New York City is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and it’s no wonder it continues to be a top choice for UK travellers looking for a quick yet unforgettable city break. With iconic landmarks, world-class dining, shopping, museums, and Broadway shows, there’s always something to see and do.

With direct flights from the UK into JFK and Newark, and a manageable time difference, New York is ideal for a city break. But where should you stay to make the most of your time?

🗽 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤

Here’s a quick guide to the best neighbourhoods for a short city break in New York.

🏙️ 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬: 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐧
If it’s your first time in New York, Midtown Manhattan is an unbeatable base. It’s close to Times Square, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and Broadway. It’s touristy, yes, but incredibly convenient!

💡 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞?
✔️ Walk to major attractions.
✔️ Great transport connections.
✔️ A classic New York experience.

🏨 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐬:
• The Knickerbocker – Stylish and right on Times Square.
• Archer Hotel – Boutique charm with Empire State views.
• LUMA Hotel Times Square – Modern and sleek in the heart of the action.

🖼️ 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 & 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦𝐬: 𝐔𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞
Home to Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History, and Lincoln Center, the Upper West Side offers a more relaxed, residential feel with leafy streets and brownstone charm.

💡 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞?
✔️ Peaceful, cultured atmosphere.
✔️ Close to Central Park and museums.
✔️ Feels more “local” than touristy.

🏨 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐬:
• Hotel Beacon – Spacious rooms and a great neighbourhood vibe.
• The Wallace – Elegant, contemporary luxury.
• Mandarin Oriental New York – Luxurious, stunning views and exceptional service.

🛍️ 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞: 𝐒𝐨𝐇𝐨
For fashion-forward travellers and boutique lovers, SoHo is a dream. Think cobblestone streets, loft apartments, designer shops, and top-notch restaurants. It’s perfect for couples who want style with substance.

💡 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞?
✔️ Amazing shopping scene.
✔️ Trendy cafes and art galleries.
✔️ Walkable and beautifully historic.

🏨 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐬:
• Crosby Street Hotel – British luxury meets NYC cool.
• The Mercer – Chic, minimalist, and loved by celebs.
• Soho Grand Hotel – Stylish and full of character.

🌆 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐤𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 & 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞: 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐬𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐠, 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐥𝐲𝐧
A quick subway or ferry ride from Manhattan, Williamsburg offers a hip, creative energy. It’s full of rooftop bars, riverside parks, vintage markets, and independent eateries—all with amazing skyline views of Manhattan.

💡 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞?
✔️ Fantastic views and trendy vibes.
✔️ Great for foodies and creatives.
✔️ A little different—but still convenient.

🏨 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐬:
• The William Vale – Iconic skyline views and rooftop pool.
• Wythe Hotel – Industrial-chic with artsy touches.
• The Hoxton – Cool and casual with a brilliant bar scene.

🌳 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤: 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞
If you’re seeking a more laid-back, romantic vibe, Greenwich Village is full of charm. Expect leafy streets, jazz clubs, historic cafés, and that classic NYC charm seen in films and TV.

💡 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞?
✔️ Charming streets and romantic feel.
✔️ Lots of hidden gems and cosy spots.
✔️ Less touristy, more authentic NYC.

🏨 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐬:
• Walker Hotel – Classic art-deco romance.
• The Marlton – Historic elegance with a Parisian feel.
• Washington Square Hotel – Affordable charm near the park.

🚕 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤? 𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞.

🌍 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 🌍
📧 enquiries@awesometravelholidays.com | 📞 0208 004 9400

Other blog posts in 🌎 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐔𝐒𝐀 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 🌎 include:

The post The Best Areas to Stay In New York for a Short City Break first appeared on Awesome Travel Holidays.

New York City is one of those bucket-list destinations that truly lives up to the hype. Whether it’s your first or fifth visit, the city’s energy, variety, and iconic sights never fail to impress.

For UK travellers looking for an awesome city break that combines world-famous attractions, fabulous food, cultural depth, and endless shopping, New York is an unbeatable option. It’s a place where every street corner tells a story, and every day offers a new adventure.

Here’s why a New York City break is an awesome choice for your next USA getaway.

🗽 𝐀𝐧 𝐈𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐍𝐨 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫

From the Statue of Liberty to Central Park, Times Square to the Empire State Building – New York is filled with instantly recognisable landmarks. Exploring the city feels like stepping into your favourite films and TV shows.

