Best hotels in New York City 2019

By Andrew Martineau

Planning your next vacation to New York City? The Big Apple is the destination of choice for art aficionados and history buffs, sports fan and culture mavens, foodies and fashionistas alike. No matter what you seek, you'll find it in New York. If you're looking for New York hotels, the good news is, you've got plenty of choice. With so many activities and attractions scattered throughout the five boroughs, you can find cheap hotels in New York that make your stay even more convenient. Or, if you want to splash out, there are plenty of swanky options too. Here are a few of our favorite NYC hotels for 2019...

Ace Hotel Chelsea

Perfect for couples, the hip Ace Hotel Chelsea offers hardwood floors, vintage furnishing, original art, turntables, and minibars. For the budget-conscious, try a mini or bunkbed room. Enjoy dining at The Breslin, featuring a James Beard chef, and make the most of the on-site lobby bar and coffee shop. The Ace Hotel's location in Union Square makes it an ideal place to explore Chelsea and the Meatpacking District on a Highline Neighborhood Walking Tour, which is included on the Go New York Pass. Just south, you can take the Madison Square Garden Tour or marvel at the views from the top of the Empire State Building. Address: 20 W 29th Street, New York, NY 10001 Phone number: 212-679-2222 Image of City, Urban, Cityscape,

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Times Square

If hotels in Times Square New York fit the bill, look no further than the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton. Ideal for families, this comfortable hotel puts you right in the center of the action. You'll enjoy the convenience of being just steps away from popular New York attractions like the Broadway Theater District, which you can explore on the Inside Broadway Walking Tour before taking in a show, and Madame Tussauds New York on Times Square. It's also the perfect place to hop on the New York pass' Big Bus New York 1-Day Tour. The DoubleTree offers 612 rooms, some pet-friendly, equipped with Wi-Fi access and blackout curtains for a good night's sleep. The property also offers a business center, a fitness room, an on-site restaurant and a rooftop lounge with amazing Manhattan views. Address: 350 W. 40th Street, New York, NY 10018 Phone number: 212-607-8888

The Plaza New York

Dreaming of luxurious hotels in Manhattan New York? Book a suite at The Plaza. This upscale hotel forms the perfect backdrop for a romantic stay with that special someone, thanks to views of Central Park. You can explore the park on foot on a walking tour or by bike. You'll also enjoy easy access to top attractions such as Radio City Music Hall and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). While staying at The Plaza, you can relax in the spa, explore high-end shops and boutiques, sip drinks at the champagne bar, and dine in style at one of many acclaimed eateries. Address: Fifth Avenue at Central Park South New York, NY 10019 Phone number: 212-759-3000 Image of Light, Urban, Neon, City, Computer Hardware, Electronics, Hardware, Monitor, Screen, Lighting,

The Hoxton Williamsburg

Stay in style at The Hoxton. This Williamsburg hotel features thoughtfully designed rooms complete with locally curated art and bespoke linens on every bed. Save a few dollars and choose a "Cosy" room, or choose the larger "Roomy" option. (Note: all rooms sleep a max of two guests, so this isn't a family-style hotel). Either way, you'll appreciate the views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines. Nearby, you'll find New York Explorer Pass attractions such as the Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour and the Museum of Food and Drink. Address: 97 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249 Phone number: 718-215-7100

New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge

Bring the whole family for a stay at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge. This downtown hotel features access to Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO tours, as well as the Brooklyn Museum and Botanic Garden. Rooms feature views of the East River and the iconic bridge. You can swim in the indoor pool, work out in the fitness center, and dine at the Bar or Brooklyn Pantry. Address: 333 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Phone number: 718-246-7000 Image of Don't forget to pick up a New York City Explorer Pass® if you're visiting the Big Apple. Save money on New York's most popular attractions and you'll have more cash to splash on a fancy hotel.

