Select Page

One of my favorite Christmas movies is Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, because it reminds me of the fun of being in New York during the holidays. Since I can’t swing a trip to New York this Christmas, I’m pretending to be like Kevin McCallister from Home Alone…

I’ve just accidentally hopped the wrong flight to New York.  I’m all alone in New York (sans husband, sans chien), poor me :(. I reach into my purse and realize that I somehow have my Dad’s credit card.

How’d that get there, I think to myself.

Then it dawns on me that I have my Dad’s credit card! Next thing I know, I’m searching for the best hotel New York has to offer during the holidays!!

I’ve just arrived at an oldie but goody…The Hudson Hotel

You know it’s the Hudson by its entrance–two yellow escalators. Every time that I’m at this hotel, I notice something that I’ve never seen before–kind of like a good piece of art.
The Hudson mixes old and new furnishings in clever ways. The hotel is probably most know for their bar room with the lit floor and Michaelangelo looking ceiling. The hotel’s creator, Ian Schrager, was founder of Studio 54–surprised.
Photo a la The Hudson Hotel
Philippe Starck and the clever folks from Morgan’s Hotel Group, one of my favorite design firms, are the minds behind this masterpiece.
Photo a la The Hudson Hotel

Photo a la The Hudson Hotel
Here’s a view of the Hudson Hall, their restaurant.
 Photo a la The Hudson Hotel
Most likely you won’t get a chance to enjoy the outdoor areas as much during December, but they’re still worth showing.
Photo a la The Hudson Hotel
Although the rooms are super tiny, the Hudson,  il n’est pas tres cher. If I can afford it, anyone can.
Next, I’m onto The Bowery
Hotel
, designed and owned by Eric Goode and Sean MacPherson. I’ve actually never stayed here, but it’s on my list. What I like about this hotel is the cozy, residential feel. It’s not super modern but still fresh.
 The dark stained wood bar front, green wall covered walls, coffered ceiling, and velvet fabric bar stools make this a cozy little spot that I’d love to lounge in and have a drink after a long day of New York shopping.
 I like how the varying materials (i.e. brick walls and stacked wood wall) give interest and warmth.
 This hotel doesn’t skimp on room space. Again, the mix of old world furnishings with modern twists keeps the room feeling homey and inviting.
 Photo a la Taschen’s New York
 Yes, please! A big bath tub with view of Manhattan, are you kidding me?
Last but not least we’re onto my favorite, The Gramercy Park Hotel. Again, I haven’t stayed here, but it’s on my list (at the top). It’s another revolutionized creation by Ian Schrager with the help of artist and film-maker Julian Schnabel.

The interior is a designer’s heaven. The mix of rustic and regal make the space feel special without feeling intimidating.
Gorgeous! Every detail is thought about–from the walls to custom red carpet to the light fixtures. Don’t be surprised if you find an Andy Warhol on the wall.

The red carpet even continues into the guest rooms.
If you can’t afford a room at this bohemian artist’s atelier of a hotel, you should at least have a drink at one of the hotel’s bars or restaurant.
All this hotel shopping is fun, but I’m missing my husband and dog. Plus, the concierge just found out that I’m using a stolen credit card. I think that it’s time to come back to reality.
If you are planning a trip to New York this holiday, could you please pack me in your suitcase? I know just where we can stay.
A tout a l’heure,
Natalie