✅ 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐭-𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:
🏙️ Top of the Rock or One World Observatory for skyline views
🗽 A ferry trip to see the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
🌆 A walk along the High Line – an elevated urban park with stunning city views
🖼️ The MET, MoMA, and Guggenheim for art lovers
🌳 A stroll or picnic in Central Park

🍕 𝐀 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐬

Whatever you’re craving, New York has it, and then some. From Michelin-starred restaurants to late-night street eats, the city is a foodie’s paradise.

✨ 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐭-𝐓𝐫𝐲 𝐍𝐘𝐂 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬:
🍕 Classic New York-style pizza – grab a slice at Joe’s Pizza or Prince Street Pizza
🥯 Bagels with schmear – Russ & Daughters or Ess-a-Bagel are local favourites
🍰 Cheesecake – Junior’s in Brooklyn is the gold standard
🥩 Katz’s Delicatessen – for a legendary pastrami on rye
🍸 Rooftop bars – sip cocktails with skyline views in Midtown or Brooklyn

Whether it’s brunch in SoHo, a tasting menu in the West Village, or a late-night food truck feast, New York’s food culture is part of the experience.

🎭 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐞 & 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝-𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

New York City is one of the world’s cultural capitals, with entertainment on every corner.

🎭 Broadway & Off-Broadway shows – see the biggest musicals or discover up-and-coming talent
🎶 Live music in the Village or Harlem – from jazz to hip-hop, NYC is music history in motion
🎨 Art exhibitions, public installations, and immersive experiences all year round
🎬 TV & Movie tours – visit the filming locations of Friends, Sex and the City, and more

🛍️ 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 & 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐘𝐂 𝐕𝐢𝐛𝐞

Whether you’re into high-end fashion, vintage treasures, or quirky boutiques, shopping in New York is a thrill.

🛍️ Fifth Avenue – for iconic flagship stores and luxury brands
🛍️ SoHo – for trendy boutiques, cool labels, and art galleries
🛍️ Macy’s Herald Square – one of the largest department stores in the world
🛍️ Brooklyn Flea – open Saturday and Sunday for unique gifts, art, and antiques

New York also offers tax-free shopping on clothing and footwear under $110, making your retail therapy even more rewarding!

🗓️ 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝟒–𝟓 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐄𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞

✈️ 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐊 – Easily accessible from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and more, with direct flights taking around 7 to 8 hours
🕑 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 – Just 5 hours behind the UK, so jet lag is manageable for a short break
🛎️ 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐬 – From boutique hotels in Chelsea to luxury stays near Central Park, there’s an option for every budget
🚇 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 – The subway, ferries, and walkable neighbourhoods make exploring straightforward and exciting

💡 𝐀𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐩:

Want to get the best out of your time? Add in a helicopter ride over Manhattan, a sunset cruise around the Statue of Liberty, or a day trip to Brooklyn or the Hamptons for a different NYC vibe.

At Awesome Travel Holidays, we create tailor-made city breaks designed around you. A New York adventure can be a stand-alone trip or part of a bigger USA journey.

Ready to make your NYC dream a reality?

🌍 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 🌍

The post Why a New York City Break is an Awesome Choice for UK Travellers first appeared on Awesome Travel Holidays.

A delightful way to appreciate a new destination is through the cuisine on offer and Lower Manhattan serves up a fine variety of awesome establishments. Expect everything from fast food outlets to exceptional street food, fabulous cafes, brasseries, and exceptional fine dining restaurants.

The main problem is where to start. While travelling, time is often limited and the range of choices is overwhelming. But when food is a passion, you need a quick guide that picks out those little gems, so here goes; ‘Where to eat in Lower Manhattan’. Some of the places we found awesome and would not hesitate to return.

Let’s start in the renowned district of Chinatown and have a proper Chinese chow. This vibrant district has amazing eateries and just buzzes with life, in fact its bordering on mayhem.

Shanghai Café

Try the Shanghai Café for awesome hot and sour’ soup and magnificent soup dumplings. The sweet and sour chicken was seriously good and the crispy duck was fantastic.

The Shanghai Café is located at 100 Mott Street, between Canal and Hester Streets. It’s not a posh establishment (most aren’t) and don’t go expecting striking décor or impressive service; the emphasis is on food, and at that, they excel.

Royal Seafood

Another great restaurant, over the road, is the Royal Seafood at 100 Mott Street which serves classic and modern dishes. This busy restaurant has amazing Dim Sum, but all round the food is stellar. The crispy chicken with garlic was superb and the shrimp wrapped in yellow bean curd skin was excellent, crispy, and delicious. Ooh and the lobster, just fantastic.

