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Weekend in New York
Rightio I am taking mum, mum in law and OH to New York next year for a long weekend. ABers have already recommended some hotels, Marriot Marquis, Roosevelt and the Helmsley(??). What I now need to know is when would you suggest I go? Its a christmas present to them all so it has to be after December. I was told that Jan and Feb is very very cold (mums are in their 60s and 70s)so was thinking of the first weekend in April (3rd - 8th). Whatcha reckon?
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Maggoty: I want to say a little bit about �The Plaza.� I suppose I�m not surprised that even as I begin to write I feel my stomach muscles involuntarily tighten.
For almost half a century, The Plaza has moved in and out of my veins. As a young boy I was constantly in trouble at the hotel, when the staff would catch me playing with the manually operated lifts between the ballroom and 59th street side of the hotel. I got a right rollicking from my dad and some rather strong nurturing looks of concern from the general manager, when I invited a homeless person in Central Park, to come to our suite, have lunch with me, and watch Mr Ed on telly. I don�t think it was the Club sandwiches that bothered anyone, it was more the three bottles of Glenlivit neatly tucked in the gentleman�s carrier bag. (that room service delivered to the suite without question!)
The Plaza was always like a favourite auntie to me: I�m sure you know what I mean- the one that your parents are jealous of, but mask that jealousy with castaway comments of disdain. And as I grew, many of my life�s history markers occurred within the Plaza.
I share this with you because I was expecting someone to write �what about The Plaza.� So I thought I�d comment on her demise and resurrection ahead of such a comment.
After Donald Trump got hold of the Plaza, her bow was already touching the waterline. Ivana used the full range of her skills (from A-B) to manage the property into the ground. This didn�t matter to Donald. It was, as it has been so many times before, nothing more than an investment, in the most valuable piece of real estate in the world.
Continued:
For almost half a century, The Plaza has moved in and out of my veins. As a young boy I was constantly in trouble at the hotel, when the staff would catch me playing with the manually operated lifts between the ballroom and 59th street side of the hotel. I got a right rollicking from my dad and some rather strong nurturing looks of concern from the general manager, when I invited a homeless person in Central Park, to come to our suite, have lunch with me, and watch Mr Ed on telly. I don�t think it was the Club sandwiches that bothered anyone, it was more the three bottles of Glenlivit neatly tucked in the gentleman�s carrier bag. (that room service delivered to the suite without question!)
The Plaza was always like a favourite auntie to me: I�m sure you know what I mean- the one that your parents are jealous of, but mask that jealousy with castaway comments of disdain. And as I grew, many of my life�s history markers occurred within the Plaza.
I share this with you because I was expecting someone to write �what about The Plaza.� So I thought I�d comment on her demise and resurrection ahead of such a comment.
After Donald Trump got hold of the Plaza, her bow was already touching the waterline. Ivana used the full range of her skills (from A-B) to manage the property into the ground. This didn�t matter to Donald. It was, as it has been so many times before, nothing more than an investment, in the most valuable piece of real estate in the world.
Continued:
Part 2
Once Ivana ran out of ways to turn a classic beauty into something that resembled a Puerto Rican brothel, the property was turned over to the Fairmont Group to manage. They have an excellent history of taking historic landmark properties and running them on tight budgets by cheaply imitating a hotel�s former grand style.
The hotel then was sold to a Middle Eastern investment group, who immediately took all of the prime rooms and converted them into private apartments and pied-�-terres. But bowing to demands from local preservationists, the owners have included a 280 guestroom hotel on the back-side of The Plaza.
Thankfully, the famous Palm-Court has been restored and preserved. The Oak Bar and Oak Room will return. But sadly, the famous Edwardian Room, with her 18 foot high windows overlooking Central Park and Fifth Avenue and arguably the most opulent location to have breakfast in America, never had a chance: it has now been turned into a champagne bar. For me, the loss of that nostalgia is deeply personal. I once slid a small Tiffany & Co ring box across the light pink tablecloth, during one of my most memorable breakfasts. ( I think in my youth I probably slid a few room keys across as well!)