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View of the Empire State Building from Top of the Rock, New York
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Top of the Rock vs Empire State Building: Comparing the Differences Between the Two Observation Decks

So, what's the difference between the Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building?  Both are historically and culturally important buildings and offer some of the best skyline views New York City has to offer, but the two experiences can be very different.  Although the Empire State Building might be the most iconic building on the New York City skyline, keep in mind you don't have much of a view of it from the building itself (the same goes for Top of the Rock). We've put together a list of the key similarities and differences between the two attractions to help you decide which one best fits your New York itinerary, we're talking...  What's included with general admission  The different locations  The difference between the views  Top tips for visiting both  How to save on entry to both  Both observation decks feature educational exhibits and experiences included in the general admission price. Think modern displays and historical explanations, and of course, fantastic views. Here's a summary of what you can expect at each experience.  Empire State Building general admission includes:    Access to the Main Observation Deck, a 360-degree, open-air 86th-floor Observation Deck.  Admission to The Empire State Building Experience, including 12 interactive displays on the 2nd and 80th floors.  Access to a self-guided multimedia tour that helps identify the landmarks you can see in the skyline.  Please note: Access to the 102nd floor is not included with general admission tickets, other add-ons like express passes can also be bought for an extra charge.  Top of the Rock general admission includes:   Access to three floors of indoor and outdoor observation decks on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors.  Sky shuttle elevator ride up to the top with a light show.  Admission to exhibits that feature Top of the Rock and Rockefeller Center history and the interactive Beam Walk, which simulates what it's like to walk on a construction beam 69 floors above Manhattan.  Comparing locations The biggest difference between the views from each building's observation deck is the view of the actual buildings themselves. If you're interested in the best views of the Empire State Building, head up to the Top of the Rock. If you want one of the best views of Rockefeller Plaza, get yourself to the top of the Empire State Building.  View from the Empire State Building  The observation deck in the Empire State Building is slightly higher than the Top of the Rock's deck, which stands at 1,050 feet above the ground. The building is located further south in Manhattan, so offers better views of the cluster of skyscrapers near the water in the Financial District. Landmarks you can see from the Empire State Building:  Rockefeller Plaza Center, Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center (closer views than at Top of the Rock), Central Park (further away views than from Top of the Rock), Times Square, Statue of Liberty (closer views than at Top of the Rock), the Brooklyn Bridge and more.  View from the Top of the Rock  Slightly lower than the Empire State Building observation deck, the deck at Top of the Rock is 800 feet above the ground. The building is located further north in Manhattan, so it offers better views of Central Park. Landmarks you can see from the Top of the Rock:  Empire State Building, Chrysler Building (partially obscured), One World Trade Center (further away than at the Empire State Building), Central Park (closer than from the Empire State Building), Bank of America Tower, Flatiron Building, and more.  Tips for visiting the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock  Empire State Building tips:    To beat the crowds, it's best to visit early in the morning or late in the evening.  Plan to spend 2-3 hours visiting the Empire State Building.  If you want to catch the sunset, plan to get to the top well before - the hour before sunset is excellent for pictures, too! (Leave extra time to wait in line, sunset is a popular time to visit.)  Kids under six can visit for free with an accompanying adult. Strollers are allowed, but you must be able to fold it before taking the elevator ride up.  Prepare for the security line and help speed up the process by making sure you don't have any prohibited items.  Dress for the weather and remember it's colder and windier up there.  Bring a camera to capture the best views.  Top of the Rock tips:    To avoid the largest crowds, plan to visit Top of the Rock early in the morning. Weekday visits tend to be less busy.  Plan to spend at least one hour visiting the Top of the Rock and take your time at the exhibits. Once you pass through, you can't return to the exhibits.  If you want to catch the sunset, plan to get to the top well before. Those golden hour pictures can come out even nicer than ones of the actual sunset!  Download the Top of the Rock app for a skyline guide that identifies the buildings you're looking at. It's also got audio tours you can listen to as well.  As with the Empire State Building, it's colder and windier at the top, so make sure to bring some spare layers.  Don't forget your camera, portable chargers, and binoculars to guarantee the best views and best pics. So, which New York observation deck should you choose? Both attractions are extremely popular and offer unique experiences. The main difference is genuinely the view. So if you can only fit in one, pick the view you'd prefer to see. If you want the most iconic picture of New York's skyline, go to Top of the Rock because then your pictures will have the Empire State Building in them.   But if you're more keen to tick the Empire State off your bucket list, you can capture stunning views featuring the water and Rockefeller Plaza instead. It'll be a winner, whichever you choose.  Can't choose? No need, see both with Go City® Now for the best bit, how to visit both observation decks without breaking the bank!  With a pass, you can save up to 50% on entry compared to buying individual admission tickets at each destination. Take a Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour or visit the American Museum of Natural History. Or, (if you haven't had your fill of stunning views yet) head up to the Edge or One World Observatory for even more thrilling city panoramas.  Discover our full line-up of New York attractions including landmarks, museums, tours, and more. 🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.   😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 
Casey Makovich
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New York City Labor Day Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in September