The Royal Seafood is at 103 Mott Street, expect a bright, hectic, and busy restaurant and if you arrive at a busy time you may well have to wait. However, although the wait may occasionally be a little long, it is certainly worth it.

Great NY Noodletown

The final recommendation for delicious Chinese food in Chinatown is the Great NY Noodletown. They simply serve the best wonton noodle soup in town. The Fish Maws & Egg White Crab Meat Soup, may not be the cheapest item on the menu, but is just amazing. The roasted chicken and the roasted pork are divine.

You will find the Great NY Noodletown at 28 Bowery Street on the corner of Bayard Street in Chinatown. Again, don’t go expecting or judging this restaurant on the interior decor, the service, go for the food and enjoy an authentic, delicious Chinese meal.

Lombardi’s

Moving north of Chinatown, we enter one of the most interesting and vibrant parts of the city, **Little Italy**. Most people love pizza and if you are one of them, head to Lombardi’s

This famous pizzeria was founded in 1905, reputed to be the first pizzeria in the United States and to this day still produces a mouth-watering smoky-crusted pizza topped with San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. The baked pizzas are still prepared at 32 Spring Street in a coal oven.

The pizza is just incredible. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, you must put Lombardi’s on your places to visit. Full of character, a great ambiance and packed full of memorabilia.

The Ferrara Bakery

The Lepore family operates an establishment that can its roots way back to 1892. The Ferrara Bakery produces the finest Italian dishes, cakes, desserts and serves up the best coffee in their renowned café. It’s certainly worth a visit, so much delicious food to try and just amazing to soak up the ambiance.

For five generations, this landmark café in New York City’s Little Italy has been producing the finest Italian and French desserts, cannoli, sfogliatella and gelato. It’s an institution and you need to get there. Spoil yourself and order the tiramisu, ooh and the eclairs are amazing.

The Spotted Pig

After a night on the town there is nowhere like The Spotted Pig. The food and ambiance is just amazing, the food sublime.

This remarkable joint, opened in 2004, is reputed to be New York City’s first gastropub. Owned and managed by April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman.

The Spotted Pig has earned one star from the Michelin Guide for seven consecutive years. It has seriously great grub and open till 2am.

The menu is full of treats to cure or prevent any hangover. You will find this amazing venue on 314 West, 11th Street, Greenwich. The legendary Roquefort burgers served with shoestring fries are simply, mind-boggling, you cannot describe the sheer pleasure of tucking into this feast. The Cubano Sandwich with Arugula Salad is also amazing. Oh and by the way the Bloody Mary is quite exceptional.

Barbuto Restaurant

Nearby in West Village you will discover the Italian Barbuto Restaurant. Chef and owner Jonathan Waxman creates fine Italian fare from his garage space on Washington Street.

Don’t be fooled by the description of the venue, it’s amazing, a great vibe and food to die for. Highlighting an open kitchen and unpretentious décor this restaurant is a great place to enjoy some good wholesome Italian grub.

The wine list is sensible and not overwhelming offering a fine selection of wines at very reasonable prices. We kicked off with a sangria, which was delicious.

Owner Jonathan Waxman offers two great books which are a great memento to remember a special meal, ‘A Great American Cook’ and ‘Italian, My Way’. Must say we loved the Italian, his way, Barbuto is up there as one of those priceless little gems.

Please Don’t Tell

In East Village, there is a well-known lady at a bar that makes the best cocktails in ‘da city’. You’ll find the aptly named ‘Please Don’t Tell‘ at 113 St. Marks Place.

It’s a cool place to hang-out. You gain entry through a phone booth in Crif Dogs next door. ‘Please Don’t Tell’ is certainly worth a visit, the cocktails are sublime. Be warned it gets seriously busy. By the way Crif Dogs make a serve up a mean hot dog, so while you’re there you might as well tuck in. I bet you will be back for more, they are delicious.

City Winery

Get yourself over to the City Winery. It’s a wine bar, restaurant, and music venue, all in one.

This city winery offers so much: from wine tasting and pairing, great concerts, and tasty food, they even make wine.

Try the Butcher’s Table Meatballs, Braised Duck Tacos or tuck into an awesome “LaFrieda” Burger, it’s delish! The flatbreads are fantastic, in fact unbelievable. The Wolfer Dry Rose Cider is quite unique, really tastes like more.