For two specific reasons: 1. It�s run by Fairmont and 2. the only view you would have is of the delivery area of Bergdorf Goodman�s, I�m suggesting that you pass on staying at The Plaza. But by all means, do drop by. Rumour has it that even Mr Al Fayed is considering installing his first US based Harrods store on the Fifth Avenue side of the hotel. But to impress�we can find much better!
I am, however, going to recommend that you look at the property�s website (click on �private residences, then look along the top to find �views� and �Central Park�) This will provide an excellent opportunity for you to see why I�m so comfortable in recommending that you stay at a Central Park hotel!
Once Ivana ran out of ways to turn a classic beauty into something that resembled a Puerto Rican brothel, the property was turned over to the Fairmont Group to manage. They have an excellent history of taking historic landmark properties and running them on tight budgets by cheaply imitating a hotel�s former grand style.
The hotel then was sold to a Middle Eastern investment group, who immediately took all of the prime rooms and converted them into private apartments and pied-�-terres. But bowing to demands from local preservationists, the owners have included a 280 guestroom hotel on the back-side of The Plaza.
Thankfully, the famous Palm-Court has been restored and preserved. The Oak Bar and Oak Room will return. But sadly, the famous Edwardian Room, with her 18 foot high windows overlooking Central Park and Fifth Avenue and arguably the most opulent location to have breakfast in America, never had a chance: it has now been turned into a champagne bar. For me, the loss of that nostalgia is deeply personal. I once slid a small Tiffany & Co ring box across the light pink tablecloth, during one of my most memorable breakfasts. ( I think in my youth I probably slid a few room keys across as well!)
For two specific reasons: 1. It�s run by Fairmont and 2. the only view you would have is of the delivery area of Bergdorf Goodman�s, I�m suggesting that you pass on staying at The Plaza. But by all means, do drop by. Rumour has it that even Mr Al Fayed is considering installing his first US based Harrods store on the Fifth Avenue side of the hotel. But to impress�we can find much better!
I am, however, going to recommend that you look at the property�s website (click on �private residences, then look along the top to find �views� and �Central Park�) This will provide an excellent opportunity for you to see why I�m so comfortable in recommending that you stay at a Central Park hotel!
Part 3
I just had a look at the �Fifth Avenue� image. For a point of reference to two of the other hotels I�ve recommended (The Sherry Netherland and the Pierre) You will see in the far left of the image, at the corner a building: That�s the Sherry Netherland. Next to it is a private residence and then the very last bit of building you can see is actually the Pierre. I just thought I�d share that as a reference point.
I�ll add more later. Oh it would be so much easier to just give you a link to some of my bloggies�but JK would remind me that I can�t. (see JK, I�m trying!)
I will also give you the skinny on transportation, airport access, etc�possibly later tonight.
Be well
Fr Bill
I just had a look at the �Fifth Avenue� image. For a point of reference to two of the other hotels I�ve recommended (The Sherry Netherland and the Pierre) You will see in the far left of the image, at the corner a building: That�s the Sherry Netherland. Next to it is a private residence and then the very last bit of building you can see is actually the Pierre. I just thought I�d share that as a reference point.
I�ll add more later. Oh it would be so much easier to just give you a link to some of my bloggies�but JK would remind me that I can�t. (see JK, I�m trying!)
I will also give you the skinny on transportation, airport access, etc�possibly later tonight.
Be well
Fr Bill
Sorry, for some reason, The Plaza's link didn't post:
http://www.theplazaresidences.com/index.php
Be well
Fr Bill
http://www.theplazaresidences.com/index.php
Be well
Fr Bill
I do concur with most of the Vic's observations but while he has stated many truthful down points of the Plaza ... he forgot another gut- wrenching reason to avoid it - that is the amonia smell from the horse by products, as the horse and carriage tours of Central Park based to the front of the hotel . Mr Sense loves the Essex House, his boss prefers the Pierre.
