Part 1 – Christmas in New York City with the Library Hotel Collection
On November 20th, 2016, my sister-in-law and I took a birthday trip to New York City. Christmastime in New York, what a better time to visit? You do have to hear this story as it was a dream come true for both of us. My sister-in-law turned 50 the day of departure. Wait! I’m going ahead of myself.
In the chilly month of October, my sister-in-law and I started talking about her 50th Birthday and how she was going to celebrate it. I invited her to visit us in Cambridge (she lives in Gaspe Quebec), but she wanted something more. So I started rhyming off places to go. Then I realized, wait a minute, it’s Thanksgiving in the US that very week. And it’s was my birthday too! My dream? Attending the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade. I remember as a kid watching it (sometimes on my Birthday), so I made the proposal to my sister-in-law and “SHE SAID YES!”
Thanks to the Library Hotel Collection we were offered, through my employment with HOSS Magazine, to review three of their hotels in the heart of New York City; Hotel Elysee, Library Hotel, and the Hotel Giraffe. All within unique locations in New York City, with a plethora of opportunities to walk and experience places I had never seen before.
The Hotel Elysee
I have to admit, a 3AM wakeup call had us pretty tired the first day, but what a unique boutique hotel! Where in New York City can you find free wi-fi, complimentary breakfast, all day coffee, tea and fruits and complimentary wine & hors d’oeuvres reception every evening from 5pm – 8pm? The Library Hotel Collection offers these amenities at all of their hotel locations around the world. When you’re in a city like New York, you need all the amenities one can get in order to shop and enjoy all of the fun that the Big Apple has to offer.
Hotel Elysée is often referred to as the “The Gold Coast”, with shopping just a few blocks away from Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, and many Midtown corporate headquarters. It’s also a tourist haven with Central Park and Times Square a few blocks away.
What’s Within Walking Distance to the Hotel Elysee?
Everyone loves a hotel that is a hop, skip and a jump from their hotel and we were no different. First stop, was 5th Avenue. The Hotel Elysee is close to Trump Tower and Central Park. It was about two blocks away. We took a 50th birthday e-bike carriage ride through Central Park and made our way to Serendipity for a Frozen Hot Chocolate and a quick stop over to Bloomingdales. That night, we ventured over to Time Square and Rockefeller Center. For someone who doesn’t walk often and awake early, I’d say it was a fatiguing day, but well worth it. Nothing seemed “too far” Steps that day 20,894 (including the Toronto Airport).
I find it’s much better to see the hotel than to explain it? Here’s a Facebook Live we did with VP of Sales and Marketing Adele Gutman. Our visits with Adele every morning were so much fun and our “lives” got better every day!
Oh The Places to See Within Walking Distance Photo Gallery
Why Stay at the Hotel Elysee
The Library Hotel Collection hires the best in customer service. There isn’t a moment that someone is asking you if you require anything and they are very quick to provide service if they see you are in need. I like that in a hotel. As well, the Hotel Elysee experience is casual in spite of their elegant charm and decor, it’s a perfect locale for a romantic getaway.
Depending on the season and date, hotel rates range between $200 to $450 (USD) per night. Considering all the amenities that Hotel Elysée has to offer and along with its location, I’d say that is beyond competitive compared to other hotels in the city.
So check them out on their website and when you book say Trina sent you. (Actually, don’t because they probably have no idea who I am.)