Fine Dining:

If fine dining is your passion you certainly will not be disappointed with the line-up of fine restaurants in this magical part of the city. New York certainly has its fair share of excellent fine dining venues and Lower Manhattan does not dissapoint.

Blue Hill

If you want to savour a meal at one of New York’s finest establishments, then head off to Blue Hill. Located at 75 Washington Place, between 6th Avenue and MacDougal Street, this restaurant offers fine dining at its best. Choose between the ‘Daily Menu’ and the ‘Farmer’s Feast’, the menus feature local food and wines and you are sure, to be blown away.

This fine restaurant offers patrons an awesome venue, incredible cuisine, and brilliant service. The wine list is incredible and you will definitely find a bottle to compliment this fine fare.

Get this gem in your diary and book to avoid disappointment. The restaurant is open Monday – Saturday from 5 pm to 11pm, and on Sundays 5pm-10pm.

Gotham Grill

It is difficult to write about the Gotham Grill without wanting to return. I must say if I had to pick a winner this is it. Every adjective that exists would be poured into the text, it’s sublime.

Head to 12th Street and you will find the Gotham Grill . Try the 28-day aged New York steak which is just as delicious as the Maine Lobster. The food at Gotham is insanely good, loved it. The Gotham Chocolate Cake is superb: what an indulgence, but worth every cent you spend and every inch you may gain.

This restaurant has too many accolades to mention here in my humble blog but this will give you the flavour. In 2010 the New York Times awarded Gotham its fifth three-star review, a distinction achieved by no other New York restaurant.

Since 2005, the restaurant has maintained a one star Michelin rating. The Gotham Grill Restaurant is consistently highly ranked in the annual Zagat Guide.

Enjoy Lower Manhattan. This is a small part of New York, but it’s vibrant, it oozes charm, excitement, and it’s a dynamic place to interact with locals, business people and fellow travellers.

We hope this blog will help you on your travels. Our next blog on New York will focus on the Midtown area of Manhattan. Till then, enjoy the Big Apple.

Want to send me a message use: enquiries@awesometravelholidays.com

Awesome@Travel

Zapisz

The post Where to Eat in Lower Manhattan first appeared on Awesome Travel Holidays.

Lower Manhattan is often referred to as Downtown Manhattan and encompasses the neighbourhood south of 14th Street, flanked by the Hudson and East Rivers, down its southernmost tip at New York Harbour and the legendary Brooklyn Bridge.

The area was originally inhabited by the Native American – Lenape People. In 1626, Dutch settlers arrived and set up a fur trading post which they called New Amsterdam. In 1664, the conquering British claimed victory and re-named it New York after the Duke of York.

A hideous snippet from history is this callous account of an incident that took place after a series of fires in 1741. Officials in the city arrested 31 blacks and 4 whites, suspected of arson, all of whom were later convicted. The city officials executed 13 of them by burning them alive and hanged all the others.

New York’s, Lower Manhattan offers visitors a window into the past, with historical reminders of bygone days to feats of modern day engineering. This vibrant part of New York City provides many cultural attractions, a thriving restaurant scene and bustling shops.

Sight-seeing

It is worth visiting the National Museum of the American Indian and the Trinity Church. The South Ferry area offers visitors a view into maritime history, summer concerts and winter ice-skating, along with shops, restaurants, cultural activities, harbour cruises and more. You can board the Staten Island Ferry and catch ferries to Ellis and Liberty Islands. Don’t forget to get a selfie with the Statue of Liberty for the wall back home.

Completed in 1883 the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. Spanning the East River, it connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge and get some great shots of the city from the wide wood-plank pedestrian walkway which is elevated above the traffic, it’s spectacular.

Famous places to get that selfie in the financial hub district include: the New York Stock Exchange, Wall Street and Federal Hall. Get to Stone Street, which is a landmark stretch of cobblestone, lined with historic buildings. It is believed to be the City’s oldest paved road.

The 9/11 Memorial is understandably an extremely popular site for visitors. The One World Trade Center at the time of writing was the 4th tallest building in the world, it has a three-level observatory at the top affording awesome views of the city, well worth the effort. Visit the historic Trinity Church, an active parish church in the Episcopal Diocese of New York, near the intersection of Wall Street and Broadway.