Sense: I got a good chuckle out of that�yep�Pierre and Essex House are lovely. Now, the horsey thing is a sensitive subject for me. Personally, I adore horses and I was among the many who expressed our outrage when an ordinance was passed to make them wear nappies. How absurd. However, when that ceased, I, just like countless millions of others (I guess) assumed that The Plaza would continue maintaining itself to the standards Westin established when they invested all those millions in her restoration. The repeal of the nappy ordinance came about the same time Ivana arrived. (hmmm perhaps there was a correlation?).
As you probably saw, I had a bit of a go at Fairmont�and I could easily continue. I recall when I took some guests there a few years ago. I discovered that the Fairmont no longer scoured and bleached the pavement in front of the hotel each morning. How daft�but just as daft as their complacent housekeeping policies. In a hotel that develops its own life-blood, messing with the intricacies of its blood flow can become the death knell. Fairmont started using contract housekeeping staff � those who just had a �job� rather than a position of service. The deterioration increased with such rapidity that even with banal films like Home Alone II, they were unable to draw a customer base. Sadly, the society of �ladies and gentlemen� who loved the hotel, showed their disdain for Ivana and refused to frequent the venue, thus causing its revenue to slip into the abyss.
Continued
As you probably saw, I had a bit of a go at Fairmont�and I could easily continue. I recall when I took some guests there a few years ago. I discovered that the Fairmont no longer scoured and bleached the pavement in front of the hotel each morning. How daft�but just as daft as their complacent housekeeping policies. In a hotel that develops its own life-blood, messing with the intricacies of its blood flow can become the death knell. Fairmont started using contract housekeeping staff � those who just had a �job� rather than a position of service. The deterioration increased with such rapidity that even with banal films like Home Alone II, they were unable to draw a customer base. Sadly, the society of �ladies and gentlemen� who loved the hotel, showed their disdain for Ivana and refused to frequent the venue, thus causing its revenue to slip into the abyss.
Continued
Part 2
Sense, you also reminded me of the CPS entrance to Trader Vics. Next to that entrance is the entrance to the subway and there was, at the time, an absolutely revolting burger joint called �Preppy Burger.� (I�m going back more than 30 years). My father and I used to joke about the stench and his comment always was that at least they made their patties fresh, as the horses were right outside!
Oh, the stories I could tell about The Plaza�I learned more and met the most eclectic people than anywhere else in my life! And there a few choice stories about the other venues up and down CPS as well.
Now I�m waffling�30 years ago, a parking attendant smashed up my car and tried to hide it from me when he brought the car down. I would have felt sorry for him except for the fact he so maliciously tried to hide it. What a mess that was!
Be well
Fr Bill
Sense, you also reminded me of the CPS entrance to Trader Vics. Next to that entrance is the entrance to the subway and there was, at the time, an absolutely revolting burger joint called �Preppy Burger.� (I�m going back more than 30 years). My father and I used to joke about the stench and his comment always was that at least they made their patties fresh, as the horses were right outside!
Oh, the stories I could tell about The Plaza�I learned more and met the most eclectic people than anywhere else in my life! And there a few choice stories about the other venues up and down CPS as well.
Now I�m waffling�30 years ago, a parking attendant smashed up my car and tried to hide it from me when he brought the car down. I would have felt sorry for him except for the fact he so maliciously tried to hide it. What a mess that was!
Be well
Fr Bill
Indeed Jonno, but there's something absolutely freakish about how the americans obsess over Horrids!
I don�t know if you�ve ever watched them at the Harrods store at LHR, but they�ll buy the most inane things � a key ring, a box of tea, or a packet of biscuits and then ask the till clerk to put every item into individual bags�and some of them have the cheek to grab even more bags and stuff them into their handbags.. strange indeed! Never understood it!
