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.