But Lower Manhattan is certainly not all about a financial district. It’s boasts many neighbourhoods celebrated in literature and film, legend and shared passionately amongst travellers. Districts like China Town, Little Italy, Greenwich Village, the Meatpacking District, East Village and off course SoHo, TriBeCa, NoHo and NoLIta are all worth exploring.

We hope this blog will help you on your travels. If you are looking to stay in this awesome area of the Big Apple visit our blog, ‘Where to Stay in Lower Manhattan’ which will give you a range of the best accommodation in various price categories. Enjoy Manhattan’s, Lower Manhattan, we did, it’s a great area to stay and explore.

Have a question or need help: enquiries@awesometravelholidays.com

Awesome@Travel

The post What to Do in Lower Manhattan first appeared on Awesome Travel Holidays.

New York City is an awesome destination and for many a ‘must do’ on their bucket lists. Whether you have been once or many times you could never get bored visiting this vibrant community. Enjoy the sights and energy that sets this iconic city apart from many other world centres.

Lower Manhattan is the central borough for business, culture, and government in the City of New York. Often referred to as Downtown Manhattan. The Lower Manhattan neighbourhood encompasses everything south of 14th Street, flanked by the Hudson and East Rivers, down its southernmost tip at New York Harbour.

When it comes to booking accommodation, New York is not a cheap destination. However, for many of us this may well be a once in a life time trip, so stay, we will. Here’s a guide to help you choose a suitable place to lay your head, whether rich or poor. We have taken 3 main factors, amongst others, into account when recommending these hotels: location, price and reputation.

Budget Hotels

The Jane Hotel

The Jane Hotel is in an excellent location in West Village, Greenwich overlooking the Hudson River. The hotel was built in 1908 as a home for sailors and lovingly restored in 2008. Comprising 200 nautically themed rooms, The Jane offers a choice of beds and bunks. Most of the rooms have shared bathrooms. However, for a reasonable supplement 30 Captain’s Cabins offer guests an en-suite option.

The Jane Hotel provides its guests free Wi-fi access and you have the free use of bicycles to explore the city. The hotel restaurant serves good food and the Victorian-style bar is a hoot.

In the area, try the Barbuto Restaurant just around the corner in Washington Street, great for brunch, lunch or dinner and the Spotted Pig on 11th Street is great for a late-night meal. Just so many cool places around here.

The Leon Hotel

The Leon Hotel in Chinatown occupies an excellent location for exploring Lower Manhattan. The hotel provides fantastic value for money in comfortable, stylish and clean accommodation in what is a convenient city neighbourhood.

The rooms have air-conditioning, iPod docking station and cable TV. Ask for a room with a view of the Manhattan Bridge, it’s awesome. There is a subway nearby and it’s an easy walk up to the East Village, Little Italy and SoHo.

Mid-range Hotels

Club Quarters Hotel – World Trade Center

The Club Quarters Hotel offers stunning views of One World Trade Center and the reflecting pools of the National September 11th Memorial.

The World Terrace Club, located on the 20th floor, caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s a pleasant venue to just go and chill out and enjoy some delicious cocktails while you soak up the views of the Hudson River, the World Trade center and across the Lower Manhattan skyline.

You can enjoy a relaxing meal or you can order room service from the World Terrace Club.

The Club Quarters Hotel provides a variety of rooms, all well-appointed, clean and nicely decorated. Guests can choose from a lead-in standard rooms, club rooms to superior rooms and one-room suites with kitchenettes. Guests looking to stay at the hotel for longer can opt for the studio or deluxe studio apartments.

Feeling ravenous and in the mood for an awesome meal? Well great news, you don’t have far to travel for one of the best steaks ever, just get downstairs. Morton’s The Steakhouse, located at the entrance of the hotel features legendary steak and seafood dishes on its exclusive menu.

Morton’s bar is a great place to chill, meet people and enjoy some tasty nibbles, but save on the nibbles for the real deal. Try the Lobster Bisque it’s amazing and the Porterhouse Steak was fabulous.

The steaks served at Morton’s are USDA Prime-Aged Beef and trust me when you get that succulent piece of prime meat in your mouth you realise just how amazing it is. Apart from meats, the seafood menu is appealing, try the salmon fillet, it’s delicious.

Alternatively, you can visit a multitude of local restaurants in the vicinity. If you feeling tired or lazy, just order from one of the many take-away outlets and have a meal delivered to your room.