Labor Day weekend is one of the last chances for a summer getaway. New York City is certainly going to be a fun and festive place to be on this long weekend. If you’re looking for New York City Labor Day Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in New York City in September, including... Metropolitan Museum of Art Empire State Building Top of the Rock Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Immigration Museum Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tours Central Park Tours NYC Labor Day Parade Brooklyn Bridge Park Pool And more! From sights that should be on every NYC bucket list to Labor Day special events, we've got you covered. 1. Empire State Building It goes without saying, but we'll say it anyway. The Empire State Building is a must-see and should be among your biggest priorities when planning your NYC Labor Day vacation. As one of the most iconic buildings in the city, there's no way you can miss out on a chance to climb to the top. Visit the 86th floor observation deck and look upon the entire city from 1,050 feet above ground. The building is located in the heart of Manhattan, so there's plenty to see and do before or after you visit the top! 2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Met, is consistently voted of TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Museums in the United States. From modern Europe to ancient Oceania, the Met covers every culture and every artistic medium around the world. We suggest you head to the rooftop to enjoy refreshments, soak up stunning New York City skyline views of Manhattan and Central Park, and see what temporary installation exhibits they're hosting on the roof. Keep in mind that the Met has two sister institutions, too: the Met Cloisters, featuring secular and religious medieval art and Met Breuer, with a focus on contemporary art. You can visit either of those two for free with a ticket from the Met for three consecutive days! 3. Top of the Rock Another great place to see the city from above is at the Top of the Rock Observatory. Travel 800 feet up to one of three observation decks at the famous 30 Rock building. From the very top, you'll have a clear view of the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, Central Park and more. While both the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock are famous in their own right, many people say that Top of the Rock has more unobstructed views these days. If you don't want to pay a visit to both, keep that in mind when choosing. 4. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Another great culturally-enriching option for travelers to New York is the Museum of Modern Art. The MoMA is a top artistic institution in NYC, filled with a variety of mediums and art installations by the most famous artists in history. Some of the most notable works that call the museum home include Van Gogh's The Starry Night, Claude Monet's Reflections of Clouds, and Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans. 5. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Immigration Museum For history buffs and those who are New York-obsessed, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum should definitely be on your itinerary. General admission to both is free, but you will need to pay for the ferry ticket to get to both attractions. Both the museum and the iconic statue serve as a huge part of New York's history. Learn more about Lady Liberty, a gift from France, and the story of Ellis Island with a self-guided audio tour. Ellis Island is also an important piece of American history for those whose families came to the United States during the first half of the twentieth century. Check out their moving exhibits, especially the Peopling of America Galleries. From the island, you'll have unmatched views of Lady Liberty up close as well as a fantastic landscape of downtown Manhattan. 6. Rent a bike Photo via iStock There's no better way to take advantage of a beautiful day in New York City than to rent a bike--especially if you're going to take that bike over the Brooklyn Bridge! Whether you're looking to go solo and make your own route, or you want to follow a guided bike tour of all the must-see spots, a bike ride over the bridge is guaranteed to make your trip that much better. 