Working on transport notes now�between cups of tea
Fr Bill
I don�t know if you�ve ever watched them at the Harrods store at LHR, but they�ll buy the most inane things � a key ring, a box of tea, or a packet of biscuits and then ask the till clerk to put every item into individual bags�and some of them have the cheek to grab even more bags and stuff them into their handbags.. strange indeed! Never understood it!
Working on transport notes now�between cups of tea
Fr Bill
New York happens to be one of the most accessible cities in America. Not only do you have the benefit of an extensive underground system, complete with express lines and local lines, you have the benefits of busses, ferries, helicopters, taxis, limousines, collective van transport, and livery services. Equally balanced among New York City�s five boroughs, you�re guaranteed to be able to get anywhere with relative ease.
If you�ve travelled to America before you may believe you have an understanding of its mindset and a pretty good idea of how it all works. But if you think it will work the same way in New York, you are as wrong as you have ever been in your life! Twenty five years ago, the New Yorker (my absolute favourite global magazine) featured on it cover Saul Steinberg�s famous illustration entitled �A New Yorker�s view of the world.� Ninety five percent of the page was mid-town Manhattan, reflecting New Yorker�s rather parochial attitudes and perceptions.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:The_New_Yor ker%2C_1976-03-29%2C_Cover_%28View_of_the_Worl d_from_9th_Avenue%2C_priced_and_dated%29.PNG
The talent of the New Yorker Magazine to capture the essence of its city�s spirit, with powerful and compelling imagery is unparalleled in other print-media channels. The magazine�s articles are often profound and historic, but I believe my favourite part of the New Yorker is its cartoons. My school mates thought I was truly odd as I�d sit in a classroom in London, reading through the New Yorker. The truth was, I didn�t really understand the political statements, but from the age of 5, I was able to invent my own interpretation. It became my guide to reading and writing. Today, George Booth remains my favourite cartoonist, especially in how he depic
If you�ve travelled to America before you may believe you have an understanding of its mindset and a pretty good idea of how it all works. But if you think it will work the same way in New York, you are as wrong as you have ever been in your life! Twenty five years ago, the New Yorker (my absolute favourite global magazine) featured on it cover Saul Steinberg�s famous illustration entitled �A New Yorker�s view of the world.� Ninety five percent of the page was mid-town Manhattan, reflecting New Yorker�s rather parochial attitudes and perceptions.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:The_New_Yor ker%2C_1976-03-29%2C_Cover_%28View_of_the_Worl d_from_9th_Avenue%2C_priced_and_dated%29.PNG
The talent of the New Yorker Magazine to capture the essence of its city�s spirit, with powerful and compelling imagery is unparalleled in other print-media channels. The magazine�s articles are often profound and historic, but I believe my favourite part of the New Yorker is its cartoons. My school mates thought I was truly odd as I�d sit in a classroom in London, reading through the New Yorker. The truth was, I didn�t really understand the political statements, but from the age of 5, I was able to invent my own interpretation. It became my guide to reading and writing. Today, George Booth remains my favourite cartoonist, especially in how he depic
Part 2
http://www.thenewyorkerstore.com/product_detai ls.asp?mscssid=QDS11D0R6NMP9MX5SG4EMVK6EL9779J 1&sitetype=1&did=4&sid=40996&whichpage=4&sortB y=popular&advanced=1&keyword=&artist=George+Bo oth&caption=&artID=&topic=&pubDateFrom=&pubDat eTo=&pubDateMon=&pubDateDay=&pubNY=2&color=0&s ection=cartoons
The last cover that has profoundly touched me was the September 24th issue, where Arthur Spiegelman depicted the Twin Towers veiled in darkness. It perfectly reflects my own day, as well as that of the countless others who were affected by this tragic event.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Spiegelman- cover.jpg
I share this for a reason. For your travels, I encourage you to pick up a copy of the New Yorker. You may get this week�s or next, as well as the ones just before you depart. Inside, you will find a complete listing of all the theatre, cinema, Broadway, off Broadway and Off, Off Broadway happenings. And, by reading �The Talk of The Town,� you�ll be able to get a fleeting glimpse of what�s on the minds of New Yorkers.
