Author: Katherine Fleischman
New York in the spring has a special charm—the city seems to be playfully courting you. The air becomes milder, tulips bloom vibrantly, and rooftops once again hum with excitement. This April, I was in town for five days, and it brought back all my favorite things about NYC: impromptu adventures, glittering allure, and an understated feeling of starring in your own movie.
I brought along a roster of options.
very
carefully selected experiences—but ended up with moments that felt completely spontaneous in the most wonderful way.
The Hotel Shuffle: Chic Boutiques and Upscale Sophistication
I created the uncommon and
very New York
choice to reside at several hotels throughout my journey. Why not sample a variety of options, huh?
First up was
Arlo SoHo
Upon arrival at this stylish downtown oasis, you immediately sense an atmosphere where simplicity blends seamlessly with character. Arlo SoHo isn’t merely lodging; it’s a lively center embodying the spirit of lower Manhattan. Each room showcases meticulous planning, complete with expansive glass panels that highlight the bustling yet picturesque New York City horizon, providing a peaceful escape from the metropolitan frenzy.
Eating at Arlo SoHo is an adventure for your taste buds all on its own.
Lindens
The hotel’s flagship restaurant is a contemporary American dining spot that highlights seasonal tastes and locally sourced ingredients. Featuring a carefully selected oyster bar, creative mixed drinks, and a wine menu focused on organic choices, Lindens provides an elegant yet welcoming culinary journey. For guests desiring a cozier ambiance,
Foxtail
The retro-inspired cocktail lounge offers a warm atmosphere ideal for nighttime drinks. When the conditions are pleasant,
ART SoHo
The rooftop lounge has become the must-visit destination. Offering breathtaking vistas of the Hudson River and the Freedom Tower, it provides a perfect backdrop for indulging in handcrafted cocktails and nibbling on appetizers.
Next, I checked into
Martinique New York on Broadway, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton
(vintage charm combines with contemporary comfort), let me put it this way: this hotel is
the moment
It’s a iconic site – imagine Beaux-Arts design, abundant use of marble, and an entrance hall that invites you to stay awhile in your finest footwear. The ambiance exudes Hollywood glamour effortlessly. My accommodation was comfortably elegant with just the right amount of luxury, plus its spot close to Herald Square and Koreatown provided ample reason for leisurely strolls, shopping sprees, and savoring matcha even when not required.
Nestled within the historic
Martinique New York on Broadway, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton
,
The Bronze Owl
presents a delightful mix of classic appeal and modern style. Reflecting the elegance of 1970s and ’80s New York City, this cocktail bar offers a warm yet refined setting that is welcoming and chic. Enhanced with comfortable furnishings and atmospheric lights, it serves as a perfect venue for small get-togethers as well as bustling social occasions.
The menu offers an innovative blend of Italian-themed tapas-style dishes paired with creative cocktail options. Visitors have the opportunity to savor items such as classic Margherita and pepperoni pizzas, or they might choose from various bar bites which include avocado dip served alongside crispy tortilla chips, creamy burrata drizzled with pesto sauce, along with a mezze plate showcasing chickpea purée, deep-fried chickpea balls, and fresh vegetable sticks. Complementing these selections, the beverage list features a variety of handcrafted signature drinks designed for optimal enjoyment.
On the last evening, I relocated downtown to the
The Loews Regency New York Hotel
— a quintessential spot on the Upper East Side. It exuded a subtle elegance that seemed almost relieving. Following hectic days exploring SoHo and Broadway, this place offered the ideal respite. Emerging from the vibrant energy of SoHo and Broadway, entering Loews was akin to sliding into soft silk pajamas. The accommodations were generously sized (a rarity in New York City!), featuring soothing colors and Art Deco elements that inspired me to cancel my future engagements and indulge in room service instead.
The Loews Regency New York Hotel
is excited to unveil
Loews Hotels’ Freshly Rooted initiative
A culinary initiative at Loews Regency New York Hotel aims to highlight sustainability within their food and drink services. The hotel will feature distinctive, artisanal salads crafted from locally-sourced produce. This effort underscores their dedication to ethical procurement practices, backing nearby agricultural communities, and offering visitors nutritious, delicious meals.
rooted
In regional agriculture, “Freshly Rooted” by Loews Hotels will highlight a changing array of salads featuring the finest produce from New York State’s local farmers. These dishes will use fresh, seasonal items sourced from reliable regional suppliers, all aligned with Loews’ overarching sustainability objectives as well as their commitment to guest wellness. This initiative will debut at The Regency Bar & Grill before extending to include banquets and meetings, ensuring that environmental responsibility stays central across various dining experiences—from everyday meals to business functions and extensive get-togethers. Visitors now have the opportunity to savor these creations at the restaurant.