7. Central Park By Ingfbruno (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia CommonsAnother great place to rent a bike or take a tour is Central Park. Central Park is the most-visited public park in the entire country! And it's no wonder -- the park is gigantic and chock-full of things to see and do. Rent a bike to get some exercise while you sightsee and keep your kids busy. If you'd prefer a bit of guidance on your peddling, take a bike tour with an expert local tour guide who will showcase all the most significant spots in Central Park, from the Shakespeare Garden to the Cherry Hill Fountain. You can even take a walking tour that will bring you to all the spots in Central Park where movies and TV shows have been filmed. This tour is specialized option for seeing the park, but it can be a great way to tap into your love of media (or your kids' media obsessions!). 8. Coney Island Head to Coney Island for some classic boardwalk fun. It's the perfect place to bring back memories of your own childhood and help your kids create new memories of their own. From carnival games to amusement park rides, Coney Island has it all. Visit Luna Park and test your bravery on rides like the Steeplechase, Brooklyn Flyer, Power Surge and more. Get a wristband for the day and enjoy all the exciting rides that fill the boardwalk. You can also relax on one of the public beaches, explore the parks, or even check out a Brooklyn Cyclones game (a minor league baseball team). There's also the nearby New York Aquarium as well as the modest but engaging Coney Island Museum, which is well worth the $5/per adult admission. 9. New York City Labor Day Parade The New York City Labor Day Parade is the annual parade run by the New York City Labor Council in celebration of the working men and women who contribute to New York City. This year the parade will run on Saturday, September 10th, 2022, beginning at 10:00 am. Starting at 44th Street & Fifth Avenue, the parade makes its way through the city filled with local-made floats. Please note, this parade takes place the Saturday after Labor Day Weekend. 10. Brooklyn Bridge Park Pool Photo by Etienne Frossard Don't miss a chance to swim with the Brooklyn Bridge as your backdrop. Since its 2012 debut, the Pop Up Pool at Brooklyn Bridge Park has been a crowd favorite. To avoid overcrowding, visitors are given a 45-minute timed session to splash around and soak in the sun at one of the best parks in NYC. Access to the beach is free to the public, but as mentioned there is a time limit. This is a good alternative to pricey pool clubs in the city and is a nice idea if your hotel doesn't have a pool. 11. Riis Park Beach Bazaar Photo via Dylan Johnson Though a beach day is probably not the first thing on your mind when you're planning a trip to the Big Apple, it's definitely worth adding to your to-do list. The Jack Riis National Park is located right in Queens and hosts an all-summer long party that ends Labor Day Weekend. Don't miss the final hurrah, complete with live music, great food and drinks, and tons of boardwalk games. This national park is open to the public free of charge. 12. West Indian Day Carnival (Labor Day Parade) Photo via Filip Wolak The biggest cultural festival in NYC is the West Indian-American Day Carnival, also known as the Labor Day Carnival Parade, in Brooklyn. This celebration of Caribbean culture features marchers in elaborate costumes promenading down the Eastern Parkway to the sounds of reggae and calypso. The parade takes place on Monday, September 10, 2022 and begins at 11 am. For spectators, tasty ethnic food and drink is also available. Favorites include jerk chicken, fried flying fish, rice and beans, and johnnycakes. Admission is free and open to the public. 13. Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit Photo via Rebecca MB. Pearson Stop in at Washington Square and catch one of the many artists set up there working on portraits and pieces. Hundreds of exhibitors, from NYU students to artists who were born and raised in the Village, display their paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography and more. The show takes place on University Place starting at E 13th Street. These art exhibits are free and open to the public, so they make for a good budget-friendly option this Labor Day. Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these New York attractions are available on the New York Explorer Pass®. Choose as you go from 90 top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. We hope you consider visiting some of these attractions to help round out your summer vacation in style. Share your adventure with us Remember to tag @GoCity in your holiday snaps and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination too! https://www.instagram.com/gocity/
Casey Makovich
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Top Things To Do in Brooklyn and Harlem

