{"id":16260,"date":"2009-05-24T01:44:20","date_gmt":"2009-05-23T18:44:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.davestravelcorner.com\/?p=16260"},"modified":"2025-02-17T06:56:04","modified_gmt":"2025-02-16T23:56:04","slug":"five-days-in-new-york-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.davestravelcorner.com\/journals\/destination-north-america\/five-days-in-new-york-city\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Days in New York City"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"sofl\"<\/a> New York, the largest city in the USA boasts incredible stimuli 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, whether it be visual, noise or activity related. This is a city that doesn’t sleep with services available 24\/7. How many large cities have metros that never shut down – New York’s metro runs all day and night 365 days a year. Those who live here sometimes need to escape the “craziness”; those who visit perhaps come here for this.<\/p>\n

This is not a city where you will be easily bored. New York is a fascinating mix of cultures and languages from all corners of the world, world-class museums, mesmerizing architectural landmarks, headquarters for some of America’s largest companies, home of the New York Stock Exchange and the United Nation’s headquarters, and was the fledgling nation’s first capital city.<\/p>\n

You can visit the main highlights in 4-5 days but that is truly just scratching the surface of this great city. New York is best absorbed in multiple trips where you can peel back the layers and explore more of what the city has to offer besides the main tourist haunts.<\/p>\n

Read on for some of our experiences during our time in New York City.<\/p>\n

Location, Location, Location! <\/strong><\/span>
\nWhat a more perfect spot to call home during your trip than the Crowne Plaza Hotel<\/strong> located in the heart of Times Square. This is the only hotel in the area to actually have an entrance right on Broadway (between 48th and 49th Streets). With a recent 85 million dollar renovation this hotel looks and feels sparkling. After checking in, high speed elevators will whisk you right up to your luxurious room. Rooms in this part of Manhattan are not known to be huge but the rooms in the Crowne Plaza are actually fairly well sized and every room in the hotel has window views. Request a corner room for optimum Manhattan views.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a> Look out your window at hundreds of skyscrapers – or perhaps you are facing west overlooking part of the Hudson River in the distance. The US Airways Jet that miraculously landed safely in the Hudson River actually touched down just west of the Crowne Plaza but by the time those in the hotel rushed up to see, the strong river current had carried the plane down river out of sight.<\/p>\n

The Crowne Plaza boasts Manhattan’s largest indoor lap pool located on the 15th floor within the huge New York Sports Club. This major 29,000 square foot gym is available to hotel guests for free during non peak hours. As we were told, “if you can’t figure out how to sweat in here there is something wrong!”<\/p>\n

Brasserie 1605<\/strong> is located on the reception floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and is “the” place for fine dining on Times Square. Based entirely on food this is an excellent restaurant – however based on its location there are of course plenty of windows and as a result truly delivers the spectacular views. While eating you look down on Times Square which always seems to be bustling regardless of the hour of day or night. From select tables (hint, near the south corner of the main room) you can see the Empire State Building in the background – if you are looking for this view, be sure to make your reservations well in advance. They specialize in steak – when in New York you have to order the New York Steak and their seared NY Strip Loin is cooked to perfection. It is New York, dinner is served late until 11:30pm.<\/p>\n

A prix fix pre-theatre menu is available upon request. Their wine list is healthy with a number of selections from California as well as Europe and beyond. Also check out their buffet breakfast. <\/p>\n

Broadway 49 Bar & Lounge<\/strong> makes a great meeting spot as well as a relaxing place to see and be seen. This lounge is located on the reception floor and has ample seating at the long bar as well as plenty of comfortable lounge style seating – the windows are un-curtained for maximum viewing out onto Times Square. This bar is known for their scotch; choose from almost 90 different kinds!<\/p>\n

A number of tailored “packages” are also offered including but not limited to a “backstage package” geared towards film and theatre buffs, romance and more. The Crowne Plaza also boasts of significant meeting space from banquet halls to private board rooms. At the time of our visit all rooms were being wired for HDTV. What is somewhat of a rarity in the area, the Crowne Plaza has their own parking garage.<\/p>\n

Lastly, there are three “concierge” floors available for those travelers looking for even “more”! Looking for more luxury and pampering – these are the floors are for you. A stay here also gives you access to their private Concierge Lounge.<\/p>\n\n\t\t