Grain Salad
This dish includes farro, grapes, kale, radicchio, pistachios, and pickled red onions, finished with crumbled ricotta salata. The kale and radicchio come from Norwich Meadow Farm in Norwich, NY, and Gotham Greens located in Manhattan, while the topping of ricotta salata is sourced from well-known local supplier Murray’s Cheese. To learn more about Freshly Rooted by Loews Hotels, check their details.
https://www.loewshotels.com/discover-loews/sustainable-savors
One of my favorite surprising hidden treasures was
Leonessa
, the recently launched terrace at the
Conrad New York Downtown
Perched high above the city’s buzz with a view of the Hudson, it felt akin to discovering a hidden oasis in the clouds. We visited during twilight hours for some evening libations, catching both the golden hour glow and sweeping vistas. Each drink was perfectly crafted (be sure to order the gin basil cocktail should it be available). Although our intention was merely to soak up the atmosphere from the rooftop terrace, this experience ended up being one of the standout moments of our entire journey.
Occasionally in New York, you simply have to embrace the enjoyment — and that’s precisely what I did.
Sugar Factory
. Amidst the sparkling decorations, large chalices, and an overall sugary paradise atmosphere, it had quite a festive feel. However, truth be told? I shocked myself by bypassing the intensely sweet milkshakes and heading directly for their
Asian Salad
, offering a delightful combination of freshness, crunch, and an unexpected balance—particularly when enjoyed alongside a refreshing glass of wine. TheSugar Factory’s website provides more details.
HERE
@SugarFactoryTimesSquare
and
@thesugarfactory
On Instagram, along with this
@sugarfactoryofficial
on TikTok.
Evening Scenes from Broadway and The “Lead Role” Sensation
No journey is finished without a bit of drama. We caught
MJ the Musical
At the Neil Simon Theatre, I entered anticipating legendary dance routines and classic tunes—expectations which were thoroughly met. However, what truly stood out was the profound sense of humanity woven into the narrative. The production unfolds against the backdrop of rehearsals for Michael Jackson’s 1992 concert.
Dangerous
During the World Tour performance, significant scenes from Michael Jackson’s past are revisited: from his early days performing with the Jackson 5 to the challenging times that tested both his creativity and personal resolve. The actor portraying MJ didn’t merely mimic him; instead, he embodied Jackson entirely. Each gesture and subtle inflection resonated deeply. As “Man in the Mirror” played, the audience found themselves either moved to tears or rising to their feet—or experiencing both emotions simultaneously. This isn’t simply a musical featuring popular hits; rather, it offers an evocative depiction of artistic brilliance, immense pressure, and the cost of achieving iconic status.
A Seasonal Romance with New York City
I concluded my journey at the famous
The Paris Café located within the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport
, and experienced one of the calmest moments of the week. Seated within Eero Saarinen’s iconic mid-century terminal design, I enjoyed some wine and savored a vibrant, fulfilling meal.
TWA Airport Salad
It had a vintage chic vibe combined with a peaceful wanderlust spirit – making for an ideal finale as my journey came to an end. What stood out most from this adventure is that springtime in New York shouldn’t be overcomplicated — same goes for you. Take your time walking, embrace having that extra drink, dress up even when it’s something simple like getting pizza. No matter where you find yourself, the city will always respond accordingly.
The purpose of this journey was to pamper ourselves without getting too caught up in detailed planning, navigating the city with a blend of high-end bookings and spontaneous openings. Even though every arrangement was made for two people, New York somehow manages to create space for additional experiences—more memories, greater allure, and extra enchantment.
Until the next spring, NYC. Keep everything just as it is.
Author Bio:
Katherine Fleischman
Is a travel authority, publicist, and writer specializing in assessing top-tier luxury accommodations like hotels, resorts, and high-end villas for rent. Founded in 2007, her company, Do Tell PR, offers public relations services centered around travel, cuisine, and style, reflecting the cosmopolitan outlook typical of today’s young adults. Her work appears in platforms such as ThriveGlobal, Medium, ARTRPRNR, and more. Splitting time between Miami and Italy with roots from Peru, Kat strives to motivate individuals to venture out, convinced that broadening our horizons leads us to better understand different cultures.
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