and has been around since 1915. We did not have a reservation but got lucky and were able to get a table after a short wait.
79-81 Macdougal St., New York, NY 10012
www.dante-nyc.com
Warren Street Hotel - Fancy Breakfast
I had seen this super eclectic and eleagant hotel on Instagram . I never looked at the exact address. And my Mom and I where wondering around Tribecca on our last morning and we happened to walk by it. We went in for breakfast and it was gorgeous. Super fun way to expereience the hotel when its too pricy to stay there.
New York
Marlton Hotel
Claudette
Claudette
Butchers Daughter
Stumptown Coffee
Marlton
Stay
The Marlton Hotel– West Village
Love this charming European styled boutique hotel. Located 2 blocks from Washington Square Park and a few blocks to multiple subway lines. The rooms are small yet beautifully appointed, the staff is friendly, the lobby is trendy hang out. The Espresso bar, roof top terrace (for hotel guests only) and fun old world bar are great hangout spots. Breakfast is included and served in the lobby restaurant Margaux.
5W 8th Street (Between 5th & 6th Aves.) NYC – 10011
212 321 0100
www.marltonhotel.com
Eat
The Butchers Daughter – West Village
Plant based, healthy and delicious cafe. Rustic chic indoor and outdoor dining. Earthy feel with white interior and greens every where. Best for lunch.
581 Hudson Street NYC — 10014
917 388-2132
www.thebutchersdaughter.com
Claudette – West Village
Elegant cozy cottage decor. Farm to table menu with influences from Provence and the Mediterranean. Brought you you by the creators of Bobo and Rosemary’s. Best for mid week lunch.
24 5th Ave, New York, NY 10011
212 868-2424
www.claudettenyc.com
Palma – West Village
Italian classics made from organic seasonal ingredients. There is an intimate indoor area and a full garden seating in back filled with cut garden roses and other fresh flowers. Best for dinner.
28 Cornelia St, New York, NY 10014 b/t 4th St & Bleecker St
212 691 2223
www.palmanyc.com
Coffee
Stumptown – West Village
Delicious coffee, ideal for on the go. They have both indoor and outdoor sitting but gets very crowded with people on their computers.
Open daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
30 W 8th Street, New York, NY 10011
www.stumptowncoffee.com
Marlton Espresso Bar – West Village
Cozy wood-paneled setting in the lobby of boutique Marlton Hotel. Great spot for coffee and to sit and fun hip vibe.
5 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011
New York
It has been way to long since I visited NY. Luckily a work project brought me to the city. I stayed in Brooklyn Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. Some highlights.
EAT
Iris Café- Brooklyn Heights
20 Columbia Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11201
8:00 – 11:00pm
simple breakfast spot, just 2 blocks from my friends brownstone in Brooklyn Heights. Must try the avocado toasts with egg and homemake ricotta on english muffins drizzled with honey.
Café Gitane – Nolita
242 Mott St, New York, NY 10012
8:30 am – 12:00am
cafegitanenyc.com
Delicious French/Middle-East fair, ideal at anytime of the day. Gets very busy, bring cash and sit at the bar with the old school vibe.
Gotan – Tribeca
130 Franklin Street, New York, NY 10013
Weekdays 7-6 | Weekends 9-4
http://www.gotannyc.com
Coffee shop located in a historic factory building, featuring espresso drinks & light/ seasonal fare.
Gansevoort Market -Meatpacking
52 Gansevoort St, NYC, NY 10014
Open Daily from 8AM to 8PM
http://www.gansmarket.com
Sometimes in New York you just need a quick snack or light bite. This is one of the best markets in the whole city. It is the ideal casual spot, there’s a mix of cuisines and something for everyone–from fresh pasta and pizzas to sushi, mediterranean, thai, mexican. Right around the corner from the Highline, Chelsea Markets and the Whitney. It’s also just a great spot to sit back and enjoy a cappuccino after an afternoon of shopping to people watch.
Rumor has it this place will be closing winter 2016