Through all of this you need mobility! First, to make your movements about the city relatively easy: Avenues run north and south, streets run east and west. So, for example, if you were at the Empire State Building, at Fifth Avenue and 32nd Street and you wanted to go to Carnegie Hall at 57th Street and Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) you would simply head north 25 blocks and west 1 block. Easy Peasy. But as with all cities, ther
http://www.thenewyorkerstore.com/product_detai ls.asp?mscssid=QDS11D0R6NMP9MX5SG4EMVK6EL9779J 1&sitetype=1&did=4&sid=40996&whichpage=4&sortB y=popular&advanced=1&keyword=&artist=George+Bo oth&caption=&artID=&topic=&pubDateFrom=&pubDat eTo=&pubDateMon=&pubDateDay=&pubNY=2&color=0&s ection=cartoons
The last cover that has profoundly touched me was the September 24th issue, where Arthur Spiegelman depicted the Twin Towers veiled in darkness. It perfectly reflects my own day, as well as that of the countless others who were affected by this tragic event.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Spiegelman- cover.jpg
I share this for a reason. For your travels, I encourage you to pick up a copy of the New Yorker. You may get this week�s or next, as well as the ones just before you depart. Inside, you will find a complete listing of all the theatre, cinema, Broadway, off Broadway and Off, Off Broadway happenings. And, by reading �The Talk of The Town,� you�ll be able to get a fleeting glimpse of what�s on the minds of New Yorkers.
Through all of this you need mobility! First, to make your movements about the city relatively easy: Avenues run north and south, streets run east and west. So, for example, if you were at the Empire State Building, at Fifth Avenue and 32nd Street and you wanted to go to Carnegie Hall at 57th Street and Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) you would simply head north 25 blocks and west 1 block. Easy Peasy. But as with all cities, ther
Part 3
Getting from the airport: If you�re arriving at JFK, there�s convenient train service that takes you straight to the corner of 6th (ave of the Americas�are you catching on?) and 57th Street. Impressive indeed. However, as tourists, I simply do NOT recommend this. There is also coach service that runs from all airports to Grand Central Station, where you may, again, take the subway, or hire a cab. All of this is a bit too much, especially after you�ve just come off a flight!
Taxis will be a challenge from the airport, unless you find a people carrier (which is possible, but you may have to wait a bit), or you may use two, or more taxis. The downside to using New York taxis is not the surely attitudes, the incomprehensible accents, or the complete and utter unwillingness of some taxi drivers to help you. The real problem�at least for me, is the fact you�re locked in a cage. Literally! Crime is so bad, taxis are fitted with these grotesque steel and Perspex barriers to prevent you from wrapping your hands around the neck of your driver and strangling him to death. After your very first ride, you�ll see what I mean!
So, I always prefer to use a �livery� service. Livery services are the equivillent to our minicabs. They are licensed (at least the ones I�m going to recommend), (don�t respond to ANY cab touts�you may end up in the East River�or worse!) And the livery service provide large clean sedans at comparable rates.
Continued:
Getting from the airport: If you�re arriving at JFK, there�s convenient train service that takes you straight to the corner of 6th (ave of the Americas�are you catching on?) and 57th Street. Impressive indeed. However, as tourists, I simply do NOT recommend this. There is also coach service that runs from all airports to Grand Central Station, where you may, again, take the subway, or hire a cab. All of this is a bit too much, especially after you�ve just come off a flight!