Planning a trip to NYC? You'll no doubt want to tick off Manhattan's hotspots - the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and Times Square, to name a few. But, once you've had your fill of world-famous landmarks, why not venture into the lesser-explored areas of the city? Popular Harlem hangouts include the Apollo Theatre, where Ella Fitzgerald got her start, the Levain Bakery where you can feast on giant cookies, and Striver's Row where you can explore gorgeous European-inspired architecture. Over in Brooklyn, there's the trendy Williamsburg neighborhood to discover, Brooklyn Museum where you can get your culture fix, and of course, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge to see up close. The best way to hop from one neighborhood to the next is on a Big Bus Tour, which not only takes you from A to B, but offers all the history and local tips you need from dedicated guides. Get your New York Explorer pass and make the most of a 2-day Hop-On Hop-Off tour. Brooklyn bucket list Take the perfect Brooklyn Bridge photo There's only one way to get this iconic New York snap - on the bridge itself. Get close to this world-famous structure and admire its geometric cable construction from below. You can walk, drive, or bike across, or hop on a Big Bus tour and learn all about the history of the bridge as you travel across. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Λεωνίδας Χαλκιαδάκης (@leonidas_chalk) on Apr 12, 2019 at 6:38am PDT Have a day of fun at Coney Island Harness your inner kid at Luna Park - a traditional, fairground-style park with retro rides and fun eateries. Coney Island is also home to one of New York's best beaches, and there are plenty of concerts and events to keep you busy all year round. Smell the flowers at Brooklyn Botanic Garden This stunning 50-acre green space boasts one of America's biggest rose collections, a magnificent Japanese garden, and a fragrance garden where you can embark on a sensory journey. You'll also find rare bonsai trees in the greenhouse and unique rainforest trees which are used to produce life-saving drugs. If you're visiting in spring, don't miss the gorgeous cherry blossom. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nita (@nitaiamnita) on Apr 11, 2019 at 12:53pm PDT Be a hipster in Williamsburg This popular and exciting Brooklyn neighborhood is where the cool kids hang out (AKA you)! Stroll around the hipster-hood and enjoy the lively arts and music scene. There are numerous cafes where you can people watch, and trendy restaurants to check out. In fact, Williamsburg is Brooklyn's foodiest neighborhood, so don't miss the chance to sample the local cheese, wine, and produce. Harlem Hangouts See a show at the Apollo Theatre Louis Armstrong, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and Ella Fitzgerald have graced the stage at this historic venue. Take a backstage tour or book a show and get the full experience. Every Wednesday, the theatre puts on an 'Amateur Night' which has been running since 1934. Sample sticky buns at the Levain Bakery Oprah raved about the sticky buns at this famous bakery back in 2009, and it's been keeping sweet-toothed customers coming since them. In fact, the queues often snake around the block, so get there early to bag yourself a tasty treat. The bakery's most famous offering is the giant chocolate chip cookies - be sure to grab one ahead of your day's exploring. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Levain Bakery (@levainbakery) on Mar 25, 2019 at 7:50am PDT Discover a different side to Central Park When we say Central Park, you probably think Wollman Ice Rink, the zoo, the fountain - all the famous spots. But, head north of the park and you'll find a peaceful 40-acre wood and a calm pond surrounded by local fisherman. Take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the city to explore this quiet oasis. Stroll along Striver's Row These European-inspired houses make the perfect Instagram snap. Stroll along this historic enclave and take photos of the film-set scenery. This area was home to a few famous residents including Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr, and Bob Dylan. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Harlem Makers Collective (@harlemmakerscollective) on Apr 8, 2019 at 6:06am PDT Until June 1, we're offering two-day Big Bus New York Tours on the New York Explorer pass which give you access to the Harlem and Brooklyn neighborhoods along with central Manhattan. Don't miss out - grab yours today!
Selina Akhtar

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