NYC trip report - 3/28/07-04/01/07
Apr 2nd, 2007, 01:43 PM
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NYC trip report - 3/28/07-04/01/07
Hi all, this is my first trip report so I hope I can be as helpful to someone as reading your posts have been to me. I’ve been to NYC many times before, so I did not visit many tourist attractions, but I wanted to share my hotel and dining experiences.
This trip was primarily for work, but my co-worker and I stayed over the weekend to play. I arrived Wednesday afternoon and checked into the W Hotel at Lexington and 49th. The room was tiny and the bed was in the very center of the room which seemed odd, but actually made it easier to move around. The carpet was a bit shabby and torn in a couple spots, but as my company was paying the $350 nightly rate I didn’t mind too much. I did mind that the electric outlets in the bathroom did not work and I had to dry my hair sitting on the floor by the bed, but I didn’t have the energy complain so there is no telling how the W management would have responded.
That evening we attended a company happy hour, and afterwards at group of us went to dinner at Le Mangeoire on Second at 53rd. It was quite full and we showed up without a reservation, but they were very welcoming and managed to find a table for our party of eight. The food was delicious (crab appetizer, duck entrée), but mostly I couldn’t get over the gracious service. I highly recommend this place if you’re looking for a cozy spot in midtown.
Thursday night we had dinner at Tao. I definitely think everyone should go at least once as the space is so impressive. The food was pretty good, although a little bland. We shared lobster and shrimp dumplings, seared tuna roll, duck wrapped in tortilla (can’t recall the real name), sea bass, and the banana bread pudding dessert. Our server started out attentive and helpful, but ended up being very abrupt and argumentative, which was silly as we were all on expense accounts and are good tippers even on our own dime. I don’t know if I’d return by choice, but I’m glad to have experienced it.
Friday night I checked out of the W and moved into the Hotel Giraffe, based on many reviews from this site and tripadvisor. We really enjoyed it and I would definitely stay there in the future. The queen room was very nice and perfect for two female friends to share. There was plenty of space for us to unpack and settle in for the weekend and the bed was very comfortable. The evening wine and cheese reception was very pleasant, and the continental breakfast in the morning was a nice perk. The cappuccino machine kept breaking so we had to head to Starbuck’s anyways, but not a huge deal. My one complaint is the ventilation. We were in a non-smoking room, but often smelled smoke coming from others on the floor.
After check in on Friday, we decided to go walk around Gramercy Park, which we didn’t realize was private. A friendly English man noticed us peeking in and asked if we’d like to be his guest to see the park, and later he invited us for a cocktail at the Player’s Club. It was a fun and unique experience. Thanks, Ian!
Friday dinner was at Otto, Mario Batali’s pizza restaurant near Washington Square park. I loved this place! It was very crowded and noisy, but to me that made if fun for a Friday night. Between three girls we shared the asparagus, rock shrimp, two pizzas, gelato and a bottle of wine for around $36 each. It was a great deal in my opinion for the overall experience.
Saturday we did the Lower East Side Tenement Museum “Getting By” tour. It was really fascinating and I will likely do the other tour next time I’m up there. Then we walked through Chinatown where we got 4 dumplings for $1.25 at a random stand (delicious) and some bubble tea (interesting). We walked and shopped through East Village, Soho, and then Greenwich Village for around 5 hours before heading back to the Giraffe for some pre-dinner wine.
That evening’s dinner was at Butter, and it was amazing! Between the same three girls we had salad with duck confit, foie gras with spiced apples and buttery bread, halibut, beef tenderloin, short ribs, and donut dessert. I tried everything and loved it all. For post-dinner drinks we headed to the rooftop bar at the Hotel Gansevort, which was so much fun. It was very crowded but luckily we found prime people-watching seats to enjoy our $14 cocktails. I thought I’d feel like an old lady there, but it was a mix of all types and ages of people, so I’d highly recommend it.
Sunday we had an uneventful trip home, and now the detoxing and dieting must begin.
This trip was primarily for work, but my co-worker and I stayed over the weekend to play. I arrived Wednesday afternoon and checked into the W Hotel at Lexington and 49th. The room was tiny and the bed was in the very center of the room which seemed odd, but actually made it easier to move around. The carpet was a bit shabby and torn in a couple spots, but as my company was paying the $350 nightly rate I didn’t mind too much. I did mind that the electric outlets in the bathroom did not work and I had to dry my hair sitting on the floor by the bed, but I didn’t have the energy complain so there is no telling how the W management would have responded.
That evening we attended a company happy hour, and afterwards at group of us went to dinner at Le Mangeoire on Second at 53rd. It was quite full and we showed up without a reservation, but they were very welcoming and managed to find a table for our party of eight. The food was delicious (crab appetizer, duck entrée), but mostly I couldn’t get over the gracious service. I highly recommend this place if you’re looking for a cozy spot in midtown.
Thursday night we had dinner at Tao. I definitely think everyone should go at least once as the space is so impressive. The food was pretty good, although a little bland. We shared lobster and shrimp dumplings, seared tuna roll, duck wrapped in tortilla (can’t recall the real name), sea bass, and the banana bread pudding dessert. Our server started out attentive and helpful, but ended up being very abrupt and argumentative, which was silly as we were all on expense accounts and are good tippers even on our own dime. I don’t know if I’d return by choice, but I’m glad to have experienced it.