This hotel offers a shared lounge and a fitness centre, free Wi-Fi access is available for guests. The hotel is well-placed next to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, and just 200 metres from Ground Zero and the One World Trade Center. It’s just a 3-minute walk to the Subway. There is so much to see and do in the area, it’s great.

NobleDEN Hotel

Choosing to stay at the NobleDEN Hotel in Little Italy is a great choice. Apart from the amazing, vibrant neighbourhood and the easy access to numerous tourist sites in Manhattan and beyond, there are great restaurants, bars, cafes and deli’s in which to soak up that New York ambiance.

All the hotel guest rooms are pleasantly decorated, presenting a clean and fresh look with delightful hardwood floors. Each en-suite room provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a hairdryer, in-room safe and air conditioning. Some of the rooms do have a terrace or balcony.

The comfortable accommodation comprises a variety of room types from Double Queen, Double Full, Double Full with a balcony, King, King Juliette and the awesome King Penthouse.

Thoughtful attention has been given to even the smallest details including a minibar by your bedside to the extra storage at the foot of your bed, genius.

The highly rated 54 bed NobleDEN Hotel offers guests a warm welcome and you feel at ease as soon as you arrive. The attentive and genuinely friendly staff add to ensure that you have a good stay, they are really, very helpful.

Experience comfortable rooms in a hotel that is in striking distance of not just Little Italy but Chinatown, Nolita, Soho, and the Lower East Side. NobelDEN is a great choice for a mid-range hotel in New York.

You must go and have a pizza at Lombardi’s, it’s an institution that has been consistently producing awesome pizzas since 1905 and it’s just around the corner from the NobleDEN Hotel.

The Ferrara Bakery has been creating fine Italian dishes, cakes, desserts and serving delicious coffees in their renowned café. Now managed by the 5th generation Ferrara family: still to this day, consistently creating the finest products, since 1892.

The Marlton Hotel

Once you’ve booked at The Marlton, expect to discover a glamorous and stylish, luxury boutique hotel, dating back to the 1900s. The Marlton Hotel is such an awesome establishment, conveniently located in Greenwich, you feel privileged the minute your eyes feast upon the entrance. Once inside, you cannot stop admiring the décor, and you just want to wander around, taking in more and more. The bar and restaurant are just unbelievable.

The Marlton Hotel guest rooms are well-appointed affording you a comfortable and luxurious stay. The rooms are tastefully decorated with stylish furniture, brass fittings and finished-off with amazing wooden floors.

There are a variety of room types available from the classic Petite Queen Rooms to the fabulous Penthouse Suite, all with marble bathrooms stocked with luxurious Côté Bastide toiletries and bathrobes. The penthouse suite includes a separate living area and a private rooftop terrace.

All bedrooms have comfy beds, fine linen and snug pillows, leaving it just for you to engineer a great night’s sleep. The guest rooms have flat-screen cable TV’s, fully stocked mini-bars and in-room safes.

The Margaux Restaurant offers a selection of dishes with sunny, dynamic flavours, influenced by the cultures and cuisines of the southern and eastern Mediterranean, France and California.

The quality of the food at Margaux is outstanding; the service is fantastic. The emphasis is on quality food in line with the seasons and availability.

The Cocktail Bar is fascinating and captivating, stepping back in time to a by-gone era. This entrancing venue creates an ambience of sophistication, yet off-set by the engaging, attentive and helpful staff, which add to the theatre of this charming venue.

A stay at the Marlton Hotel in New York is a treat like no other, cherish it yourself.

Luxury Hotels

The Broome

Great value for money and an outstanding hotel by all accounts. The Broome journey starts with the staff and ends in sheer pleasure. If you have the budget think no further; this is a great hotel. Located in the fashionable neighbourhood of SoHo this is a great area to explore New York from.

Designed around an open-air, Moroccan-tiled courtyard with just 14 guest rooms on offer; you will need to grab a room in this private oasis when there is availability.

The Broome’s guest rooms are spacious, bright and airy, offering clean and stylish furnishings with a selection of either a Deluxe Queen or Deluxe Queen Patio room.

Each room provides guests with flat-screen cable TV, luxury Bellino bed linen and a work desk. The en-suite bathrooms feature a bathrobe, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries made especially for the hotel.

In addition, there is a 300-square-foot Deluxe Junior Suite which overlooks Broome Street. The Broome’s 320-square-foot Penthouse with a private terrace provides guests with a charming suite from which to enjoy the comforts of this fine hotel.