Taxis will be a challenge from the airport, unless you find a people carrier (which is possible, but you may have to wait a bit), or you may use two, or more taxis. The downside to using New York taxis is not the surely attitudes, the incomprehensible accents, or the complete and utter unwillingness of some taxi drivers to help you. The real problem�at least for me, is the fact you�re locked in a cage. Literally! Crime is so bad, taxis are fitted with these grotesque steel and Perspex barriers to prevent you from wrapping your hands around the neck of your driver and strangling him to death. After your very first ride, you�ll see what I mean!
So, I always prefer to use a �livery� service. Livery services are the equivillent to our minicabs. They are licensed (at least the ones I�m going to recommend), (don�t respond to ANY cab touts�you may end up in the East River�or worse!) And the livery service provide large clean sedans at comparable rates.
Continued:
Part 4
The company I�ve used for over twenty years is Tel Aviv Cars. When I have situations where it may be politically sensitive to use Tel Aviv, I use The Boston Coach Company. (yes, in New York). Through both companies I have the flexibility of ordering basic sedans, stretch limos (for my grotesquely pretentious guests), or even vans, which I often have to do in addition to the Limos, due to the voluminous shopping some of them do! ( When required I occasionally use A London Black Cab for some guests, especially those in wheelchairs!)
Maggoty, for an example of vehicles, to help you better understand, here�s a link to a fleet guide:
http://www.telavivlimo.com/vehicles.html
I honestly feel you and your family would be more comfortable using a livery service, such as TelAviv, than taking a taxi, or coach into town. (later I will address the issue of baggage and what to bring to New York). Toll Free 1-800-222-9888 from any phone in the New York Area. (if using your UK mobile in New York, you �may� have to dial 001 800 222 9888. However, you will pay mobile rates to contact this number.
Once situated in your hotel, I�m going to suggest some interesting ways to get about to different destinations.
That�s to come in a wee bit:
Fr Bill
The company I�ve used for over twenty years is Tel Aviv Cars. When I have situations where it may be politically sensitive to use Tel Aviv, I use The Boston Coach Company. (yes, in New York). Through both companies I have the flexibility of ordering basic sedans, stretch limos (for my grotesquely pretentious guests), or even vans, which I often have to do in addition to the Limos, due to the voluminous shopping some of them do! ( When required I occasionally use A London Black Cab for some guests, especially those in wheelchairs!)
Maggoty, for an example of vehicles, to help you better understand, here�s a link to a fleet guide:
http://www.telavivlimo.com/vehicles.html
I honestly feel you and your family would be more comfortable using a livery service, such as TelAviv, than taking a taxi, or coach into town. (later I will address the issue of baggage and what to bring to New York). Toll Free 1-800-222-9888 from any phone in the New York Area. (if using your UK mobile in New York, you �may� have to dial 001 800 222 9888. However, you will pay mobile rates to contact this number.
Once situated in your hotel, I�m going to suggest some interesting ways to get about to different destinations.
That�s to come in a wee bit:
Fr Bill
Marriot Marquis is marvellous, right on Times Square, ask for a room overlooking Broadway, it never stops all night.The ticket booth for half price theatre tickets is so near and you are central to everything. try the hotel steak house it just melts in your mouth, and their revolving bar area. This is the hotel where Arnie went up in the elevator on a white horse in True Lies. Its great and very informal too, they do weekend deals on their rooms, ours had an 8ft bed, big cocktail bar and a huge tv that popped up out of a cupboard, settee etc it was just great.
Honest Vic write the book about the Plaza it can be the Yang to the Ying of my Eloise books ...lol. I love the horses too but hey ... it bloomin reeks! I dont believe it needs to be like that or that they should wear nappies.
By the way my friends had to bail out one of Helmsleys Grandsons by loaning him some dosh ... she was an 'enigma' that is for sure. ( apologies to Maggoty for taking your thread 'off piste' as it were! )
By the way my friends had to bail out one of Helmsleys Grandsons by loaning him some dosh ... she was an 'enigma' that is for sure. ( apologies to Maggoty for taking your thread 'off piste' as it were! )
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