Friday night I checked out of the W and moved into the Hotel Giraffe, based on many reviews from this site and tripadvisor. We really enjoyed it and I would definitely stay there in the future. The queen room was very nice and perfect for two female friends to share. There was plenty of space for us to unpack and settle in for the weekend and the bed was very comfortable. The evening wine and cheese reception was very pleasant, and the continental breakfast in the morning was a nice perk. The cappuccino machine kept breaking so we had to head to Starbuck’s anyways, but not a huge deal. My one complaint is the ventilation. We were in a non-smoking room, but often smelled smoke coming from others on the floor.
After check in on Friday, we decided to go walk around Gramercy Park, which we didn’t realize was private. A friendly English man noticed us peeking in and asked if we’d like to be his guest to see the park, and later he invited us for a cocktail at the Player’s Club. It was a fun and unique experience. Thanks, Ian!
Friday dinner was at Otto, Mario Batali’s pizza restaurant near Washington Square park. I loved this place! It was very crowded and noisy, but to me that made if fun for a Friday night. Between three girls we shared the asparagus, rock shrimp, two pizzas, gelato and a bottle of wine for around $36 each. It was a great deal in my opinion for the overall experience.
Saturday we did the Lower East Side Tenement Museum “Getting By” tour. It was really fascinating and I will likely do the other tour next time I’m up there. Then we walked through Chinatown where we got 4 dumplings for $1.25 at a random stand (delicious) and some bubble tea (interesting). We walked and shopped through East Village, Soho, and then Greenwich Village for around 5 hours before heading back to the Giraffe for some pre-dinner wine.
That evening’s dinner was at Butter, and it was amazing! Between the same three girls we had salad with duck confit, foie gras with spiced apples and buttery bread, halibut, beef tenderloin, short ribs, and donut dessert. I tried everything and loved it all. For post-dinner drinks we headed to the rooftop bar at the Hotel Gansevort, which was so much fun. It was very crowded but luckily we found prime people-watching seats to enjoy our $14 cocktails. I thought I’d feel like an old lady there, but it was a mix of all types and ages of people, so I’d highly recommend it.
Sunday we had an uneventful trip home, and now the detoxing and dieting must begin.
Apr 2nd, 2007, 03:25 PM
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GREAT report... fun to read something other than the usual.
I love Butter. My friends took me there last year for my birthday and at one's request, the chef/owner baked me a customized birthday cake!
I'm amazed that you all as a party of 8 went out without a reservation... very happy to hear that you found someplace so accommodating which was actually worth going to.
I love Butter. My friends took me there last year for my birthday and at one's request, the chef/owner baked me a customized birthday cake!
I'm amazed that you all as a party of 8 went out without a reservation... very happy to hear that you found someplace so accommodating which was actually worth going to.
Apr 2nd, 2007, 04:25 PM
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Great report - thanks for posting!
We also love the Giraffe, - the evening wine and cheese and I love the staff - my favorite W in the city is the one in Union Sq -
Glad you liked the Tenement tours, the Confino Living History tour is a great one if you go again -
Thanks for some new restaurant recs - I want the short ribs and donut dessert NOW !
We also love the Giraffe, - the evening wine and cheese and I love the staff - my favorite W in the city is the one in Union Sq -
Glad you liked the Tenement tours, the Confino Living History tour is a great one if you go again -
Thanks for some new restaurant recs - I want the short ribs and donut dessert NOW !
Apr 3rd, 2007, 05:41 AM
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What a fabulous trip! I agree La Mangeiore just knows how to do it right. They've been there forever too.
Curious to know if you reported back to your co./travel dept. about the W. Hard to believe they can get away with charging $350/night for those rooms.
Curious to know if you reported back to your co./travel dept. about the W. Hard to believe they can get away with charging $350/night for those rooms.
Apr 3rd, 2007, 05:57 AM
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Good report.
It's refreshing top read about out-of-towners with good local dining experiences by not just sticking to the mediocre tourist-area places. You did well with Otto and Butter - they are good and fun places.
It's refreshing top read about out-of-towners with good local dining experiences by not just sticking to the mediocre tourist-area places. You did well with Otto and Butter - they are good and fun places.
Apr 3rd, 2007, 10:28 AM
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McLaurie, I did not tell our travel agent yet, but if she suggests I stay there again I will definitely elaborate. Today I found an extra $21 false mini-bar charge from the W on my credit card, but I called and they said they would remove. My co-workers all stayed at the Palace and loved it.
I just found out that I get to go back to the city in May for a conference. Its at the Marriot Marquis and due to time constraints I probably won't be able to leave that area, so any restaurant recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks for all of your positive responses.
I just found out that I get to go back to the city in May for a conference. Its at the Marriot Marquis and due to time constraints I probably won't be able to leave that area, so any restaurant recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks for all of your positive responses.
Apr 3rd, 2007, 11:52 AM
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For dining around the Marquis area, I would also do a search here for the theater district/ hells kitchen and you will find some excellent restaurants suggested
In that area (well, to us in that area, but we walk everywhere- from when we stay at the Michelangelo, not too far from the Marquis, we will walk to the following:
Remi, China Grill, Roberto Passon, Osteria al Doge, Cafe dell'Arte, Marseilles
In that area (well, to us in that area, but we walk everywhere- from when we stay at the Michelangelo, not too far from the Marquis, we will walk to the following:
Remi, China Grill, Roberto Passon, Osteria al Doge, Cafe dell'Arte, Marseilles
Apr 3rd, 2007, 05:29 PM
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Ella, just take a stroll down 9th Ave. from the high 30's on up through the theater district and stop in wherever.. I just got home a few minutes ago from Marseilles which was fine. A couple of half bottles of wine, a couple of entrees and we were fine. French is not normally my first choice (I'll still be digesting my lamb in the morning, without a doubt), but for those who love that style of cuisine it should be an enjoyable experience.
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