The breakfast at The Broome is special. Served in the Parisian-style Broome Café and open-air courtyard on the ground floor you will enjoy a selection of selected organic and locally sourced products. Guests are treated to a ‘farm-to-table’ breakfast with breads and pastries from Balthazar Bakery, fresh dairy products from Rhonnybrook Farms, fresh-squeezed orange juice, Oro- Granola and made-to-order egg dishes.

The public areas are decorated with the owner’s personal art collection which includes works from many renowned artists. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi and complimentary infused water, coffee, tea and seasonal fruits in lobby throughout the day. Those wishing to keep in shape will be pleased with the complimentary access to Drive 495 fitness centre on the corner.

The Broome is just one block away from Little Italy. The Prince Street underground station is a short walk from the hotel.

This SoHo Boutique Hotel offers it’s guests an intimate and comfortable base in the City. Lower Manhattan’s, SoHo neighbourhood is a great location from which to explore the many sights in this remarkable and vibrant city.

The Broome is an exclusive residence which will have you coming back every time you visit New York.

Andaz Wall Street – A Hyatt Hotel

Located in the heart of New York City’s financial hub is the Andaz Wall Street – A Hyatt Hotel. The Andaz Wall Street is located within walking distance to the South Street Seaport, New York Stock exchange and ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Governor’s Island.

This area offers visitors a brilliant location from which to discover the city. The area is just so awesome, you can feel the energy of the city, the buzz of the many people hurriedly going about their business.

The neighbourhood around Wall Street is packed with historical sites and is close-by many tourist attractions.

Visit Stone Street, Wall Street, the Stock Exchange, Federal Hall and Trinity Church. The National Museum of the American Indian is interesting. The South Ferry area is where you can catch a ferry to the islands or visit the Statue of Liberty.

The modern guest rooms at The Andaz Wall Street offer the guest a choice of five categories including: Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Junior Premium suites, as well as Accessible Rooms.

For those tired of exploring and seeking a ‘night in’, the good news is that the Andaz offers guests a pleasant and contemporary Bistro and Bar – Dina Rata. Have a relaxed meal at the bar or during the warmer months relax in the beer garden and watch the world go by with some tasty nibbles. For those too tired to move, there is room service available with a selection of beverages.

If you want to stay in shape you will be pleased to hear that there is a gym which is open 24 hours and for those seeking a little pampering the Spa is a great and offers good deals.

For those on business and needing some private meeting rooms you will be pleased to note that Andaz has five high-tech conference rooms, a private dining room, courtyard and garden terrace for hire.

The Bowery Hotel

This is such a remarkable hotel, it’s like stepping back in time; the décor, antiques and general ambiance is just so appealing. The staff bring The Bowery Hotel to life, it’s personal, not over-powering and leaves you feeling wanted, appreciated and valued.

The classic rooms at The Bowery Hotel offer guests four choices, the Bowery Queen, Bowery King, Bowery Suite and the Bowery One Bedroom.

Every room is well-appointed and tastefully decorated with large windows to facilitate an awesome view over the city. Large marble bathrooms with rain showers, plush towels and luxury C.O. Bigelow bath amenities. The rooms feature flat-screen televisions, TV with cable channels and a mini-bar. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi. The rooms are inviting and the beds just so comfortable, you just don’t want to get up.

The Lobby Bar and lounge is well, just amazing. Sit and let your imagination flow as you look over the endless features and fittings which make this such a special place. The bar is truly unbelievable, you can spend hours sipping away, enjoying the ambiance. The staff are fabulous; this is a great hotel.

The Italian restaurant Gemma offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails. Brunch is offered on Saturday and Sunday, and 24-hour room service is also available.

The Bowery Hotel in East Village is within walking distance of several music venues including the Bowery Ballroom and Mercury Lounge.

The nearest metro station is Bleecker Street, 300 yards away. Newspapers are complimentary, as is the use of bicycles and DVDs. There is 24-hour concierge service at The Bowery Hotel.

The Bowery Hotel is an experience to savour, enjoy the stay.

Conrad New York

It’s modern, it’s comfortable and luxurious and it sets the tone for a great stay at a renowned address in New York City. This 5-star Hilton property is in Battery Park offers guests fine accommodation and facilities in a contemporary and pleasing environment.

Conrad New York Hotel offers guests 463, well sized, luxury hotel suites which are simply amazing. You feel like you are being pampered the moment you enter the guest rooms. Exquisitely furnished, practical and with some of the best views ever.

