As I embark on my New York City staycation, I fully embrace the luxurious vibes that come with it. The chilly weather in NYC makes it challenging to engage in outdoor activities, so staying indoors is the perfect solution. But what exactly is a staycation, and why should you consider it?
Firstly, a staycation is a vacation you can take without needing a passport, an expensive flight, or a visa. This type of holiday eliminates the stress and hassle that often comes with travel, such as packing, airport queues, and long journeys. Instead, you get to relax in your city and explore what your local surroundings have to offer.
One of the most significant advantages of a staycation is that it eliminates the travel FOMO (fear of missing out) many people experience when they can't travel abroad or for an extended period. With a staycation, you still feel like you're in a different environment and can experience new things.
Moreover, a staycation is an excellent opportunity to explore and appreciate your local surroundings. You can discover new restaurants, cultural events, hidden gems, and other attractions in the area that you might have overlooked.
Another benefit of a staycation is that it allows you to spend quality time reading or simply relaxing. Taking time away from everyday responsibilities improves your mental and physical health. When you return to your daily routine, you'll feel more focused and productive at work and in your daily tasks.
Over the weekend, my husband stayed at the Renwick hotel I love exploring different hotels in the city that I have never stay or visit before. Let me provide you guys with a bit of the history of Renwick.
The Renwick Hotel in New York City has a rich history that dates to 1928, when it was initially built as an artist's loft. Over the years, the hotel has provided affordable living spaces for artists, authors, and other creative minds, including renowned individuals such as John Steinbeck, Thomas Mann, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Today, The Renwick Hotel continues to embrace the spirit of its former residents, who were known for their curiosity, eccentricity, and expressiveness. The hotel is committed to creating a unique experience for its guests through local partnerships, top talent, and playful accents in a space that sparks inspiration.
The hotel's East 40th Street location is in the heart of Old New York, surrounded by iconic architecture that adds to its charm. It takes its name from James Renwick, one of the most celebrated architects of his time, who was born in Manhattan in the early 19th century. Renwick's most notable achievement was St. Patrick's Cathedral, which opened in 1879, and his name evokes the storied glamour of historic New York City and the commanding power of great art. The Renwick Hotel is known for its creative, adventurous, and impactful interiors designed by Stonehill & Taylor, accented by hand-crafted furnishings. The hotel's sophisticated, bohemian spirit is brought to life with works by Gertrude Stein, an American-born novelist, poet, playwright, and art collector, featured throughout the hotel.
Overall, The Renwick Hotel's unique perspective on luxury, filtered through storied glamour and steely foundation, breeds an inclusive, embracing, and exciting culture that makes it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the essence of New York City.
My husband and I often take a break from our busy lives on Long Island by doing a staycation once a month. This time, we had planned a weekend in the city since my husband had a doctor's appointment there. And let me tell you, we had a blast!
After his doctor's visit, we went to our favorite restaurant, Estiatorio Milos Hudson Yard, for a fantastic dinner. The place is a foodie's paradise, serving up fresh Mediterranean and Greek cuisine. And the best part? They have a fresh seafood display, where you can pick out your own meal! We left feeling completely satisfied and headed over to our hotel.
At the Hotel Renwick, they have a restaurant called Agency Record, which had such a cool vibe - it's a speakeasy-themed bar with a restaurant set up like a cocktail bar underneath. We had to try it out!
The atmosphere was electric, with DJs spinning vinyl, wood-fired snacks, and reimagined cocktails of old.
The food was delicious - I had the Salt and Pepper Grilled Prawns, which were spicy and perfectly cooked, and the Duck Fat Fries, which were crispy and flavorful. My husband ordered the French Onion Burger, which he said was one of the best burgers he's ever had!
And the drinks - oh my! The cocktails were old-school and unique, and we loved every sip. I had something similar to a Lemon Drop, and my husband enjoyed a glass of Pinot Grigio.
The cherry on top was the live DJ and the fun, mature crowd at Agency Record - we stayed for hours, enjoying the great music and ambiance.
After checking out of our cozy hotel, we made our way towards the iconic Grand Central Terminal, which was just a 10-minute walk from our stay at the Renwick.
Our next destination was the famous Pershing Square, a renowned American bistro that has been featured in blockbuster movies like "Friends with Benefits" and "The Avengers."
As we walked into the restaurant, we were immediately struck by its lively and bustling atmosphere. Located just across from Grand Central Terminal, the place was abuzz with activity, and it seemed like there was never a dull moment here. We settled down and ordered our brunch, and it was a delight to see the place teeming with life and energy.
My husband and I both decided to go for the corned beef hash, which was cooked to perfection and tasted absolutely divine. But we couldn't resist ordering their famous chicken noodle soup, which was simply out of this world. As we savored our food, we sipped on some delicious mimosas and chatted away, enjoying the lovely ambience of the restaurant.
After our meal, we made our way back to Long Island by heading to Grand Central Station and taking the Long Island Railroad. The new station was located within the Grand Central Station, which made commuting a breeze. Overall, it was a much-needed staycation, and I can't wait to plan our next adventure.
Overall, our staycation was an unforgettable experience. If you're ever in New York City, make sure to try out these amazing spots - you won't regret it!
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