Our Guide On Where To Eat, Sleep And Visit In New York City

New York, New York . . . a city of dreams and wonders . . . there’s really so much to see and do, and even more to eat. On this second trip back to the big apple, I put on 2kg. Was it worth it? Most definitely.
Photos shot on a Huawei P10 Plus. By Adele Chan.

Getting Around :

• The New York Subway brings you to most places in Manhattan and Brooklyn. But note that it can get (very) confusing at times, especially on weekends. Look out for notices that announce which trains are not in operation.
• Sometimes it makes more sense to order an Uber, especially when there’s an Uber promotion going on. If you’re travelling in a group of three or four, the cost of an Uber might actually be cheaper than your collective Subway fares.

Weather :

• There are four seasons. I suggest you avoid winter (December to February) because it’s very cold, and very windy. Totally unpleasant!
• Go during Spring (March to May), which is still cool but not biting.

Currency :

• US$1 = SG$1.39
• Bring along your credit cards for shopping and dining out! If you’re going to spend, might as well get miles while you’re at it.

Eat & Do

1. A cosy apartment space in Brooklyn.
2. Sunrise on a cold, Spring morning.

1. The queue for Cookie DO New York is 1 hour 45 mins.
2. Filming for Gotham in Chinatown!!
3. Everywhere I go, I must find Muji.
4. The queue for Supreme is real.

1. “Shot on iPhone 7” shot on Huawei P10 Plus.
2. The very chic dop dop salon where I cut my hair with James. Look for James.
3. Taking an Uber across Brooklyn Bridge.
4. I feel like chicken tonight, at Whole Foods.

1. The Empire State Building.
2. Inside Mulberry in New York.
3. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art: The temple of Dendur, which was donated to the United States by Egypt.
4. Protestors outside the Canada Goose store.

1. The iconic Flatiron building.
2. Inside the Oculus. Much better than Penn Station.
3. Still my favourite pizza in the world: Spicy Soppressata at Emporio.
4. We queued for Magnolia. Yes we did.

1. Times Square at night.
2. At the Top of The Rock, an observatory on top of Rockefeller Center.
3. The best lobster rolls in the world are found at Chelsea Market.
4. An art installation at MOMA.

Where to Stay

INSTAGRAMMABLE:

ARLO NOMAD

This boutique hotel is situated near some amazing attractions, like the Empire State Building, the New York Public Library, and Madison Square Park where the Flatiron Building is close to. The highlight of this property is arguably the rooftop, which has impressive and close proximity views of some of New York’s grittiest streets and buildings. There’s even a glass floor which looks down all the way to the ground.   

ROOM:
Rooms are small but cosy. Everything is within easy reach; like the sink — in my room, it was along the corridor that leads to the bed. But as compact as the living space is, it is well designed so you don’t feel claustrophobic at all. The floor to ceiling glass windows also ensure plenty of natural light, and a sense of openness to the city.

BOOK WITH:
Book your stay at Arlo Nomad with Mr & Mrs Smith, a travel club that guarantees the best price available for any of their listed properties. All hotels and resorts are curated by the Mr & Mrs Smith team, each one anonymously reviewed, and then recommended to members. Membership is free, and includes 24-hour support for your booking. With Arlo Nomad, you also get a lovely welcome drink on arrival.

1. Everyone’s first instinct is to whip out their phones to take pictures.
2. Incredible views from the rooftop, where we also conducted our photoshoot for this issue.
3. The “library” space is so instagrammable.
4. Spaces within the hotel are well designed with good structure and lighting in mind.
5. This reinforced glass floor allows you to look straight down into the streets below. Wear pants.
6. Amenities in the room include a hair dryer and even a clothes steamer!
7. Cosy and functional rooms at Arlo Nomad.

ARLO NOMAD
Address: 11 East 31st Street, New York, NY 10016
Tel: +1 212-806-7000
Email: hello@arlohotels.com
Website: arlohotels.com/new-york/nomad
Rates: from SG$223 per night

HEART OF MANHATTAN:

THE QUIN

There are 208 hotel guest rooms and suites at The Quin, each furnished with hand-selected sustainable materials, Nespresso machines, and Fresh toiletries! The property is just a stone’s throw from the iconic shopping stretch of 5th Avenue, Central Park, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Rockefeller Center. If you’re in New York for the first time, this is a good location to stay at because it really is in the heart of Manhattan.

ROOM:
They’ve managed to make this place feel like home. The rooms are not pretentious, but like the rest of the hotel, are full of character. There’s also a sense of art and music ingrained throughout the entire property, which lends a sense of excitement from the minute you step in.    

1. The lobby.
2. The lobby.
3. There’s music and art throughout the hotel.
4. Comfortable beds in comfortable rooms.
5. Of course we had waffles for breakfast!
6. Dining at The Wayfarer.
7. Guitar art.
8. Plenty of guitars adorn the walls of the hotel.

THE QUIN
Address: 101 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019
Tel: +1 212-245-7846
Email: info@theQuinhotel.com
Website: thequinhotel.com
Rates: from US$263 per night

VIEWS FROM ABOVE:

MANDARIN ORIENTAL NEW YORK

Every Mandarin Oriental I’ve visited around the world has one thing in common: spectacular views. The New York branch is no exception; the rooms start high up on the 38th floor, and you can see all the way to Central Park depending on which way your room is facing. The hotel is also walking distance from Central Park, The Met, American Museum of Natural History (dinosaurs!), MOMA, and Times Square. Yes, expect to pay a premium for this location.

ROOM:
The rooms are incredibly spacious, and come fully equipped with every hotel amenity that you can imagine. What can I say… you definitely won’t be uncomfortable at this place. Also, the views from the floor to ceiling glass windows are magnificent. Oh, did we say that already? Yes, they are magnificent.

1. Step out of the hotel and you’re immediately greeted by malls and the Subway.
2. The view from my room. (Yes, that thing sticking out is Trump International Hotel and Tower.
3. Bacon and eggs done right.
4. The hotel’s restaurant, Asiate, has an impressive collection of wine.
5. Having wine for dinner at Asiate.
6. Another day, another bacon and eggs.
7. Spacious rooms in the Mandarin Oriental.
8. The lounge is also popular for more of the same magnificent views.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL NEW YORK
Address: 80 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023
Tel: +1 212-805-8800
Email: monyc-reservations@mohg.com
Website: mandarinoriental.com/newyork
Rates: from US$530 per night