There are three main categories of rooms including: Guest Rooms, Suites and Accessible Rooms. This offers a choice of thirteen different configurations to choose from. From a Deluxe Suite to a Luxury Corner Suite and everything in between.

The lead-in 430sq ft. Deluxe Suite offers guests a private bedroom equipped with an HDTV and a comfortable living room boasting a wet bar with Nespresso machine and mini-bar. A dedicated work space makes it easy to keep up with work. The bathrooms feature a rainfall shower.

As a guest at the Conrad New York expect the finest dining and the best cocktails, expertly created by the inspirational and skilled staff. The ATRIO Wine Bar and Mediterranean Restaurant offers guests a modern Mediterranean selection of dishes. Great to just unwind or entertain guests with stunning views over the city and the Hudson River.

The Loopy Doopy Bar is the place to sip a cocktail or enjoy a cold beer while you soak up the extraordinary vistas from this popular rooftop bar. Meet fellow travellers or business colleagues and enjoy, what has to be, one of the most iconic rooftop bars in New York City.

In a hurry? The coffee bar features espressos, cappuccinos and pastries. The expansive bar, with its vast selection of wines by the glass, is the perfect place to unwind. The all-day menu offers a variety of light snacks through to more substantial meals.

The Conrad is a great hotel choice for New York, offering contemporary accommodation in well-sized and comfortable suites.

With great food and beverage offerings strategically placed to capture the surroundings, the Conrad is certainly a fine choice for the discerning traveller whether on holiday or business.

Close to many sights and just a 5-minute walk from the closest subway you have the Big Apple at your disposal to discover from one of the city’s finest hotels.

Exceptional Hotels

The Greenwich Hotel

This magnificent 88 room boutique hotel in Tribeca was conceived by Robert De Niro.

The Greenwich Hotel oozes charm with the stylish en-suite guest rooms offering guests a comfortable and relaxing stay. Choose from no less than thirteen room categories from a lead-in Queen Room to the outstanding Tribeca Penthouse.

The Tribeca Penthouse features three bedrooms, kitchen, living room and a drawing room. The kitchen has a Chef’s Kitchen with full size refrigerator, oven and stovetop.

The lower and upper terrace area comes with an eighteen-seater table for al fresco dining. This is New York at its best, rates for the Tribeca Penthouse start at $15,000 per day.

The hotel supports an in-door swimming pool, gym and the Japanese style spa – Shibui Spa. The on-site Italian Restaurant, Locanda Verde is simply superb. Open for Breakfast, lunch and dinner Chef and co-owner Andrew Carmellini delivers great fare in a vibrant and charming setting.

The staff are outstanding, helpful and knowledgeable, making your stay not just outstanding but so memorable. You will feel like a celebrity staying at this awesome New York Boutique Hotel.

Crosby Street Hotel

Be prepared to be pampered and flattered in one of the world’s finest hotels. The Crosby Street Hotel in SoHo is rated amongst the very best hotels in New York for a reason, they offer a fantastic product and exacting service to meet the needs of their privileged guests.

Located on a cobbled street in the trendy Soho neighbourhood this is a gem of a hotel. The décor is amazing, a truly awesome luxury boutique hotel. The 86-guest room and suites are big for a New York property, expertly fitted out with the most comfortable bed ever. The bedrooms are equipped with flat-screen cable TV, DVD player and iPod docking station.

This Firmdale hotel has a brilliant inner-courtyard which is perfect for chilling out and the restaurant is amazing. Good Wi-Fi and a well-equipped gym will keep you busy. Visit Lombardi’s in Little Italy which is nearby for an amazing pizza. The Spring Street subway is close by as is a host of great speciality stores.

Enjoy Lower Manhattan. This is a small part of New York, but it’s vibrant, it oozes charm, excitement and it’s a dynamic place to interact with locals, business people and fellow travellers.

Last word beware! when making a reservation most quoted rates do not include the 14.75% tax, the US city tax and sometimes even a resort fee may be charged. Read the small print.

We hope this blog will help you on your travels. Our next blog on New York will focus on ‘Where to Eat’ in Lower Manhattan.

Till then, enjoy the Big Apple.

Have a question or want to send me a message use: enquiries@awesometravelholidays.com

Awesome@Travel

The post Where to Stay in Lower Manhattan first appeared on Awesome Travel Holidays.